The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-12-16
XII Congress---3d Session.

SENATE. Dec IA resolution was intro
duced protesting against the importation Of
coolies, and bill relating TO the transportation
Of mails between this country and Europe. Mr..
Chandler introduced bill in relation to COM
mercial intercourse between the U. 8. and Brit
ish North American possessions, and Mexico.
Referred. A resolution was adopted instructing
the committee on the Pacific H. X. to inquire
into the expediency Of allowing the main track
Of the Northern Il. X to be located south Of
latitude As, IL deemed advisable. Mr.. Schur1
offered resolution for the removal Of political
disabilities rs soon as public safety will admit.
Mr.. Morton introduced q joint resolution au-
thoriIing the President to appoint three CON-
mssioners to investigate the condition Of San
Domingo relative to becoming annexed 70 the
United States. Laid on the table and ordered
to be printed. The Senate then went through
the calendar, passing over the bill repeating the
franking privilege. and referring the tenure-of-
office act, and adjourned.
HousE.-Joseph II. Rsiney, colorcd member
from South Carolina. took the oath Of Office.
Bills were introduced and referred as follows
Relative to q harbor Of refuge at the entrance
Of Cape Cod canal; to amend act Of March 3D.,
1855, regulating the carrying Of passengers in
steamships; to establish ocean steamship lines
for the transportation Of mails; authorizing an
increase OF pay to census marshals; repeating
taxes on legacies &C.; repeating the income tax.
securing bomestsads by honorably discharged
soldiers. Mr.. Butler reported bill regulating
the tenure Of certain civil offices, which passed
after some debate. Mr. Banks introduced q
joint resolution authorizing the President to mp.
point commission TO inquire into the eIpcdi-
ency Of negotiating treaty fur the annexation
of San Domingo to the U. s. After some debate
the resolution was referred TO the committee on
foreign affairs. Mr.. Sargent Of CAL. offered .
resolution. inquiring into alleged frauds in con-
nection with Indian affairs. Adopted. Mr..
Logan Of I'll. introduced bill to abolish the
ofices Of Admiral and Vice Admiral In the
navy. Aspirited debate arose, and Mr.. Butler
Of Mas, was rather severe on Admiral Porter.
The previous question was ordered and the bill
passed without division by two-thlris vote.
Porter evidently dug his political grave when
he wrote that unfortunate letter animadverting
ON Gen. Grant, in connection with the capture
Of Fort Fisher. A bill relative TO the trAnspor-
tation Of merchandise to the interior parts WAS
adopted. Mr.. Cox OF New York Introduced q
resolution relative to reducing taxation To the
limit Of $3.50, 0OO. 900 year; but without 40
ton the House adjourned. The tenure Of Office
act was repealed BY vote OF l57 to %.
l3tb.-SExArI. The credentials Of several
members elect were received AMI disposed Of.
McCrcery asked leave to introduce . rcsolu-
ton for the restoration Of the Arlington estate
to the widow Of Gen. Lee. This brought up .
long discussion which tok vide range and
was finally refused by q vote Of "a to 4. Mr..
Sprague INTRODUCED q revolution which was
agreed to. In relation to investigating the arrest
Of one Holt during the rebellion for trading with
rebels In Texas, SC. fu H
The House resumed the considerations OF the
bill to consolidate the postal laws Mr.. Hills
amendment repeating the thinking privilege
amer July LIST, 1871, and Mr.. Walkers amend
ment allowing newspapers and periodicals sent
free TO exchanges. and to subscribers within
the county where published, were agreed to.
Various amendments rs 10 the details Of the
till were disposed Of. and the bill was then
pas~r,i without a division. Mr. Butler Of Mas.
presented petition Of 1000 citizens OF Glcuees-
ter, complaining Of the unfriendly relation Of
Canada towards American fishermen, and pray
ing for retalitory measures by Congress, &c.
Referred 10 the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Alargc number Of bills foe land grants TO aid
railroads were relerrci to the proper committees
and the House sljoarncl - ~ .75g,r"m I
Dec. "a. SESsIk-Thc House revolution for
. rccrss from Dec. % b the 18th ofsJan. was
ocncurred In. A resolution was adopted on re-
trsnehment In collecting the revenues. Z. Also
relative to fnes, penalties. forfeiturus and sis
ures BIZ custom house officers &c. Mr.. Ross
bill suspending the, issue Of fraudulent titles CT
land Of the Misma reservation In Kansas WAS
passed. The bill providing relief fund for eu-
ploysss Of the executive departmert was dis