New-York tribune., 1870-02-05
WASHINGTON.

THE FRANKING PRIVILEGE IN THE SENATE
SELLING APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY
AND NAVAL ACADEMIES = PROPOSED CON-
soLIDATION OF THE PACIFIC RAILROADS
THE VOTE ON THE REJECTION OF ATTORNEY
GEN. HOAR's NOMINATION..
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THB TRIBUHRl
WASHINGTON, Friday, Feb. 4, 1870.
Senator Ramsey succeeded In getting the bill abolish
Ing the Frankng Privilege before the Senate during the
morning hour to-day. number Of amendments rela-
tive to the free transmission Of newspapers through the
mails offered, but action was taken. The dispo
ston among Senators seemed to be to delay the
bill much possible Mr. Hamlin, with some warmth
ntmaed that certain Senator's who pressing the
bill, not sincere, but there seemed good ground
for this charge. AT o'clock the Census bill came up on
unfinished business, but Mr. Conkling, who had 1T in
charge expressed his perfect willingness that 1t should
20 over and the Frankng bill be disposed Of Friday is
however, set apart by special order for the consideration
Of private bills and Mr.. Hamlin strenuously insisted
that the order should be adhered to- and Mr. Ramseys
motion to proceed with the consideration Of the
Franking bill was negatived, by vote Of "a to 49, the
Democrats, almost asse recording themselves in the
negative. OF the New England Senators, only Messrs
Cragin and Ferry voted in the affirmative. and several
Senators declined to vote at all. The Census bill was
then taken up again. but much confusion ensued that
1t could not be read. Senators the floor dozen
az once making counter motions TO take bills, to ad
journ to 20 into executive session, nerruptng each
cied himself back the House Of Representatives. In
deed such would have been considered disgrace
fu even in the House. Finally, in the midst Of
preston Of modification at such uproar by Mr. Trum
bull. the turnultuous assemblage adjourned.
The proceedings in the House to-day opened with
important resolution offered by Gen. slocum of New
York. authorizing the Committee Military Affairs to
make investigation to whether any appointment to
the Military Academy at West Point the Naval Acad
emy at Annapolis has been offered for sale sold by
any Member OF Congress- The resolution created SEN
saon forth from all sides cries for immediate
and thorough investigation. 1t passed without a
division. Friday being private bill day, small number
of bills Of private character considered The bill
appropnatiDg $1,000 for the poor Of the District
passed. after 1t had been amended that the persons
distributing funds could not them for election
purposes After the District Poor bill passed, the
House got into a wrangle to what business should
take the precedence and finally adjourned without doing
anything further.
The House and Senate Committees on Pacific Railroads
in session to-day The former considered the prop
ositon Of consolidating the five roads leading out Of
Missoari to the Pacific and heard argument in favor
Of the scheme. They also had under consideration Dill
TO transfer portion OF Island, the Bay of San
Francisco to the Western Pacific Railroad Company 1t
contains GO acres and is said be quite valuable for
railroad purposes On the other hand person s here
who claims the title this land and has notified the
Government that he is the and in possession
the Island the time IL taken by the Secretary Of
War for military purposes He claims to be entitled to
land that he shall be paid just compensation for
IT, according the OF the Constitution and he asks
that Congress take action in behalf Of the railroad
depot project that will prejudice or invalidae his rights
The Senate Committee considered the proposition Of ex
tending the time for the completion of the Atlantic and
Pacific Railroad without reaching any conclusion the
matter was postponed until the next meeting
Considerable interest is manifested concerning the ac-
ton OF the Senate in the Of Judge Hoar The vote
Oh his rejection was $ follows