Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-02-08
CONGRESSIONAL.
SENATE.
rae status of Georgia.


WASHINGTON, Feb. Mr.. Morton pres
sented the resolutions of the Georgia Legis-
lature acceptingthe conditions recently i'm
posed by Congress, by changing the State
| Constitution, and also ratifying the -Four
teenth and Fifteenth Amendments.
| MIR. Fowler remarked the inquiry had al
ready been directed to be made whether
the present Legislature Of Georgia was
| legally organized body.
Mr. Edwards said the present investlga-
ton of the committee would embrace that
question.
Getting Tired OF thc Soldiers.
Mr. Edmonds, from the Committee on
Pensions made report upon the various
petitions from soldiers of the war of 1872,
for a change of the law by which they may
be entitled to pensions. He stated that
the weight of our taxation caused by the
payment Of disabled soldiers was SO great
that in the opinion of the committee the
Government would not be justified in en-
larging the pension list for men who are
not disabled.
Trade Marks---Drunkcnnes
Bills were introduced by Mr.. Trumbun
more eifectually to provide for the eIecu-
ton of charges for the protection of own
ers of trade marks; by MIR. Pomeroy, to
regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors in
the District of Columbia
At whose Expcnsel
BY Mr.. Bayard, requesting the Postmas-
ter General to report by whom the draft of
the petition for the abolition Of the frank
ing privilege was prepared; by whose or
ders, and at whose expense, etc?
Mr.. TLayer objected.
The resolution was laid over.
The Committee on the Pacific Railroad
reported, with amendment, the bill to
amend the act of July 81, 1866, granting
lands to aid in the construction of the rail-
roads from Missouri and Kansas to the Pa
cifc coast by the Southern route.
striking for Independence.
On motion of Mr. Trumbull the Senate
took up the bill to relieve from importuni-
ty and to preserve the independence Of the
several departments of the government
lie explained the bill as originally to pro-
hibit recommendations to Office by men,
bers of Congress, unless in writing and at
the request of the appointing power or
the Judiciary.
The committee, believing this restriction
wonld be evaded by members throwing
themselves in the way of being asked to
make recommendations, and that the
abuses complained of would not be cor
rected, had attempted to mako the bill more
effective 10y prohibiting the Recommended
ton entirely.
Mr.. Pomeroy said the bill would prevent
member from stating his opinion, even
when requested to do so by the Executive,
in regard to the character and fitness of an
applicant.
Mr. Trumbull replied that the bill did
not propose TO prohibit a member replying
in whatever manner he chose to cOmmu-
nication from the appointing power. If
asked in regard to an Individual member,
he might state his opinion.
Mr. Schurz believed reform in the civil
service desirable, but it should be upon
better basis than that proposed, for the
effect of this bill would be merely to trans
fer the right to make a recommendation to
office from the higher to the lower class Of
politicians to the greater injury OF public
interests.
Mr.. Howard, recognized the extent of
the existing abuses, but considered the bill
of too sweeping character; the present
necessity would have to rely upon some
body in making appointments, and the
1l6IlDGTb VI COL5IOSo NtAS iC4Ah'lo DSoe
fitted to act or his advisers.
Mr. Williams proposed to prohibit Judi
| cial military and naval officers as well as
| members of Congress from recommending
applicants, and submitted an amendment
to the effect
The morning hour expiring, the bill was
| laid aside in order to proceed with
| The Census Bill.
The House bill was read at length, and
also the amendment of the Senate commit
tee, simply directing the Secretary Of the
Interior to SO change the schedule and
| blanks to be used in enumerating the in
| habitants of the United States in 1870 as to
make the same conform to the Constitution
| of the United States.
Mr. COnkling advocated at length the
proposed substitute reported by the Senate
| Committee to take the census under the act
Of 1850.
Mr. Sumner followed in support of House
bill, claiming that the difference between
the two systems was very immaterial.
Tribute.
At $50 a message was received from the
House announcing the death of Representa-
tive Hoag, of Ohio. After short address
by Messrs. Thurman and Sherman, and
the adoption of resolutions of respect for
the memory Of deceased, the Senate adj
| iOurnc1