Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-07-10
HOUSE,
The Chinese Puzzle.

Mr.. Coke offered the following resolu-
ton which was referred to the Committee
on Education and Labor:
Whereas, Since the emancipation Of
American slaves and the elevation of our
humblest laborer to the full rights of citi-
zenship INSCRIPTIONS spectators in human
flesh have demonstrated the practicability
of fastening slavery upon the nation in an
other form and whereas, to take steps
backward contrary to sound and health
full public policy tending to betrayal of
the people and subversion of the govern
ment; and whereas, the United States
having ceased to be the home of slavery
in which the slave driver may pursue
his trade with impunity, and whereas dan
ger may be anticipated in an organized
immigration of bands of Cinnamon; there
fore ..lr
Resolved, That while the people of the
whole world are invited to come as velun-
tary freemen to share with US in protec-
ton of our laws and our free institutions
and the wonderful advantages of our
wonderful land, it is against the genius
of the age to bring them here in bonds for
term of years or even months. That this
traffic in bondmen is degrading to the land
and will not be tolerated by a nation of
free men, and must be checked in its in
eeption by prompt action on the part of
Representatives of the people, and further
Resolved, That the Committee on Edu-
cation and Labor are hereby instructed
to investigate the subject including the
contract or coolie system practice in
various parts of the country, and to
report bill as soon as practicable
prohibiting the introduction of bond
men from China or elsewhere, pro-
viding for the protection OF those who
voluntarily seek our shores in quest of free
homes, and will, as speedily as practicable,
adopt the habits, manners and customs of
our country, and making it criminal Of
fense, punishable by fine and imprison-
ment, TO be a party, directly or indirectly,
to any project tending to perpetuate the
barbarism OF slavery. ..rE
The Tax-Tari1E Bill.
MIR. Schenck, from the Committee on
Ways and Means, reported back Senate
amendments to the tariff tax bill, and
moved that they all be non -concured in
and referred to committee of confer
ence. He said the Committee on Ways
and Means did not pretend to say it would
recommend non concurrence In each of the
amendments in detail. There were some
of them the committee thought ought
to be concurred IN, but the committee was
satisfied that if they reported back the
amendments, recommending concurrence
in some and non-concurrence in others,
running over whole complicated questions
| in all variety, so much time would be con-
| sumsd as to render it likely that no bill re-
| ducing taxes would be passed this session.
Mr.. Brooks, of New York opposed the
motion, and argued that the House should
| have an opportunity of voting on each
amendment. He admitted that the major
| ity of the Committee of Ways and Means
had authorized the motion to be made, but
it was bare majority only, and on that
committee there were but two revenue re-
form men, SO they must have had the CO.
operation of some of the members OF the
majority. The amendments made in the
Senate were mainly jobs.
MIR. Schenck thought himself justified
| in saying the minority did not want any
bill to pass that would reduce taxation,
and that there were gentlemen on the other
| side OF the House who, if they thought
| there was any increase in taxation on Bes-
semer steel to the amount of eighty thou
| sand dollars, would vote against the bill,
| even though its general reduction amount
ed TO eighty or one hundred million.
Mr.. Garfield inquired whether the ques-
ton of income tax would go to the Con
| ference Committee. --.....-
Mr.. Schenck replied it would, as that
was still an open question between the two
Houses.
| Mr.. Garfield inquired whether it was so
far open as that the Conference Committee
could abolish the tax altogether. @
Mr.. Schenck replied that he did not be-
lieve in the right of the Conference Com
mittee to do that
Mr.. Schenck moved to suspend the rules
to non-ooncur in the Senate amendments
and order a committee on conference.
Rejected.
MIR. Cullum moved to concur in the first
amendment CT the Senate, which strikes
out the first thirty-four sections.
Mr.. Davis, of New York, moved to sus-
pend the rules and strike from the bill al
relating to the income tax. Negatived-
Yeas 81, nays 1l6.
The Senate amendment on the income
tax, reducing it to two and half per cent
was agreed to, and the amendment to con
inue it for two years rejected.