The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-01-25
g. q N q K Il y q.



WASHINGTON, Jan. 25.-Alr. Thurman pre-
sented the proceedings of public meeting of
merchants at Cleveland, Ohio, against the con-
tinuance of the income tax. Referred to the
Committee on Finance.
Numerous petitions for the abolition of the
franking privilege were presented and referred.
Mr.. Chandler remarked that if the petitioners
would pay the postage on their petitions they
would give practical illustrations of their sin
cerity in asking the reform.
Mr.. Sumner, from the Committee on Foreign
Relations, reported joint resolution authorizing
the passport clerk at the Department of State to
administer oaths and atfirmations in applications
for passports. The bill was passed.
MIR. Osborne introduced bill to aid in the
construction of certain railroads in Florida
Referred to abe Committee on Public Lands
Mr.. Cole introduced bill to divide California
into two judicial districts. Referred to the Ju-
dietary Committee.
Mr.. Robertson, from the Committee on Politi-
cal Disabilities, reported favorably bill to re-
lieve certain persons from legal and political
disabilities.
Mr.. Hamlin called up the joint resolution re-
lating to the seizure of distilled spirits in Cali
fornia, the question being npon its indefinite
postponement.
MIR. Hale presented petition of merchants
and sbipowners of Belfast Maine. AGAINST
allowing American registers to foreign built
ships, and for a reduction of taxation in ship
building and commerce.
Mr.. Kelley (Pa. } presented the petition of $50
citizens OF Philadelphia for pensions to the
Mr.. Julian, from the Committee on Public
Lands, reported bill that no title shall be ac-
quired or perfected to any agricultural public
lands in the State of California not heretofore
disposed of, except by settlement under the
homestead or pre-emption laws.
Mr.. Holman suggested that the bill be made
general in its application to all the States and
Territories.
Mr.. Julian said that that question was before
the committee.
The bill was then passed.
Mr.. Arnell offered resolution calling for n-
formation as TO payments made by the Nashville
and Decatur Railroad Company, Tennessee for
materials purchased from the Government.
Adopted.
Mr. Wheeler introduced bill authorizing the
Northern Pacific Railroad Company to issue its
bonds for the construction of its road, and TO
secure the same by mortgage. Referred.
Mr.. Scofeld, from the Committee on Naval
Affairs, reported bill for the reorganization OF
the navy. Recommitted.
Mr.. Benjamin (Mo.) introduced bill granting
pension of $50 month to the widow ofMaor-
General Joseph A. Mower.
Mr.. Farnsworth remarked that it was going
beyond any precedent yet established to give a
pension except in a case where the officer died
in consequence of wounds received or disease
TO a committee.
Mr.. Benjamin said he introduced it ut the
request of the President and the General of the
Army. He withdrew the bill.
Mr.. Boles introduced bill granting lands to
Arkansas and Missouri for railroad from the
Mississippi TO the Arkansas Referred.
Mr.. Eldredge presented communication from
the Fond du Lac Medical Society in regard to
naval medical rank.
Mr.. Upson asked leave to offer resolution
calling on the heads of departments for state
ments as to whether and why their annual
estimates exceed those for the preceding
| three years.
| Mr.. Wood objected, stating that the House e
| was already in possession of the estimates.
The House resumed the consideration of the
| League Island Navy Yard bill.
Mr.. Myers resumed his argument In favor of
the BILL and submitted that the insidusous state
ments as TO the general estimates, whether cor
rect or not, did not affect the merits Of the BILL