The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-03-23
XLIst OONGRESS---Sec;nd Session.
SENATE.

SENATE.
WASHINGTON, March 22.-Several bills we're
introduced.
Mr.. Harlan, from the Committee on Indian
Affairs, reported with an amendment bill for
the civilization of the Indians and TO prepare
them for the rights of citizens. Placed on the
calendar
Mr.. Sherman, from the Finance Commit
tee, reported Mr.. Summers bill to strengthen
the legal reserves OF banks and provide for the
resumption of specie payments January, 1871,
with recommendation that it be indefinitely
postponed. The report of the committee was
coucurred in.
Mr.. Buckingham called up the bill appropri-
ating $4,000 to Mrs. Fanny Kelley for valuable
services in 1864, in giving information OF the
evil designs VI hostile Indians while held in
captivity by them, was passed.
Mr.. Wilson called up a joint resolution re.
lating to the reconstruction Of the Rock Island
Railroad bridge between Rock Island and the
City of Iowa. Passed.
Mr.. Sumner, from the Committee on Foreign
Affairs, presented bill for the relief OF J. Ross
verse report on the proposed amendment to
the rules allowing treaties for the annex alton
of the entire dominion of any foreign power to
be considered in open session.
A resolution was passed directing the Sec
rotary OF State to pay out of the Japan indem-
nifty fund for the damages to the steamer Mon
itor, which was fred into by the Mikado's bat
teries iB Japan in 1864.
Mr.. Conkling, rising to a question of privi-
lege, moved that the Senate take up the report
of the Judiciary Committee in the case of Gen.
Ames; and the motion being agreed tn, MIR.
ConklIng yielded the floor to Mr.. Anthony
upon whose motion the House resolution for
printing 5000 copies of the report of the
Special Committee of the House on the De-
cline of American Commerce. was taken up
After considerable debate, in which Mr. Chan
der opposed the conclusions OF the committee,
the resolution was adopted.
The case of Gen. Ames, as Senator elect from
Mississippi, was then taken up. The report of
the Judiciary Committee was discussed.
Mr.. Conking explained at length and de-
| gronds the report Of the judiciary Committee.
He said Mr.. Ames was ineligible, he not being
legally an inhabitant Of Mississippi.
Mr. Rca advocated Mr.. Ames's admission
holding that his residence as military officer
| fu' filled the demands of the constitution. BE
claimed that soldier lost no right of citizen
| ship except such as were inconsistent with his
military duties.
Mr.. Conkling replied that obeying military
orders did not constitute residence, and said
| that MIR. Ames while at West Point did moi
forfeit his residence in Maine.
Mr. Howard expressed a contrary opinion
| remBrkng that the legitimate influence of III,
argument OF Mr.. Conkling was that a military
man was not only a mere automaton in the
hands of his superors, but could not even ex
| press us lHteuuOu as 10 u Iuture TeslucuCo
| Mr.. Howard did not hold that Gen. Ames &C
quired citizenship by obeyiDg the order to g
to Mississippi, but he did claim that he should
have the benefit of the declaration while Their
| that he intended to become citizen.
Mr.. Toayer c"ptended that an army Officer
must have legal hanitation somewhere, ano
he could not be deprived of it by virtue of hi
military occupation. His only objection I,
Gen. Ames was not he had 10 wife, Havin,
neither property nor family in Maine. the dec
Iara,ion that he intended to become either
of Mississippi should be accepted as sufficient
After remarks of Mr.. Thurman in favor O
the report of the Senate Committee, the Sen
aye without action then adjourned.
| HOUSE.
The majority and minority reports of tn
Mining Committee on the Sutro tunnel wer
considered.
The Committee on Elections reported tina
Mr.. Booker, ex.member from the 9TH Virgin
district, is entitled 10 retain his seat, an
March 81 was assigned for action on the resc
luton.
Mr.. Poland of Vermont gave notice of sub
stitute resolution against Mr.. Booker, on tn
ground that he was disqualified by active paI
ticipation in the rebellion.