The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-02-12
XLIst CONGRESS---second Session.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-THE bill for enlarg-
ing the public grounds around the capitol was
passed
Mr.. Sherman introduced the following pre-.
amble and resolutions:
Whereas the United States observes with
deep interest the civil war now existing in
Cuba ard sympathi- e with its people as with
the people of all American nations or colonies,
in their Efforts to secure independence from
European powers; therefore, be it
ReS0iUed, That the United S ates recognize
the present existence of a state of war between
the kingdom of SPAN and the colony OF Cuba,
and waged on the part of Cuba to establish
its independence; and the Unlted States will
observe strict neutrality between the belliger-
ant parties, as their duty under the laws of ma
tions
Mr. Sherman said he desired to call the at
tention of the Committee on Foreign Rela-
tons to the fact that the people CT this country
would not much longer tolerate the cold indif-
ference of this government toward Cuban
affairs 1t is but natural that a struggle like
that now progressing so near our own borders
should touch the national heart. He trusted
that the Com mi tee on Foreign Relations woad
take some action with view TO securing fair
play on our own part between tn. Cubans and
Spain.
Mr. Pomeroy suggested that the resolution
he amended SO as to declare that the Cubans
were not only fighting Tor independence, which
was true, but for freedom also.
The resolution was refer ed to Committee on
Foreign Relations.
The bill abolishing the ranking privilege
was taken up.
Mr. Drake renewed his amendment to con-
tinue the existing privileges of thelaw in favor
of the privileges of newspapers and periodi-
GALS The present form of the bill would ope-
rate to benefit the great dalies while breaking
down the couatry papers; whereas the true
policy was to encourage the circulation of the
local press.
Mr.. Sherman renewed his amendment to al
low the free circulation OF country papers. He
believed the large newspapers could afford to
pay upon their exchanges, while the country
newspapers ought to have free circulation with
in the county limits IN order to compete with
large daies.
Mr.. Conkling said the bill would not take
effect until July LIST, and favored its immediate
passage.
The morning hour expiring, the bill abolish
ing the ranking privilege was laid aside, 9nd
The Mississippi bill proceeded with as unfin-
ished business. The bill was debated until
30, when message was received from the
House announcing the death of B. f. Hop
kins of Wisconsin. Remarks in honor of the
deceased were made by Messrs. Carpenter and
Howe, and after. the adoption of the usual res
olutions of respect, the Senate adjourned till
Monday.
Several petitions from home manufacturers
of cigars were presented and referred
Bills were introduced and referred.
A resolution was adOnted calling for a report
of expenditures 10 the Freedmen's Bureau.
After disposing of private bills the House
went into committee of the whole on the leg
islative appropriation bill. The item for fold
uy House documents was reduced from S25,-
900 to $4,000. The same item for the Senate
was reduced from $25, 900 to $4,000.
Private bills from the committees were then
considered.
Mr.. Davis of New York, moved to strike out
the appropriation for reporters for the Congress
siondt Globe, understanding that the publishing
OF the proceedings of Congress could be done
at the public printing office at 100000 year
cheaper THAI it is done in the Globe. After de-
bate and without disposing of the question the
committee rose.
Mr.. Dawes presented the remonstrance of
the Boston & Albany Railroad against an in
crease of duty on steel.
Mr.. Cullom, of Indiana, offered resolution
calling for information as to the aggregate ex-
pendItures for public and private purposes in
the District of Columbia since the establish
ment of the seat of government. Adopted.
At o'clock Mr. Cobb of Wisconsin, rose and
announced the death of his late colleague,
Benjamin T. Hopkins. which occurred at Mad
ison, Wis, on the 1st OF January. After brief
eulogy of the deceased, he offered the usual
resolutions of coincidence and respect. The
resolutions were agreed to and the House at
$50 p. m. adjourned until tomorrow.