Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-07
FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS-,
WASHINGTON, Feb. i.


SENATE.
Mr.. Corbett's bill to incorporate the Japan
Steam Navigation Company was taken up,
and in answer to Mr.. Bayard's objections, that
there was ample power in States to grant the
charter required, explained that the company
was designed to operate in the waters of
Japan, and National charter was necessary
to give them standing in the Consular Courts
of Japan.
Mr.. Davis supposed that the object of the
corporation in coming to Congress was to es
cape taxation in California, where much of
its property was located. 1t seemed to him
every ring in the United States had its repre-
sentatives here, asking charter for an incor-
poration. The tendency of such legislation
was TO absorb the powers of States.
MIR. Bayard commented on the growing
danger to our institutions from great monied
corporations, and remarked that the voice of
ne State is SO potent to-day in Congress, as
that of corporations which have been created
by Congress itself. There was one railroad
combination (Pennsylvan.a Central) in a
country extending from the Atlantic to the
Pacific, possessing $500, 200, 900 capital, and
probably this vast aggregation of capital, with
is tremendous power of patronage, was d.
rected By the brain of one single man. He
wished his voice could reach the American
pcopIS, iulSut UG WdIucu VI
dark days in store for them, if something was
not done to repress the growing influences of
great monopohes.
Mr.. Hamin said that there was not one
word in the bill about regulating the COM
merce. 1t simply granted corporate powers
to number of private individuals. 1t was a
species of legislation upon when he regretted
10 see Congress entering. He would exclude
from the halls of Congress everything that
came within State jurisdiction. No corpora
ton should be created in which the govern
ment were not directly concerned.
After further discussion the bill at Mr..
CoTbetts suggestion, was recommitted to the
Committee ON Commerce, it having been
amended by providing that Congress has the
power to alter, amend, or repeal the charter,
subjecting the company's property within the
limits Of the State to State tayetion, and max
ing corporations individually liable TO the
amount of stock for all debts contracted.
Mr.. Chandler made an Intellectual effort to
get up the air line railroad bill, reported by
the Committee on Commerce at the last SEES
sion; but after considerable discussion by
Messrs. Hamilton, of Indiana, and Bayard,
insisting that they and their colleagues wished
to be heard further in opposition to the meas
ure, gave way, and a number of private bills
were offered and passed.
dollars for extra service in carrying mails in
Oregon and Utah, was recommitted to the
Committee on the Post-ofIice affairs. Several
Senators urging greater vigilance in view OF
the recent Charpenning fraud.
The air line railroad bill then came up as
unfinished business when, after short eX-
ecutive session, the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
The Senate bill authorizing the President
to station vessels of war at New York to re-
ceive and transfer supplies, to be contributed
for the destitute and suffering people OF France
and Germany, was taken from the table, and
amended, on Mr.. Banks motion, by requir-
ing another vessel to be stationed for like
purpose at Boston, and on Mr.. Randall's mo-
ton, another at Philadelphia, and passed.
Mr.. Julian asked leave to offer resolution
giving the use Of the hall Of the House next
Wednesday evening to Victoria c. Woodruff
and Mrs. Isabella Becker Hooper, to deliver
an address on the subject of the enfranchise-
ment of women, and providing that the House