The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-12-20
CONGRESSIONAL.
WASHINGTON, December l9.
SENATE.

SENATE.
Mr. Hamlin reported a bill to pay D.
V.$Allen g. Co. tor Carrying the over
land mail $2l ,543. and moved its imme-
diate consideration, but Mr.. Eimunds
objected and it went over,
Ir. Morrill,, OF Vermont. reported the
House bill appropriatiug 81 100000 for
the construction of public buildings at
Chicago and askei its immediate con-
sideration.
Mr.. Chandler thought the appropria-
ton very large one and would like to
have its necessity thoroughly demon
strated.
Mr.. Morrill,, OF Vermont, said the
were satisfied that it was
necessary in order to erect first class
buildings.
Mr.. Carpenter said he had received
letters from friends in Chicago COM
planning that there was a movement on
foot to change the location of the Gov
ernment buildings there, and that this
bill would favor that design by leaving
the location of the buildings optional
with the Secretary OF the Treasury.
After some further debate between
Messrs. Trumbull aud Logan the bill
was passed.
Mr.. Stewart introduced joint resolu-
ton proposing Sixteenth amendment
to the Constitution, providing for the es-
tablishment in each State and territory
of a system Of free common schools;
prohibiting the United States or any
State or territory from giving aid to
sectarian schools, and giving Congress
the right to enforce it by appropriate
legislation. Referred to Judiciary COM
mittee.
Nj. Sumner gave notice that he would
at an early day, propose an amendment
to the Constitution, providing that no
person who has once held the office OF
President shall be eligible for a second
term. -.
Mr.. Schurz offered a resolution, which
WAS adopted, calling on the President
for information as to present relations
Of the United States with Spain and
the treatment OF American citizens IN
Cuba. :,
Mr.. Chandler, Of Michigan, moved
that the committee on Commerce In
1uire into the telegraph system of the
United States. He said the whole com
merce of the country was now forced to
nav the interest on watered telegraph
stock. He strongly denounced the
Associated Press monopoly, which he
asserted virtually controlled the tele-
graph. No action was taken on the
motion.
Corbett introduced resolation,w which
was passed, directing the committee on
Retreuchment to inquire into the recent
defalcations in the Treasury Depart
ment. :.
Mr.. Conkling called up his resolution
directing the committee to inquire into
the charges made by Mr.. Schurz, in
relation to frauds in the custom hou:e
in New York.
Mr.. Conkling offered an amendment
extending the inquiry. which Mr..
Conkling accepted.
Mr.. Upton offered an amendment
extending the inquiry,i.which Mr.,
Conkling accepted.
Mr.. Upton offered an amendment
directing the committee 10 inquire
whether the custom house officers had
ipteriered with the two last Republican
State Conventions in New York, and
Mr.. Bayard offered an amendment
directing the committee to inquire
whether the officers OF the custom house
have been or are used as instruments OF
party patronage.
Mr.. Conking accepted both amend:
men,s and the resolution as amended
was then paSsed-57 70 none;
Mr.. Conkling' resolution directing an
Investigation into the Hodge case was
then taken up, when Sherman moved
to amend 30 as to embrace the case OF
the bank examiners, AMI Mr.. ConkIlng
accepted the amendment.
Mr. Trumbull proposed to withdraw
his amendment, offered some days ago
which gave rise to debate.
A communication was received from
the President transmitting the report
OF the Civil Service Commissioners and
recommending certain legislation on the
part OF Congress. The papers were
laid upon the table, after considerable
discussion.
Mr.. Trumbull's amendment to Mr..
Conklng's resolution OF inquiry into
the Hodge defalcation matter was with
drawn and the resolution was adopted.
On motion of Mr. Blair, OF Missouri,
the committee On investigation and re-
trenchment were directed to inquire
whether any United States Minister was
connected with any mining corporations
and if so whether such is compatible
with his obligations to the Government,
The resolutions seported from the
Ku.Klux committee, ordering the arresi
of Messrs. Saunders, Campbell and Gls'
were debated until $50 ?. VI. when
without final action, the Senate went
into executive session and shortly after
adjourned.
HOUSE.
Bills were introduced and referred q: