Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1871-02-02
Summary of Congressional Proceedings.

SENATE, Jan. 19th.-A bill was passed abo-
ishing the offices of admiral and vice-admiral
when vacancy shall occur.-A bill was intro
duced providing that the Government shall aid
the construction Of the Portland. Rutland,
Oswego and Chicago Railroad by loan of six
per cent. thirty year bonds to the amount of
200 per mile for its whole extent from
Portland to Chicago. The road is to be double
track and furnished with steel rails and iron
bridges. The Postmaster General is to estab-
lish rates for the transportation of freight and
passengers.-A bill was passed appropriatng
.l.696 to Mrs. Melinda Harmon, to discharge
mortgage given by her husband to the conn
sci who defended him on the trial, before rebel
authorities, on the charge of bridge burning
in the interests of the Union cause. Harmon
and his son were both convicted of the charge
and hung. The motion of Mr.. Morton for the
appointment of special committee Of five to
investigate the charg OF violence and resist
ance to the laws III the South was passed
After an executive session, the Senate ad-
iourned.
HOUSE. Among the bills introduced was
one giving aid iii the construction of twenty
or more tirst-class steamships, together with
ship yards, machine shops, rolling mills.
wharf, docks, and to secure to the Govern
ment the use of the same for postal, naval
and other purposes.-The morning hour was
consumed in the discussion of bill. reported
from the Committee on Indian Affairs, pro-
viding for the consolidation of Indian tribes
| aud TO organize system of government for
tho new territory it created 1t establishes
temporary government by name the Territory
of Oklahama, bounded on the north by
the southern boundary of Kansas, west
by the eastern boundary of New
Mexico, south by the northern boundary
of Texas. and east by the western boundary
of Arkansas and Missouri. 1t went over with
out vote The vote by which the House,
some days ago, laid on the table the bill ex-
tending the time for the construction of the
railroad from st. CroiX river or lake to the
west end of Lake Superior, or to Bayfield,, was
reconsidered and the motion to lay on the Ia
bic rejected. After q lengthy discussion of
the bill, the previous question was moved but
the House refused to second it, and the bill
went oyer.-Some time was spent in Commit
tee of the Whole on the consular and diplo-
matte appropriation bull, which appropriates
81, 430, 900, but without making any particular
progress the committee rose, and the House
adjourned.
SENATE, Jan. 20th.-Among the bills intro
duced was one Incorporating company to
construct q tunnel under the Hudson River
between New York and jersey City, and one
under East River between New York and
Brooklyn. The special committee on southern
outrages WAS named, consisting of Senators
Scott, Wilson, Rice, Chandler, and Bayard-
paying over to the Sutro Tunnel Company the
proceeds of moneys received by the United
States from the sales OF mineral lands; fifty
thousand dollars to be paid upon the compile
ton of every five hundred feet, and the tunnel
to be completed within ten years was
taken up, discussed, and laid aside.
The bill to refund states the interest and dis
count on money borrowed to equip pay, supply
and transport troops for the service of the
United States in the recent war was debated
during the remainder Of the session.--After
an executive session, the Senate adjourned
until Monday
HoUsE.--Some time was spent in committee
of the whole. on the consular and diplomatic
appropriation bill, but without disposing of it
the House took up aud amended and passed
the Senate bill providing territorial govern
ment for the District of Columbia.-Yhe army
appropriation bill was reported from commit
tee. 1t appropriates S27,475,000. Adjourned
Saturdays session will be for general debate
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