Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-12-13
F0RTY-SEOND CONGRESS.
SECOND SESSION.

MoNpay, Dec g.
The Senate was called to order hy Vice prcsi-
dent ColiaH at noon, with nearly full attend
ance Of the members.
James L. Alcom was sworn in as Senator from
Mississippi
Mr.. Edmunds, Of Vermont, introduced bnl
for the reform OF the civil service.
Mr. Sumner introduced bill authorizing an
issue Of compound interest notes as substitute
for legal tender notes equal in amount to the OUT
standing legal tender notes and fractional curren-
ey Of the United States, and similar 10 those il
sued under the act of March 3, IsG3 The bin
provides that $40 900 900 Of these note shall lc
lated on the first Of each month, commencing
with July next, until the requisite amount shah
have been furnished, said notes to be used for all
disbursements Of the government, except those due
IN coin. An equal amount Of legal tenders are to
he Cancelled each month. The compound interest
notes are to be convertible at the end Of two Years
INTO 1910 bonds, or sold at any time at par in
gold for the cancellation Of legal tenders These
notes to constitute no part Of the reserves Of
the national banks.
In the House 2lO members were present. in.
Guiding several new ones. The standing commit
tees were appointed.
The Presidents message was presented and
read by the clerk. A bill was introduced for the
revival Of navigation and commercial interests.
providing for the admission Of all ship building
materials, ship stores and coal free of duty. and
| for the resumption Of specie payments Resolu-
tons were offered for the amendment Of the Con
'tltu,on, that all direct taxes shall be assessed
on all duty-paying articles for a specific irces;
Of articles not proftably produced in the Unaoj
states for specific rise in duties in case the 40.
nual revenues fall short ten or more millions, and
Tor an investigation Of the negotiation by the
Secretary Of the Treasury Of the new funded
loan.
TUESDAY, Dec. 8.
In the Senate, IN unsuccessful effort was made
To take up the bill asking the President for the
reason Of his course in regard to certain countie'
IN South Carolina. In the House, the matter Of
| referring that part of the Presidents message
which related to postal teegraphs, created live
ly debate, which occupied considerable time. u
finally went to the committee on appropriation
and the project is probably as good as dead 50 for
As the present session is concerned. bill con
corning the introduction of penny postal cards
was submitted.
"WEDNESDAY, Dec. 9th
very little business was transacted in Con
gress' In the Senate Mr.. Anthony INTRODUCED bills
tor preventing intimidation Of voters. and for the
punishment Of bribery and corruption at Pres
iential elections. The Vice President then laid
oeiore the Senate message from the Presden
respecting the Catacazy correspondence, and The
Senate shortly afterwards nd ionrnad
In the House of Reps Mr.. Banks offered resr
luton which was adopted, requesting the Pre'i'
ient to transmit to the House the correspondents
relating to the despatch of our fleet to Cubaa
waters. Adjourned.
MONDAY, Dec. H.
In the Senate Mr.. Fenton presented pel'
ton from the Antiincome Tax Association oil Ne"
FORK Mr. Sumner introduced bill 10 abolish
the Office OF Commissioner of Internal Revenue
Mr. Conklng having proposed that the caso OF
raym,ster Hodge should be investigated, Senator
irumbull proposed that it should find its place 70
the larger investigation into the condition Of 'ns
civil service proposed by him recently lie MADE
vigorous attack on the present system, when
gave rise to discussion that was closed by In'
executive session. Mr. Scott introduced sn '~
portant bill regarding witnesses before Conge
sional committees.
In the House several important bills were Ut
troduced. Among others one for complete a.n'
nesty by Mr. Cox, and an important bill by @'
Killinger to facilitate water communication aDI
to promote cheap and uniform system OF rall'Va'
transportation, measure of revenue reform >!
Mr.. Wood, two constitutional Amendments,
proposal for an international copyright a"u
suggestion to the government OF Mexico anu w.
Dominion 10 "clear out"