Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-01-05
FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS
n Nh
SENAIE.
W AsuiSGIoS. Jan. 4.

SENAIE.
Mr. Howe introduced bill which was re-
ferred TO Committee on judiciary. amending
the Bankrupt act of March 26th, 1869, SO as
to give the priority in the distribution OF
bankrupt estate TO the wages due to any
operative clerk or house servant To an amount
not exceeding $500.
The Senate then briefly considered Mr.
Irumhuiis tlll 10 relieve Congressman iruln
opportunities III appointments to ottice. The
question being on Mr. Williams amendment
to extend prohibition from members of Con-
gress, to include all Judiciary, Military and
Naval officers of the United States.
MIR. Trumbull thought the amendment
rather too sweeping and might operate to pre-
vent promotions in the army and navy. The
change in the bill proposed by the Judiciary
Compittee to strike out the clause authoriz-
ing member in response to request from
the President, to give information in writing
in regard to appointments for office would
make the bill more absolute.
Messrs. Sherman and Morton opposed the
bill, the latter taking the ground that it was
unconstitutional and based on false princi-
making appointments was mutually advan-
tageOus to members and the President.
Mr.. Nye by way OF indicating the effect of
the bill, suggested case in which two men
one an honest citizen and the other thief,
were applicants TO the President for office,
and inquired whether the Congressman who
interposed to prevent the appointment of the
thief, or the thief himself would be put in
the penitentary.
MIR. Morton replied by repeating the case
just cited, as practical illustration OF oper-
alton of the bill, and adding that the only
member who advised the President against
the felon would be liable to fine and impris-
eminent, but the President himself, if he fol-
lowed his advice and appointed0he honest
man, would be made a criminal and subject
to the penalties of the proposed measure.
Mr.. Trumbull said he was much in earnest
and would pass the bill daily until it was
disposed of.
The bill went over by the expiration of the
morning hour, and the remainder of the ses-
sion was occupied in the discussion OF the bill
for the relief of J. Milton Brest, Padukah,
Ky, which was favored by Messrs. Davis and
Howe, and opposed by Mr.. Carpenter. The
latter principle upon which the whole ques-
ton should term, was whether Grant and
Sherman merely exercised in the south ordi-
nary police power, and went there 10 aid
civil authorities in preserving peace, or
whether they led their armies into an enemies
country. lie admitted that in fact and law
the state of things in the south from 1861 to
1865, was that of open public war; that the
constituents of the rebel government were
one of the parties, and that the L. S. Govern
ment as party belligerent could not be held
responsible to indemnity its enemies.
Without disposing OF the subject the Senate
went into executive session and soon after
adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Rogers of Ark, asked leave to offer
resolution instructing the Judiciary Com
mittee to make a thorough investigation into
the political condition OF the State Of Arkan-
sas.
Mr. Washburne of Wis. objected.
Adjourned.