Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-01
FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS-
WASHINGTON, Jan. 81.

SENATE.
Mr.. Pomeroy submitted, and had read. the
following; which on Mr.. Trumbulls objec-
ton to delaying the business for its immedi-
ate consideration, went over until the next
morning hour.
WHEREAS, Recent dispatches foreshadow
peace and the termination of the great war in
Europe, and whereas the tread of hostile
armies have desolated a great portion of the
Republic of France, which unhappily has
been made the battlefield for two great ma
tons, and whereas, the cry of hunger, desti-
tuition, and sorrow are now more distinctly
heard, as the battle-cries die away, therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That in obedience to Christian
charity, which seeketh the good of all nations,
and minister to all human distress, and while
gratefully remembering the practical sympa-
thy of the Frenchmen to us in the day of our
early weakness and extremity, we hereby
commend the sufferings of poor France to the
American people, and recommend that the
generous sympathy of organized charity be
speedily inaugurafed for their relief.
RESOLVED, That Congress respectfully rec
ommend to the President of the United States
that he cause to be stationed at the port of
New York, if the same can be done without
injury to public services, one of our first-class
naval vessels, to be there held in readiness to
receive on board for transportation, such sup
plies as may be furnished by the people of the
United States for the destitute and suffering
people of France.
The House bill suspending the proceedings
in reference to the Chorpenning claim was re-
ferred to the Committee on Post Offices
Mr.. Edmunds introduced a bill to further
preserve the purity of elections, and guard
against the abuses of the elective franchise by
g. ~, Ill ,,h; oh,
ferred to the Judiciary Committee.
1t prescribes with minuteness, a system of
registration for all qualified electors in the
United States, to take place in 1871, and an
nually thereafter, by means of boards of reg
istration to be appointed by L. S. Marshals,
and also for the appointment of inspectors of
elections by U. S. District Judges
Mr.. Buckingham introduced a bill which
was referred to the Post Office Committee, in
cooperating Eldridge G. Roberts and Edward
+. Roberts, of New York, and their associates,
as the United States Steamship Company, and
directing the Postmaster General to contract
with them for the transportation of the Euro
pean mails for twenty sears, at six cents per
quarter ounce of letters, and two cents per
ounce for printed matter.
The Senate then proceeded on unfinished
business, it being the Georgia Senatorial
question.
Mr.. Stewart continued the argument against
the admission of Hill, and to show the legal
ity of the election of Farrow and Whitley.
Mr.. Salisbury delivered a long argument
upon current political topics mainly to show
the inconsistency and futility of the recon-
struction acts, and eulogistic of the military
and civil services of Gen. Hancock.
Without disposing of the matter the Senate
went into executive session and soon after adj
Journed.
House.
Mr.. Dawes reported from Committee on
Appropriations, a bill appropriating $4,000
for expenses OF the investigating committees
of the House. Passed.
The Senate substitute for the bill abolish
ing the office of Admiral and Vice-Admral in
the navy was non-concurred in, and COM
mittee of conference asked.
| Mr.. Butler, of Mass, from the Committee
on Reconstruction, reported back, with rec
ommendation to pass, the Senate bill pre-
scribing the oath of office to be taken by per-
sons who participated in the late rebellion,
but not disqualified from holding office.
| Messrs. Maynard, Farnsworth, and Morey
opposed the bill as absurd and unnecessary
| Mr.. Cox favored it as measure of recon
struction and reconciliation.
Without disposing of it the House adj
| iourned