Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-05-11
Congress.

WASHINGTON, D. c., May TO-
SENATE-EXTRA SESSION.
The senate met at noon, there being very
general attendance.
Messrs. Anthony and Casserly were appointed
a committee to wait on the president, and to in
form him that the senate was ready for the
transaction of business.
The standing committees appointed at the last
session were continued, and the senate took a
recess until one o'clock
At one o'clock the senate came to order, and
Mr.. Anthony, from the committee appointed to
wait on the president, reported that he would
soon communicate message in writing.
At i've minutes past one Gen. Porter made his
appearance with the message
The senate then voted that when it adjourned
1t would be to meet again on Friday, and went
into executive session.
The first thing done was the reading of the
treaty of the joint high commission, which oc-
cupied about an hour.
Mr.. Cameron, chairman of the committee on
foreign relations, made a brief statement, to the
effect that the treaty was honorable to both
countries, and negotiated in the interest of
peace. He hoped, therefore, that the treaty
would receive the approval of the senate, and
suggested that it should be given to the press of
the country.
Several senators interposed objections, as they
could see no reason for departing from the uni
form practice of the senate.
Mr.. Sumner is reported as saying that he did
not approve of some portions of the treaty, and
he thought they ought to be amended He like
MIR. Cameron, said the public should be fur
nished with the full text of the treaty, IN order
that they might fully understand its provisions
IN advance of final action by the senate. He
was OF the opinion that claims of British SUBJ
Jects should not have been incorporated in the
treaty, as they grew out of things done on the
part Of Great Britain itself during the late
war.
They would not have been admitted if de-
cided opposition had been expressed by our
own commissioners. simpler and better plan
would have been to make out fair bill for the
Alabama and kindred depredatons; but he
would not now ask its payment in the way of
exemplary or vindictiye damages. Other mat
tiers might afterward be adjusted. He did not,
however, indicate whether he would vote for or
against the treaty, as he had not yet had time
TO examine all its features, some of which were
OF an important national character.
Inc question OF removing the injunction of
secrecy, SO as to enable the press to publish the
full text, was not brought to vote.
The treaty was referred to the committee on
foreign relations. When it shall have been re-
ported back from the committee with the recon-
mendation, that it be ratified, it will be for con-
slderation and taken up as in committee of the
whole. Two thirds of the senators present will
be requisite to decide finally.
In moving question, two-thirds are requisite
to carry the affirmative, as well as to order the
final question to advise and consent to the ratii-
cation in tue form agree to-
Inc reading OF the treaty created a good i'm
preston, and the indications are that it will be
ratified. Although the treaty was put in type,
at the instance of the secretary of state, not
more than eight copies were to-day in the pos
session of of members of the senate, including
those of the committee on foreign relations
A message was sent to the department for a
fresh supply, but they were not obtained. The
senate, however, ordered the usual number TO
be printed for its own use
majority of the senate were in favor of re-
moving the injunction of secrecy, so that the
treaty may now be made public, and this would
have been the result had the question been
pressed TO a vote this afternoon.
The treaty was referred to the committee on
foreign relations.
The senate, at 3:15, adjourned.