The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1872-12-13
CONGRESS-

CONGRESS,
On Wednesday of last week the Sen
ate transacted no business.
In the House the debate on the bill
making appropriation for the construc.
tion of ten new sloops.of.war occupied
the greater part of the session. The
subject ofpostal telegraphy was refer.
red to the committee on appropria-
tions.
On Thursday In the Senate Mr.. Sum-
ner was excused from serving on any
of the standing committees on account
of Ill health.
In the House, bills were introduced
by Mr.. Wheeler, to incorporate a bank
ing association, with $lO0,OO0,OOO capi-
tai, under the title of "The Governor
and Managers of the Exchequer of the
United States of America !" Mr.. N.Y.
ers, giving pension of $1,000 to the
widow Of General Meade.
The bill providing for the construe-
ton of tho steam vessels of war was
passed with amendments. The amend
ments reduce the numb Der to six, provld-
ed the contracts for their construction
shall not be made until full detailed os.
Inmates shall have been presented to
Congress, and that half the vessels shall
DO built in private ship yards.
On Friday the Senate chose the stand
ing and select Committees. The Lib
eral Republicans were left out by the
administration senator's and classed
with the Democrats. Such chairman
ship as they held We're taken from
them.
On motion Of Mr.. Wright, the FL
nance Committee were instructed to in
quire into the legislation necessary to
relieve the stringency of the money
market, and the propriety of an addi.
tional issue of legal tenders, and report
as early as practicable by bill or other.
wise. Adjourned till Monday.
In the House, Mr.. Dawes, from the
Ways and Means Committee, reported
the bill abolishing the internal revenue
assessors, and transferring their duties
to the collectors. After debate, the bill
was passed, with amendments, making
the time of its going into operation the
lst fully, 1873, and requiring the col
lectors to give additional bonds for their
new duties. On motion of Mr.. Halder-
man, the Select Committee on the Cen.
tennial celebration were directed to in.
quire into the propriety of taking a
census of the United States on the 1st
of January, 1875. Adjourned until
Monday.
In the Senate on Monday the creden-
tials OF Mr.. Morton, reelected Senator,
from the Military Committee, reported
bill to refund to the States the inter-
est on money borrowed for the equip
ment, transportation and payment of
troops during the late war, Mr.. Cam
eron moved the French spoilation bill
be made the special order for Monday.
but Mr.. Sherman opposing this, he
simply moved that it be postponed to
that day. The motion was agreed to.
After an executive session, the Senate
adjourned.
In the House, Constitutional amend
ments were introduced by Mr.. Hib-
bard, authorizing Congress to fix a uni
form time for State elections; by Mr..
Banks, providing that the President
shall hold office for six years, shall be
ineligible to second term, and hall
be elected directly by the voters on the
same day they elect Congressman by
Mr.. Coghlan, prohibiting the disposal
Of the public lands except to actual
settlers; and by Mr.. Lynch, providing
for the choice of President and Vice
President by direct vote of the people.
A large number of bills were introduc.
ed. among them bills by Mr.. Banks,
making the Presidents salary $50, 900 a
year after the 4th of March next. 1t
was agreed to take recess during the
holidays, from December 20 to Jan.
uary 8.
In the Senate on Tuesday resolu.
tion directing the Judiciary Committee
to inquire into the expediency of so
amending the Constitution as to provide
for the election of President, Vice Presi.
dent, and United States Senators by
direct votes Of the people, was adopt
ed.
In Committee of the Whole the House
commenced work on the appropriation
Nk4
up yesterday and about half discussed.