Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-02-20
HOUSE

Bills were introduced:
By Mr.. Harris, of Notwithstanding fif-
ty million acres Of the public lands to the
State Of Virginia to assist the State in re-
compence for her cession of northwest
territory and cutting off West Virginia.
By Mr.. Collaborating bounty to en-
listed men who were slaves.
By Mr.. McKee-To refund the cotton tax
collected from 1866 to '68.
An Undersigned Coincidence.
By Mr.. Voorhees-For the payment Of
the public debt in legal tender currency,
according to stipulation of bonds and the
decision of the Supreme Court.
Supplementary Rights.
Mr.. Frye at the instance Of Mr.. Hooper,
of Massachusetts, introduced bill supple
mentary of the civil rights act Of April, 1866,
and moved the previous question on its
passage. The bill waS'read: 1t prohibits any
distinction being made between citizens OF
the United States on account of race, color
or previous condition of servitude by inn
keepers, common carriers in theatres or
other places of amusements, in common
schools or other public institutions Of learn
ing supported by money derived from gen.
eral taxation, in cemeteries and benevolent
associations whether Incorporated by ma
tional or State authority.
Tie End section provides for forfeiture OF
$500 for each offense to be recovered by the
person aGrieved in an action on the case
and penalty of not less than $500 nor
more than $1,000, with Imprisonment not
less than 80 days nor more than one year
on conviction of misdemeanOr.
The Sd section conferS and imposes du-
ties to execute law on officers and courts of
the United States, the same as conferred by
sections, 3, /, ) and 10 of the Civil Rights
bill of April, 1866, which sections are made
part of this act. Any officer failing to in
stitute, order or prosecute proceedings when
required, is to forfeit $500 to the person az
grieved, to be recovered by an action, and
in case of conviction, shall be deemed gull
ty of misdemeanor and fined not less than
81 200, nor more than $4,000.
The 4th section forbids the exclusion OF
any person from a jury or National or State
court on account of race, color, or previous
condition of servitude.
The 9th section annuls all discrimination
in National or State laws by use of the word
white.
Mr.. Dawes suggested that the bill should
be modified by using the word persons in
stead of the words "citizens of the United
States" so as to include the Chinese.
Mr.. Sargent objected.
Mr.. Frye said he was not authorized to
make the modification.
Mr.. Eldridge moved that the bill be re-
iected. The motion was negatived by q
strict party vote-yeas SO, nays 116.
The morning hour having expired the bill
went over until the morning hour of Mon
day next when it comes up after the call Of
States for bills for reference, but as that
call can be prolonged so as to consume the
whole hour by requiring the reading of bills
introduced, this bill cannot possibly be
reached if it's opponents are inclined to pre-
vent it. The only other way Of getting at
it is by suspension of the rules for which
the Republicans have not the requisite two
thirds majority.
Salt and Coal.
Mr.. Dawes moved to suspend the rules
and adopt a resolution instructing the Com
mittee on Ways and Means, whenever it
shall report, to report bill changing the
import duties, to provide also for putting
salt and coal on the free list.
Mr.. Killinger moved that the House ad-
journ.
Mr.. Dawes said: The business OF the
Committee on Ways and Means should be
left with that Committee, or be transacted
by the House.
The motion to adjourn was rejected.
A motion to suspend the rules and adopt
the resolution was rejected-ayes 103, nays
So, less than two-thirds in the affirmative.
The Tea Tax.
Mr.. Murcur moved to suspend the rules
and discharge the Committee Of the Whole
from further consideration Of the bill re-
pealing the duties on tea and coffee, and to
pass the same.
Mr.. Dawes wished to have the bill brought
before the House for discussion, and stated
that he was instructed by the Committee on
Ways and Means to ask the House for an
opportunity to be heard.
Objection was made by several members
and the rules were suspended and the bill
passed yeas 153, nays 3S.
Ku-KIux.
Mr.. Poland, for the Joint Select Commit
tee on Southern outrageS, presented a re-
port accompanied by half dozen printed
volumes of testimony, which he said was
about one half of the testimony taken and
moved that 10000 extra copies Of the re-
port and 5000 copies of the testimonies be
printed.
The Minority Report MutiIated.
Mr.. Beck submitted the views of the mi
nority and asked that it be printed with the
report of the majority.
Mr.. Poland objected to inserting the mi
nority report, rejecting on the majority and
stating the minority had not had an oppor-
tuaity of seeing the majority report. That
statement was substantially untrue.
Mr.. Beck disclaimed any int@tion to re-
fleet on the majority of the committee in
that sentence. 1t was rather intended as
an apology for not having met the argu-
ments in the report.
Mr.. Schofield called attention to sta te-
ment on page 203 of the minority report,
characterizing the majority report which
they first asserted, they had not read as the
grossest outrage and foulest calumnies.
Mr.. Beck said that report had been alter
ed and that what Mr.'Schofeld was read
ing was not the report.
Mr.. Scho6eld said he was not going to
party with tbs gentleman as to what was In