The Portland daily press., 1872-04-05
xLITd coNGREss..sECoND SESSION.
SENATE.

.. At"e. .EE Sen ALE. I.
WASHINGTON, April 4-Monday was assign
ed Tor the consideration of bills from the Judic
iary Committee.
Mr.. Corbett from the Committee on Com
merce reported a bill to promote shipbuilding
commercial interests in the United States. 1t
prov des for the payment of drawbacks, equal to
duties paid on timber, metals and all other ar
tcies which may be imported and used in the
construction or equipments of vessels of all
kinds built in the United States and England
exclusively, in trade with foreign countries and
American materials used in the construction
OF such vessels. The Secretary of the Treasury
is to pay bounty equivalent to duties imposed
on similar materials or articles of foreign man
ufacture when imported.
The bill further provides for American ves-
sells registered in foreign countries since Janu-
airy LIST, 1861, may, within two years from en-
actment, be registered as American vessels un-
der such regulations as the Secretary of the
Treasury may prescribe, that foreign built iron
ships of not less than 1000 tons, when owned by
the United States citizens may, within three
years, be registered for foreign trade, that all
ahip-stores and coal to be used in American
vessels on voyages from the United States to
foreign countries, may be taken from bond and
disposed tor such purposes duty free, and that
all vessels herein before mentioned may be
taken by the government for naval service in
time of danger after due inspection and APP
praisement, regulations for which infinitely
provided in the bill. -
Mr.. Morton from the Committee on Elections
reported with amendment, the House bill re-
lating to evidence on contested cases.
Mr.. Anthony from the Naval Committee re-
ported without amendment the bill for the re-
lief of officers and crew of United States ship
Wyoming.
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill to incorporate
the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of Amer
lea.
The House bill providing for labor commits
diSruSSpd yEqn at no
ton OF the morning hour. W
The attempt to bring up the Indian appropri-
alton bill was lost, Is to %. -
The bill giving assent to Congress to sup
scriptiOn of the District of Columbia to stock of
the PIEDMONT & Potomac Railroad was consid-
cred and passed.
Executive session adjourned.
81. - HOUSE. OBJ
Concurrent resolutions were adopted declar-
ing that Congress heard of the death of Prof
Morse with profound regrets, whose distin-
guished and various abilities contributed more
than Others toNthe development and progress of
practical arts and his purity of private life,
loftiness of scientific aim and resolnte faith in
truth render it >eminently proper that Repre-
sentatiyes and Senators should Solemnly testify
to his worth and greatness.
The steamboat bill was considered and passed
A bill amending the currency act was intro
dueed and referred.
The House took up the bill reserving public
lands for actual settlers only. Various amend
ments and notifications were suggested, but
without action the bill went over. Nv. IL
The report on the Alabama contested election
case, declaring Hadley, the sitting member, en-
titled to the seat, was agreed to-
The bill for the appointment Of shipping
commissioners in the interest of sailors and
commerce was taken up.
Mr. Wood argued against the bill, regarding
it inpracticable of execution, and really in the
interest of those hostile to sailors, aud as i'm
posing unjust burdens on shipowners. He
suggested leaving the appointment of commits
siOners in Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and
such large parts to the Chambers of Commerce
OF these cities or Governors OF States.
Mr.. Butler suggested boards of underwriters
Mr.. Wood said the underwriters had only a
pecuniary interest in the matter, looking to the
protection of property. He wanted more than
that. He wanted to look to the protection of
sailors He suggested the recommittal of the
Mr.. Conger, who reported the BILL defended
its principles and details. The bill was in the
interest OF morality and christianity, and to
save the sailor from the sharpers who prey
upon him in the dens and cellars of New York
city and other large ports.
Mr.. W. ID. Roberts suggested an amendment
giving the appointment of shipping commits
sioners to the Governors of States and reducing
the schedule of fees.
Mr.. Conger was willing to allow amendments
to be offered, but said the schedule of fees had
been prepared by the New York Chamber of
Commerce
Mr.. Wood offered an amendment to except
regular steamship lines from the operation Of
this law. 1910
Mr.. Conger explained that it was sufficiently
provided for in other sections of the bill.
Mr.. Hale moved an amendment to allow the
duties Of shipping commissioners to be per-
formed by masters of vessels in port where no
such commissioners or collectors of customs
were appointed. Adopted
MIR. Cox suggested that Mr.. Conger draw ND
carefully prepared amendment that would
guard sailors from land sharks
Mr.. Wood offered an amendment providing
penalty of not over $1,000 against ship captain
that takes on board drunken sailor. Agreed to.
Mr.. Wood also offered an amendment to
strike from the 18th section the last four lines,
which allow fees to the commissioner for hear
ing and deciding cases in dispute.
Mr.. Rltler, of Massachusetts, said it was in
tended to have an additional section, providing
that all fees be paid into the treasury and the
commissioners be paid salaries.
Mr.. Wood would object to their being salaried
officers, and pressed his amendment, which was
agreed to. r M
The reading of the bill by sections had not
been completed when, at half-past 4, by prior
order, the previous question. commenced to op-
crate.
Mr.. Wood moved to recommit the bill. Neg
atived. - $500
Without further progress, the House adj
journed. .-s'-.
The shipping bill commes up tomorrow as
unfinished business. sc