The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-12-18
CONGRESSIONAL.
Yesterdays Proceedings.
WEDNESDAY, December II

WEDNESDAY, December II.
iSenate.--Mr. Bogy reported from com
mittee on Indian affairs private bill, an,
took occasion to critcise severely tn,
administration of the Indian bureau, anc
pronounced the whole Indian legislation {
farce from beginning to end.
Mr.. Cragin, from committee on naya
affairs, reported House bill to increase tn,
number of enlisted men in the navy t.
10000.
Mr.. Davis introduced bill to reimburse
the state of West Virginia for losses oil
school-houses. bridges, &C., during the
war, caused by the military operations,
Referred.
Mr.. Sumner offered resolution, which
was adopted, instructing the committee on
finance to inquire into the expedienecy Of
reducing the national expenditures oil
abolishing the Office of commissioner of
internal revenue, and officers under it.; for
the collection of all internal taxes bv
stamps, unstamped articles to be liable to
seizure and confscation by any United
States court, the law to be enforced under
the direction of the Secretary of the Treas
ury.
On motion Of Mr.. Wright, the commit
tee on pensions were instructed to inquire
to the expediencv Of amending the pen
sion laws 50 as to allow the same pension for
loss of arm above the elbow as loss of
leg above the knee.
Mr.. Edmonds moved that the
HOUSE BILL TO REPEAT. THE BANK
RUPT LAWS
he taken up.
The motion was agreed to, and the bill
was taken up and read the second time.
Mr.. Edmonds then moved that it be re-
ierIed to the committee on the judiciary.
lie alluded to the earnest desire peryading
all sections of the country in reference to
the bankrupt act. He was satisfied of the
mpolcy of an absolute repeal of the bill.
but thought that the committee would be
able to prepare bill which would relieve
the present law Of its obnoxious features.
and would at the same time protect the in
terests of both creditors and debtors.
Mr.. Conkling favored allowing the bill to
remain on the table if it was deemed best
70 pass it before the holiday recess.
That this act out to be repealed or essen
TALLY modified, he could not doubt. This
was the sentiment of every community
with which he was familiar.
Mr.. Thurman also wished this matter
acted on before the recess, and preferred
that the bill should not be referred, but
should be left on the table.
MIR. Frelinghuysen moved that the bill
he referred to the judiciary committee.
with leave to sit during the session of the
Senate, and to report to-day. He indicated
his opposition to absolute repeal. We had
had three bankrupt laws in the history of the
country, and every one of them had been
passed in seasons of financial disaster.
Now, in a season of financial disaster. it is
proposed that we shall have no bankrupt
law.
The morning hour here expired and the
subject went over.
MIR. Fenton, who was entitled to the
floor, proceeded to read lengthy ESSAY on
the general subject of the finances. He |
argued strongly in favor Of immediate con-
traction of the currency and the reduction
OF the government expenditures.
House. Mr.. Stephens (Ga.) said that if
ne mad been present yesterday he would
have voted for the repeal Of the bankrupt
act and against the repeal of the salary
bill.
On motion Of Mr.. Wilson dnd.). the
judiciary committee, which was directed
to investigate the official conduct of the
district Judge of the district of Alabama.
was authorized to send for persons and
papers. lie also moved that the same
committee be directed to inquire whether
Judge Durell, Of Louisiana, should be
lmpeached and that the committee be
authorized to send for persons and papers.
Adopted.
Mr.. Sener Va.J offered resolution.
which was agreed to, directing the com.
nittee on foreign affairs to revise and adj.
lst the compensation of consular officers
IF the United States.
Mr.. Stephens (Ga.) presented the memo
'lal of the Cuban meeting held in New
o1rk, requesting the recognition of Cuban
Ieligerency. Referred
BILLS PASSED.
Mr.. Dawes, from the committee of WAYS :
ND means, reported back the bill for the
redemption of the loan of 1868, with the
senate amendments. Which were con-
,urred in. :
WHISKY AND CIVIL RIGHTS.
Mr.. Butler (Mass.) said he rose to a
rlVilege question, and desired to renort
rom the Judiciary committee the civil :,
ights bill. @''i Il
The Speaker said that there was no
igher privilege than the bill now before
he House. lThe salary bill, which had been
allied up by Mr.. Hale, (Me.) but who had
wen away to allow Messrs. Dawes and
seek to report their bills.
Mr.. Hale insisted upon the regular order.
Mr.. Butler-I would call my brothers.
ttention to the fact that he could give
'ay on whisky bill, but calls the regu-
u &c order on civil rights bill.
The Speaker said the regular order
aying been demanded the bill was NOT in .
Ider at this time. :,
THE SALARY BILL AGAIN.
Mr.. Hale IN. Y. moved an amendment
the bill striking out the words .idurine
. present term Of Office" as applied to to
&c exception made in regard to the Presi-
9nt's salary. The effect of this. he said.
as not to contine the increase Of the Presi.
'nt's salary to the present term. He
asired to submit this proposition to a
reel vote OF the House and hoped to see r.
Ea..aaN - 4