Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-12-04
FORTYTHIRD CONGRESS.
THURSDAY, December 4, 1873.

remove all political disabilities.
Mr.. Sumner presented a petition, to which
was attached 10000 signatures of colored cti-
zens, asking for the passage of his supplement-
Mr. Foreman introduced bill to complete the
water highways from the James river to the
mouth OF the kanawEa.
Mr.. Davis offered resolution requesting the
Secretary OF War TO transmit to the Senate all
the information in his possession relative TO the
government property at Harper Ferry, includ-
ing the sale thereof Adopted.
Mr.. Sherman called up his bill to provide for
a redemption of the twenty million loan OF
1853. snd sent to the desk TO be read the recon-
meDdatIon in the report of the Secretary OF the
Treasury on the subject. Mr.. S. said there
could be no objection to this bill, and it was
parsed.
Mr.. Hamilton (Md.) presented resolutions in
favor of specie payment and against imitation,
adopted by the Board OF Trade OF Baltimore
which we're read and laid on the table.
Mr.. ingalls, introduced bill to construct a
public building at Topeka, Kansas.
Mr.. Logan introduced bill to aid in the execu-
ton of the laws in the territory of Utah.
MR.. FERRY ON FINANCE.
Mr.. Ferry (Mich.) called up his resolution in
reference to the finances, and proceeded to ar
que in favor OF an immediate issue of the forty
four million reserve, to be used in the purch ase
OF bonds. Also, the substitution of legal ten
mum circulation of $4,000 600. Also, for the
issue of a 3-65 convertible bond.
Mr.. Anthony moved that the Senate proceed
to the election OF the standing committees
Mr.. Anthony then submitted a motion that
the. Saith rule be amended by adding a new com
mittee after that of Education and Labor to be
known as the Committee on Civil Service and
Retrenchment. Also, a motion that two mem
bers be added to the Committees on Foreign
Relations, Claims. ard on Education and Labor.
Both motions were adopted.
MIR. Anthony then submitted the list of stand
ing committees, which was adopted ana is
printed elsewhere in THE STAR.
lf Mr. fha radn ftaIs nf
Messrs. Pinchback and Mcmillan, contestants
as Senator from the state of Louisiana, were
referred to the Committee on Privileges and
Elections.
=. Also, on motion of Mr.. Morton, so much OF
the Presidents message as relates to amend
ments to the constitution, was referred to the
same committee.
Ali bills and resolutions heretofore intro
duced were referred to the appropriate commit
tees, excepting sundry bills introduced by Mr..
Sumner, which he wished to explain before
reference.
The Senate then, after an executive session,
adjourned until Monday.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Mr..
Hale (Maine) offered resolution authorizing
the appointment OF committee to have spe-
cia charge OF all bills in relation TO the repeal
OF the salary bill, and to report at the earliest
day practicable.
large number of bills on the subject were
introduced by different members, among whom
were Messrs. Hale, Poland, De Witt, Wells,
Burchard, Townsend, MOrey, and Parsons.
While these bills were being introduced Mr..
Butler Mass enquiTed If il would be in order to
take a recess to allow other members an oppor-
tunty to prepare bills on the subject. Laugh
ter
MIR. Cox On. " urged immediate action upon
the question. He thought the House sufficient
ly understood il now.
Mr.. Negley (Pa.) remarked that the gentle
man (Mr. Cox had taken all summer to con-
slider whether or not he would return his back
pay, and he should now allow members at least
few moments to consider the matter.
Mr.. COx.-That Is not true.
Mr.. Negley said if the gentleman had ad
dressed him in the language or gentleman he
would have replied, but he thought it beneath
his dignity now to do SO.
Mr.. Cox said that if the gentleman had gone
to the Treasury department he would have
certained that he had not taken all summer to
return his pay.
Mr.. Randall (Pa) inquired whether the
special committee just authorized had also
power to inquire in relation to the return of pay
which members had already received. He said
that Mr.. Hale, of Maine, was the author of the
clause in the appropriation bill which author
lied members to draw pay since the 18th OF last
March, and should therefore be familiar with
the question,
Mr.. Hale said he supposed the committee
would be authorized to inc uire into all matters
affecting the salary.
The point was here raised as to the authority
OF the committee to report at any time. The
Speaker said that unless such authority was
given it might be weeks before the committee
could report, as ii would be placed On the list
after the regular committees.
Questions having been raised by Messrs. G..
T. Hoar and Stephens, it was decided that the
House was under the rules of the preceding
House, and that it would be governed under
these rules until they are changed by order Of
the House.
large number of other bills on the subject
were then introduced and referred.
Mr.. Beck (Ky.) introduced one to prohibit
appropriations for the household of the Presi-
dent of the United States, in order to equalize
the pay of officials.
Mr.. Eldridge (wis.) offered bill to provide
for the payment by members of Congress to
their constituents. of the money received for
salaries, as payment for their votes
The states were then called for bills for ref
erence, and large number were introduced.