The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-12-16
CONGRESSIONAL.
Yesterdays Proceedings.
MONDAY. December

= MONDAY, December 10.
SeRMe.--Mr. Sumner presented a me-
mortal signed by one thousand citizens of
Pennsylvania, asking that Congress take
steps to provide for the settlement of in
ternational disputes by system of arbi-
tration. The memorial, he said, was in
response to the resolution passed by the
British House of Commons. Referred.
Mr.. Scott presented petition signed by
over three hundred citizens of thrty-one
states, complaining of the recent construc-
ton Of section 13 of the act Of 1866, by the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue in refer
ence to stamp taxes. Referred.
THE PINCHBACK CONTEST.
Mr.. Morton, from the committee on
privileges and elections, reported that the
committee were about equally divided as to
the respective right of Messrs. Pinchback
and Mcmillan to seat in the Senate
from the further consideration of the sub
ject, and that it be RENTED to the Senate
for determination.
Mr.. Martin then offered resolution that
the credentials of p. B. S. Pinchback as
senator from Louisiana for the term of six
years from March A, 1872, being in regular
form, &C., he is entitled to admission, and
that any contest as to his right to seat
will be properly made thereafter.
Mr.. Martin said as this was O Ques-
ton of privilege he should call it up to-
morrow.
Mr.. Salisbury hoped the senator would
not call up this question tomorrow, as it
was of great importance, and he did not
think it should be acted on before the
holidays.
Mr.. Martin said he did not propose to
take action tomorrow, but it was impor-
tant that action be taken on this subject
before the holidays for many reasons.
Mr.. Ferry Comm inquired whether the
report and evidence in the Louisiana case,
taken at last session, were now before the
Senate.
The Chair replied that 1t was not
Mr.. Ferry then moved that it be taken
from the files OF the Senate and laid on the
table.
Mr.. Martin said this report and evidence
was no part of the case Of Mr.. Pinchback,
and while he did not object to its being
ayailed of by senators for information, he
must object to its being considered as hay
ing any formal connection with the case of
Mr.. Pinchback
Mr.. Conkling inquired whether any evil
dence had been taken before the committee
at the present session.
Mr.. Morton replied that the committee
had taken no evidence at this session.
The question now before the committee
had been one simply Of law. There was
no controve sy as to the facts. Mr.. Pinch
back was prima .facie entitled to the seat.
His case was the same as that of Mr..
Goldthwaite, of Alabama. In reply to a
question of Mr.. Edmunds he said that the
opponent Of Mr.. Pinchback would contend
that he was not duly elected, and that the
legislature which elected him was not q
legal legislature.
Mr.. Edmunds stated that in his opinion
the report and evidence at the last session
were connected with this case, and should
come officially before the Senate when the
case comes up. u
Mr.. Thurman denied that Mr.. Puch-
back had anyprfma .tacie case.
Mr.. Ferry Comm never dreamed of any
objection being made to have the papers of
last session bearing on this case brought
formally before the Senate. 1t was impos-
sible to consider this case without these
papers. 1t would be impossible to 90 into
hequestion of Mr.. Pinchback's credentials
without considering the gubernatorial
character of Kellogg, who signed them, and
the electoral power of the legislature
which elected him. ~. . .
Mr.. Conkling agreed with the view taken
by Mr.. Morton. M ara- .....
The motion of Mr.. Ferry was then agreed
TO. .-.
Mr.. Sherman, from the finance COM
mlttee, reported House bill to provide for
redemption of loan Of 1858, with amend
ments, which were agreed to, and the bill
passed. -H.
THE GENEVA AWARD.
Mr.. Conkling presented petition of Moses
Taylor and other ship-owners of New
York, stating that their vessels, which were
uninsured, were destroyed during the war
by Confederate cruisers other than the
Alabama, Florida and Shenandoah, and
asking that they be allowed to participate
IN the benefits of the Geneva award. Re-
terred. - -
SPECIE RESUMPTION.
The resolution IN reference to the finances
and specie resumption, re-, orted from the
finance committee, was then taken up.
H0uSe.-Under the usual MONDAYS call
Of states for bills, &C., for reference, only
The following, among others were intro
duced and referred, viz:
by Mr.. Hale-Bill granting pensions 10
surviving soldiers of the war Of 1872. or the
widows of surviving soldiers in ali case
where land warrants were not obtained.
BY Mr.. Pierce Mass. Bill to provide
for resumption of specie payments.
Mr.. Mr.. Starkweather Conn Bill to