The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-12-11
CONGRESSIONAL.
Yesterdays proceedings.

Yesterdays Proceedings.
- WEDNESDAY, December 10.
Senate. Mr.. Sherman, from committee
on finance, reported bill to authorize the
organization of national banks without cir.
culation.
Mr.. Davis introduced bill to provide fol
the free transmission of newspapers and
periodicals by mail. Referred to commit
tee on postoffices.
Mr.. Ferry, Of Michigan, introduced bill
to settle doubts as to the authority to issue
the legal tender reserve, by authorizing the
Secretary to issue the forty-four million
reserve and make it part of the perma.
nent circulation. Referred to the commit.
tee on finance.
Mr.. Hamilton, of Maryland, offered O
constitutional amendment prohibiting the
United States from making ANYTHING but
gold and silver coin legal tender for
debts, public or private.
Mr.. Sherman, from the majority of the
committee on finance, submitted the fol-
lowing:
Resolved, That it is the duty of Con-
gress during the present session to adopt
definite measures to redeem the pledge
made in the act approved March Is, 1868,
entitled ian act to strengthen the public
credit" as follows, 'and the United States
also solemnly pledged its faith to make
provision at the earliest practicable period
for the redemption of the United States
notes In coin = and the committee on
finance is directed to report to the Senate
at as early q day as practicable such mea-
snres as will not only redeem this pledge
OF the public faith, but will also furnish o
currency Of uniform value in gold or its
equivalent, and SO adjusted as to meet the
changing wants of trade and commerce.
Mr.. Bayard, as one of The minority of the
committee, submitted the following:
Whereas just regard for the interests
OF every class of the community demands
that the national basis of finance shall con-
sist OF currency of uniform standard and
intrinsic value; therefore,
Resolved, That the committee on finance
be, and they are hereby, instructed to re-
port to the Senate measures which will Sc
re,at the earliest possible day, return to
specie payments n,
MIR. Sherman said it was the desire of the
committee to ascertain definitely the views
of the Senate on this subject.
Mr.. Ferry (Michigan) said that he di
not assent to the resolutions as presented
either by Mr.. Sherman or Mr.. Bayard,
and would offer one embodying his own
views.
Mr.. Morton suggested that in view of
the great Importance OF the subject that an
early day be fixed for its decision. He
bad hoped that something would be done
for the relief of the people before the
holidays. Asa II lG
IL was finally agreed that the resolu-
tons should be taken up on Monday next.
The House amnesty bill was received
and read the first time.
Mr.. Sumner objected to its second read
ing, not because he was opposed to the
bill, but he wanted first to see Justice done
to the colored people.
The Senate then, after an executive
session, adjourned
The Senate, when in executive session.
among many other nominations for post
masters, collectors of revenue, &C.. con-
llrmed that of Hon. James Lyons, of Vir-
glnia, as United States district attorney
for the Eastern district of Virginia.
House.--Mr. Phillips (Kansas) reported
a bill in favor of recognition of Cuban
belligereney. Referred TO committee ON
foreign affairs. @
MIR. Wood IN. W offered resolution.
which was adopted, asking the Secretary
OF the Treasury to report the cost of re-
funding the Treasury debt.
~ INCREASE OF THE NAVY.
Mr.. Scofield (Pa.,) from the committee
on naval affairs, reported bill authorizing
the Secretary of the Navy to employ
10000 men in the navy.
Mr.. Archer (Md.,) advocated the pas
sage of the bill, on the ground that the
navy was not at present in a condition to
compete on the sea with other nayies. He
considered this the initiative step to putting
the navy in afighting condition. {
Messrs. Starkweather, Coburn, Kasson,
and Others spoke of the prospect of war,
and advocated the giving the Secretary of
the Navy all that he asked 10 this matter,
After further discussion the bill was
passed, with an amendment of Mr.. Gar
field limiting the increase of force to Jan.
uary, 1876. : M
Mr.. Garfield, from the committee on
appropriations, submitted bill appropri.
ating four million dollars to put the navy
III fighting condition, in accordance with
the recommendation of Secretary Robson
deferred to committee on the whole.
The House then resumed consideration
oi the salary bill, and Mr.. Tremaine IN. w |
proceeded to address the House. @i