The Portland daily press., 1875-03-05
From the Maine State Press Of March a, 1875.
History Of Seven Days.
The news for the week ending Wednesday
Night, March Sd.
THR BERcHER TRIAL.

Thursday morning last Gen. Tracy began
the opening speech of the defense in the Tilton-
Beecher suit and concluded Monday afternoon.
1t was very pointed in some parts and his ref
erence ~ Mr. Bowen of the Independent has
called out on the part of that gentleman, card
TO the effect that he will tell things If put upon
the witness stand. The first witness for the
defense called Tuesday was Deacon OvingtoD
of the Plymouth church, at whose house Mrs.
Tilton has been living NEST of tbe time since
last July. The testimony of Ovngton was inn
material. The next witness was Rufus E.
Holmes OF Winstead Conn.,, who had charge of
lecture course in 1870 He testified that Til
ton went there to lecture in December having
with him woman q or 2S years of age. He
called at Tilton's room at the hotel. Knocked
several times and was about going away when
woman with disordered hair opened the door.
The bed was open and Tilton was lying upon it
having his coat vest and boots off. He said the
woman was reading him to sleep paradise
Lost" was the book.
CONGRESS.
1Rarsddy-The Senate considered the bill to
change the mode of electing president and
vice president. Mr.. Windcm of Mimi, at
tempted to get his water transportation hobby
up but failed In the House there was q strug-
gle between those who desired to take up the
civil appropriation bill and the caucns Repub-
Iicans intent on taking up the force bill. An
all night session was held, the friends of the
force bill succeeding in getting that measure
before the House, but no vote was taken.
Fridag-The Senate debated the civil rights
bill. The House in Committee OF the Whole
considered the sundry civil appropriation bill,
and in the evening discussed the force bill.
Saturday-The Vice President, in accordance
with the resolution of Mr.. Wright of Iowa,ap-
pointed Messrs. Allison of Iowa, Boutwell, of
Mass, Conkling of N. Y, Merrimon of N. c.,
and Eaton of Conn.,, com mittee to examine
thegseveral branches of the civil service. with a
view to the reduction of the expenses of the
same. The civil rights bill was passed, yeas 49,,
nays 26, Messrs. Carpenter. Ferry and other
Republicans voting against it, In the House
Mr.. Kasson presented the report of the Ways
and Means Committee on the Pacific Mail in
vestigation and series of resolutions respect
ing King and Schumacher, members OF the
next house. One of the resolutions recon-
mends the indictment of these lobbyists by the
District courts Mr. Hurlbut presented the
report of the Mississippi Committee with res
oution endorsing the action of Gov. Ames.
The report was agreed to practically by three
Republicans The Democratic members of the
committee take the opposite view. The force
bill was further considered and passed, yeas
135, nays la. Messrs. Burleigh and Hale of
this state voted against the bill and Mr. Frye
for it. Speaker Blaine was also opposed
toit
Monday-The Senate considered the tax and
tariff bill by which it is expected to realize
$50, 600. Under suspension of the rules the
resolution of Mr.. boar sustaining the Kellogg
government In Louisiana was passed, 163 to 80.
The House resumed the consideration Of the
civil appropriation bill, and passed 1t.
Thesday-The bill to equalize soldiers boun-
ties was taken up. Mr.. Logan thought the
bill would not require more than $4,000, 900,
though the Paymaster General said it would re-
ouire 800, 600, 900 and the Second Auditor put
the amount at SIS, 00O, 600. The bill was pass
ed, 80 to 30, the Vice President giving the cast
vote. Mr.. Morrill, of Maine voted against the
It. and Mr.. Hamlin did not vote. In the House