Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1875-03-11
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE SENATE.
THURSDAY, March II.

THURSDAY, March H.
The Vice President laid before the Senate
communication from the Second Auditor
of the Treasury enclosing various papers
and documents relative TO monies exps nded
table.
MT. Clayton asked for decision On the
point of order raised against his resolution
for the appointment of q committee to visit
the Indian territory during the recess. He
read from the journal of the Senate numer-
Gus cases where the Senate in special session
had considered matters of the character of
the resolution submitted by him.
Mr.. Hamlin said the Senate had no power
70 pass such resolution, as IL looked To leg
islation. He denied even that the Senate
had power to direct the withdrawal of a
paper II was called here for executive pur-
poses entirely, and had no business 10 do
anything else.
Mr.. sherman held that the Senate. in
special session, could discuss any subject
Mr.. Morton had taken some trouble to ex-
anime into what had been the practice of the
senate, and although the practice had not
been uniform, he Thought the geneia al current
OF presidents was that the Senate, i'm execu-
tive session, could do anything that did not
require the assent of the House.
Mr.. Thurman considered that there could
De no question as to the fact that the Senate
could not exercise any legislative functions
at this time. He then read the resolution,
and said IL was plainly of a legislative char
acter, and should not be entertained.
Mr.. BOgy said this resolution did not look
to any legislation at this time. and he con-
sidered that it was entirely in order.
Mr.. Clayton said the Senate had repeated
~ done what we are told it cannot do.
The question was then submitted TO the
Senate whether IL would permit the resolu-
tiOn to be received.
Mr.. Sargent said he should vote for receiv-
ing this resolution, because he was opposed
to the Senate deliberately setting precedent
that would prevent matters of this kind
ever being considered in executive session.
He would, however, vote against the resOla-
ton, because he regarded it as premature.
The Indians In this territory, he thought,
were getting along very well. There were
indications of desire to open up this country
10 settlement; run railroads through il, Sc;
and this ought not to be done at this time.
Mr.. Clayton said there was no design in
offering this resolution TO pave the way for
the inroads of the white people into the
Indian territory. But there was scarcely
anything known of the territory; there was
no means of knowing the condition of these
Indians ard their needs, except through the
interested representations of the men who
came lobbying around the Capitol. This
resolution was for the purpose OF gaining
information only for the use of the Senate
Mr.. Edmunds asked whether an objection
could not be made to the reception OF this
resolution without raising any point OF
order.
The Chair (Mr Frelinghuysen) replied in
the affirm alive.
Mr. Edmunds said then he should vote
against receiving this resolution at this time,
without committing himself to the point of
order, because he would not wish to be placed
in the position of ruling that the Senate could
never in executive session consider matters
of this character.
Mr.. Conkling said this was not a resolution
appealing to the legislative character or
functions of the Senate, and he should there
fore vote against the point of order
MIR. Clayton then modified his resolution TO
read as follows, by which he said he avoided
all reference to legislation:
Resotred: That committee, consisting of four
members of the Committee ON Indian fairs and
three members of the Committee on Territories,
making ven in all, be appointed to visit the In
dian territory during the recess OF the Senate wit
authority to inquire into the condition of affairs in
that country, the manner in which justice is admin
istered there, and the wants and capacities of the
lawful inhabitants thereof with respect to self gov
ernment, and to report at the next session of the
Senate the result of their inquiry
Mr.. Anthony moved to lay the whole sub
ject on the table; which was agreed to-ayes
80, noes %.
Mr.. Anthony submitted a resolution 10
print 600 copies additional each of the reports
of Prof. Elliott on the seal fisheries of Alaska,
and Of the report of Prof Baird on the fish
cries. Referred TO Committee on Printing.
The Senate then, after an executive ses-
sion, adjourned.