Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-12-14
Forty.Fourth Congr ess- First Session,
Washington, December ID.

Washington, December ID.
Mr.. Anthony presented memorial signed by
2 1926 members of the Society of Friends of New
England, in favor Of international arbitration. In
presenting the memorial, Mr.. Anthony said that
he would be false to himself if he did not bear his
testimony to the truth of the statements contained
in it.
He spoke in terms of praise of the society of
Friends, and said that any measure looking to the
settlement of disputes without rcsorting to arms
was in the interests Of humanity Referred to the
committee on foreign relations.
Several other memorials were presented and re-
ferred.
MIR. Wright introduced bill declaring the
true intent and meaning of the Union Pacific
Railroad acts. Referred to the committee on ju-
dietary.
Mr.. Davis of W. Va submitted a resolution
citing the law requiring reports to be made to
Congress annually of persons indebted to the
government, list of defaulers, amount of defalca-
lion, &C., and calling upon the secretary of the
treasury to inform the Senate why such reports
have not been made.
In submitting the resolution, Mr.. Davis stated
that no report had been made since 1865. He be-
licyed that an immense sum was due that the gov
eminent lost by defaulters. 1t was stated last
wear, when similar resolution offered, that it
would cost the government $4,000 and require
several months to furnish list of the dcfaulters,
amounts involved, &c.
Mr.. Sherman OF Ohio, suggested that the res
Mr.. Thurman opposed the reference. lie saw
no reason why the resolution should not be adopt
cd and sent directly to the secretary of the treas
ury to get the desired information
MIR. Sherman said these resolutions referred to
several statutes to which the senators had not had
an opportunity to refer to il. lie also asserted
that there were three or four matters purportng
70 be facts which the senator himself could not
vouch for, and he (Sherman) thought all resoln-
tons of inquiry involving an expense should be
,ncn To N ia
Mr. Davis said he was satisfied that the law had
been disregarded since 1865, and he saw no rea-
son why the secretary of the treasury should not
be asked why the law had not been complied
with.
Mr.. Boutwell, of Mass, said the Senator from
West Virginia, had Inexperienced the provision
of the statute. No doubt would be well for the
Senate to have list of the detaulters and the
amounts involved, but the statute as it now stood
did not require the secretary OF the treasury to
furnish such a list
Mr.. Conkling said the Senate would be in
very bad position if it should pass this resolution
asking the secretary of the treasury why reports
had not been made and he should assume that the
law did not require them to be made.
Mr.. English presented memorial of citizens of
So. Norwalk and New Haven, Ct, for repeal Of
act to establish system of bankruptcy through
out the U. S.
Referred to Judiciary committee.
| Mr. Morrill, of VT, introduced bill to pay First
National bank of st. Adams, VT, the value of
certain treasury notes held by said bank, As fnan-
cial agent of the U. S., and taken therefrom by
| the raiders from Canada in 1864
| Mr.. Edmunds introduced bill to authorize Geo.
P. Marsh to accept presents from the governments
of Switzerland and Italy.
Referred to committee on Foreign Relations
| Mr. Mitchell introduced bill making the terri
tory of Alaska part of the territory Of Washing
ton, and providing for civil government therein.
Referred to committee on Territories.
Mr.. Edmuntls introduced bill to extend the
duration Of the court of commissioners of Ala.
claims.
Referred to Judiciary committee.
| 1t provides that the court shall be continued 10
July ODD next, and continues the office Of clerk OF