Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1876-01-19
IL AlE4A1LNUIkAH N 1Ce
->~>~.~>.~~~>.~~>>>>
Exciting Scene In the House
on the Amnesty Bill.
The Democracy Apply
ing the Gag Rule.
No Amendments Permitted
The Bill Defeated, Not Get
ting the Requisite
TWO-Thfrds.
EE
CONGRESSIONAL.
First Session = 44th Congress.
No Amendments Permitted
CONGRESSIONAL.
First Session - 44th Congress.
HOUSE.

was addressed by Garfield. Ill,
turned to Wood, of N. Y, to make
inquiry as to the continuance Of Tho
debate. He remarked that over 10,
GOO bills had already been introduced
and almost none passed.
/ Twenty-three gentlemen had indi.
Gated their intention of speaking OF
the Amnesty bill. He, wished in the
interest Of the country that the debate
should terminate as soon as possible
and that the business of legislation
might continue.
Randall said he proposed to move
the previous question in an hour. aftc,
Itiartield should conclude.
Blaine claimed that, under the rules
he, himself, and not Randall, had con.
troll OF the question.
The Speaker said he would rule
upon that question when the occasion
should arise.
/ Garfield commenced his remarks by
expressing his regrets on the course
which the debate. especially ycster-
day, had taken.
/ SENATE.
After the expiration of the morning
hour the Senate resumed the consid-
Grafton the resolutions reported by
the Committee on Privileges and
Elections, on Monday last, concerning
the President pro tenn Of the Senate,
the pending question being the mo-
ton of Thurman to postpone indcti-
Ritely.
Edmunds, Of Vermont. argued that
the President pro TEN of the Senate
held his Office at the pleasure of the
Senate, and but for the long time
practice, to the contrary, and a very
convenient one, the Senate could elect
President pro tenn every morning.
The duration of the office of Prcsi-
dent pro tenn has been fixed only by
a long course of usage.
HOUSE.
WAsHINGToN. Jan. Ii
Bills were introduced inthe House
as follows
BY White to reduce salaries of pub
lie officials, exceeding $l.5O0. 30 per
cent. lie moved the previous ques-
tion on its passage.
kasson suggested that though the
motive of the bill was excellent and
its object admirable, it seemed to vio-
late the constitution as it involved the
Supreme Judges and President, he
therefore thought it should be re-
ferred to some committee. The pre-
yious question was not seconded and
the bill was referred TO the Commit
tee OH Appropriations.
The Speaker then called for private
bills. Only one was presented.
Morrison. from the Committee on
Ways and Means reported the reso-
luton directing the several commit
tees to inquire into any errors or
frauds that may exist in the admins
tration and execution of existing
laws. the investigation to cover such
periods in the past as the committee
may deem necessary. Adopted. -. -.
Crounse. from Public Lands Com
mittee reported a bill allowing pre-
emption or homestead settlements on
1T. keaney Military Reservation in
Nebraska.
Holman moved to strike out the
word pre-emption, wherever il oc-
ours in the bill. so as TO leave the
lands open to homestead settlers only.
He said that presumption was ex-
ceedingly favorable to spectators
and against the rights of bonafide
settlers.
Crounse said he had no objection
to the amendment which was adopt
ed and the bill passed.
Knott reported back the Amnesty
bill which reads as follows: That
all disabilities imposed and remaining
| on any person by virtue a the Sd
Section of the Hti Article of Amend
ments to the Constitution of the u. $.
be and is hereby revoked. and each
and every person is and shall be for
ever relieved theretrom on his appear
ing before IL Judge OF any court of the
| Z. s., or amy court of record in the
State OF which he is a resident. and
taking and subscribing the following
oath, to be duly attested and record
ed:
| do soleinnly swear. or affirm. that
[ win support and defend the Consti-
tuition of the United States against all
enemies, foreign and domestic, that
will bear true faith and allegiance to
the same and obey all laws made in
pursuance thereof, and that take this
| obligation freely and without any
mental reservation or purpose of eva
sion.
Knott moved the previous question
OH the passage of the bill.
McCrarv, a member of the Judici
airy Committee, asked Knott to yield
him the floor for q moment.
MIR. Knott replied that it would af-
ford him pleasure to yield to his coli
each side OF the House, but he felt
that neither the peace Of the country
nor the harmony of the House re-
qnired any further discussion of the
proposition.
Frye. also member of the Judi
ciary Committee, asked Knott 10 per-
init him to ask n single question,
Several Democrats objected. and Cox
said, .Wc have had enough of talk
Blaine-Will the gentleman Knott
allow lne, without one word OF de-
bate, to have letter read?
Cox. Randall, and several other
Democrats objected
i knott cannot consent To open
4 l.
vious question.
Blaine---l want i distinct under
standing.
More cries of order from the
Democratic side.
The previous question was second
led. and the main question was order.
ed. Ieas lS3: nays 80.
Frye--l simply desire to ask wheth-
err the Republican minority ON the
Judiciary Committee conenrred in
the report.
CoN-(yociferously) | call the gen.
tleman to order. Maine is always out
of order. Laughter.
i Blaine-l understand that the gen.
tleman from Kentucky declines &c
admit amendment or to allow debate
Loud call of order" on the Demo.
cratic side of the House.
Randall--Gn tone of remon,
strancc) You know better than 10 dc
this.
| Cox--(somewha more angrily) You
have been in the Chair yourself, and
should know better.
! Seelye, called attention TO the faul.
ty grammar in the construction of tht
bill. The phrase '.cach and every
person. being treated as in the plura
instead OF the singular case. The en-
ror was ordered corrected.
/ The House then voted on the pas
sage of the bill and the vote resulted
yeas lS2, nays 81. The requisite two
thirds not voting in favor OF the bill
1t was rejected. There was intens,
Interest manifested as the call of tn,
roll proceeded. The Republican
brought their influence to bear OIL
some of the members of their part,
who had voted aye on the proceeding
vote, either to vote in the negative o
To refrain from voting.
i Wells, Of Mississippi, tried to OK
plain why he in favor of genera
Amnesty, including Jefferson Davi
he voted No, but the Democrat
shouted him down.
Lynch, of Mississippi, howeye
managed to get chance Of sa.