Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-01-20

moved to reconsider this vote, and proceeded to
speak at considerable length in behalf of his
amendment to exclude jefferson Davis from the
provisions OF the bill, and prescribing oath to
be taken by parties availing themselves of the
privileges of the bill. He was followed by
Messrs. Cox and Kelley in reply, who spoke in
favor OF universal amnesty, after which Mr.. Hill,
of Georgia, obtained the floor and the debate
went over.
On the 18th bills were introduced in the Senate
for the formation of State Constitution
in New Mexico and the admission of such State
into the Union; to establish branch mint at st.
Louis. Formal announcement was made of the
death of ex-President and Senator Andrew John
son, and several eulogies were delivered, after
which the usual resolutions of respect were
adopted A bill was introduced in the
House by Mr.. Morrison, preparatory to the re-
demption of United States notes and the re-
sumption of specie payments. The Pension Ap-
preparation bill 1925, 533, 500 was reported and
made the special order for the 14th. Mr.. Hill, of
Georgia, made lengthy speech in reply to the
remarks of Mr.. Blaine on the Amnesty bill, after
which the Senate's action in connection with the
death Of ex-President Johnson was announced,
and several eulogies upon the life and services of
the deceased were delivered
OK the 18th a bill was introduced in the Senate
to place all colored troops who enlisted in the
army on an equal footing with other soldiers as
to bounties and pensions. A resolution was in
troduced for the appointment of a committee to
examine the books of the Treasury Department.
The resolution declaring the Office of President
pro tennp0re of the Senate is held at the pleasure
of the Senate was, after discussion, adopted-34
to 15....After the Introduction of several bills
and resolutions in the House-among them one re-
curing National Banks to prepare for specie
payments, and one to refund the cotton tax
consideration of the Amnesty bill was resumed,
and Mr.. Garfield spoke in support of Mr.. Blaine's
substitute and in reply to Mr.. Hills speech Of
the previous day.
On the 18th. in the Senate, petitions were pre-
sented signed by over 1900 citizens of Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri, asking for an
appropriation Of 81 900 for the improvement of
the upper Missouri River. The Judiciary Com
mittee was instructed to inquire and report
whether the act of March 1, 1892, making pro-
vision for succession to the Presidency in the
event of vacancy, is not defective, and if so, in
what particular. Mr.. Davis spoke on his resolu-
ton calling for investigation of the books of the
Treasury Department, and was answered by Mr..
Boutwell,, who stated that the discrepancies COM
planned of by Mr.. Davis were apparent, and not
real. Adjourned to the 18th. -. Several resolu-
lions of inquiry and investi gatitn were adopted
by the House. Mr.. Blaine made his closing
speech on his proposed amendment to the Am
nesty bill, after which Mr.. Banks offered an
amendment providing that any person laboring
under political disabilities might have them re-
moved on subscribing to an oath of loyalty to the
Government, which amendment ruled out of
order, Mr.. Banks advocating it, followed by
Messrs. Tarbox and Mercy in favor of universal
amnesty. Mr.. Randall then closed the debate on
| the question, when the original bill, with Mr..
Banks amendment-Mr. Blaine's not having
been admitted-was referred to the Judiciary
Committee.