Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1876-01-22
CONGRESS.

appointment ola committee to exam
inc the books of the Treasury Depart
ment in retion to alterations made in
the statements of the public debt, ex-
penditures and receipts. Mr.. Boutwell,
said there was nothing new in the facts
alluded to, and the Senator could have
had the reasons for the changes explain
ed to him had be made inquiries at the
Treasury Department. The Senate
went into Executive session and alter
wards adjourned until Monday.
In tho House the debate on the Am
nesty bill was resumed, Mr.. Blaine havi
| ing the floor. He secuted the idea
ill-treatment to prisoners at Elmira, and
showed that the barracks they occupied
had previously been devoted to the
Union recruits. He quoted from speeches
made by Mr. Hill in Georgia, and in
cluded some remarks to the colored peo-
pie, that if war should result from the
Republican party retaining power by
force, they would be the greatest suf-
ferers that if peace was preserved
they were safe, but that IS sure as one
war bad freed them just so will another
war re-enslave them. At the conclu-
sion of Mr.. Blaine's speech Mr.. Banks
moved to amend by striking out all
after the first section and inserting the
form of oath to be taken by all persons
now lying under political disabilities.
Mr.. Banks advocated his amendment
in an eloquent manner, urging the adop-
tlon of universal amnesty as fitting act
OF the Centennial year. After other
speeches, the debate being closed, Mr..
Randall asked unanimous consent to
have Mr.. Banks amendment voted on.
Mr. Blaine ebjecting, Mr.. Randall NOV
ed to have the bill recommitted to the
judiciary Committee with instructions
to report it back with Mr.. Banks
amendment. The bill, with Mr.. Banks
amendment, was referred to the Judic-
\ larry Committee, and the motion to re-
consider made by Mr.. Blaine was laid
on the table, so that the bill cannot be
reported back except under the regular
call of committees. The House then
adjourned until to-day.
FRIDAY, Jan. 14.-The Senate was
not in session. having adjourned from
Thursday to Monday.
In the House, bill was presented to
reduce the salaries OF all the public Of
ficials receiving over $1,000 twenty per
cent. Mr. Randall's amnesty bill. with
| Mr.. Banks's amendment, was reported
back from the judiciary committee by
Mr.. Knott, who refused to permit de-
bate and demanded the previous ques-
ton, which was seconded, and the main
question ordered by vote Of 1873 ayes
90 nays. The House then proceeded
! to vo.e on the bill, and it was lost
yaes 1872. nays 81, the necessary two
thirds not voting in favor Of it. twelve
republicans voting in the affirmative.
Mr. Blaine then took the floor, and by
a motion tn reconsider obtained the
right to speak, which he proceeded to
i" amid much interruption, and con-
clned by offering his bill, excluding
Jefferson Davis from the benefits Of
amnesty. Mr.. Randall made the point
that he could It offer bill at this
stage. which led to another debate.
which ended with Mr. Blaine withdraw
ing his motion TO reconsider, much to
the surprise Of the democrats. and thus
ended the amnesty matter for the day.
The House then adjourned until Mon-
day,
JANUARY lin the United
States Senate bills were presented
in relation to lands heretofore
presented to railroad companies, to
amend the acts passed to aid the
construction of the Pacific Rail-
road, and to recover from the Gen.
trial and Union Pacific Railroads,
bonds and coupons issued to them
in excess Of the amount prescribed
by law, all of which were referred
10 The appropriate committees
Mr.. Hamlin called up resolution
providing for the continuation of
the Joint rules in force during the
last Congress for the government
nf the two houses during the pres
ent session, the question being on
the amendment of Mr.. Morton to
except the 22d rule relative to the
counting of the vote for President
and Vice President. A discussion
ensued, but without action the
Sen. tie went into executive session
and soon after adjourned.
In the House OF Representatives
Mr.. O'Brien presented bill Tor a
post-otfice building in Baltimore.
He also proposed an amendment
to the Constitution providing that
no State shall make any law res
peceing an establishment of reli-
gion or to prohibit free exercise
thereof;that no minister or preach
er shall hold any office of trust or