Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1876-02-05
Proceedings OF Congress.

cutel CLERK VI tuc 1IcoouEy DcPoAt-
ment covering a statement of the
system of accounts in the treasury
aud also a bill on the subject. The
House bill for the payment of the
interest on the .hree-sixty-f1ve
bonds of the District of Columbia
was called up and debated by
Messrs. Morrill,, Dawes, Sargent
and Allison, the drift of the discus
sion being to the effect that the
District commissioners have mis-
apprehended the law under which
they were created by increasing
the debt of the District far beyond
the authority of law, but in favor
OF providing for the interest on the
three-sixty-five bonds. The bill
will be called up again to-day.
The bin to protect the title of set
tiers on the public lands included
within railroad grants was slight
ly amended and passed.
In the House Mr.. Knott made
personal explanation defending
Mr. Adams, the clerk, from remarks
made by Mr.. White rejecting on
him. A bill providing penalties
forsending obscene matter through
the mails was discussed, and I'm
ally recommitted to the commit
tee on postoffices and post roads.
A bill was adopted prohibiting Of
ficers and employees of the gov
eminent, under penalty of dis
charge, from acting as counsel, at
torney or agent,o being interested
in any form in prosecuting claims
or patents. application for which
was pending while they were such
clerks or employees. The military
academy appropriation bill was
further discussed but no action ia
ken. Mr.. Holman, of the apprO-
priation committee, appealed to
5 the members to pass the bill, and
declared the dominant party in the
House propose to have retrench-
ment all along the line.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29.-The
House met as in committee Of the
whole for debate only. No business
whatever was to be transacted.
There were only about fifty members
present. Mr.. Eden, of Illinois, pre-
sided.
Mr.. Schleicher, Texas, spoke on the
financial question and advocated the
provisions of the bill he introduced
a few weeks ago, in which he pro-
poses to gradually return to specie
payment by retirement of legal ten
llers until there shall only be Suffi-
cent number to make them worth
par.
Mr.. Ward, n. Y, also made a
speech upon the financieS reviewing
lat length the history of financial leg
islation since the commence of the
late war. He advocated, as reme-
sdy for existing evils, the purchase
land cancellation of legal tenders to
1.-THE amount Of at least million dol
lars per month, and would compel
involuntary contraction if it could
mot be brought about otherwise. The
people had no hope of relief unless
some definite financial policy should
be adopted. There would be no effort
at new enterprise until this done, and
he believed in gradual contraction,
and cared not hOw'gradual if it would
SinSpire confidence. If the majority
of this House would retain power it
Unjust speedily adopt some policy. If
1.-THE party leaders, do not act the peo-
8ple will themselves lead.
n Mr.. Campbell, ILL.,, also gave his
Views of the financial situation.
n Mr.. Mills, Texas, thought the fin
.ancial and currency question a most
Important one but there was another
Question as important, and that was
the evils that resulted under the
charming but delusive name Of ''Pro-
tection." His speech was Devoted to
an argument to show that the best
interests of the country demanded
tariff for revenue only.
The House then at 4.30 p. m. adj
j0urned.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3l.-Mr
Sherman presented petition in
favor of the repeal of the two
! cent check stamp tax referred to
] committee on finance.
4 Mr.. Windem presented a reso-
luton Of the MINNESOTA Legisla-
ture, in favor of the relief Of set
tiers living on the Northern Pa
ciffc railroad extension referred
to committee on public lands.
Mr.. West presented petition
in favor ofthe Texer Pacific rail-
road referred to committee on
railroads. &se
Mr.. Mcmillan introduced bill
to exempt all vessels engaged in
the Mississippi river and its trib-
utaries above New Orleans from
entrances and clearances ;irefefred
to committee On commerce.
Mr.. COnover introduced bill
granting the right of way through
the public lands to the Saint John