Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-01-19
F0r,y.FOurth Congress First Ses sion
SENATE.
Nro.L Ian,,au

in regard to the books kept by the Indian agents.
Ordered printed.
Mr. Thurman presented the credentials Of j. B.
Eustis claiming a seat in the Senate as Senator
from La, which he sent to the clerks desk and
had read.
The document consisted of lengthy extracts of
the proceedings Of the La legislature, and before
the reading finished Mr.Conkling inquired
"W no certified to these papers :"
Mr.. Dorsey submitted resolution instructng
the committee on Post Offices and Post Roads to
inquire and report whether the restoration OF the
franking privilege would increase the cost of mail
service and TO what extent, and if il is expedent
to restore the same. Agreed to.
The Chair submitted report from the Com
missioners of the Freedmens Savings and Trust
Co., in answer to the resolution calling for the
same Ordered printed and to lie ON the table.
Mr.. Edmunds submitted a resolution requesting
the President to communicate to the Senate, if
not incompatible with the public, any correspon-
dence with regard to the centennial exhibition.
Agreed to.
Mr.. Cragin called up bill to secure attendance
ard payment of witnesses before military courts.
lie submitted an amendment giving to every court
martial the same power to punish witness for
refusing to testify as that now held by the Circuit
courts of the L. S; provided that the action Of
such court martial shall be subject to revision OF
wri,s Of habeas corpus by any Circuit or District
court Of the |. S.
Mr.. Whyte of Md, said that the amendme Mt
should 90 to some committee for examination.
Hlcf ule present Jaw Inc court martial nau power
to commit witness who was in the service for
the time exceeding two months.
MIR. Cragin said that his amendment applied to
civilians only
Mr.. Whyte said that be would not give q court
martial power over civilian that it had over one
in the military or naval service He moved to
ame nd the ane ndment, that no Imprisonment
imposed such civilian for contempt, shall con-
tinue for more than two months.
After some discussion he modified the amend
ment to provide that such imprisonment shall
not be fer longer time than that imposed on a
soldier or a sailor for the same ofense.
The amendment as amended by Mr.. Whyte was
agreed to- and the bill amended was passed.
Mr.. Mitchell of Oregon, from the Railroad COM
mittee reported without amendment the Senate
bill, extending the time for the completion of the
Oregon Central railroad and telegraph line from
Portland to Astonis aud McManville in the State
Of Oregon.
The calender of the morning hour having ex-
pred the Senate resumed the consideration OF
resolutions submitted by Mr.. Davis Of West Va,
on Wednesday, to appoint special committee to
investigate the books and accounts OF the Treas
ury Department.
| Pending the discussion, the Senate at AIS P.
| NJ. adjourned.
Mr. Knott, from the Judiciary committee, pro-
posed an amendment to the constitution as fol-
/ lows
No person who has or who may hereafter hold
tie Office of Pre.lden. shall ever aga IN be eligible
| to said office.
! 1t was made special order for Tuesday next.
{ Mr.. FRYE Ct Me. on behalf of the minority OF
! the committee gave notice that he would offer a
/ substitute.
Mr. Ashe of y. c. from the same committee,
reported bill to amend the revised statutes in re-
latiou TO naturalization. 1t provides that the IN
tention to become a citizen of the [. ). may be
made before clerk of the court, such declaration
to be legal and valid. He explained that the OBJ
iect OF the bill was to restore the law to what it
before the printing of the revised statutes, in
omitted. The bill was passed.
! Mr.. Asbe also reported q bill to amend section
1869, relating to the clause for abandoned prop
erty Il authorizes the court OF claims TO take u-
rsdiction Of claims of al persons who were IN
iauts, married women, idiots, lunatics persons
WHO were beyond the seas at the time CT seizure
of any abandoned or captured property. provided
tina, such claims are already GA file within two
years.
Nj. Lawrence of O. made the point of order
hat the biz must frs, be considered in committee
of whole. Point was sustained a1d the bill 20
T. ferrei.
+ BY Mr.. Backnor of Mo-To provide an elective
Government for the District OF Columbia.
| By Mr.. Oliver of In To reduce the interest
bearing or public debt 10 provide for uniform
currency, Limit The amount thereof and make it
/ equal in value to specie. Also TO invite a Joint
convention Of all civilized nations for the purpose
OF establishing uniform system OF weights,
measures and coinage throughout the civilized
world.
/ The House at 3 O'Clock went into committee Of
the whole on the state OF the Union. Mr.. Wood
OF y. " in the chair.
Mr.. Sharklcy of Pa, offered amendment
that the entrance to the Centennial buildings and
grounds shall be free on the ilh OF July. and on
Thursday of each week.
After considerable discussion the committee
rose without taking any action on the bill.
| Mr.. W illiams OF Wis., introduced proposed
amendment to the constitution i'll relation 10
schools. Referred.
The House at ) o'clock adjourned.