The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-01-14
CONGRESS.

By Mr. White (Democrat) of Ky. to re-
duce the salaries of public officials exceed
ing 81 800, twenty per cent, He moved
the previous question en- its passage.
Mr. kasson. OF Iowa, Re publican, sug
gestei that though the motive of the bill
was excellent and its object admirable it
seemed to violate the constitution az it is
involved supreme judges aud president;
he therefore thought it should be referred
to some committee, The previous ques
ton was not seconded and the bill was re-
ierred to committee on appropriations.
The speaker then called for private bills
and only one was presented.
Mr. Morrison, of His, (Democrat) from
the committee on ways and means, report
ed back the resolution directing the sever
al committees to inquire into any errors,
abuses or frauds that may exist in the ad-
ministration and the execution Of existing
laws; the investigation to cover such per-
iods in the past as the committee may
deem necessarily. Adopted.
From the committee on public lands,
bill allowing the preemptlon or homestead
settlements on the Fort Kearney military
reservation in Nebraska.
Mr.. Holman moved to strike out tie
word ''preemption' wherever it occurs in
the bill SO as to leave the lands open 20
homestead settlers only. He said
preemption was exceedingly favor
able to spectators and against the rights
of bona fde settlers,
Mr.. Crounse. of Nebraska, (Republicanl
said he had no objection to the amendment,
which was adopted and the bill passed,
Mr.. Knott, Ky. (Democratl reported
back the amnesty bill, which read as fol
lows;
That all disabilities imposed and re-
manning on every person by virtue Of the
third section of the fourteenth article IF
amendments to the constitution Of the
United States be and are hereby removed
and each and every person is, and shall be
forever relieved theretrom on his appeal
ing before judge of any court of the UEi,-
ed States, or Gf any court of record in the
state of which he is resident, and taking
and subscribing the following oath, to he
duly attested and recorded"
4 A. b. do solemnly swear Tor affirm
that / will support and defend the constl
tuition of the United States against all enc
mics, foreign and domestic; that | will
bear true faith and allegiance to the same,
aud obey all laws M de in pursuance there
Of; and that take this obligation freely
aud without any mental reservation or pur
pose Of evasion.
Mr.. Knott moved the previous question
or the passage of the bill.
Mr.. McCrary, of Iowa, iRepublican)
member Of the judiciary committee, asked
Mr. Kuott chairman of that committee,
to yield him the floor for moment.
Mr.. Knott rerlied that it would afford
him pleasure to yi4ld hissto colleague anG
other gen ;,neu on each side OF the house
but he felt that neither the peace Of thu
country or the harmony If the house IT
quired any further discussion of the pro
position.
Mr.. Frye, of Maine, (Republicanl, al
member of the judiciary co mmlttee, asket
Mr.. Knott, to premit him to ask singh
} question. Sevela Democrats objected.
Mr.. Cox said: I'VE have had enough
talk"
Mr.. Blaine, Will the gentlemen allow mt
without one word of debate. to have let
ter read?
Messrs. Cox, Randall, and several othe
Democrats objected.
Mr. knott. | cannot consent to op,
debate to all. l insist on the previous
question.
Mr. Blaine. / want distinct unde,
= More shouts of order from the Democra
tic side.
= the previous question was seconded an
the main question ordered Yeas. 1888; nays
, 81
,, Mr.. Frye. | simply desire to asl
whether the Republican minority on th
: judiciary committee concurred in this re
port.
Mr. Cox, (yociferously) call the gentl:
man TO order Maine is always out c
order Laughter.
E Mr.. Blaine | understand the gentle
j man from Ky. decl nes either to admit c
to allow debate. Loud calls for order 0
the Democratic side
S NJ Randall Tin tone of remonstrance
!; You know better than TO do this,
II Mr., Cox, (somewhat more apgriiy) 70
, have been i'll the chair yourself and ough
II to know better.
;, Mr.. Se.ley, Of Mass (Independen
IL called attention to the iaults of gramm;
y 10 the construction Of the bill, the phras
q each ard every person being tle>tad as
c the plural Instead of the singular Gas
y The error was ordered corrected.
: The house then voted on the passage
It he bill, and the vote presente: yeas Is
y nays 81 The REQUESTED two thirds d
voting in favor Of the bin it was rejecte
There was much interest manifested !
the call of the roll proceeded. RerubI
cans brought their influence to bear I
'e some of the members of their party, VII
had voted aye on the proceeding vot
either to vote in the negative or to refra
from voting.