Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-01-28

The leading feature of the proceedings
in the House during the past week has
been the discussion on the Centennial APP
preparation bill, and several notable
speeches have been made on this subject.
One of the best of them was that of Mr..
Townsend of New York, a new member,
aud yet one of the oldest men in the House.
He spoke in favor of the bill, and took oe-
casien in the course of his remarks, which
were spiced with anecdotes and humor, to
tell some plain truths 10 those who were
engaged in the rebellion, while he made
ridiculous those who have again begun TO
talk of Slate rights aud the Virginia reso-
lutions Of '9S. No one could object to what
he so pleasantly and humorously said, yet
his speech was terrible arraignment of
the Democratic speeches of the last few
days. On the same day Gen. Banks made
a strong speech in favor of the bill.
On Tuesday of this week the House
amended the appropriation bill in such a
way as 10 efiectually prevent the Phiadel-
phians from pro6ting by it, and then PASS
ed it at late hour by vote of LAG yeas
against $50 nays, only l6 majority on full
vote. The snallness of this majority great
ly surprised and disappointed the friends
Of the measure. An analysis OF tho vote
shows that there were "a affirmative votes
from the South, of which II were Republic
cans, the great majority of the Southern
Democrats voting solidly against the bill.
Conspicuous exceptions were Lamar and
Ben Hill, The latter. had an opportunity
offered, would have advocated the bill.
The bill may be further amended in the
Senate 10 secure the proper expenditure of
the large sum appropriated, but it will I'M
doubleday become law.
On Friday eulogies on the late Vice
President Wilson were delivered in both
houses; in the Senate by Messrs. Dawes
aud Boutwell, of Massachusetts, Cameron
of Pennsylvania, Cragin Of New Hamp-
| shire, Morrill, Of Vermont, and Anthony OF
Rhode Island, and in the House by Messrs.
| Warren, Harris and Banks Of Massachu-
sets, Kelley and Clymor of Pennsylya-
mia, Knott of Kentucky, Kasson of Iowa,
Lynch of mississippi, Hurlburt of Illinois,
Lawrence of Ohio, Lapham of New York,
Rogan of Texas, Joyce of Vermont, and
Blair of New Hampshire.
| The President, on Friday, sent to the
House, in response to its request, the cor
respondenee on the Cuban question. The
documents are very voluminous, but add
comparatively little to the previous stock
of information. They show that our gov
eminent has not made any rash demand;
upon Spain, and that no attempt is being
made, as has been charged, to force a wal
with that country.
A memorial has been addressed to Con
gress signed ostensibly by Eliza Snow
Brigham Young's favorite wife, and %, 60
other women of Utah. 1t appeals "for pro
lection against those cruel and oppressive
measures which have shorn our gloriou!
Constitution of its efficacy, and us of every
protection but the overruling power o
God" and prays Congress not to sanction
any bill "that shall in any way conflict O
interfere with belief in, aud practice OF
plural marriage as 1t is practlsed by many
of the citizens of Utah." 1t is believed tina
many of the signatures are frauds, and tina
a large proportion of the rest were obtain
ed by fraudulent means.
There has probably never been a session
of Congress when the House has been s
far behind in its regular work as now. TIL
Democrats have made bad beginning O
their WORK in all respects.