The Portland daily press., 1876-07-26
Forty Fourth Congress-First Session.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON. ID. c., july %
Mr.. Gordon introduced bill to establish
non-partisan revenue corps of civil service
Mr.. Hamlin called up the bill to amend GER
tain sections OF the postoffice appropriation
bill of June 23d, 1864, and section 1854 of the
Revised Statutes in regard to straw bids Pass
ed.
Legislative business was suspended and the
impeachment taken up
Mr.. Carpenter by unanimous consent was
permitted to stand at the desk occupied by him
when he was senator that he might be better
heard while delivering his argument in behalf
of the defence He said the importance of this
cause not only to the respondent but to every
man who has filled or may hereafter fill fed
eral office, would secure to him a patient hear
ing. They were holding in their hands the
reputation and character of the man at the bar
and no more solemn duty could be imposed up
on them. Mr. Carpenter then referred to the
duty of lawyers to their clients and discussed
the question of jurisdiction, stating that he
would maintain that the order of the Senate
holding the articles of impeachment wers suffi-
Gent in law was erroneous and he would show
it to the satisfaction of every lawyer in the
chamber. He argued that it was common all
over the civilized world for courts to reverse
their decisions and read from the 32d chapter
of Exodus to show that the Almighty after the
prayer of Moses reversed His Judgment and
forgave the people OF Israel Continuing his
argument Mr.. Carpenter said it was fortunate
for the reputation of Moses that no newspaper
press existed in that day, for some of his sug-
gestions would have been construed as disre.
spectful to the Almighty. He then referred to
the services of Belknap in the field and said it
was at Shiloh when face to face with General
Beauregard's army that General. Grant first saw
him.
Before Mr.. Carpenter concluded his argu-
ment the Senate at 415 sitting as court ad-
iourned till tomorrow.
Legislative business was resumed and Mr.
Wright moved to take up the House bill for the
payment of claims awarded by the southern
claims commission.
Pending discussion Mr.. Boutwell, introduced
bill to amend sections 731 and $40 of the Re-
vised Statutes in regard to conspiracy Refer
red to the ommittee on judiciary.
MIR. Edmuuds gave notice he would press the
motion to refer the House bill in regard to the
Pacific railroad to the committee. on judiciary
at the earliest opportunity.
Mr.. Wright withdrew his motion to take up
the southern claims bill at the request of Mr..
Allison who moved to take up the river and
harbor appropriation, but before reaching
vote on the motion, the Senate at 440 adjourn
ed,
HOUSE.
Mr.. Cox asked leave to offer a resolution to
be referred to the Committee on Rules, giving
to any committee charged with the investiga-
ton into the conduct of any officer of the gov
ern ment leave to report at any time,
Mr.. Wilson of Iowa objected
The bill reported Thursday by Mr.. Bland
from the Committee on Mining, to utilize the
product of gold and silver mines, came up for
consideration and the imorning hour expired in
debating point of order thereon.
On motion of Mr.. Whitshorne, chairman of
the committee on naval affairs, it was ordered
by unanimous consent that the majority and
minority report of that committee shall be pre-
sented tomorrow and ordered printed and that
Friday next be assigned for their consideration
n q nf oil htrcip s;x
to be given to debate and to be equally diYid-
ed.
Mr.. Lawrence of Ohio offered resolution
instructing the committee on public lands to
ascertain and report what legislation, if any, is
necessary to secure to actual settlers the right
to purchase as under the presumption laws at
the price of 81. % an acre the lands granted to
the Pacific railroad companies. Adopted.
The House at 2.15 took up the Virginia con-
tested election case, but before coming to any
action the floor was yielded to Mr.. Lamar. who
rose to personal explanation and quoted
from communication in the Washington Re-
publican charging him with having made
speeches at Aberdeen and Scooha totally at
variance with the speeches he had made at
Jackson.
The communication stated that he had in
these speeches spoken in laudatory manner
of the white line" policy.
Mr.. Wells of Mississippi said he had heard
Mr.. Lamar's speech at Holy Spring, in which
speecu Ne INVOKED Ipe people to throw aside all
prejudice of race and to seize the government
jointly and administer it in the interests of the
public welfare.
Mr.. Lamar in conclusion apologzed to the
House and said he would not have brought the
matter to its attention on his own account and
had only done so on account of the interests
that were struck at through him.
The discussion of the contested election case
was resumed but not finished.
Mr.. Garfield of Illinois presented resolu-
ton OF the Chicago board of trade reciting that
Congress by reason of inadequate appropria-
tons had crippled the Postofiee Department
and urgently requesting Congress at once to SO
ieglslate at to provide for the continuance of
fast mails.
After discussion the resolution was referred
to the committee on postoffices.
Mr.. Hurlbut, from the committee on military
affairs, reported back resolution directing the
Secretary of War not to issue to the north
western Indians special patent cartridges
which are required for arms used by them.
Adopted.
The House at SIS adjourned, after which it
was announced Democratic caucus would be
held on Thursday evening next