The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-01-27
FORTY-F0URTH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, January 26.
SENATE.

The Chair laid before the Senate a CON-
munication from the Secretary Of the
Treasury IN response to tie resolution OF
the Goth inst, report ofthe action taken
in regard to the collection of the money
due the United States by the Pacific
Railroad Company. Ordered printed and
laid on the table.
Mr.. West presented a memorial sign
|. ed by several members of the State Senate
of Louisiana in reference to the creden.
tians of Eustis, claiming seat as United
States Senator from that State. Mr..
West said he presented the memorial in
behalf of Eustis and asked that it be re-
ferred to the Committee on Privileges
and Elections. Ordered printed.
Mr.. Howe from the Judiciary Com
mittee reported favorably on the House
bill, to amend the revised statutes of the
United States relating to naturalization.
Passed
Mr.. Morrill,, from the Committee on
Appropriation reported with amend-
ment House joint resolution directing
the Commissioners of the District Of
Columbia to pay interest on 3.65 bonds
under act of June 10th, 1874. Placed
on the calender.
Mr.. Morrill, gave notice he would call
up the joint resolution tomorrow Tor ac-
ton, as it was necessary that the appro-
priation should be made before the end
of this month, in order to meet the OBJ
legation of the government falling due
tia 6rst of February
Mr.. Cameron, of Pennsylvania, from
the Committee on Foreign Affairs called
up House joint resolution authorizing
G.. Harris Herpe, United States Consul at
Tunis to accept the trust of the Com
mission to the Centennial exhibition Of
the Bev of Tunis. He submitted an
amendment providing that during his
absence from his post he shall receive no
compensation from the United States,
which was agreed to and the bill passed
Us amended.
The morning hour having expired the
Chair laid before the Senate the untinish-
ed business, it being hill to confirm the
Presumption and Homestead Entries
OF Public Lands.
within the limits Of railroad grants, in
cases where such entries have been made
under the regulations Of the Land De-
partment.
Mr. Christiancy moved that the bill be
referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Bogy said Congress might pas,
this bill to enable these settlers to get
their lands, but the railroad companies
would contest their rights and be sue
cessfu ili ou:tlng them. He believed law
could be framed to avoid all this, and as
friend to the bill he hoped it would
be referred to tho Judiciary Committee
To be- perfected.
Mr.. Sherman said this was conflict
between the railroad grants and the
grants made to pre- .emption and home
stead settlers, and it effected millions OF
people in the western states. He had
heard complaints growing out of doubts
as to the rights OF settlers. The most
marked case he knew WAS one which
occurred in Iowa, where great number
of settlers were deprived OF their homes
without shadow of Justice.
He was in favor Of giving to settlers
A patent o: the United States where
their claims were in pursuance of the
pre.emption and homestead law. Con-
gress never intended that the railroad
companies should have title to any
land rish,fully bcld by settlers. He
thought this bill was an assumption OF
the power OF Congress, and Congress had
power to protect the rights OF those
claimants who acquired claims under the
authority of law. 1t would be delaying
simple act of justice to refer this bill to
the Judiciary Committee.
The debate was carried on at consider.
able length, and finally Mr.. Christianey :
motion to refer to the Judiciary Commit
tee was rejected.
Mr.. Howe submitted an amendment
providing that nothing in the act shall
be construed to affect the title which the
State of Wisconsin or It's assignees may
have to lands granted to that State to aid
in the construction of railroads In the
State by the act of June Sd, 1856, and
with an amendstory act.
Pending the discussion of Mr.. Howe
the Senate proceeded to consider execu-
tive bus.n S..
House bill relative to the centennial
celebration Of American independence
WAS referred to the Committee on Ap.
preparations. =.
The Senate then won't into executive
session and soon after adjourned.