Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-02-03
FOrty-F0urth Congress- First Session.
SENATE.

Washington February 9
TIE chair laid before the Senate the unfinished
business, being the House joint resolution direct
ing the commissioners of the District of Columbia
to pay the interest on the bonds issued in pursu-
ance Of the act of Congress, approved June 20,
1874, out OF any funds 10 the L nited States Treas
uIy subject to a requsitlon of said commissioners
the pending question being on the amendment Of
Mr. Herman. submitted yesterday, DIVIDING that
any further Issue Of 1868 bonds under or by virtue
of said act of Congress, approved June 20, 1874
is hereby prohibited.
Mr. Sargent spoke at length in defence of the
board Of public works of the District, anil deGed
any Senator whether member of the nvestga-
ting committee or not, to show where any member
of that board accepted btibe.
The state nent of Mr.. Bayard yesterday to the
effect that he had been informed that the fees of
the counsel for Shepherd and others had been paid
in 3 Is bonds was reckless. By little exsmina-
ten the Senator could have seen that the board of
audit had all to do with issuing these bonds and
not the old city government.
Mr. Morton SAID he had the authority Of one of
the District Commissioners for the statement that
the court never passed upon entertained any
claims for the payment Of counsel fees for Shop
herd or any of the expenses of that investigation
and further that they never authorized the pay
nent Of any money 10 any newspaper for publish
ing the testimony taken by that commission.
Mr.. herman agreed that the proposition now
before the Senate simply to carry out pledges
of the government by the payment of this inter-
est.
Mr. Chlistancey said that as matter of justice,
equity and law between holders of these bonds
and the government of the nitcd States, the
government was bound to make good It's guaran
teed. He in favor OF putting a stop 10 any
further issue of them.
After further discussion Mr. Edmands gave no.
tice that at the proper time he would submit an
amendment that there shall be no increase in the
present amount Of total indebtedness Of the Dis
trict.
The Senate then adjourned.
IloUsE.
Mr. O Brien of Nd. offered a resolution instruct
inc the committee Foreign Affairs to inquire
into the expedency of requesting the President To
negotiate a commercial treaty between the United
states and France, placing citizens Of the United
States on as favorable footing as the citizens of
the most favored nations in respect to duties and
charges imposed on imports with the republic OF
France. Adopted.
The House took up the bill reported yesterday
from the committee on Public Lands, providing
for the sale of Kansas Indian lands in Kansas 10
actual settlers. After discussion the bill was
passed.
| Mr.. McCreary of Ia, from the Judiciary com
mittee, reported bill to reorganze the Judiciary
| of the United States, and it was made special
order for Wednesday, February 10.
| The bill provides for circuit court in each jul
dicial list and establishes in each circuit court
of appeals which is to have appellate jurisdiction
of cases arising in the courts within such circuits.
Terms of courts of appeals are TO be held in Bos-
| ton, Albany, Philadelphia, Richmond, Louisville,
Chicago, ST. Louis and San Francisco. The de-
cisions of these courts of appeals to be final and
| conclusive but review upon the law may be had
on writ of error On appeal to the United States
court, where the matter in controversy exceeds
the sum or value of 100000 or where adjudication