Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-01-14
FORTY-FOURTH CONGREs,--FIRsT
SESSION.
HOUSE.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6. - Mr. Randall, Of
Pennsylvania, from the committee on ap-
preparations, reported a resolution instruct
ing the committee on military affairs 10
take into immediate consideration the pay
and allowances OF all the officers OF the
army, and to report whether in any, and it
so in what, cases such pay and allowances
should be reduced. ln connection with it
he said that while the comIaittee on appro-
priatIons desired to make reductions as tar
as possible, but Yet with entire Justice, to
the army and all other branches OF the gov
ernment, 1t was not Its desire to interfere in
any way wit: the business which the other
committees OF the House NAV have betor.
them. lie therefore could say that when
ever the committee on appropriations de-
sired to reduce the number of enpiOyes, or
change their pay. 1t would do 80 only after
the fullest conference with the committee
which had the special charge OF the sub
iect. The resolution was agreed To
Mr. Hopkins, of Pennsylvania, from
the select committee on Centennial cele-
bration. reported Il bill appropriating
81 800 900 TO complete the centennial
buildings and other preparations for the
celebration one-thiri of the amount to b5
paid Immediately and the remainder 10.
four monthly lnstallmeats, provided that
the government shall not be liable to any
debt or obligation IN cOnneetiun VITA the
celebration. or for any additional payment
The bill was referred to the committee vi
the whole on the state ul the union
Mr.. New. of Indiana, offered II resJlu-
ton declaring that the lrAiernal feeling and
good will now existing in all sections OF
the country, and the manifest deposition
a Of IA
each other in the late civil war u ION
hands as one people in the future. l. 4 most
auspiciOus ushering in OF the centennial
year, and that while the people are thus
making an honest effort 20 live together IN
peace and to uphold the same hAs OF an
undivided country. their representatives, in
Congress should do no act which would
unnecessarily disturb the patriotic concord
now existing and Increasing. nor wgntOnly
revive bitter memories OF the past. lie in
sisted on having vO:e taken by yeas and
nays. and 1t was accordingly 80 taken and
resulted n the resolution being unanimous
ly adOpted-yeas l9S, nays none.
Mr.. Oliver OF Iowa, proposed an amend
ment to the constitution to elect the PresI
dent. Vice President and Senators by Iii
rect vote OF the people.
Mr.. Blaine. of Maine. asked Mr. Randall
whether he desired = ing the House to 4
vote on his anne sl on Monday next
Mr.. Randall re ,ndt he dld Mr.
Blaine then said q! a substitute 10 offer
for it. which b ed 70 have reat and OF-
nered printed. Ine substitute wa read, a
follows That all persons now under the
disabilities imposed by the lirh amendment
ot the constitution Of the United State.
with the exception of jefferson Davis. late
president OF the SPECIALIZED Confederate STATES.
shall be relieved of such dIsabillties upon
their appearing before any Judge OF
United States court, and taking and sub
scrlblnG IN open court the following oath
70 be duly attested and recorded VIZ, Il.
\ or u. do soiemDly swear Cor athrml that
| Will support and defend the constitution
of the United State against all enemies.
iOreign and domestic; that | will bear true
ialth aud allegiance To the same that |
take this obligation freely, without any
mental reservation or purpose OF evasion.
and that to the best OF my knowledge and
ability | will faithfully discharge the duties
of a citizen of the United States"
Mr. Ford. of Illinois, tried To offer res
olutiOn declaring that in consideration OF
the resolution just adopted. wounded union
soldiers ought not to be removed from posi-
tions in the House which they might he
qualified to I'LL; bat the speaker ruled tha5
he had not the floor for that purpo-e