The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-11-14
FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
WAsHINaToS, November l3.
SENATE.

During the morning hour number OF
bills were introduced and referred TO ap.
propriste committees, among them the
following:
By Mr.. McDonald-In relation to dis
tilling and rectiiying spirits.
By Mr.. Garlsnd-To authorize the
election of delegate to Congress from
Indian territory.
Mr.. Booth, chairman of the Committee
on Patents, was, on request, excused from
further service on that committee.
He also submitted q resolution calling
upon the President to inform the Senate
of the cause of the Nez Perces war, the
number of Indians and soldiers engaged
therein, and the number or lost the cost
of the war, and what disposition had
been made of Joseph and those who sur
render with him. Agreed to.
House bill making an appropriation
for the support Of the army for the fiscal
year ending June 80, 1878, was read by
its title and referred.
Mr.. Hamlin, from the Committee on
Foreign Relations, reported Senate reso'
luton authorizing the appointment of
committee to ascertain upon what terms
reciprocal treaty OF commerce with
Mexico can be arranged, and moved Its
reference to the Committee on Finance.
1t was so ordered.
In reporting back the resolution Mr..
Hrmlin said the committee WAS impressed
with grave doubts on the subiec, The
negotiation of treaties belonged to the
Executive branch of the government,
and besides, resolution looking to the
raising of revenue and such matters must
originate in the House.
By Mr.. Dorsey-To authorize the con-
structon of q bridge across the Missis-
sippi river at Memphis; also, making sp-
preparations for the improvement Of the
Arkansas river by the removal of the
bar opposite Fort Smith.
By Mr.. Cameron, of Wisconsin-TO
aid the Winnebago Indians OF Wiscon-
sin TO obtain subsistence by agricultural
pursuits aud to promote their civiliza-
tion.
At the expiration OF the morning hour
Mr.. Chatiee called up the resoluti III sub.
lnitted by him last week, in regard to
the management Of the Pacific railroad,
and spoke at length IN regard to the sub.
ject thereto.
Mr.. Chaffee in the course of his ad-
dress, said he asked attention to this sub
iect thus early in the session became q
long continued failure and refusal of
some of the companies to operate their
la n ~ nt
tior, wrought almost incalcuisDle damage
and loss to the people and government.
In his judgment, the hardship 1t inflicted
WAS greater than would be eutslled by
the entire loss of all the bonds loaned 10
the several companies. The law requlr-
ed thtt the msln line and branches
should be operated MS one connected CON
tlnuous line The intention was not that
the main line should grow rich at the
expense of the branches. That four or
more men controlling four great trunk
lines of the railroad between the Atlantic
seaDoard and the Mississippi and Mis-
souri, valleys had the power to mark up
or down the price which millions OF our
western farmers would realize tor their
products and this uncertainty dependent
ON TRANSPORTATION was one OF the causes Of
the great depression in the west. The
unjust and dlscr rmiuating rates were
severely felt, especially by the people of
ColoraGo Kansas, Missouri and all the
States south OF the Onio river.
At the close OF his remarks Mr. Chatiee
asked the present consideration OF the
resolution.
MIR. Saunders sent TO the clerk's desk
and had read telegram IRON A j.
Pappleton, attorney for the Unioa Pacific
railroad, stating that the question whether
the Kansas Pacific, DsLvor Pacific uud
B .rlington and Mis,uri river roads were
and what their rights were, WAS
now pending before Judge Dion
and the decision might be expected
in few days, and 1prtssing
hope that there would be 10 legislation
until after the decision should be made
Mr.. Saunders said ne desired to address
the Senate in regard to this resolution
out WAS not prepared to-day.
MIR. Chatfee then yielded and the reso-
luton was laid over Tor the present.
Mr.. DAVIS gave notice that Oh Thurs
day next he would submit some remarks
In explanation OF the resolution IN regard
10 the alleged discrepancies in the books
OF the treasury department.
The Senate went into executive session
and when the doors were opened ad-
journed.