The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-11-03
Our Washington Letter.

Congressional De1ay-TheL LOus
fsiana Case-BilIs Introduced
for ReInOnetizing SiIver-NEis-
cellaneOus Topics.
WASHINGTON, D. G., Oct. 25, 1877.
EDITOR CHIEF:
The business imperatively demand.
ing an extra session of Congress is
still waiting Mr.. Randall's appoint
ment of the Committees, that the
message may be appropriately refer
red. He, in turn, it is intimated, has
delayed their announcement, hoping
that some definite indication of the
purpose of Congress relative to the
length of she session might be affor-
ded to guide him as to the nunber of
the standing committees necessary to
name at this time /; as, if it is decided
to restrict legislation to the matters
suggested by the President, only a
few need be designated, allowing
more leisure in the selection Of the
balance. AS more light is needed be-
fore determining the justice of paying
the Army, Navy, and officers and
creditors of the United States Courts
the arrears now due, two members
moved the adjournment of Congress
that their members might prepare
themselves for the final vote by at
tending horse race at Baltimore. IF
the seductive influences of the rat-pit
or an impromptu bull-fght are not
brought to bear to lengthen their
stay in the monumental city, it is
thought quorum may be in attend
ance tomorrow to resume business.
Mr.. kellogg was present with one
of his eounsel-Mr. Schellabarger-
before the Committee on Privileges
and Elections yesterday and the lat
ter consumed about all the time of the
session in a presentation of his clients
case, Mr.. Spofford being invited to
make his argument to-day. Mr.. Spot
ford relies mainly, it is said, on the
Presidents recognition of the Mich
OILS government as destroying what
ever rights Kellogg had previously
acquired, aud to make valid his own
title. From the solid Republican vote
in favor of sending both of the Demo-
cratic claimants-Spofford and Eus-
tis-to the committee, the Republican
contestants from Louisiana and South
Carolina argue that their cases will be
decided without any reference to the
recognition of either Nichols or
Hampton.
In the House, since the opening
hour of the session, Clerk Adams
successful attempt to deprive Color
ado of representation has been the
leading matter of discussion, in con-
nection with his rulings relative to
other contested seats.
Mr.. Bakers bill, just introduced,
provides for the reconciliation of the
silver dollar, a4l25 grains weight,
standard silver, to be legal tender
for all debts, public and private; it
authorizes the issue of treasury notes
similar to greenbacks, redeemable in
silver on presentation, and receivable
for taxes due the United States, and
also exchangeable for silver bullion,
at the rate of one dollar for every
48O grains fine silver. Senator In.
gals has also introduced a remoneti
cation bill, BY the proyisionsOf which
the silver dollar is made legal ten
der for all public and private debts,
save those specially contracted to be
paid in gold. Other members, am
bilious of distinction as financiers,
have indicated their purpose to fol-
low suit, and others still are said to
be preparing measures having for
their object the repeal of the act des-
ignating the lst of January, 1879, as
the date of resumption.
The long delay in getting at work
on the deficiency bills has diminished
the chances of an early adjournment,
and almost every one appears to have
settled down to the belief that there
will be but very short interval be-
tween the expiration of the present
and the beginning of the legular ses-
sion.
1t has leaked out that while the
spirit of the informal gathering of