Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1877-12-04
EORTE-FIFTH CONC RESS.
TUESDAY. December 4.

THE SENATE was not i'm session today.
Hot SE.-Mr. Price offered a preamble and
resolution reciting that il was alleged that
joint rule number 10 (which prohibits the sale
of liquors i'm the Capitol building) was hahitu-
ally violated. and directing the officers of the
House To see To th, enforcement OF the rule.
In connection witlt the resolution. Mr.. Price
had read a letter addressed to him on this sub.
ject, and earnestly calling attention 10 the
scandal arising from the sale of liquor.
The speaker said he had always held that
the Joint rules were still in force. but the Sen
ate held otherwise IT, connection with this
subject. however. he desired To say thai hith-
eTtO the Speaker had dcSigHated the OccuDan MT
of the House restaurant. The present speak
ers immediate predecessor had however,
turned that matter over Ia the committee ON
public buildings and grounds. and the Speaker
was not disposed to change that practice
That committee had appointed two men to
take charge Of the restaurant. and il was slip
Mlated in the contract That no liquors of any
description were to- be sold At the last session
insisted that no liquor should be either sold or
given away in the House end of fine Capt.
tot In fact. the speaker would much
rather have liquors sold openly than
elandeStinely. Having hsd this object called
To his attention. the Speaker consulted with
ths chairman Of the committee on public
buildings and grounds. MisO called tire uccu-
pants cf the restaurant before him and told
them that unless they ceased the sale OF all de-
ScTiptiOnS of liquors. their contract would he
initiated. The chair had also called the restaU-
rant keepers before him. and when he object
ell Ia the sale of liquors they informed him
that the joint rules were not in force. They
added that lquOr was sold at the other end ~
The Capitol. and that if they were prohibited il
would be a discrimination against them. The
Speaker had consulted on the subject with the
Vice President. who had given assurance that
no liquors should be sold la the Senate end of
the Capitol and the speaker and Vice PreSi-
dent would make every effort to prevent it. If
tie gentleman from Iowa. or any other gentle
saan. could see any sure way of preventing the
abuse, the Speaker would thank them to SIIg-
geSt II. tie had directed the captain of the
capitol police 10 report any violation of the
rule IN the House restaurant. The Speaker
would add that he had not the least objection
10 the adoption of the resolution.
MIR. Price said II was the fuItheSt from his
Intention To- reflect upOn the speaker or upen
any other officer Of the House. He knew that
The present occupant ot the chair had made
every effort tc suppress this traffic. but he de
sAred an expression of the House on the sub
ject.
Mr. wadden hoped the resolution would be
Nifhdrawn- aS II was manifest tadt the Speaker
mas done his duty in the matter. He thought
NJ could say that II was matter al cOngratu-
fion on the democratic side that while the
Speaker and the Vice President had not been
able tO agree upon the construction Of the
joint rules in the election of a President. they
have been able to agree on the subject OF
whisky in the Capitol. lLaUrhter.l
Mr.. Cock desired to say that the committee
an public buildings and grounds had made
ami would continue To make, every effort 10
prevent violation of the rule.
Mr.. Springer moved TO refer the resolution
to the committee on public buildings and
grounds.
The speaker said lie had not the least Objcc
fiOn To its passage.
Mr.. Price hoped there would Ne square
vote on The resolution without a reference
The officers of the House were all in sympathy
with il.
The resolution was adopted.
By unauim0uS consent q large number of
hills Were introduced for reference and
among the most important We're the follow
ing: By Mr.. TcwnShcnd tlHl-TO amend the
Revised statutes in relation e. the regulation
at commerce Ivy railroads between the states.
BY Mr.. Durham-COnCurreut resolution for
adjournment of the two houses of Congress
from December -. lsIs. tO January IL. lS1S:
referred To- ways and means committee. BY
Mr.. Backburn-ReSOutiOn inguiring into the
conduct and management of the Washington
Market company. Ey Mr.. Harris MAS. ITO
incorporate the L. :. Commercial company.
tuition as Ia prohibit the United States or any
state from assuming and paving any claim. or
demand oi any person for damages growing
out OF the destruction of property BY Us.
forces during the late war. if such claimant
CAV. aid or comfort To- persons engaged in St.
aiding for pay of special counsel engaged in
prosecuting the Centennial exposition cases i'm
the [ -. supreme Court. By Mr. Schieicher-
TOreOrganlZe the pay department OF the Army.
Mr. Tucker. from the committee of ways
ana means reported a hill To extend the pro-
visions Of section 3297 of the Revised salute,
so a. To- provide that all colleges and scientific
schools. whether Incorporated or not. NAV
withdraw alcohol from bond for scientific pur-
poses free of payment of tax. Passed
Mr.. Reagan from committee on commerce.
reported fayOrahly upon joint resolution in re-
iatiOn To establishment OF reservoirs To pro
mote he navigation of the Mississippi river
Passed.