Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-10-24

| president With q committee on parton the
senate and notify him that q quorum OF
the two houses had assembled; and &
resolution instructing the secretary tC
notify the house thata quorum of the
senate was ready for business was
agreed to:
During the morning hour 4 large
number of bills and petitions were pre-
sented and referred. Among the peti
tons were many favoring the increase
of compensation of letter carriers
Among the bills was one by Mr.. Beck
for the removal of all political disabili
ties imposed by the fourteenth amend
ment. Referred
Mr.. Thurman introduced bill tC
amend the Pacific railroad acts so as tC
create a sinking fund for the liquidation
Of the Indebtedness due the govern
ment by the Pacific r. r. Co, Refer
red. In explanation he said it was the
same bill reported by the Judiciary
committee, in July, '76.
Memorials from the Missouri legisla-
ture in favor of the removal of the ma
tional capital to the Mississippi valley
and in relation to a national system OF
collections for the Mississippi river
were referred.
Mr. Sergeant submitted resolution
requesting the president of the United
States to transmit to the senate, if not
incompatible with the public interest
the statement of appointments and
expenditures of the navy department
from March 4, 1779, to June 80, 1876;
passed, with amendment of Mr. Davis,
of West Virginia, to have a similar
statement for the war department.
General bills for relief were pre-
sented.
Senator Bailey presented petition OF
the southern Methodist Publishing
House, of Nashville, for indemnity for
the use and consumption of its property
in 1864 and 1865 Referred.
Senator Ingalls, introduced a bill
granting arrears of pensions. Re
ferred.
A bill to establish the territory OF
Huron and provide for Il temporary
government therefor, was referred Also
bill to establish a branch mint at
| Omaha
After recess, Senator Anthony, from
the committee to wait upon the presi-
dent, reported that the president would
communicate with the senate immedi-
ately in writing.
Senator Howe introduced II bill au-
thorizing the construction of a pontoon
bridge across the Mississippi river from
some point in Buffalo county, Wiscon-
sin, to some point in Winona county,
Minnesota Referred
Rogers, private secretary to the pres
ident. delivered the message. 1t was
read Immediately by Secretly Gorhan,
ordered printed and referred
Adjourned.
Senator Mcmillan, absent, appeared
to-day.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16.-The House
was opened by prayer by the
new Chaplain. After reading the
journal Mr. Hale of Maine, called up
the Colorado election case.
Mr.. Cox raised the point of order, dis
puted elections must be considered in
order. Objected to.
A long discussion took place on the
subject of swearing in the two South
Carolina members, Rainey and Cain,
whose names were put on the roll by
the clerk
Mr.. Cox wanted the question referred
to the committee on elections, but it
was contended, among others, by two
democrats, Mills and Potter, that as
the gentlemen had the usual legal GER
tiicatcs of election, they should be
sworn in; the right to their seats might
be referred. This view prevailed, and
Rainey and Cain were sworn in.
SENATE.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17.-Mr. Beck in
troduced bill authorizing the payment
of 80 per cent of custom duties III legal
tender notes. Referred
Mr.. Thurman presented the creden-
uals of Henry NJ Spafford, for. Louisi-
ana, from March 4, 1877, and asked that
they be read and Spafford sworn IN.
The credentials having been read,
Mr.. Mitchell moved they be referred to
the committee on privileges and cleo
tons.
Mr.. McCreery introduced bill to re-
peal the bankrupt law and all acts
amendatory thereof He spoke of its
obnoxious provisions. and argued that
honesty and fair dealing demanded it's
immediate repeal. Ordered that the
bill lie on the table to be taken up here
after
The citizens of Nation, New York,
petitioned for the reconciliation of
the old silver dollar.
HOUSE.
WASHINGTON, Oct 17.-After reading
of the journal, the disputed election
case from the fourth district of Louisi-
ana, was taken up, the question being
upon the resolution of Mr.. Leonard, of
Louisiana, referring the claims Of Elan
and Smith, contestants, to the commit
tee on elections, to decide who has a
prinaa .fdcie right to the seat.
Mr.. Gibson offered a substitute, pro
viding for the immediate swearing in OF
j. B. Elam. After debate the substitute
was adopted-yeas IA; nays l19. clam
| took the modified oath.
Mr.. Frye offered a resolution, recitine
that Chas. E. Nash had presented GER
tifcate of election, signed by Gov. Kel-
logg, then the duly recognized and act
ing Governor of Louisiana, but that the