San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1877-12-29
FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.

In the Senate, on the 18th, a large number
of petitions were presented-in favor of an
amendment to the Constitution SO rs to pro-
hibit States from DISTINGUISHING citizens on
account of sex, asking the appointment of Il
commission to inquire into the alcoholic H.
quor traffic, etc. Among the more important
bills introduced were the following: By Sen.
atOr Davis of Illinois-TO establish Court OF
Appeals; by Mr.. Paddock-To provide for as
pertaining losses sustained by citizens of the
United States by reason of Indian depreda-
tions, and providing for payment thereof;
mentary to the act to incorporate the Texas
Pacific Railroad Company, and to aid in its
construction "a copy Of the bill introduced i'll
the House by Mr.. stephens; by Mr.. Eustis-
ApprOpriating money to open and keep I'M
obstructed the navigation Of Red River
Senator COnkling submitted q resolution pro-
viding for the appointment of a committee of
seven Senators to inquire and report whether
any and what measures can be devised to
promote commercial intercourse with Mexico,
and establish a just and peaceful condition of
affairs on the border between this country
and Mexico; also, authorizing the committee
to send for persons and papers, and to visit
such places as it may think proper in max
ing such inquiry. Agreed to. Mr.. Davis of
Illinois presented II petition OF the Illinois
State Board of Agriculture, in favor of the
creation of Department OF Agriculture, with
a Secretary at the head, who shall be in the
Cabinet of the President Referred. Mr..
Maxey, from the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs, to whom was referred the
resolution of the l4th of November, instruct
ing the committee 10 inquire and report up
on a system of defensive works for the Rio
Grande frontier, reported n bill making ap
preparations for the erection OF suitable posts
for the protection of the Rio Grande frontier.
Placed on the calendar. Mr.. Conover, from
the select Committee on Transportation
Routes to the seaboard, reported iavorably
on the Senate bill to provide for the survey
of an inland water route and canal from the
Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean.
Placed on the calendar. Mr.. Pad
dock, from the Committee on Public
Lands, reported with amendments the Senate
bill to amend the act TO provide for the sale
of a portion of the reservation of the confed-
Grated Ute and Missouri and sac and Fox
tribes of Indians, in the States of Kansas and
Nebraska Placed on the calendar. Consid-
Grafton was then resumed of the resolution
of senator Matthews, declaring the right of
the Government to pay bonds in silver, and
senator Herman spoke in opposition thereto.
Mr.. Allison said that on last Thursday
the Senate, 10y q very large vote, a..
signed to day for consideration of the silver
bill, known n the Bland bill. He hoped the
senator from Ohio lMatthews) would now
consent to allow his resolution 20 be laid
aside, that the Silver bill might be taken
up, This whole question, he said, could
be discussed Just a. well on the Silver
bill. lie therefore moved to lay aside
the resolution and take up the silver bill.
Reiectcd-yea- Il, nays q. The senate
then went into executive session and
soon after adiOurned.....-The entire session
of the House vas occupied with the
Deficiency Appropriation bill, which was
amended and sent back TO the Senate
The speaker made the following appoint
nentS on committees Naval Affair.", Mr..
Critfeuden; War Claims. Mr.. Martin; Terri
TORIES, Mr.; Cravensi Invalid Pensions. Mr.
Metcalfe: Pacific Railroads, Mr.. Hewitt. Of
New York Civil Service Reform. NJ. Potter;
Revision Of Laz-. Mr.. Hzrt; Private Land
Cisf-n-, Mr.. Biskzel