Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1877-12-22
CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY


The House bill for the relief of the sufferers
by the wreck Of the Huron was passed with an
amendment providing for the payment to the
heirs Of those lost on the Huron IL months
sea pay /; to the heirs Of Capt. Guthrie, Of the
life-saving service, one years salary, and to
the heirs of those Of the B. d ]. Bkaer's crew,
who were lost in attempting to save life, 800
each.
Mr.. Mcdonald gave notice that upon the 18th
of January he would offer resolutions In re-
spect to the memory and public services Of his
late colleague, Mr.. Morton.
A resolution was adopted instructing the
committee ON the District of Columbia to in
quire and report proper form of government
for the District.
The resolution from the committee on privi-
leges and elections declaring j. B. Eustis en-
titled to a seat as Senator from Louisiana from
Jan. 49, 1876 for the term ending March 8,
1879, was called up, and after brief discussion
was adopted by vote of 49, yeas and nays.
Mr.. Eustis was then sworn in.
The resolution Of Mr.. Matthews to pay the
bonds in silver WAS discussed.
Mr.. Conkling presented ten petitions signed
by large number of citizens Of New York, OF
both sexes, favoring the adoption Of an amend
ment to the constitution prohibiting the States
from DISTINGUISHING citizens on account Of sex.
He also presented nineteen petitions from per-
sons engaged in industrial pursuits in New
York State, praying that Congress will take no
action concerning revision Of the tariff duties
until it shall be ascertained how any contem-
plated tariff legislation will affect the business
prosperity of the country. He also presented
petitions of temperance organizations in New
| York city ravortng the appointment OF y COM
missioner to inquire into the alcoholic liquor
traffic. &Mr. Conkling also submitted resolu-
! ton providing for committee Of seven to in
quire and report what measures can be devised
to promote commercial intercourse with Mexico
and establish q Just and peaceful condition of
affairs on the border. Adopted.
The discussion of Mr.. Matthews resolution
declaring the right Of the government to pay
bonds in silver was resumed. Mr. Herman
spoke in opposition to the resolution and
Messrs. Beck and Wallace in its favor. mo-
ton to lay the resolution aside and take up the
Bland silver bill was defeated by IS to 43.
Petitions were presented for commission to
inquire into the alcoholic liquor traffic for an
amendment to the constitution prohibiting the
States from DISTINGUISHING citizens on account
Of sex, and for other purposes.
Mr.. Edmunds submitted resolution author
izing the select committee appointed to take
into consideration the state Of the law respect
ing the ascertaining and declaration of the re-
suit of the elections of President and Vice
and report upon the best manner Of electing
those officers, and the duration of their terms
Of Office. Agreed to.
The Senate then resumed consideration Of
of Mr.. Mathews resolution declaring the right
Of the government to pay the bonds in silver.
Mr.. Chaffee submitted a substitute declaring
that all bonds of the United States issued or
authorized to be issued under the acts referred
to are payable, principal and interest, at the
option of the government, in coin Of gold or
silver of the standard value when such bonds
were issued, and to restore to its coinage such
silver coin as legal tender soequal with gold
coin IS not in violation of the public faith, nor
in derogation of the rights of the public credi-
tor. Mr.. Morgan spoke in favor Of the resolu- |
ton of Mr.. Matthews, and Mr.. Christiancy in
opposition thereto,
Mr.. Cameron presented the petition of David |
r. Corbin, Of South Carolina, asking that his |
claim to seat in the Senate from that State |
may be inquired into and decided by the Senate
upon its merits.
Mr.. Dawes introduced bill to authorize |
and equip an expedition to the. Arctic seas.
MIR. Voorhees, introduced n resolution recit
ing the Importance of maintaining the financial
credit of the government, and that in order to
do so, the government, II, all its departments,
should keep all contracts and obligations enter
ed into with its own citizens.
House.
The Senate amendments to the bill for the
relief of the sufferers by the loss Of the Huron
we're CONQUERED in and the bill passed.
A bill was introduced by Mr.. Joyce, Of Ver-
mont, adjusting the salaries Of postmasters on
the basis of the number of stamps cancelled in
stead Of on the number of stamps sold also a
resolution proposing an amendment to the
constitution providing that the term of Office
of the President shall be six years.
On the question Of the distribution Of the
Presidents message a discussion arose on an
amendment offered by Mr. Hewitt, of New
York, specially directing the attention of the
committee on foreign affairs to the affairs on
the Rio Grande, and recommending the con-
sideration of such means as will prevent the
possibility Of war, and continue the mainten.
ance of peace between the United States and
Mexico. All the speeches made upon the sub
ject, except that Of Mr.. Mills, of Texas, were
pacific in tone.
The deficiency appropriation bill was report
ed back from the committee, and most Of the
Senate amendments we're concurred in.
Mr. Stephens, Of Georgia, introduced bill
to repeal the iron-clad oath, so far as applicants
for pensions are concerned.
In the Colorado contested election case, the
minority report of the committee, that Mr..
Belford (Republican) had been elected, was re-
jected by vote Of 1928 to ITO, and the resolu-
lion declaring that there had been no valid
election was defeated by III to 116. The ma
jority report, that Mr. Patterson DemocraD
was entitled to-a seat, was then adopted by 116
10 ITO, and Mr.. Patterson took his seat.