The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-02-13
XLVth C0ngress-Regular Session.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON. Feb. 12
In presenting petition from Michigan for
woman's suffrage Mr.. Chrstiancy said such petitions
should be presented to the state legislatures not to
Congress.
Mr.. Morrill, from the finance committee reported
favorably on the House joint resolution declaring
that reduction of tax on distilled spirits is inexpe-
dent and gave notice he would call it up. He also
reported from the same committee substitute for
the Senate bill to provide for commission on the
subject of alcoholic liquor traffic. Caendared.
Mr.. Burnside from the military committee report
ed with amendments the Senate bill to remove all re-
stIictlons now existing in regard to enlistment of
eolored citizens IN any ann OF the army, Caenpar.
ed.
Mr.. Maxey and Cockrell. members of the commit
tee announced that they did agree with the ma
jority of the committee in reporting this BILL
The Senate resumed the consideration of the silver
bill and Mr.. Mcdonald of Indiana spoke in favor
thereof.
Mr.. Beck inquired if Morrill, and Dawes, who de-
sire to be heard in regard to the resolution introduc-
ed by him days since declaring it inexpedient
to purchase bonds for the sinking fund until further
order OF Congress when it would become convenient
for them to have the resolution again taken up for
Mr.. Morrill, suggested it be allowed to remain on
the table until after the silver bill was disposed of as
it would probably lead to lengthy discussion
Mr.. Beck assented to the propositions.
MIR. Thurman presented resolution of the general
assembly OF Ohio expressing the opinion that all the
bonds ofthe government are payable, principal and
interest in silver coin, favoring the passage Of the
Bland silver bill and declaring that President HAYES
and Secretary Sherman in opposing the remonetiza-
ZION OF silver dd not represent the views the peo-
pie of Ohio.
The resolutions were read and laid on the table.
the silver bill being before the Senate.
Mr.. Spencer from the committee on military af-
fairs, reported back the petitions of the governors of
Pennsylvania, Vermont and Kentucky asking the
payment of the balances due the several states on
count OF arming and equippng troops for the federal
government during the late war, and moved that
they s BE- ere referred to the committee on claims.
day was so amended as not to apply to the present
year and passed
Mr.. Mcdonald continued his remarks in favor of
the restoration Of the silver dollar to the position it
occupied for years in our money system.
The Senate at O'Clock proceeded in body to the
hall of the House of Representatives to participate in
the ceremony attending the formal presentation Of
Carpenters picture 'Signing the Emancipation
Procamation'', and upon returning to the chambers
Rejected-yeas 81, nays 20.
Mr.. Butter moved to adjourn. Rejected
Nlr. Mcfherson then spoke in opposition to the
silver bill, after which Mr.. Merrmon took the floor
but yielded for executive session. after which the
Senate adjourned
HOUSE.
The galleries were filled with people to with ess fine
presentation OF the picture of Lincoln reading the
emancipation proclamation to the Cabinet
The following bills were passed:
To constitute commission to consider a nlan for
providing enlarged accommodations for the library
OF Congress.
Directing the Secretary of the Treasury to mr.
chase certain property of the Freedmen's Savings
and Trust Company for the of the United States
and for other purposes 1t approprates $225OO for
this city and now occupied by the Department of
Justice.
resolution was passed granting the privilege of
the floor to the families Of the members of Lincoins
Cabinet. House then went into the committee of
the whole on the military academy bill.
Bragg moved to amend so as to select instructors
of law at the academy from the retired list of the
army.
Darham opposed the amendment.
banning sustained it.
Conger did not wish to disturb the growing har-
mony among his friends on the other side OF the
House but he must appeal to them to avoid unseemly
lie business. CLaughter0
Amendment was disagreed TO,
benson moved to amend by appropriating $4,000
Rejected.
The second section of the bill having been reached
Conger moved TO strike out the section, pending
WHICH me-, the committee without action rose.
Inc clerk was then directed to notify the Senate
that the House prepared to receive Senators 10
participate in the presentation ceremonies
House then took recess a few minutes Tn tbe
meaitile the nag was Withdrawn from the painting
and at O'CLOCK the House called to order when
the doorkeeper announced the Senate Members
arose and remained standing while the Senators filed
in and took seats assigned them.
The Vice President having taken the chair with bo
Speaker to the left, said: NV
'HThe Senate and House of Representatives have
convened in joint session for the purpose of receivn
through the munifcence of Mrs Elizabeth homp.
of New York the painting of the signing of the
proclamation Of emancipation"
Garfield then made the presentation speech.
The Vice President announced that the object for
which the two houses convened having been accom-
The Senate therefore retired and the ceremony was
closed
1t is understood that the joint committee on libra
~ WIN indicate place where the picture will be
hung permanently.
House did not resume its regular business, but ad-
journed at 3.l5.