Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1878-12-17
FORTE-FIFTH CONGRESS-.
TUESDAY. December Il,

TUESDAY. December IL.
SENATE.-The V ice President laid before
the Senate communication from the Secre-
tary OF the Tire asury enclosing the annual re-
port Of Capt. c. p. Patterson, superintendent
OF The coast survey. ordered that It be printed
and lie On the table.
Also, communication from the Secretary OF
War suggesting that the appropriation for sub
sisterCe Of the army for the next fiscal year be
made available from the passage OF the act, that
TIE government may purchase goods to be
shipped TO posts in the far west as soon as pos
tiorS.
Also. communication from the Secretary of
the Treasury in reply to Senate resolution OF
June l4th, 1878, transmitting report as to the
amount expended for various public works OF
the government in the several states ana terr.-
tories, together with the expenditures OF the
government in aid Of canals and railroads. Re
felred to the committee on public buildings and
grounds.
Also, communication from the Secretary Of
The Treasury In reply TO Mr.. Becks resolution
Of December 3, calling for information as to the
amount OF silver coin received from customs
duties, if applied to the payment OF the interest
On the public debt, &c. The Secretary trans
mits report from the Treasurer of the United
states on the subject. Laid on the table and
ordered that it be printed.
The Vice President appointed Senators An
thony, Sargent and Whyte members OF the
Joint committee On printing on the part OF the
Senate.
Mr.. Hereford called up House bin changing
the time for holding the terms OF The L. s. cir
cult court for the district Of West Virginia.
Passed.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BILLS
Mr. Dorsey introduced a bill to authorize the
commissioners OF the District Of Columbia TO
adjust and fix the water rates within the said
District. Referred TO the District committee.
He also from the same committee reported
back several plans for the improvement of the
sewerage Of the District Of Columbia, with the
recommendation that they be printed and re-
committed TO the committee. so ordered
MI Plumb, from the committee on military
affairs reported with amendment the bin re-
Gently introduced by Mr. Paddock providing
that tie posse eOmttdtsts clause in the army aD-
preparation bill for the present fiscal year shall
any part thereof employed in the protection Of
life aid property in the states and territories
supject TO Indian incurSi0nS. Placed on the
calendar.
Mr.. Hamlin, from the committee on foreign
relations reported back sundTy petitions re-
feiTed TO the committee at the last session in
regard to aid to the furnishing Chinese the con-
Struction OF railroad across Africa, and also a
message OF the President in regard to the selec-
tlon Of M. Maurice DeIfoSse as the third COM
missioner OF tie Halifax fishery commission,
further consideration.
On motiOu OF Mr. Windum the Senate insisted
upon It's amendments to the military adademy
appropriation bill, and a committee OF confer
ence was ordered.
Messrs. Allison. Blaine and Davis (W. Va)
were appointed the committee On the part Of
the Senate.
Mr.. Plumb from the committee on military
affairs, reported, with amendment, the bill re-
Gently introduced by Mr.. Paddock, providing
that the.posse comitatuS clause in the army ap-
preparation Dill for the present fiscal year shall
not be construed as applying to the army or
any part thereof employed in the protection OF
lie and property in the states and territories
SuDJect 10 Indian fncurSi0nS Placed On the
calendar.
The Senate, on motion OF Mr. Window, took
up, up the consular and diplomatic appropriation
said, as it came from the House it appropriated
$i,o45, 135. The Senate committee on appropri-
at1ons had added $50, 1000, which made the bill
as it now stocd s5o,s00 less than the estimates
for the next fiscal year. The House had re-
duced the salaries OF ministers to Great Bri-
tam sal loo France rance Germany and Russia from
Spain, Austria, Italy, Brezil, Mexico, Japan
and China from $4,000 each to $4,000 each
Chill and Peru from $4,000 to $1,000 each Tie
committee on appropriations had restored the
salaries OF these officers that they might re
ceive the amount Of compensation now fixed by
law.
The bill was then read a third time and
Mr. Window, from the committee on appro-
prlatlonS, reported with amendments the pen-
sion appropriation bill. Placed on calendar.
consideration Of the resolution of Mr. Blaine
regarding inquiry whether the rights OF citizens
were violated in any of the states OF the United
states at the recent elections.
Mr. MerrimOn read prepared speech in reply
to that Of MI. Blaine OF last week. lie spoke in
faVCr OF peace, harmony. and the breaking down
Of ali sectional feudS.
HOTSE.-The House resumed the con-
sideration OF the Geneva award bill. and was
addressed by Mr.. kieferin favor of the majority
report. Ii the minority report were adopted the
claims would be determined without regard to
justice, equity, or the law OF nations; insSInuch
as the commission, which it was proposed to
fec1eate. would have no power to exclude or in-
clude any claim, except as the law directed.
Mr. Humphrey argued in favor OF the minor
ftp report.
Mfr. Burchard opposed the bill of the ma
jority.
Mr.. Monroe favored the minority renort.
AS our report closed, the House was In COM
mlttee OF the whole on the bill apprGpriating
ton for the transportation OF mail service by
railroads.