Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-05-29

On motion Of Mr.. Spencer; the senate insisted
on its amendments to the house bill proving for
permanent form of government for the District Of
dered.
Mr. Window called up the legislative, judicial
and executive appropriation bill that It might be
unfinished business to- morrow.
Mr. Canover submitted an amendment to the
johnston Tax Pacific Railroad bill, giviag to the
New orleans, Baton Rouge & vicksburg Railroad
company right to complete within three years Q
Ilne OF railroad from the eastern terminus of the
Texas Pacific at or near Shreveport, Louisisus. To
some point on the Mississippi, at or near New Or.
leans, and extending to said road the privileges Of
that bill.
Referred to the committee on railroads.
The senate went into executive session, and
when the doors re opened adjourned
HOUSE.
Mr.. Shelby reported back from the committee
on road, the senate bill for the construction of a
railroad from Bismarck to the Black Hills. but on
the reading of the bill it appeared that it makes
grant OF land for railroad stations, etc., which
made 1t liable TO the point of order that it must
hrst be considered in committee OF the whole.
That point having been made, the bill was with
drawn.
Senate amendments TO the house bill for the
free entry Of articles imported for exhibition BY
societies established foi the encouragement Of the
arts and sciences, were concurred In and the bill
passed.
Mr.. Harris. from the committee on elections.
reported bill for holding election for repre-
sentative In California to the 10th congress on the
first wednesday in September, 1879.
The bill was passed.
The house then proceeded to vote on the amend.
ment 10 the army appropriation bill.
The items which had been increased on the bas-
is of an army of rs OO0 restored to the orig
lnal amounts on the basis of 20 900 men,
The house by yeas $780, nays lis, agreed to the
amendment adopted 10 committee OF the whole,
transferring the Indian bureau from the interior
to the war department.
Amendments to the army bill for the transfer Of
the Indian bureau to the war department, and
prohibiting the use Of troops for civil purposes
unless specially authorized by act of congress,
were agreed to.
The bill was then passed.
The main features of the bill IS passed, are hx-
ing the strength of the army ct 20. 900 men; fx-
ing the number of cavalry regiments at eight,
with companies of not exceeding l25 privstes,
and OF infantry regiments at eighteen, with COM
panies OF not more than 60 privates; reducing the
force OF the various staff departments; providing
for board to reorganze those departments; pro-
viding for board to recommend the retiring or
mastering out Of officers: fixing the number Of
major generals at one and OF brigader generals
at three; after these figures shall have been reach
ed reducing the number of rank of aide de-canp;
reducing the pay and enrolme ut Of oficers trans
ferring the Indian bureau to the war depsl tment,
and prohibiting the employment Of troops for
civil purposes, and unless specially authorized by
act of congress.
Mr.. Wood gave notice that he would move TO
proceed with the tariff bill the first opportunity
to-day or tomorrow.
Mr.. Wigginton made conference report on the
bill 10 encourage the growth of timber on western
prsiiies.
The report was agreed to.
Mr.. Reagan called up his bill to regulate inter.
state communication on railroads.
The question of consideration being raised the
house refused to consider the bill now-yess los,
nays 100.
The house the proceeded to the business of the
morning hour, the call Of committees for their re-
ports.
Mr.. Wsddell, chairman of the post office com
letter correspondence, aud to establish . line of
steam vessels between the United States and Lii
IBERIA.
The report was laid on the table.
He al,o reported favorably on the bill to estab-
lish postal savings depository, and to aid in re-
funding the interest bearing indebtedness eff the
United States.
Referred to the committee OF the whole.
Also bill providing for ocean mail steamship
service between the United States and Brazil.
Referred to the committee of the whole.
Mr.. Giddngs, from the same committee, report
ed the bill appropriating 900 to provide for the
traDspoI taiOn of United States mails between
Galveston and Vera Cruise.
Referred TO the committee OF the whole.
M. Caldwell, from the same committee, report
ed the bill amending the revised statutes 90 - to
provide that every postmaster except those ap-
pointed by the President shall make quarterly re-
ports of money received or charged BY him for
postage, &C., and that every postmaster appointed
bv the President shall render monthly accounts Of
all such monies so received.
The bill was passed
At the expiration of the morning hour the
House proceeded to the considerable Of business
on the Speakers table, and number of execu-
tive documents were referred.
The first bill on the table was for the repeal of
the bankrupt law, with the Senate amendment
On motion Of Mr.. Knott the amendment was
concurred in without division.
The bill now goes to the President for his sig
nature.
On motion of Mr.. Blackburn the Senate amend
ments to the District of Columbia government bill
were non concurred in.
The Senate bill for the appointment of the Hot
Springs Commission having been reached, Full
Ter offered substitute authorizing the appoint
ment by the President of three Commissioners,
who shall serve one year, and shall have the same
power as has been enjoyed by the Commissioner
whose term has already expired. II also declares
forever free waters Of the Hot Syringe on the Hot
Springs mountain, aud permits all persons to lay
pipes for the purpose of supplying baths. &C., with
the water.
Pending action the House adjourned.