The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1878-01-02
CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY.


Mr.. Conkling presented ten petitions signed
by a large number Of citizens Of New York, Of
both sexes, f~ayoring the adoption Of an amend
ment to the constitution prohibiting the States
from DISTINGUISHING citizens on account Of Be1.
He also presented nineteen petitions from per-
Sons engaged in industrial pursuits In New
York States. praying that Congress will take no
action concerning q 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
York city favoring the appointment Of q oom-
missioner to inquire INTO the alcoholic liquor
traffic. Mr.. Conkling also submitted a resolu-
ton providing for a committee Of seven TO In
quire and report what measures can be devised
to promote commercial intercourse with Mexico
and establish a 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
ton to lay the resolution aside and take up the
Bland silver bill was defeated by 10 to 43.
Petitions were presented for q commission
to inquire into the alcoholic liquor traffic for
an amendment to the constitution prohibiting
the States from DISTINGUISHING citizens on &C.
count Of sex, and for other purposes.
MIR. Edmunds submitted o 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
President Of the United States, to also consider
and report upon the best manner Of electing
these officers, and the duration Of their terms
Of Office. Agreed to.
Tho Gapofa than roo1oaI nnoflorSfior ~
Mr.. Matthews resolution declaring the right Of
the government to pay the bonds in silver. Mr..
Chafee submitted q substitute declaring that
all the bonds Of the United States issued or
authorized to be- issued under the acts referrsd
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 a legal tender coequal with gold
coin is lot 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
T. Corbin, of South Carolina, asking that bis
claim to a seat In the Senate from that State
may be inquired into and decided by the Senate
upon its merits.
Mr.. Dawes introduced o bill to authorize
and equip an expedition to the Arctic seas.
Mr.. Voorhees, introduced q resolution recit-
ing the Importance of maintaining the financial
credit Of the government, and that, in order to
do 80, the government. in all its departments,
should keep all contracts and obligations enter
ed into With It's own citizens.
A communication from the secretary Of the
interior calling attention to the law in regard
to compensation for government advertising
and the complaints as to the inadequacy Of
such compensation, and suggesting that the
law be 80 amended as to allow the department
to pay the same rate for advertising as papers
receive from private individuals, Was refeerrd
to the committee on civil service and retrench-
ment.
Mr.. Hereford spoke in favor of Mr.. Mat
thews' bill declaring the right Of the govern
ment to pay the bonds In oliver, after which
the deficiency bill was passed
Mr.. Butler submitted O resolution authoriz-
ing the committee on privileges and elections
to Investigate anythreats, promises, or arrange.
ments respecting existing or contemplated 40
cusations or criminal prosecutions against any
Senator, or any other corrupt or otherwise IN
lawful means or influences that have been In
any manner used or put in operation by hin or
by any other Senator or person, for the pur-
pose of influencing the vote OF Senators on the
question Of discharging the committee from
the consideration OF his credentials at the late
session Of the Senate. Objection was made
and the resolution was laid over.
Adjourned to January 10, 1878.
House.
The deficiency appropriation bill was report
ed back from the committee, and most Of the
Senate amendments were eoncurred In.
MIR. Stephens, Of Georgia, introduced 2 bill
to repeal the iron-clsd oath 80 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 Ne
iected by a vote Of 1913 to ITO, and the resolu-
ton declaring that there had been no valid
election was defeated by III to ZIG. The ma
jori,y report, that Mr.. Patterson (Democrat)
was entitled to q seat, WAS then adopted BY ll6
to ITO, and MIR. Patterson took his seat.
MIR. Aldrich, of Illinois, introduced 3 bill to
remit the tax on insolvent banks.
Mr. C%hittenden, Of New York, presented a Pc
tition OF twenty citizens Of New Haven, pray
ing that silver dollars be made a legal tender
for all debts public or private to tho amount OF
800. Except in the Gaze Of the United States
bonds or other gold contracts J; also, hat ne
gotiations be opened with other governments
for an international commission to determine
and promulgate from time to time the relative
value of silver and gold.
Adjourned to January 10, 1878