Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-04-17
FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, April II
SENATE.

SENATE.
Mr.. Howe called up the resolution admitted
by him some weeks ago, calling upon the Presi-
dent for information in regard to the defalcstion
oil Judge Whitaker in Louisiana, and made some
explanatory remarks.
Mr.. Davis Of West Virginia, submitted a sub
stute for the resolution, calling upon the secre-
taIy oil the treasury for information relative to the
balance due.
Mr.. Anthony called up the resolution submit.
TED by him yesterday providing that the Senate
shall pre- ,eed with the consideration of the bill.
on the calendar at o'clock tomorrow and after
some debate it was agreed to-
The Vice-President appointed Messrs. Morrill,.
sargent, cameron OF Wisconsin, Matthews, Davis
of Illinois, Herman and Morgan a special commit
tee 10 consider and report plan for taking the
next census.
Mr. Grover, from the Committee ON Pnbl;e
Lands, reported back the bill to extend the time
for the completion of the Northern Pacific Rail
road, and moved that it be referred to the Com
mittee on Railroads. Agreed to.
Mr.. Spencer, from the Committee on Military
Affairs. reported favorably the Senate bill to pro-
vide for building military post for the protec-
ton OF citizens OF the Black Hills region. Placed
the calendar.
Mr. Sargent submitted resolution calling upon
the Secretary of the Navy for information in re-
gard TO the various boards convened to examine
Gspts. Somervile, Nicholson and William n.
JetieIs for promotion. Agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Mitchell, the Senate bill to
extend the time for the Construction and compile
ton Of the Northern Pacific Railroad, etc., was
recommited to the Committee on Railroads.
Mr.. Blaine rose to q personal explanation. He
said that some very aggravated accounts had
been sent out in regard TO little colloquy be-
tween himself and the Senator from Vermont
(Edmundsl, last week, during the debate on the
railroad bill, particularly one sent to the Chicago
tribune by gentleman who is also correspon-
dent OF the Boston Journal To accounts Of this
kind be would make no reference, but it happened
IN this case that when the Congressional record
was examined the narrative to which he had ref
ence was not sustained, and then the correspon-
dent ieegl aphed TO the Boston journal and Chi
cago Tribune that the Congressional record had
been changed in giving the passage between
Messls Edmunds and Blaine. This was . very
serious charge, for it would destroy the value of
the record. the Senators and Representatives
felt that however they might be mIsrepresented
by correspondents they had q record to appeal to
and justify them. In this particular case they
bad never seen the reporters notes, and the re.
porter this morning told him no Senator had seen
them.
Mr.. Edmnnds stated that he had never seen the
notes of the reporter, but on reading the record
he found every word of the colloquy between
himself and Senator Blaine correctly reported.
lie spoke of the necessity of maintaining = record
As a faithful report of what is said and done in
the senate, and said he hoped resolution would
be brought forward forbidding the alteration OF
the copy.
The senate resumed the consideration of the
bill to incorporate the National Pacific Railroad
i Telegraph Company.
Mr.. Conkling submitted amendment provld-
ing that the road should not have the right of
way through any Indian land.
This was agreed to, and the bill was passed,
yeas 80, nays9
The senate then went into executive session,
and when the doors we've re-opened adjourned.
HOUSE.
The bill authorizing the issue of passports free
to those colored citizens going to Brazil, was
passed.
Mr.. Keefer introduced a Joint resolution pro-
posing an amendmen ut ID the constitution prohib-
ting Congress to appropl late money for the pay
ment Of any claim against the United States not
created or authorized by law, International treaty
Or award. Referred to the Committee on War
Claims.
Mr.. Robertson, from the Committee ON Missis-
sippi Leyess, reported bill providing for the or
ganlzation of "a Mississippi river improvement
commission and for the Improvement of the navi-
CATION of that river. Printed and recommitted.
The House then resumed the consideration of
The bill providing form Of government for the
District of Columbia.
The amendment offered yesterday by Mr.. Eden
striking out the section pledgng the United
States to the payment of the interest of the Dis
trct bonds was rejected.
Mr.. Fort offered an amendment appropriating
$50 900 for the erection of an slmshouse in the
District, which after considerable discussion
was elected.
The question was then taken on the passage of
the bill, and 1t was rejecled-yeas "a, nays l24.
Ii was understood that the cause of defeat the
property clause qualification required OF members
Of the council.
The vote on motion of Mr.. Hendee was subse-
quenty reconsidered, and the bill was recommit-
tea.
Mr.. Cox of New York asked the unanimous
consent to have it ordered that Tuesday next after
the morning hour the House proceed to the con-
siderailon OF the business on the speakers table.
His object was to take up and pass the Thurman
funding bill.
Mr.. Price objected unless the bill was referred
to the Judiciary Committee with leave to report at
any time, so the order not made.
The House at O'Clock went into committee of
the whole on the Post Office appropriation bill
The first point on which a discussion arose was as
to the extra pay allowed to special agents of the
department. The present allowance is five dol
lars per day, and the bill proposed to reduce tina
to three do lars per day.
Mr.. Bount sta ed that this extra pay is allowed
in addition to $1,000 year for every day in the
year, whether the agent was on duty not. He
it a great outrage. as this per diem
was IN the nature of an allowance for travelling
and hotel expenses.
After a long debate, on motion of Mr.. Waddell
the amount Appropriated for special agents
increased from 500 900 to $4,000.
Mr.. Deering offered an amendment striking out
the proviso reducing the per diem pay of special
agents from 80 to SO per day. Adopted.
The following bills were introduced and re-
ferred;
By Mr.. Harrson-To construct a ship canal for
the passage of mail vessels from the Mississippi
river TO Lake Michigan.
by Mr. Cummings-To prevent the reduction
Of the volume Of United States notes.
BY Mr.. Banning, authorizing the President to
appoint commission to arrange treaty with the
king Of Cor,a
The House at 80 took recess until 730 in the
evening.
The Speaker stated that he had to be absent
daring the session aud appointed Mr.. Covert to
occupy the chair.
On the Resembling of the House, about fifty
pension bills received passage and the House
adjourned.