The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-03-19
CONGR E s 10 n A L.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, March 18.-Bills were
introduced: By MIR. Hereford, to recog-
nize and pay certain claims due by the
state of West Virginia to citizens thereof
for services rendered 10 suppressing the
late rebellion, and which are properly
chargeabe to the United States.
BY MIR. Eustis to authorize states to
impose a tonnage tax charge or duty on
vessels to maintain quarantine.
Mr., Window, from the committee on
appropriations, reported with amendments
the house bill authorizing the secretary of
the treasury to employ temporary clerks.
aud making an appropriation for the same.
Also making an appropriation for detect
ing trespassing on public lands, for bring
ing into market public lands in certain
states, aud for other purposes. Placed on
the calendar.
Mr.. Spencer submitted an amendment
to the consular and diplomatic appropria-
ton bill as follows; Provided, that before
any part of the appropriation provided for
in this act shall become available, the ap-
pOintments in the consular and diplomatic
service shall! be SO arranged as to be equally
distributed between the several states OF
the United States. Territories and Dis
trict of Columbia, according to population
Referred.
MIR. Allison called up the senate bill
authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to
make certain negotiations with the Ute
Indians in the state of Colorado for the
consolidation of all the bands into one
agency, to be located on White river.
Mr. Edmunds inquired where Congress
received power to authorize any one to
| make treaties except the President of the
| United States.
Mr.. Allison moved to amend the bill SO
as to authorize the President to make the
negotiation instead Of the Secretary of the
Interior aud it was agreed to.
Mr.. Edmunds also opposed the clause Of
| the bill directing report of the proceed
ings under it TO be made TO Congress foI
reconsideration and approval, aud moved tc
amend SO as to have the report made to the
senate alone.
Pending discussion the morning hoHl
expired aud the bill was laid aside.
Mr., Christiancy favored the bill reported
by the judiciary committee and opposed
that reported by the committee on rail
roads.
Pending discussion, Mr.. Sargent sub
mitted several amendments to the bill t.
organize life saving and coast guarC
service, aud it was ordered that they b,
printed and lie on the table.
Mr. Morgan then took the floor to speal
upon the Pacific railroad sinking fund bill
the senate went into executive session AM
when the doors we're reopened, adjourned
HOUSE.
WASHINGTON. March lS.-BiIIs wer
introduced:
BY Mr., Vance. pensioning soldiers VIII
enlisted out of prison, aud for the pay
, meDt of certain southern mail contractors
The bill provides that Eo claims shall b
paid which have heretofore been paid b
a the confederate government.
By Mr.. Morey, granting alternat
sections of the land to the state of Mis-
sissippi to aid in the construction of th
Ship Island, Ripley & Kentucky railroad
q BY Mr.. Gibson, for the appointment g
! commission to ascertain on what terms
treaty of commerce with Mexico can b
, arranged.
By Mr.. Monroe, relating to telegraph
, communication between the United State
: and foreign countries.
BY Mr. Sampson, proposing an amend
ment to the constitution providing ths
the president should be elected by e dires
q vote of the people.
! By Mr.. Conger, repeating the law ap
propriatipg 1876, ZOO for the payment
certain southern mail contractors.
By Mr.. Cox, of New York, for th
erection of monument over the grave
Thomas Jefferson.
Mr.. Mayham, from the District {
Columbia committee, reported bill il
e vesting the District Commissioners wit
= the powers of the late board of audit, fc
!, the purpose of issuing certificates Q
r claims passed upon and allowed by sue
D board, but for which no certificates lhav
f been prepared. 1t also provides that ou
: standing certificates issued by the board {
e audit or which shall hereafter be issue
by the commissioners, shall be convert
n ible into 3.65 bonds. The bill was rt
8 lerred to the committee of the whole, an
e then the House resolved itself into sue
i committee, Mr.. Stenger in the chair, fC
il the purpose of considering this bill.
Mr.. Eden opposed the bill. he som
u times heard about paying southern claim,
II but he never had seen q batch of claim
;. that be thought SO little of as this mess {
rotten claims which came up from th
a purlieus of the old Washington ring.
After further discussion the committed
without action, rose.