The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1878-03-15
CONGRES $40 AL
SENATE.

explained the bill reported by the railroad
committee. 1t did not embody the pro-
positions urged by the railroad companies,
but was based on the consent OF the parties
contracting, 1t differed from the judiciary
committees bill in that it proposed to alter
the contract by contract, while the other
was merely an act of power aud nothing
else. 1t would put an end to litigation and
make final settlement, which the other
judiciary bill did not pretend to do. 1t al
lowed six per ceut, while the judiciary bill
allowed FIVE on the accumulation OF the
sinking fund. He strenuously opposed the
judiciary bill and favored this.
Pending discussion Mr.. Gordon, by re-
quest. introduced bill to authorize the
construction of narrow guage railroad
from Bismark to the Black Hills Referred
The consular and diplomatic appropri-
alton bill was then received from the house
Of representatives and referred to the com
mittee on appropriations.
The vice president announced his sigma
ture to the house bill for the relief of
William A. Hammond, late surgeon gen.
eral of the army, and it now goes to the
president for his signature.
Mr.. Christiancy took the floor TO speak
on Monday on the sinking fund bill, and
the senate adjourned until that day.
HOUSE
The house having gone into committee
of the whole took up consideration of the
bill TO extend for three years the time fol-
Withdrawing distilled liquors from bond.
MIR. Sayler stated the purpose of the re
solution. Its principal object was to ex
tend the bond period of whisky to three
- or
by law. In other words to give to alcoholic
same privileges that are given to liquors
imported from Europe and put in bondet
warehouses.
MIR. Conger said the resolution was al
old acquaintance. It's principal clain
heretofore was that the expectation of ;
change in the tax on distilled spirits who'll,
disarrauged business, and threatened Will
less and bankruptcy those engaged in tn
business. That claim had been prompt!
met by the adoption of resolution that
was the solemn judgment of the hous
that it was inexpedient to change the ia,
on whisky. Now, under the apparentl
stimulating power of four year old whisky
the house was asked to extend the time fo
l paying the tax, not three months as be
3 fore proposed, but three years. If, as th
, other side stated, the government needle
all collectable revenues. how could it post
pone all collection of tax three years? II
e left it to the gentlemen whose district
Q were threatened with bankruptcy by th
tariff bill which was being concocted In
8 corner of the capital by committee whic
: forbade approach.
t Mr.. Butler said he was ready to agre
t to the purpose of the bill which was [
lend the amount of tax for two years {
q five per cent. This was a gain of one pe
cent, az the government could borrow
e four per cent However, he disapprove
= of speculation. He would offer an amend
ment providing that the tax paid on di
u titled spirits should be the same whe
n withdrawn as it would have been if pal
when the spirits were put in.
Is Mr. Foot feared the object of the bill W;
a to give time for distillers to secure. a redu
{ ton OF the tax.
Mr.. Burchard said the bill did not el
J. danger the revenue of the country and wi
It in the interest of the revenue.
It The general debate closed and the b
+ was read 10 sections.
o. Mr.. Butler offered his amendment, whit
II was agreed to.
to After rejecting motions by Mr.. Cong
Is making the rate six and seven per cen
al the committee rose and reported the bl
II which, as amended, was passed-ll8
le lie.
OF Mr.. Sayler then moved to reconsid
's the vote by which the bill passed al
s. moved to lay that motion on the table. ar
le the yeas and nays being called by Mr. 20
1e ger, resulted-yeas l22. nays los. 80 Il
al motion to reconsider was tabled.
The bill appropriating $4,000 for t
st contingent fund of the house passed.
70 DIR. Springer called up the majority al
minority report on the Massachusetts &C
y, tested election case, the reports being re
al pectively for Dean. the contestant, a
IL Field, the sitting member.