Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-05-23
Senator Mcdonald Introduces q
Bill to Regulate the Army.
Edmunds Objects But Cannot
Help HIMSELF
Bill Up to Keep Out Infectious and Con.
taglOus Diseases.
The Republicans Refusing TO
Vote and blocking Legis-
latiOn.

army, of which he gave notice Tues
day.
Mr.. Edmunds asked whether the
bill was intended to enlarge or dimin-
ish the existing constitutional powers
Of the executive in the use of the
army.
Mr.. Mcdonald said that it properly
regulated the Presidents powers un-
der the constitution. The bill would
show for itself whether it enlarged or
restricted those powers.
Mr.. Edmunds wished to know if in
Mr.. McDonald's opinion its effect was
to repeal or only to define existing
laws and if he thought any legislation
on the subject necessary
Mr.. Mcdonald said the rstthreesec-
tons under the title "insurrection, as
they appear in the revised statutes
we're in his mind in Offering the bill.
He desired to give his views at length
on Monday.
Mr.. Edmunds thought no such leg
i%slation was necessary. 1t did not
look to the abatement of any existing
laws, but he would not object to the
bill being introduced.
The bill was received and laid on
the table, and Mr.. Mcdonald gave
notice that he would call it up Mon
day and speak thereon, Mr.. Wallace
gave notice that he intended to speak
on the same subject after the senator
from Indiana (Edmunds) gave notice
that he would speak on the same sub
ject when he could set the floor under
the rules. (Laughter.)
The senate then took up the bill to
prevent the introduction and spread
of contagious and infectious diseases.
Mr.. Cockrell, by request, introduced
a bill to provide for the construction
and completion of certain t%rans-conti-
mental lines o. railroads, and for other
purposes. Referred. Mr.. PendletOn,
from the committe on Indian affairs,
reported, with amendments to the
senate bill, to authorize the secretary
of the interior to deposit the Indian
trust funds in the United States
treasury in lieu of the Investment.
Placed on the calendar. Mr.. Here
ford, from the committee on COM
merce, reported, without amendment,
the house bill authorizing the secre-
tary of war to expend in the pur-
chase Of lands required for the pros
eeution of Improvement of the great
Kanawha and Kentucky rivers such
portion as may be necessary Of last
years appropriations for those i'm
proyements. Placed on the calendar.
Mr.. Gordon, from the committee on
commerce, reported, without amend
ment, the senate bill relative to the
transportation of animals. Placed on
the calendar. Mr.. Slater introduced
a bill to regulate intercourse with cit
liens of China visiting or residing
in the United States, and for other
purposes. Ordered to be tableted and
printed.
The morning hour having expired
Mr.. Harris called up the senate bill
to prevent the introduction and
spread Of contagious diseases and
moved to ignore the original bill and
consider the substitute reported from
the committee May 9th which EN-
bodied what appeared to be the views
of the majority of the senate though
not so satisfactory to the committee as
was the first bill.
HoUsE.-Mr. Goode introduced a
bill authorizing the secretary of the
navy to place vessels aud hulks at the
disposal of the commissioners of quar-
antine or other proper persons at the
ports of the United States. Referred.
The house then resumed, as business
of the morning hour, consideration Of
the bill to repeal and amend the laws
relating to the transfer Of cares from
State to Federal courts.
The Republicans refused to vote on
the demand for the previous question,
thereby blocking the business.
Various propositions were thereupon
suggested on both sides, but were not
aceeeded to. Mr.. Frye wanted the
bill referred To the judiciary commit
tee, and MI. Harris wanted the Re-
publicans, in case that motion was
voted down, to withdraw their dilatory
motions and flibustcring. Mr.. Con-
ger took exceptions to the use Of Of
fcnsivc cpithets, and objected to any
further statement by Mr.. Harris.
Mr.. Garfield declared that all that
was wanted on the Republican side
was to have a fair chance for debate.
but that was cut Of by the demand
for the previous question. He thought
I it better that the time be used in de.
bate than wasted in such attempts.
Mr.. Fernando Wood suggested thai
there were other committees hat dc.
gtro1 40 ,nato ranorlc dur,ur Al,