The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-06-19
xLvICONGREss-1sT SESSION
SENATE.

SENATE.
WASHINGTON. June 49,
The army bill was taken up and Mr.. Beck
read certificates showing military inter-
ference at elections in Kentucky in 1865.
The committee on civil service and retrench-
ment were authorized to sit during recess and
investigate the charges contained in the Rhode
Island petition.
The Mississippi river improvement commits
sion was taken up.
The army bill was then taken up, the pending
question being on Mr.. Blaine's amendment
providing for punishment of persons carrying
deadly weapons at the polls.
Mr. Beck read documents showing inter-
ference at the elections in Kentucky.
Mr. Blaine read story from a Southern
school reader rejecting upon the bravery of
the Indiana soldiers in the Mexican war.
Mr.. Voorhees, spoke disparagingly of Mr..
Blaine and of New England troops in
the same war, and was replied to by Messrs.
Eaton and Burnside.
Mr. Voorhees, continued at length and
spoke of the confederates in the Cabinet and
Congress and wanted to know why the North
didn't send more soldiers to meet them as
bravely as ON the battle field.
Mr.. Blaine said that instances of confederates
appointed to federal offices only showed there
was no discrimination against men who served
against the Union on that account. Men who
returned to loyalty were ostracised in the
South anu were ODlSeu TO seek refuge else
where. He trusted the Republican admins
tration would continue to hold up tine banner
of free speech and free thought.
He explained the figures of the vote of Indiana
in 1862 and 1864, cited by Mr.. Voorhees,, saying
that year was very bad year for the Republic
can cause. The Union army had lost battles
and there was light vote all over the coun-
try. The figures also showed, though the Re-
publican majority had increased greatly in
1864, when interference was charged, the
Democratic vote was larger than in previous
elections, when there was certainly no inter-
ference. He had just received a telegram
from E. V. Martindale of Indianapolis saying
he could produce proof that Massachusetts,
regiment was never in Indianapolis.
Mr.. Mcdonald said he would bring proofs on
the other side
The motion to adjourn was lost, Mr.. Withers
insisting upon vote
MrsChandler moved an executive session
and the Republicans generally RETAINED from
voting defeating quorum.
FilibuStering tactics followed on the Repub-
lican side.
Mr.. Withers at p. m. moved to adjourn,
but on Republicans exulting he withdrew his
motion, and another scene of confusion en-
sued.
At2 o'clock this morning there was no pros
pect of an adjournment, as Mr.. Thurman was
making long speech on rules. During the
night strong language was used between Sena-
tors Lamar and Conkling.
HOUSE.
The resolution defining the meaning
of the arrears of pensions act was
passed and the House resumed the considera-
tion of the bill prohibiting political assess
ments. The Republicans refused to vote, thus
breaking quorum.
The morning hour was consumed in voting
on dilatory motions and the bill went:over.
The judicial expenses bill was reported back
and all but one amendment was concurred in
A bill was reported for the exchange of trade
for legal tender dollars, and pending debate on
this Mr. Atkins submitted q conference report
on the legislative appropriation bill.
The debate on the coinage bill was limited to
two hours.
Pending its discussion Mr.. Atkins submitted
a report of the conference ON the legislative
bill aud it was agreed to.
Debate then began on the silver bill A
number of amendments were offered and the
bill went over until tomorrow when the de-
bate will be closed by Mr.. Stephens.
The Speaker announced the appointment of
a conference on the judicial expenses bill, and
the House adjourned