Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-06-12
FORTY-sIxTH CONGRESS.
Extra SESSION.,
WASHINGTON, june II.
Senate.

A bill was introduced directing the Atty
| General to compromise the claim of the |
| United States under the will of Joseph Lewis |
| of Hoboken, who lett 81 1000, 900 towards the |
National debt.
Bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treas
ury to furnish copies of vgnettcs and por-
traits in government possession, on proper
application. to members of Congress, heads
of art associations etc, was passed.
Joint resolution for relief of ID. e. Brink,
bearer of dispatches from United States min
lister to Mexico, was passed.
Bill reimbursing estate of the late Consul
Gerard for expense incurred in protecting
Ilaytcn refugees at Port an Prince, in '5S,
was passed.
An executive session was wholly consumed
, in discu ssion concerning the proposed read
justment of ranks of certain assistant sur
geons in the army.
The Senate resumed consideration of Mr.
McDonald's bill, to authorize the use of
troops in certain cases and to repeal the cleo
ton laws.
Mr.. Hill began speaking on the bill at 30,
saving he intended to repel personal illusions
but not to retaliate or make a personal at
tack on any senator.
He proceeded to show that he had acted
consistently in the Georgia convention, and
gave details of his action in that convention,
to the effect that he cndeavored to avert the
adoption of secession resolutions. but after
their adoption he abided by the action of his
State. He claimed that Mr. Blaine had mis-
represented him. lie then went on to show
he meant the democrats as soldiers were
largely instrumental in saving the Union.
To disprove the charges of introducing retail
iatOrv war measures in the Confederate Sen
ate, ne showed from the records that he was
utterly opposed to such war measures, as not
according to the law of nations. He closed
with an eloquent appeal to the people to
abandon sectionalsm and return to the con-
stitutional government inaugurated by Mad-
son and eXpounded by Webster. He was fire.
! qucntly applauded.
Mr.. Blaine gave notice that he would mt
another time reply to Mr.. Hills remarks.
Mr.. Morrill, read a speech chiefly in sup
port of the republican party and the finan-
cial policy thereof
Mr.. Beck, from committee on appropria-
tions, reported back the House legislative
/ bill, anil said he would cndeavor To have it
/ acted upon tomorrow. Placed on the calcn-
I dar.
4 After an executive session the House bill
4 making appropriations for certain judicial eX
penses of the government, was referred to
the appropriations committee.
( After appointment of committee on the
Il bill repeating certain clauses of the Sundry
! civil bill of the last session, the Senate al
journed
House.
| The morning hour was dispensed with.
The pending busincss-liousc bill relative
/ to removal of cases from State to Federal
4 courts having been referred to committee of
! the whole, will not be brought up the present
I session.
\ Joint resolution authorizing the Secrcta-
4 ~ of the Treasury to finally adjust the
K claims of certain foreign steamship compa-
Z MES, arising from illegal cxaction of tonnage
duties, was recommitted
] Mr.. Knott, from the Judiciary committee.
4 submitted report on the veto message of
4 the President. Printed and rc-committed.
I Proceeded to consideration of the army
/ appropriation bill.
Mr.. Clymcr briefly explained the bill.
! \ motion by Mr.. Whitthorne, to reduce
tine maximum of the army to l5,0O0 was re-
| g-cted.
After rejection Of several amendments,
general debate began ON section &, providing
that no money appropriated shall he used to
pay expenses of troops to be used as police
at the polls.
The debate was long and interesting and
. carried on chiefly by republicans. which, in
/ connection 18th "A motion to strike out the
9th section, by Mr.. Baker, called forth the
complaint from Mr.. kiefer those who wished
to oppose the bill had been gagged. The
motion was rejected
Section ., relating to army promotions,
was stEckea out.
The committee then rose and reported the
bill. which, after The committee amendment.
were agreed TO, was passed.
Adjourned.