The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-05-16
XLVICONGRESS-1ST SESSION
SENATE.
WASHINGTON, May Is.

w 1AoAiANoAoNt Ahoy 1O'
Mr.. Cockrell introduced a joint resolution,
authorizing and requesting the President to
open correspondence with France with view
to the negotiation of a treaty of reciprocity.
Three commissioners will be appointed on be-
half of the United States. Referred to the
committee on foreign relations
Mr.. Farley introduced bill for the relief of
John A. Suter, on account of lands taken from
him and services rendered by him to the Unit
ed States.
The Senate resumed the legislative appro-
priation bill.
Mr.. Beck explained the provisions of the
bill as amended, stating that the increase by
the Senate was 1914, 500, making $1S,541 900.
He suggested reforms in the internal revenue
department and customs department. where
by hundreds of thousands would be saved. He
hoped that the committee on appropriations
next session would have data ON which to act
intelligently. He preferred that reforms
should be made now instead of waiting till the
Democrats came into power.
Mr. Thurman said they had before them an
appropriation bill for the support of the legis-
lative branches of the government. Nobody
denied that the amount was sufficient, but OPP
position was made to the bill because of the
provisions relating to trial by jury and the
elections. Rather than agree to these the mi
nority say in effect that they will stop the ap-
preparations and defeat the bill.
The election laws originated in union league
clubs and were passed for party purposes and
were not at all for the protection of freedmen.
In 1876, OF 1858 supervisors appointed, 1878
were appointed in New York. and of II $40
marshals, over one-quarter of them in the same
state. Where did the money go to? That
year 1885,, II were spent. OF this $4S, 919 O6
was expended in the Southern states. For
every dollar spent in protecting the freedmen,
five were spent to corrupt elections in the
North. He attributed the large gains of the
Republican party in New York, New Jersey
and Pennsylvania to money spent in the North,
and said if the Democrats obtained
power in 1881, the Republicans would clamor
for the repeal of these laws. After referring
in an uncomplimentary manner to Johnny
Davenport he spoke desparagingly of the
Presidents veto message. He then depre-
ciated the sectional character of the debate on
the laws.
At the conclusion the Senate at 4.15 ad-
iourned until tomorrow.
HOUSE.
The House in the morning hour resumed the
discussion of the bill to amend the statutes
relating to the removal of cases from the
State to the United States courts land Mr.. Orth
of Indiana concluded his argument against the
bill. He was followed by Mr. McLane in sup
ports
The morning hour expired before any ac-
ton upon the bill was taken.
The House resumed the Warner silver bill
the pending question being to lay the bill and
amendments on the table, ON which the yeas
and nays were ordered and the motion de-
feated.
Previous question was then seconded.
The result of the two votes was greeted with
applause ON the Democratic side.
Question as to whether amendments could
be voted on gave to rise to much discussion.
Mr.. Haskell asserted he would have voted
to lay the bill on the table if he h ad supposed
the House would be prevented from voting on
all the amendments offered. He regarded
some provisions of the bill as monstrosities and
would not vote for it unless it could be
amended.
Messrs. Stephens and Clymer both said they
understood the bill was open to amendment.
Finally it was agreed that the previous ques-
ton should only apply to the first section of
the bill, providing gold coins be 81 of % S-100
grains, $3.50, So, eagle and double eagle. The
section was agreed to.
The second section provided that silver
coins be dollar of 412a grains, half, quarter and
dime
Mr.. Kimmel moved to make the eight of
the dollar 400 grains
Mr.. Springer opposed the amendment.
Mr.. Morton opposed the section, saying it
was in the interest of silver owners The act
should be entitled, "act for relief of owners of
silver mines"
Mr.. Bright argued against the amendment
and in favor of of the section
Mr.. Buster opposed the whole bill as an
effort to make money cheap by legislation.
Debate continued at length.
Mr.. Kimmel's amendment was rejected and
the second section was agreed to.
Mr.. Calkins moved a provision that the
Secretary may purchase silver bullion at
market value, and that all profits thereon
inure to the United States.
Mr.. Warner opposed the amendment and it
was rejected.
Mr.. Warner moved to reconsider the vote
and lay the motion on the table, but the yeas
and nays being demanded he withdrew it, and
the House adjourned.