New-York tribune., 1879-12-10
COMMITTEES FALLING TO WORK.
NUMBER OF THEM MEET FOR THE FIRST TIN
THIS observation-disclosures OF INTEREST.

A NUMBER OF THEM MEET FOR THE FIRST TINE
THIS sEssION-INCIDENrs OF INTEREST.
GBY TELEGRAPH To TRIDUNEl
WASHING roN Dec. GA number of committees
met to-day aud several of them male progress with
business on hand.
The House Committee on Appropriations passed n
resolution TO report the Military Academy, the
Fortfcations. and the Pensions Appropriation bills
and urge their passage before the holiday recess 1t
is not expected that either of these bills will evoke
much discussion. At the request of Chairman At
kins who is ILL., the deficiency appropriation for the
nav of United States MarShals Will not be considered
at present.
The Committee on Contested Elections postponed
the contested case of McCabe against Orth until
next week, but there is little doubt that it will be
dismissed.
The COMMITTEES on Commerce considered the
Steamboat BILL in which Western people are 80 in
terestcd. This measure has passed the House
twice. but has been defeated i'll the Senate. Ii is
now understood that Senator Conkling and others
who have hitherto opposed the bill will withdraw
their opposition. TIE friends of the measure arc
now hopeful of success
Mr. Reagans bill will be taken up on Friday
next. when hearing will be given to members of
the Board of Trade of New-York and to gentlemen
representing the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
At the meeting to-day Mr.. Totten, representing the
PENNSYLVANIA Railroad. was the only transportation
man present.
The Senate Committee on Finance held its first
regulafIneetng tor the present session this morning
and proceeded as usual at the beginning Ofa session 10
arrange the docket, which now comprises sxty-sIx
bills and resolutions, mostly of private character.
No imDoTtaut pubic matters were reached. Moth
ing was done except to refer a number or bilis TO
subcommittee. and to pass upon several private
claims. A special meeting Is called Tor next friday,
when an effort will be made to proceed 10 more ill
portant business.
The subcommittee OF the House Committee on
Manufactures had under consideration this mOrn-
ing Representative McCoid's joint resolution TO
amend the Constitution, giving TO Congress the
Ii was aglced to report favoraby and urge that the
resolution he passed speedily in order that II may
be ratified 10y the Legislatures sitting this winter.
The sale action will probably be taken by the full
committee at the meeting tomorrow.
The Iloase judiciary Committee held its first
meetin. during the present session to-day The
only business transacted was to appoint sub-con-
m;ftec on District Courts, to whom Will be referred
oU bills relating TO the formation OF new districts
and new courts. ~
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs agreed
on "A report this morning, that there Is urgent need
for gisiation for the protection OF immigrants ar
riyinp M the Port of New-l lOrk." Chairman Cox
was Instructed TO report favorably upon the bill III
troduced by him last week upon this subject:
Tuestays were assigned for the regular meetings OF
the committee. The House Committee on Military
Affairs held lis first meeting to-day. and appointed
a suI-cn,nmittce, consisting of MesSrs. Sparks. Le-
feyrc and McCock. To consider and rcpOrt upon tho
appcal Of General Fitz John Porter TO be restored TO
III former rank III the army. subcommittee was
also appointed on the reorganization of the army,
and General Joseph l.. Johnston was made chan