Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-01-16
EGRYT.FXETH CONGRESS.
THURSDAY. January Is.

SENAEE.-The Nice-PreSiient laid before the
senate communication from the Secretary OF
War in regard to unpaid claims of citizens OF
the territories OF Montana and Dakota. and re
ccmmendtng an appropriation Of $1,000 for
tfat purpose. Referred TO the committee on
appropriations.
Also. communication from the Secretary of
War enclosing report from the uuarrermastef
general IN regard to Senate bill To repeal the
law prohibiting payment TO land grant ran-
TCaGS lor the transportation OF troops and prp-
pef'y OF the Dlted States; also, letters showing
tIe dhncultleS In dealing with such roads. The
GuaftermaSter general recommends the pas
sage OF thc bill, and that necessary legislation
De had to define the rights OF railroad COMM
HES and the government at the present session
OF congress. ordered that it be printed and lie
on the table.
HgiouS Society OF Friends OF Pennsylvania New
Jersey and Delaware. protesting against tht,
transfer of the Indian bureau from the interiof
OF the War department. Referred ID the select
committee on that subject.
NJ. Ferry, from the committee on post Offices
and post roads, reported bill authorizing and
directing the postmaster general TO readiuSt
the salaries Of certain postmasterS in accord
ahce with section $, OF June 20, ld6. Placed on
the calendar.
Bills were introduced and referred as follows:
BY MI. McPherSon-FoT the relief of the cap
tolS OF the ram Aihemaile; referred to the COM
mittee on naval affairs.
Mr.. Ingalls,, from the committee on pensions
reported fayorably on bill granting pension
70 Ann NJ. Pauiding, widow OF Rear Admiral
Hiram Paulding; placed on the calender. Also.
iafofably on Dill TO repeal section SIX OF the
Revised statutes, ia regard TO ruling out pen
sion claims not fled within five years unless
accompanied by evidence from the War de-
partment; placed on the calendar
Mr. Blaine, from the committee on rules re-
ported favOrably on the resolution of Mr.. Thur
man 10 admit Hon. Geo Bancroft TO the priv
reyes ol TIE floor Of the senate and il WAS
unanimously agreed to.
Nj. Thurman. from the committee on the i'll
ulclafy, reported with amendment senate bill
10 extend the operation Of the act of February
y, I55. TO provide for settlements with certain
railway companies for one year. Placed on the
calendar.
BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE MIGRATION OF COL
0RED VOTERS.
Nj. Window submitted the following.
ReSo}r6d, hat with a view 10 the Deappful
adjustment Of all questions relating to suffrage
10 the efectual enforcement Of constitutional
ara natural rights and the promotion Of the
best interests Of the whole country, by the
elimination Of sectionalfsm from politics, a
committee OF seven Senator's be appointed b.
the cnair and charged with the duty OF fnquir-
ing as TO the expediency and practicablity OF
encoaraglng f; and promoting by all Just and
coioIed persons from those states and
congressional districts where they are
hot allowed to freely and peacefully
exercise ard enjoy their constitutional rights as
american citizens, into such state as may de-
sire to receive them. and viii protect them in
said rights, OF into such territory or territories
RI tie United States as may be provided for
tnelr use and occupation and if said commit
tee shall deem such migration eXpedient and
practicable. that they report, by bill or other
WISE What. in their judgment, is the mot effect
I've method OF accomplishing that object; and
that said committee have leave TO sit during the
recess.
Laid On the table for the present at the re-
quest OF Mr.. Window; and he gave notice he
would call it up soon for the purpose OF submit
ting some remarks in regard thereto.
HCUSE.-The Speaker announced the regular
Cr.tpr TO bn,
last night from the committee on ways and
means, to facilitate
TIE REFuNDING OF THE NATIoSAL DEBT.
CT tie bill.
Nj Mills asked Mr.. Wood to yield TO him for
en- amendment Subjecting all bonds hereafter
issued to taxation.
Mr. Wood declined 10 yield for that purpose.
and the bill was then passed without division
ut authorizes the Secretary OF the Treasury
IN Il e process Of reTunding the national debt. TO
exchange directly at par the bonds Of United
States bearing per cent. interest for the bonds
commonly known as 5-20S, outstanding and I'M
called; and directs that whenever all such $40
b0TdS shall be redeemed the provisions OF this
section, and all existing provisions OF law, au-
thollZlng the re1unding OF the national debt
shall apply TO any bonds bearing per cent Or
or higher rate Of interest. that may be re-
deemabe. In any exchange made Under the
provision OF this section, interest may be al
lowed on tie bonds. redeemed for Il period of
three mGntnS.l
Tie House then went into committee OF
whole, (hir Carlisle In the chair.) Oh the bill Or
ganizing the Mississippi River improvement
Commission and providing for the improve
nent OF that river and the protection of its all-
vial lands.
The proposed commission is to consist OF
i've persons to be appointed by the President,
and is TO have charge OF the surveys OF the Mis-
SiSSippi, and to take into consideration plans
and estimates for the improvement of its navi-
CATION, ard the protection OF its aliuyial lands
When such plans are prepared and approved
by Congress, il shall be the duty OF the Secre-
tary OF war to cause such Improvements to be
made. An appropriation Of $3.50, 600 IS made
iof the payment OF salaries; and the commits
sion, which reported the bin. has, as an amend
for strengthening the Mississippi leveeS.
Nearly all nOur was occupied In the reading of
! tie report accompanying the bill
MI Gibson gave notice that he would if he
had opportunity, offer, as a substitute. an
amendment appropriating 81, 500, 900 for the i'm
pToFement OF the Mississippi, from the head of
the passes OF that river to the mouth of the II
llnOlS river
Mr.. Reagan gave notice that he would offer
amendment directing the commission to take
into consideration the practicability of improv-
ing the Mississippi by opening additional out
lets for the foW of that river into the Gulf OF
Mexico
Mr.. Robertson spoke in favor OF the bill
Mi. Ellis onered amendment, as a substitute
approprating s4,S5O,O00 for the purpose of re-
pairing the leveeS Of the MiSsiSsipDi. and inn
proving the navigation OF that river sneh
money to be expended under the direction of
the chief engineer OF the army