Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1879-05-16
CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY.

use of the army at the polls.
Tie first provides that the pro-
hibition against bringing to, or
employing troops Mt polls shall not APP
ply to the use of military forces when
necessary to protect the state against
Invasion. The other amendment in
serts the words: "Wben the legislature
cannot be convened "-after the clause
which exempts from prohibition the
employment Of the army or navy to
enforce the fourth section Of article
four, OF the constitution, and laws made
in pursuance thereof, upon application
Of the legislature or executive
of the state. The resolution
authorizing taking of testimony in
relation to the claim OF SpoHord to the
seat of Senator Kellogg, was considered.
A long debate occurred on the merits
and dement's Of the investigation, par
ticipated in by Hoar, Conkling, Bayard,
Carpenter and others. The republicans
attempted to adjourn, and opposed tho
reopeping Of this question on the ground
that il had been settled once forever.
The democrats took the postion that n
fair investigation Of this case was never
allowed and that the senate had power
at any time 10 inquire whether person
was entitled to u seat in that body.
During the debate the bill TO prevent
the use Of the army at elections, just
passed by the house, was received and
read first time when It's further con.
sideration was objected so and il went
over. Adjourned.
TUESDAY, May 6Hou%. The
morning hour was consumed in
the introduction and reference Of bills.
The senate amendments to the bill pro-
vidlng for certain expenses OF the pres
ent session were concurred in.
Mr.. Knott reported back, without
amendment, the bill introduced yester.
day, to prohibit military interference Mt
elections. Mr.. Robeson offered substi-
tute making it unlawful to bring to or EN-
ploy nj a place where nominal or
special election is being held in the
state, any part Of the army or navy nm
less such employment shah be noees-
sary to carry out the provisions
OF the constitution or overcome
forcible obstruction to the execution Of
the laws made in pursuance thereof,
and making any violation Of the act u
penal offence. This substitute is en-
titled. bill to farther protect
the freedom OF elections. Robe
sons substitute wns defeated by
yeas 03, nays 121, only one greenbacker,
Ford, voted aye, while eight-De In
Matyr, Jores, Ladd, Lowe, Murch,
Stevenson, Weaver and Yokum-voied
no. The republicans fillibustered no the
bill to prevent interference of troops ut
election All hut Chittendcn, Kelly,
Kellngor and Morton declined voting
while there were not enough democrats
present to constitute quorum. Tho
reason for lillibustering was ~ refusal to
allow Conger to offer an amendment.
second call was ordered mt 2,l0 7. NJ.
when illlbllsiering ceased and vote
was taken on the bill, which was passed;
yens 145 nays 80, n strict party vote,
MI greenbackers voting with tho demo
Gratis in the Affirmative.
Tho house thereupon adjourned,
WEDNESDAY, May 7--Snnte. Tho
house bill to prohibit military interior
ence In elections was read twice by vote
of "a against 81. The senate disagreed
to the motion of Mr.. Edmunds to refer
to tho committee ON judiciary, and it
was laid on the table to be called UP
hereafter. Consideration was then 70
sumed of the resolution asking for au
thority to take testimony in the con-
tested case OF Spoilord against Kellogg
and Carpenter continued his remarks
in support of Kellogg's right to heseat.
WEDNESDAY, May House.
house spent tho whole session III dis-
ctssing Chalmers resolution relating to
his responsibility at tho Fort Pillow
massacre during tho war, and finally
laid tho resolution on the table.
THURSDAY, May s. Senate. Tho sen
ate discussed the house bill relating to
tho use of troops ut the polls MI day
and adjourned without reaching vote.
THURSDAY, May s.. House The bill
TO enforce the eight hour law was taken
up M the business of the morning hour.
The bill was opposed by Mr.. MoMi-
Inn M not being IN tho interest of the
toiling millions, but adverse to their in
forest. Ho moved NJ M amendment
that II shall not apply to tho past,
A motion 10 reconsider tho vote by
which the bill was laid ON the table, and
to lay that motion on the table resulted
127 yeas to sc noes, thus oiloctually kill
ling the bill. The silver bill was taken
w. kim.mell offered M amend
ment, fixing tho weight Of tho SILVER
dollar Mt Id0 instead of 4l2l grains.
Chiltenden opposed the bill Ms the
most violent and in-excu sable assault
on tho integrity and welfare of the
American people ever made in con
gress. lie proposed to turn on the
light and expose the covert inequality
and rascality OF tho measure. lie pro
cocded TO critcisc and ridiculo De l.a-
Matyr as tho beloved apostle and high
priest of the grenbaekors and rs hay.
ing prayed recently from the clerks
desk that the good Lord would ako
them all TO heaven and then straight
way made frantic effort from his own
seat to make il warm for tho "infam-
ous and hell-born bond holders"
(Laughtcr) He was glad to see that
the unique quasi-divine was in his seat
for he belonged 10 Il class who rarely