The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-02-06
Fire i'm Limerick.
XLvTH CONGRESSIONAL SESSION
SENATE.


Mr.. Sargent, from the naval affairs committee, re-
ported bill authorizing the purchase of site for
the location of a new naval observatory. Calen-
| dared.
Mr.. Wallace gave notice he would call up the j ap-
anese indemnity bill Monday.
Saturday afternoon was set apart for military
] bills.
Resolution appointing special committee of five
inquire into claims against Nicaragua was passed.
Mr.. Edmunds' resolution declaring the validity of
the thirteenth fourteenth and fifteenth constitution
| al amendments were taken up. Mr.. Whyte of Md.
spoke at some length in opposition.
Mr.. Garland moved to amend 60 it would read
"that although the thirteenth, fourteenth and fit.
teenth amendments were not adopted in legal
manner, yet having been accepted, recognized and
acquiesced in by States, they are valid and bind
ing, ETC." Without that amendment he would NOT
vote for the resolution. The amendment was re-
jected.
The Democrats made several dilatory motions.
Mr.. Hill moved that the resolutions and amend
ments be postponed until March 9Th. Mr.. Edmunds
said there had never been any legislation to carry
out any of these amendments which did not meet
the opposition of the Democratic party, and if that
party should be Consistent in its opinions, and came
into power, all these amendments and laws to en-
force them would be swept from the statute books.
Herman regarded thirteenth fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments as valid and binding and said there
was an unnecessary waste of time in this discussion
Motion to postpone until March 5h was rejected is
to 80.
After discussion Mr.. Eaton suggested that Mr..
Garland modify his amendment so as to read .'waiv-
ing question of their legal adoption the 18th and 18th
amendments are valid" &c.
Mr.. Garland refused.
NJ MN
ment SO to read that although not adopted in the
manner prescribed by the Constitution the 18TH 18th
and 18th amendments are valid" &c.
Mr.. Garland sgnifcd his willingness to accept the
amendment, but it was decided he could not do SO.
The yeas and nays having been ordered the amend
ment OF Mr.. Garland was rejected-yeas 5, nays "a.
MIR. Bayard deprecated the introduction Of the
resolutions and said they vera for the purpose of
placing his political opponents in false position.
Mr.. Beck said the resolutions were offered for no
good and honest purpose, but to keep alive bitter
feeling which was dying out and would have been
dead long ago but for few men keeping them alive.
There was one consolation: In less than 30 days
this Congress would expire and that the judi
ciary committee would be dissolved and other and
fairer men would have it.
Mr.. Hoar favored the resolutions and said the
whole American people were pledged and by the
tect those deprived Of their rights.
After further discussion the question being on the
resolutions of Mr.. Edmunds, he demanded separate
vote on each resolution. The first was agreed to,
yeas 80, nays IT, The second resolution was agreed
to by similar vote.
On motion of MIR. Edmunds the Senate took up the
House Joint resolution proposing constitutional
amendment prohibiting claims of disloyal persons.
MIR. Sargent presented in the Senate today letter
from the Secretary OF the Navy, in which he states
bis objection to Baines bill for the reorganization of
the navy. He points out the necessity for more men
when the addition to the naval vessels now ready or
nearly ready to be made are com pleted, and urges
provision for such increase in the force Of seamen
HOUSE.
The House considered the Mississippi levee bill.
The House in committee of the whole took up the
army appropriation bill. The reorganization bill
submitted as an amendment.
Mr.. Hale made point of order against the intro
duclion of the amendment, and after discussion it
was overruled by the Chair.
The committee then rose that the amendment
might be printed. Adjourned