Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-05-05
FORTY.SlXTH CONGRESS.
WEDNESDAY, May 5.

WEDNESDAY, May 5.
SENATE-Mr. Wallace, from the select COM.
mittee to inquire into alleged frauds In the late
election, submitted report of the result of that
committees INVESTIGATION on the subject of de.
nial or abridgement of suffrage In the state OF
Rhode Island, and reported bill to enforce the
provisions OF section of article IA OF amend
ments to the constitution OF the United States;
placed on the calendar, and the testimony
taken by the committee was ordered to be
printed. Mr.. Wallace also presented sundry
petitions OF citizens OF Rhode Island, pray
Ing relief from the rule OF suffrage observed in
that state, and it was referred to the commit
tee on the judiciary.
Mr.. Butler submitted resolution calling on
ports OF Captain John w. White, OF the L. S.
revenue service, made while he was on duty I'm
Alaskan waters, and Of all papers relating to
the transfer of jurisdiction over the TERRITORY of
Alaska from the War to the Treasury depart
ment. Adopted.
Mr.. Blair Stated that there would be mi.
Rhode Island from the % Wallace committeess on Seese III
Mr. Cameron wis }, at the request of several
Senators who desired consideration of the cal
endar, refrained from asking the Senate to
laday. HsY
Mr.. Booth, from the committee on public
lands reported favorably on House bill for the
relief OF settlers on public lands and It was
passed
THE CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY.
ON motion OF Mr.. voorhees,, the bill for
joint committee to arrange for better accommo-
dations for the Congressional library was taken
up, to allow him to speak in its support. He
described the lamentable condition Of the
library, saying 1t was reproach and digsrace
TO the nation. For want OF room 95, 600 books
one-fourth of the whole number in the library,
were unable TO find places on the shelves; were
piled up on the floor or showed away behind
other books. The floors were piled up with
books and documents. Great numbers OF bound
volumes OF periodicals were in the library but
useless, because there was no room to display
1d. Inem: Ihere was great danger OF fire in the
lofts, where gas had TO be used. Great inconve-
nlence was suffered by all who desired to get
books promptly, as it was impossible to keep
them In good order In the crowded state of the
rooms. Mr.. Voorhees, recited the history of the
library from its humble beginning, and remarked
that it Showed the necessity Of legislation for
the centuries, not for day. Were 1t not for the
exertions of an exceptionally able librarian, Mr..
A1nsWorth X. Spofford, the library would be al
most useless. 1t was now the tenth In size in
the world. Arguing from its previous growth,
largest in the world except. possibly, the British
Museum and the National Library Of Paris.
The bill reported by the committee provided
for joint select committee of three members
and three Senator's who shall have power to
employ, as soon as may be, at the expense OF
the United States, three persons OF suitable skill
and attainments, who. or majority Of whom.
shall, with the approval OF said committee,
carefully examine and consider what practical
Ole and beneficial changes can be made In and
OF the Capitol building in the District of Colum-
Congress and OF the Congressional library,
having In view especially the need of better
ventilation, light, and exposure TO the open
air of the legislative halls, and the con
and between them and the library,
and the need OF greater space and
They shall, if they find any mode or modes of
accomplishing the ends aforesaid practicable
ana Deneflclal, cause proper plans, designs and
estimates OF cost to be made thereof, and SUBJ
Sli yry,5cI, cl,a
port the same to Congress at the earliest prac-
ticable time. And said committee shall in any
case make a full report on the subject. Five
purposes named
The following amendment was submitted by
Mr.. Morrill,:
1T That Joint select committee, consisting Of
three Senators and three Members OF the House
or Representatives, together with three per-
sons TO be appointed by the President OF the
lnlted states; shall be, and hereby is, author
lLed ana directed to carefully examine the QueS-
ton OF site for the library of Congress, and
report to Congress, as soon as practicable what
location would be most appropriate for the
library and afford the highest advantages for
tion.'
Upon the suggestion Of Mr. Conkling. an ar
fangement was made whereby the Kellogg
Spofford resolutions were Informally laid aside
to allow further debate on the library bill
FIRST, however, the District OF Columbia appro-
prjattOn bill was taken up and the Charity an
preparations discussed.
HOUSE-Senate resolution was concurred In
for printing 5000 copies OF the report of the
board to test iron, steel and other metals.
Mr. Atkins chairman of the committee on ap-
preparations, reported bill appropriating $3.50 e00
FOR carrying on the government printing Office
for the current fiscal year. He stated that the
sum appropriated was the same as that aDpro-
prated by the bill which had been vetoed by the
President.
The bill was then passed without division.
MI. Brewer. by request, introduced bill raia-
tive TO the Columbia Hospital OF the District of
Columbia. Referred.
The morning hour having been dispensed
with. Mr. King called up the joint resolution re-
aillImlng the Monroe doctrine
Mr. Blackburn raised the question OF cOnSid-
GRAFTON, stating that he desired to proceed with
the Post Office appropriation bill.
Inc House by decisive vote refused to con-
sCer the Monroe doctrine resolutions and at
1880 went into committee OF the whole Mr.
Carlisle In the chair on the Post Office appro-
pltation bill.
The pending amendment increasing the ap-
preparation for railway mail service to So, 800
600. was rejected-16, so.
An amendment was adopted authorizing the
postmaster General to use S390.00 OF the
s, .0CO appropriated for railway mail service
In securing necessary and special facilities.