Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-03-03
THE EVENING STAR.
CONGRESSIONAL,
Conclusion Of Yesterdays Proceed.
nnRS.

SENATE.-Aftcr our report closed
Mr.. Logan opposed the Fitz-John Porter bill
discussing the case from legal standpoint and
|sholding that Congress had no power to set aside
a sentence by court-martiaL He argued that the
only way that Porter could be restored to the
army was by executive pardon, and cited numer-
Gus authorities In support of the proposition. He
court, whilst he was defended by Reverdy John
son, one of the ablest lawyers of his time.
Mr.; Blaine asked if there was any doubt that
the PRESIDENT has any power TO pardon Porter
lot that part of the sentence which leaves dis
ability on him.
Mr.. Logan thought not.
MI. Blafne.-Now, then, l presume Congress
goes on this presumption, that II the President
does not concur by giving his approval. two
tnirds OF congress can pass the bill over his
unwilling to pardon Porter, because he has not
done 1t with all this evidence before him. Now,
suppose we pass the bill and the President fails
pardon Porter?
Mr.. Logan.-I do not think the pardoning
power belongs to Congress, directly or indi-
Tectiy. II has no power to interfere with the
Mr.. Blaine.-Does not that present an obstacle
at the very outset?
Mr.. LOgan.-JuSt what have been arguing
Il.aughterl
In further remarks Mr.. Logan asserted that
when the pardon is granted by the Presid INT,
relieving Porter from the disability that Is in
the way, there Is no power TO put him in the
army In any rank whatever.
on motion of Mr. Whyte, the Senate took up
and PASSED House bill appropriattng s550,OO0 for
the purchase of site for post Office and other
government buildings in Baltimore
The Senate at $3.50 p. m, went into executive
session. and when the doors were reopened ad-
journed.
THE NEW HOUSE RULES ADOPTED.
HOuSE.-After our report closed
The previous question was demanded and sec.
onded on the new rules as amended They were
read at length by the Clerk At the conclusion
of the reading the House proceeded to vote upon
the amendments. The first amendment on
which separate vote was demanded was that
providing that the Clerk of the House shall, at
members to order, call the roll of members, and
pending the election of a Speaker preserve Or
der and decide all questions Of order subject to
appeal by any member Agreed to. The amend
ment giving the committee on commerce full
jurisdiction over the river and harbor bill was
agreed to. The amendment giving the commit
tee on agriculture jurisdiction over the esti-
mates and appropriations for the agricultural
department was agreed to. The amendment
giving the committee on public buildings and
public buildings and grounds was defeated. The
amendment known as the Morrison SuoSti.
tute" was agreed to by strict party vote. with
the exception of MeSsrs. Deuster, wis., and
FELTON,, Speer and Stephens, {Ga..) who voted
with the republicans in the negative. The re-
| naming amendments were agreed TO- The ques
ton then required on the adoption of the re
vised rules.
MIR Conger demanded the yeas and nays, as
| the only way in which his side of the House
| could vote against the rule allowing political
| riders.
The yeas and nays were ordered and the re
vised rules were adopted-yeas 122, nays s.
| nearly party vote.
| Mr.. Garfield offered a resolution that the new
| rules go into effect next Monday. Adopted.
The House then, at $3.50 pm, adjourned.