Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1880-03-18
Congressional Doings.

| In tne SENATE TUESDAY tile message
and documents relating to the inter
oceanic canal were referred to the Com
mittee on Foreign Affairs. Memorials
were received protesting against estab-
| liShment of courts in Indian Territory
asking appropriations for the harbOr at
| Yakima. Oregon, and for protection of
California rivers from impedimentS by
mining debris. Reading of memorials
will hereafter he objected to because of
time wasted and expense of printing.
Bills were introduced giving religious
denominations equal rights in Indian
reservations, and for the erection of a
monument to Custer, in Washington.
\ resolution was adopted authorizing
an investigation of the contract recent
ly entered into between the Pacific rail
roads and the Pacific Mail Steamship
Company, by which the latter received
S1,320,CO0 ann 4; .ly foc hot cutting rates
below railroad rates, and what legisla-
ti0n is necessary to prevent its execu-
ton. Mr.. Mcdonald spoke on the Fitz
John Porter case, arguing that action
by Congress in the matter was proper
and requisite in the cause of Justice.
In the House bills relating to Indian
House then took up the Political Assess
ment Bill first bin on the calendar), and
Mr.. House spoke at length on it. The
Senate received a message from the
President transmitting draft of the
settlement with the Utes, urging prompt
action and approval The agreement
cedes 100000 acres, mostly valuable
mineral land, to the government.
The Republican members of the Sen
ate held caucus, at which it was agreed
that the party interests would be promo
ted by a continuance of the debate on
the Fitz-J Ohm Porter bill, and that they
will not aid to postpone action upon the
bill until next session.
In the Senate Wednesday the message
from the President recommending the
ratification of the Ute settlement was
received. After aquorum had been OBJ
tanned several minor bills were reported
and others introduced. The question of
the reference of the Indian Territory
Court bill, fayorably reported by the
Committee on Territories to the Com
mittee on Judiciary, caused spirited
debate, but no action was taken. Mr..
Mcdonald continued his speech on the
L ltE JOiiil vi vi 'iuCStIOll ttllu a HlOIlOu
was made to refer the whole subject to
the Judiciary Committee.
In the House Mr.. Reagan offered Il
substitute to the resolution reaflirming
the Monroe doctrine. Much time was
occupied in receiving reports of commit
tees. When the Political Assessment
bill was taken up Mr.. Young replied to
the political harangue made by Mr.
House on Tuesday. Several amend
mentS were offered and substitute by
Mr.. Butterworth. The previous ques-
ton WAS demanded, and the House took
a recess until evening" the evening seS-
sion being devoted to pension bills.
In the Senate on Thursday Senator
Sharon explained his Drotracted absence.
Resolutions adopted: Calling for mfor-
nation concerning the killing of Big
Snake, Il Ponca chief; inquiring as to
land issued to persons or corporations in
the Indian Territory. Bill passed: Pro-
vidingSfOr the reclamation of arid and
waste lands. The Fitz John Porter bill
was tabled.
In the House, Mr.. Kelly rose to
question of privilege concerning certain
newspaper articles. Bills reported: To
punish certain crimes relating to coins
of the United States; prohibiting the
coinage of trade dollars. The Political
Assessment bill was discussed, but with
out final result.
In the Senate Friday the dispute in
regard to the reference of the inter-
oceanic canal question to a special or
general committee ended in the with
drawal of their special resolutions by
Senators Gordon and Groome and the
reference of the subject to the Commit
tee on Foreign Affairs The Fortifca-
tions appropriation bill was amended
and passed.
In the House the general Deficiency
bill was taken up and amended by add
ing 100000 for the pay of fees and ex-
penses of United States marshals and
and general deputies, but making no
provision for special deputies, many of
whom were employed in California. A
long political debate followed, but no
action was taken.
In the Senate on Monday memorials |
were presented from number of States |
for the removal of the tariff from |
printing paper and type. The bill to
prohibit the arrest of election officers on
election cay was reported back and |
placed on the calendar. The Star Route |
deficiency bill was discussed.
In the House, bills were introduced |
the secrecy of telegraphic
reducing the price of public
lands within railroad limits; proposing
tests for protection of dealers in butter,
oleomargarine, ETC.; reducing expenses
Of taking pre-emptionS and hOmesteads;
the pay of customs officers;
$25,OO0 for the relief of
5he daughter and granddaughter of
Zachary Taylor.