The Portland daily press., 1880-03-25
xLvIth CoNGREss-Ist Session.
SENATE.

WAsHIN GToN, March a.
A resolution of Hill of Ga, for the appoint
ment of the assistant librarian of the Senate
was opposed by Edmunds on the ground that
up to March 1879 one librarian had been
enough, and the present inconvenience result
ed from the rejection of officers to max 9
places for political favorites The resolutio n
was passed.
Bill incorporating the National Advertising
Association was taken up.
Mr.. Carpenter opposed the bill.
Mr.. Blaine offered the petition of Alfred
Watts and sixty others of Thomaston, asking
an inquiry into the legality of the East River
bridge. The original act of Congress, said
MIR. Blaine, which gave permission for the con-
struction OF that bridge, contained proviso
that 1t be SO constructed as not to obstruct, inn
pair or injuriously modify the navigation of
the river. 1t is found that all vessels having
spars or masts of 100 feet are unable to pass
under the bridge, and this height embraces the
great majority of the slipping, ships, barks,
brigs and large schooners. 1t is the common
highway between New England, New York
and New Jersey. Mr.. Blaine said further
that these petitions come from one of the
largest commercial towns and largest in ship
owning of any town in the United States per
capita, whose business is almost entirely navi-
CATION. and all those engaged in 1t are feeling
already great alarm as to the possible and per-
manent effect of that structure. He knew
nothing himself of the facts embraced in the
petition, but it came from very high source
and he asked that it mighl be referred to the
committee on commerce. 1t was a subject
that should be inquired into before it gets too
far for remedy, if it be not already too far. 1t
was referred.
Morning hour expired and the Geneva award
bill was taken up and Herman spoke upon it.
Mr.. Herman supported the committee bill,
holding that insurers stood in the same position
towards the fund as insured owners would
have stood had they not been insured.
Senate went into executive session and Of
forwards adjourned.
HOUSE.
Debate occurred on the question whether
the journal of yesterday must be read before
the journal OF Monday could be approved in
connection with the alteration of the journal
made by improper reference of Townshend's
bill.
The question was finally submitted to the
House.
Mr.. Conger objected to any proceeding ex-
cept the submission of the privileged question
to the House.
The question as to whether Yesterdays Jour
nal should now be read was negatived by
party vote after considerable discussion.
Debate was commenced on McLane's propo-
sition OF yesterday to discharge the committee
on revision of laws from consideration of Mr.
Townshend's bill and to refer it to ways and
means committee, the question being whether
or not the proposition presented a question of
privilege.
After discussion the vote was taken and the
question was decided in the affirmative.
Demands were then made by McLane for
the previous question but were met by OBJ
structive motions.
Several motions to adjourn were lost
While the roll calls were being taken efforts
were made on both sides for a compromise to
avoid an all nights session.
One motion to adjourn was carried by viva
voce vote but the minority succeeded in get
ting the yeas and nays and it was defeated.
A call of the House was made and the doors
wereclosed and warrant issued for the arrest
of members absent without leave. A number
Of members were brought in arraigned and the
their excuses and were discharged without
COSTS
The House at midnight adjourned.