Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-03-25

Senate.


WASalNCfON. Marcn -.
A resolution by Mr.. Hill Of Georgia, for
the appointment Of an assistant librarian of
the Senate was opposed BY Mr.. Edmunds on
the ground that up to March. 1879. one libra
rian had been enough, and the present in.
convenience resulted from the election Of
competent officers to make places for politi-
cal favorites. The resolution passed.
Bill incorporating the National Educational
Association was taken up.
Mr.. Carpenter opposed the bill.
The morning hour having expired, the
Geneva award bill was taken up and Mr..
Herman spoke upon it. He supported the
committees bill holding that the insurers
stand in the same position toward the fund ~
the insured owners would have stood had
they not been insured.
Mr.. Blaine offered petition of Alfred WattS
and 90 others Of Thomaston. asking inquiry
into the legality of the East River Bridge.
The original act Of Congress which gave
permission for the construction of that bridge.
contained provisO that il be SO constructed
rs not to obstruct, impair or injuriously
modify navigation Of the river. 1t is found
that all vessels having spars on masts Of l2O
feet are unable to pass under the bridge. and
this height embraces great majority of the
shipping,-ships, barques, briggs and large
schooners. 1t 10 common highway between
New England, New York and New jersey.
Mr.. Blaine said that these petitions came
from one Of the largest commercial town.
the largest in ship owning of any town in the
United States per capita,-whOse business
is almost entirely navigation. Others en-
gagged in it are feeling already greatly alarmed
as to the possible. and permanent 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 it
might be referred to the Committee on Com
merce. 1t was = subject that should be in
quired into before it gets too far for remedy
if it be not already too far.
1t was 50 referred.
The Senate went into executive session.
Adjourned.
A debate occurred on the question whether
the journal Of yesterday must be read before
the journal Of Monday could be approved
Tin connection with alteration Of the journal
made necessary by improper reference Of .
BILLY The question was finally submitted to
the House.
Mr.. Conger objected to any proceedings
except submission Of privileged questions in
the House.
The question As to whether yesterdays
Journal should now be read, was negatIved
by party vote.
After considerable confusion debate was
resumed on Mr.. McIane's proposition Of
yesterday, to discharge the Committee on Re-
vision. Of Laws from consideration of Mr..
Townshend's bill, and to refer it to the Com
mittee on Ways and Means.
The question being whether. or not the
question presented q question of privilege
after discussion a vote was taken and the
question decided in the affirmative.
Demands were then made by Mr.. McLane
for the previous question, but were met by
obstructive motions.
Several motions to adjourn were lost.
While the roll calls were being made, e.
forts were made on both sides for . compro-
mise, to avoid an all night session.
A motion to adjourn was carried BY viva
voce vote, but the minority succeeded in get
ting the yeas and nays on it and 1t was de-
feated.
A call Of the House was made, the doors
closed and 4 warrant issued for arrest Of
members absent without leave. A number
Of members were brought in aud arraigned
and the usual amusing scenes were enacted,
as they gave their excuses and were dis
charged without costs.