New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-01-27
A LEISURELY CONGRESS.
AVOIDING A RECORD.

Will probably defeat any legislation on that sub
ject. Committees were engaged yesterday inves-
tigating the negro exodus, the Ocean Bank
receivershlp, the feasibility Of appointing an
Alcoholic Commission, and other matters. The
hearing in the case of Bisbce against Hull is
appointed for Wednesday. The pension claim
agents are very active now.
SLOW WORK IN CONGRESS.
THE SENATE WITHOUT Anything TO Do-ISAc-
TIvIIY IN THE HOUsR-DEMoCBATlC COMMIT.
TEEMEH INDIsPosED TO WORK.
lBY TELEGRAPH TIE TRIBUsRl
WASHINGTON. Jan. 20.-Ths is probably the most
leisurely Congress which has convened IN
Washington. The Senate has absolutely nothing to
do. The financial debate, which was expected to
make things brisk for few days, moves of too
slowly to make it subject of interest TO any ex-
cept the Senator'S who prepared financial speeches.
The tact that the measure which furnishes the oc-
casion for the speech-making has practically been
disposed of already robs the subject of all i'm
mediate interest.
The Committee on Privileges and Elections aud
the special Exodus Committee are the only Senate
committees which have matters of general interest
before them, and neither Of these committees will
be ready to make report for many weeks.
The session of the Senate to-day was spent the
calendar the only measures of Importance acted
upon being the bill authorizing the organization OF
a commission TO select new site for the Naya
Observatory, and bill providing for the punish
ment of white for the crlrae Of stealing or em-
bezzling from Indians. The first measure was
passed without objection; the other was an i'll
considered affair." and, after being amended in
several features il sent back TO the Judiciary
Committee. Senator Bayard announced bis inten-
,;o,, IN ,n.ka q financial Snpech to-mOrrOW. and
Senator Ferry secured the floor for the Chandler
eulogies for Wednesday.
Senators express the belief, founded upon tho
listlessness and inactivity OF the House of Repre-
sentatives that Congress will be in session in July.
Unless it be true that the House does best when it
does nothing, it is entitled to very little credit on
account of its labors. Tonight about an honr and
a half were spent adding to the already crowded
calendar of bills which await action that they VIII
never receive. Then the vote on Mr. Kelley Iesolu-
ton expressing the sense of the House respecting
commercial treaties was announced as lo1 TO C2
The adoption of this resolution by SO decisive vote
is probably fatal blew to the plans OF NJ Leon Chat
team and his French and American friends. a, soon
as MrIKeey's resolution was disposed OF the House
adjourned. = IN -, -, :: -
mttee whittier il sent lass week. lhe bill con.
tains only about twenty lines. mere was 40 good
reason why il should NOT have Ell reported by the
committee to-day, as the Committee on AppgOprla-
tons has the right to report at any time Of course
the Democrats right TO proceed with caution In
this matter but Republican members are beginning
to think the delay OF two months Is enough for one
measure. -
The Democratic Chairman Of the Committee on
Invalid Pensions has gone away and VIII not re-
turn for several days. He has charge Of the lesolu-
ton which provides for increase of clerical force
necessary To bring up the arrears of work in ibe
Pension Bureau. This isanothcr measure men the
Democrats do not appear To be in any hurry 10
carry through. ana It VIII therefore prObaDiy HaVe
To wait upon Nr. COfrOtiis return and convenience