National Republican., 1880-02-21
CURRENT CAPITAL TOPICS.
Democratic Vote Against Pensions
In the House.
Proposed Enlargement of tho city Haii-A
Brave Soldiers Promotion Delayed Too
Long-rhe Star Service Cut Down
A New Pension bill to DO
Reported - Ono More
Public Building.
Congress Yesterday.

Both Houses of Congress adjourned from
yesterday ovor TO Monday without having dis.
posed of the measures which had been promi-
uently under consideration during the
week, l. c. the five por cent land bill in the Sem
ate and the revision of the rules in the
House.
In the Senate Mr.. Morrill, introduced n bill
to appropriate $ll7,000 for tho enlargement Of
the City Hall 10 this city according to plans
prepared by Mr.. Clark, architect Of the Capt.
tol extension and under his supervision, so rs
to afford accommodations for all tho District
courts aud for frc-proof rooms for the safe
keeping of the court records Referred to
District Committee.
Mr. Whyte reported adversely OH the bill
authorizing tho superintendent of the docu-
mcnt-room to furnish to the press copies of all
bills, resolutions aud documents before Con-
grcss, aud it was indefinitely postponed.
A number of bills on the calendar to which
no objection was offered were, under what Is
known as the Anthony rule, taken up and
passed.
Among the bills on the calendar was ono to
appoint Sergeant John DilelU, Fifth cavalry,
u second lieutenant in the army on tho
retired list, us a mark of appreciation OF mer-
itorious service. When IL was reached, Mr..
Cockrell read telegram from the Secretary
OF War announcing his death in tho late
battle with the Utcs. His promotion came
poncd.
At the expiration Of tho morning hour, the
| Five Per Cent. Land bill camo up,as unfinished
business, and was discussed during tho
remainder Of the session. An effort was made
by several Senators to have an order made "a
take up sumo other specified m casuro when
the five per cent bill is disposed of
Which will probably be Monday o, Of
Tuesday, but nothing definite was agreed
upon. At 3A5 p. IN. the Senate wont into
executive session, and upon the doors being
re.opci cd, adjourned tO Mondgy.
| In the House a number OF bills and resolutions
were introduced and referred. Among other res
olutions offered was one by Mr. Cox for mes
sengcr, who should also net US clerk to the Com
adoption Mr.. Cox said several articles had
recently been stolen from tho cOmmittee's
room, and an attempt had been made to break
open the drawer in which WAS the testimony
in the Acklen case. No quorum voting, the
resolution was withdrawn, and will probably
come up again.
The Speaker proceeded under the rules to
call committees for reports ofn private nature
aud large number of private bills were dis
posed of.
The Senate bill authorizing the Secretary Of
the Navy to designate United States vessel
to carry contributions to Ireland was taken
from tho table and passed.
| Az Jhe cAlhIallOu Oh INC lhOiHlDB HOur the
House went into Committee of the Whole OIL
the revision of the rules.
A motion was made to amend the cath rule
so that on alternate Fridays it shall be in
order after the morning hour to move to &c
into Committee Of the Whole House to con.
slider pension bills. This was strongly re.
sisted by Speaker Randall and defeated by q
vote of rs to 7s, the Democrats voting almost
solidly against tho proposition.
| Mr.. Oscar Turner offered an amendment to
the section, to tho effect that after bill has
been referred to q committee aud not reported
within thirty days thereafter the member in
Producing il may on Mondays after the morn.
ing hour move to take it from the committee
and place it on the calendar relieving the
committee from its further consideration. Mr..
Blackburn thought the proposition one that
should have the most careful consideration be-
foro action WIS taken upon IT, az IL worked a
complete revolution in the treatment of bills
and in order that there might be an opportu
nifty for such considerations moved that the
committee rise, which was agreed TO, aud the
House adjourned to Monday.