The Portland daily press., 1881-02-14
XLVITH CONGRESS-2d Session
SENATE.
WASHINGTON, Feb. Il

WASHINGTON, Feb L.
The credentials of Thomas c. Platt and
Thomas N. Bayard were presented and filed.
Joint resolution for invitation for foreign
nations to be represented and take part in the
International exhibition Of 1888, passed with
out debate.
Mr.. Morgan on behalf OF the committee to
consider the state of the law in relation to the
stated that owing to the late stage of the ses-
sion the committee would abandon the pend
ing measures before them.
Bill to amend section 999 of revised statutes
SO as to extend its provision to all officers of
the United States in performance of official
acts in which the United States is q party, or
has an interest passed.
The postal appropriation bill was resumed,
and Mr.. Hamlin's amendment for million
dollars appropriation in aid of American ocean
mail service was discussed.
Mr.. Anthony of Rhode Island addressed the
Senate upon the report Of the two committees
that visited Rhode Island to inquire into the
alleged violation of the constitution by the
laws of that state. He conlrasted the suffrage
restrictions imposed by other states with those
of his state in the early history of the country,
as showing that the Raode Island government
was as republican as that of any other state,
and that while subsequent changes in her suf-
frage had been in the direction of liberty. The
religious test in NewHampshire are more rigid,
the landed proprietorship qualifications in
L
sylvania, requirement of residence for foreign
born citizens in these and other States and pc
culiar Determinations in south Carolina and
other Southern States had been retained with.
out modification.
The Senate then resumed consideration of
the postal appropriation bill.
Mr.. Hamlin's substitute for Mr.. Pugh's
amendment appropriating 81 ,000, 600 for addi-
tional foreign postal service was ruled out of
order on the ground that it would engraft gen.
eral legislation upon an appropriation bill in
violation of the 29th rule.
Mr.. Morgan moved to amend Pugh's amend
ment by adding thereto the following
"When vessels built in other countries are so ac-
cepted and employed the same shall be entitled to
all the rights and privileges secured by law to yes
sells built in the United States, except the privilege
OF engaging in the coastwise trade
At this point vote demonstrated quorum
was not present, and after call of the Senate
and several efforts to reach vote, upon a
motion by Mr.. Morrill, to lay this amendment
on the table, Mr. Wallace gave notice that
after routine business Monday he would ask
to have the bill taken up and considered until
disposed Of.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Clymer from the committee on appro-
priations reported back the army appropriation
bill with the Senate amendments The re-
concentrations were agreed to.
The bill to incorporate an inter-oceanic ship
railway fSdVo rlS6 10 NOISY ana QlSOrQ6rly
struggle. Finally, on motion of Mr.. Cox, the
whole subject was laid on the table.
A bill regulating the Importation of raw
materials used in the construction or repair of
vessels engaged in foreign trade, including
trade between Atlantic and Pacific ports of
the United States or built on foreign account,
was, on motion of Mr.. Frye, amended so as to
provide that copper and spelter of foreign
growth or production which are manufactured
in the United States and used in the construc-
ten, equipment and repair of vessels to be
employed in foreign trade or built on foreign
account may be imported in bond under such
regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury
may prescribe; and ON proofs that such
materials have been used and manufactured
for the purpose aforesaid no duties shall be
paid thereon.
Mr. Bright of Tennessee offered an amend
ment admitting salt free Of duty, but was
ruled out on point of order, and the bill as
amended was passed.
The river ard harbor bill was considered in
committee of the whole. An amendment was
adopted authorizing the Secretary of War to
act by contract to the lowest bidder.
The first paragraph of the bill, the appro-
priating clause, was finally disposed of, and
the next paragraph was read, and against this
Mr. Cox raised point of order, which was
overruled, on the ground that the work of the
Improvement of Richmond Island Harbor,
Maine, was already in progress.
Mr.. Murch offered an amendment appro-
priating $685. 900 for improving Rockland Har
Dor, Maine. Rejected.
The committee having concluded the con-
sideration of three of forty pages of the BILL
rose and the House adjourned.