The National tribune., 1881-12-17


to Clerk Mcpherson was submitted. 1t showed
everything to be in highly satisfactory eondltion
Indefinite leave of absence was granted Mr. PMS
ter, of Kentucky, on account of the death OF MS
father and to Mr. Carlisle of the same State, on ac
count of important business.
The House then, at 1920 o'clock, on motlon OF
Mr.. Robeson adjourned until next tuesday at
noon.
MONDAY.
THE SENATE convened at the usual hour. But
little business was transacted
A communication was received from the secretary
of War transmitting reports relative to the proposed
new building for Pension Office in Washington.
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
The Chair submitted a memorial from the Legls-
lature of Minnesota for an appropriation for the i'm
movement of the Mississippi River from st. An
thopy's Falls to New Orleans. Referred to the Spec
iaI Committee on Mississippi River Improvement
Messrs Edmunds and Hampton presented petit
tjons for the abolition of the tax on bank checks.
Referred to the Committee on Finance
A number of bills were introduced and referred to
committees, among which was the following
By Mr.. Harrison: For delivery to the Society OF
the Army of the Cumberland of condemned cannon
to aid in the erection of statue of Gen. Garfield.
To Military Affairs.
communication from the President OF the United
States transmitting in response to Senate resolution
of May H. 1881 the report of the Secretary OF State
touching the Geneva convention for the relief Of the
wounded in war was received and referred to the
Committee on Forei gn Relations.
Mr. Hill of Georgia, from the Committee on Priv
iegeS and Elections, reported back certain memoir
ais from members of the New York Legislature at
ecting the right of the present Senators from that
State to occupy seats in the Chamber and asked
that they be tabled and the committee discharged
from their further consideration.
Upon request of Mr.. Garland report was allowed
to lie over under the rule.
The tariff commission bill was then taken up and
debated by Senators Garland, Beck, and Morrill,
Subsequently, on motion of the last-named, all the
bills on the subject were referred to the Committee
on Finance
The civil service reform bill of Mr.. Pendeton was
then taken up and laid as the unfinished busi-
ness for tomorrow
MI Grover introduced a bill authorizing full pay to
Lieutenant Schwatka, L. $. A, while on leave to
serve in command of the Franklin search expedition
in the Arctic Ocean. Referred to Committee on
Claims
MI Davis of Illinois, introduced bill to establish
a court of appeals Referred to Committee on Judi
ciary.
Mr. Davis of West Virginia, introduced bill to
repeal certain laws relating to the payment OF in
definite appropriations. This bill was introduced
by Mr.. Davis in the last Congress, and passed the
Senate 1t makes the larger number OF the sO-called
indefinite permanent appropriations specific ap-
propriations. Referred to Committee on Appropri-
ations
Mr. Cameron of Pennsylvania. introduced bill
which appropriates S200000 to be distributed pro-
pOrtionately among the officers and crew OF the
United States steamer Mont ntauk
The bills and joint resolutions introduced num-
bered over eighty.
At half-past two o'clock the Senate went into Ex-
ecutive session, confirmed the nomination OF Hon.
Frederick P Freelinghuysen, of New Jersey, to be
Secretary of State, and few minutes later ad-
jOurned.
TUESDAY.
Mr HOar from the Committee on Rules, reported
back the resolution for select committee of seven,
to be appointed by the Chair, ON the extension of
he cIItfr tO removal pOal
disabilities. He asked unanimous consent for the
present consideration of the resolution.
Mr. Vest objected.
Mr. Ransom submitted a resolution constituting a
select committee of five to inquire and report as to
the condition of the Potomac river front of the city
OF Washington; the navigability of said river; the
effect Of bridges across the upon navigation
floods and the health of the city, and what action
ought to be taken in the premises; with power to
send for persons and papers, examine witnesses and
employ clerk and stenographeT, if necessary.
Adopted, and Messrs. Ransom, Jones of Nevada
Kellogg, Conger, and Vest were constituted by the
Chair the committee.
Bills were introduced and referred to committees
as stated:
By Mr. Dawes-To amend Revised Statutes in re-
lation to the sale of spirtuous liquors to Indians
and for other purposes; TO Judiciary By Mr.. Vest
To incorporate the Inter Oceanic Ship Railway Com
pany, and for other purposes; to Commerce. By Mr.
Slaer-To increase the water supply of the city of
Washington: to District of Columbia Mr.. Logan,
from the committee on Military Affairs, reported,
with amendments, the bill to place Gen. Grant on
the army retired list placed on the calendar. Mr.
Maxey, Of the committee said the report just made
not unanimous, and he would indicate his objec
tons to it at the proper time
Mr.. EdmundS submitted resolution requesting
the President, if in his opinion not incompatible
with the public interest, to communicate to the Sen
ate all the correspondence between the Government
of tie United States and its diplomatic agents in
Peru and Chilli respectively occurring since the 1st
of April, 1879 touching public affairs in or between
those States, and also such correspondence on the
subject may be in possession of the Department.
Agreed to without dissent.
The report of the Committee on Privileges and
Elections upon the memorials affecting the title of
the New York Senators to their seats, was laid on
the table, after statement by Mr.. Garland that,
upon examination, he saw nothing to. dissent from
in the report.
This action was regarded as finally settling the
matter.
At 1:15 p IN. the bill to regulate and improve the
civil service was taken up, and Mr. PendletOn ad-
dressed the Senate.
In the HOUSE-MT. Taylor offered a resolution,
which was unanimously adopted for the appoint
ment of d select committee, of eleven members, to
audit all claims for services and expenses growing
Of the illness and burial of the late President
Garfield. Also, to consider what allowance, pension
privilege shall be granted the widow and family
of the late President.
ment Of the following select committees: On the
census; reform in the civil service; on the law
respecting the election of President and Vice-Pres
dent; on epidemic diseases; the inter-oceanic
ship canal; the payment of PENSIONS bounty, and
back pay.
Mr. Knott objected to the resolution on the ground
that the majority of those committees were unnec-