Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1881-12-24
FORTY.SEVENTH CONGRESS.

ALARGE number of bills and joint resO-
buttons were introduced in the Senate on the
l2th, among the more important being the
following: By Mr.. Edmunds-For defraying
expenses ofthe treatment and burial of the
late President Garfield, the amount being
limited to 100000; also by Mr.. Edmunds-To
punish polygamy; by Mr. Butler-To estab.
lish an educational fund; by Mr.. Hoar-For
the education of Indian children; by Mr.
Plumb-For the sale of portion OF Fort
Leavenworth military reservation. The Tariff
bill was then taken up and Messrs. Garland
and Beck replied to Mr.. Morrill,.
In the Senate, on the 18th, Mr.. Vest intro
duced bill for the construction of Captain
Eads's ship railway across the Isthmus of Te
huantepec. The bill provides that Eads shall
first demonstrate the practicability of the
scheme and that Congress shall then guaran.
tee 6 per cent. dividends for 10 years on bonds
to the amount of 100000 600. Mr.: Logan, from
the Committee on Military. Affairs, reported,
with amendments, bill to place Gen. Grant
on the army retired list Mr.. Maxey, of the
committee, said the report just made was not
unanimous, and he would indicate his objec
tons TO il at the proper time. Mr.. Davis wv.
va.) submitted resolution directing that the
Secretary of the Interior furnish, ms early as
practicable, n statement showing what frauds,
If any, have been discovered in the payment
of pensions, etc. Tabled and ordered print
ed. At the close of the morning business
Mr.. Pendleton took the floor upon his
bill to regulate and improve the civil service.
He appealed to the Republican Senators, who
are now enjoying all the offices and emolu-
ments, and who will not be disturbed in pos.
session of them. Totho, Democrats he said
1--WE are in the minority, we have no offices
now. The chances of time will sooner or later
put them within our grasp. Let us now de-
clare that we will have none of these offices
except those which may be won by merit.
Let us give this in earnest Of our sincerity in
our great reform" Mr.. Dawes replied briefly
to some criticisms upon his position made by
Mr. Pendleton, and Mr.. Hill (Ga-) then spoke
TO the same subject, severely criticising the
Republican party and administration for what
he termed "its gross abuse of civil service,
by which reforms rendered necessary. ....
A resolution was adopted in the House for the
appointment Of select committee TO audit
all claims for services and expenses growing
out of the illness and burial OF the late Pres
ident Garfield; also TO consider what allow
ance of pension or privilege be granted the
widow and family of the late Presi-
dent. The number of bills introduced
in the House already is 156, the most
OF which were bills brought over
! from the last Congress. kmong the billsEead
were the following; By'sir. 6ibsdn: Author
| izing the Mississippi River Commission TO
routes by water and the method of connect
| ing the lakes with the Missis-
! sippt River; also, 10 abolish the tax on
| bank checks, matches and tobacco; also, re
ducing the tax on distilled spirits TO 80 cents
! per proof gallon; by Mr. King-For the ap.
| pointment Of TariH Commission identical
with the Eaton bill; also, apprOpuabng So.
/ 600, 900 for the Improvements OF the Mississippi
River in accordance with the plans and rec
| concentrations Of the Mississippi River Com
mission; by Mr. Ryan-For the appointment
| Of a Missouri River Commission. on account