Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-12-28
FORTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
Senate.

MONDAY, December 19.-The senate went
into executive session and unanimously con-
firmed the nomination of Benz H. Brewster.
as attorney general, and J. G.. Bancroft Davis,
assistant secretary of state. When the doors
were re-opened the following bills were intro
duced: For the establishment of a bureau of
animal industry and to prevent the exporta-
tion of diseased cattle and the spread of infec-
tious diseases among domestic animals; for
the relief of the Stockbridge and Muncie tribes
of Indians In Wisconsin; to fix day for the
meeting of electors for president and vice
president, to provide for and regulate counting
of votes for the same and decision in ques-
tons arising thereon; for the sale of the Cher
okee reservation in Arkansas. Upon the ex-
piration of the morning hour the subject of
presidential disability came up, apd Jones (Fla.)
resumed his argument At the conclusion of
Jones's speech the senate held another short
executive session and then adjourned.
TUESDAY, December 20.-Butler offered a
resolution instructing the committee on civil
service and retrenchrnent to inquire into the
ACCESSIBILITY and propriety Iof providing by lew
for compensation of United States district ct
torneys, assistant district attorneys, United
States marshals, deputy marshals, collectors of
customs, collectors of internal revenue, deputy
collectors and United States commissioners by
paying them fixed salaries, to be regulated and
graded as near as may be by services rendered
and responsibilities 1mposed; and that said
committee have leave to report by bill or other
wise. Adopted. The house resolution ad-
journlng from tomorrow until January was
adopted-ayes At, noes15. :. Rollins introduced
a bill making the term of office Of collectors of
internal revenue four years, and providing that
the commissions of all collectors of internal
revenue, who shall have served four years or
more on the Both of June. 1882, shall on and
with that date, expire. After a short execu-
tive session the senate ad journed till to-mor-
row.
WEDNESDAY, December 21.-Beck submitted
a resolution directing the secretary of the
treasury to furnish the senate, as soon as pos
sible, the present rates of duty imposed by
France and Germany On manufactures Of the
United States when imported into those coun-
tries, especially on various manufactures of
wool, cotton, iron and leather, and inform the
senate at what rates like manufactured articles
are allowed to be imported into those countries
from Great Britain, if he has such information
in his possession. A long debate ensued, but
the resolution, broadened SO as to include Mex
leo, was finally adopted. >. Mitchell introduced
bill relating to compensation and expenses of
pension agents. { 1t fixes the Compensation of
agents at 81, 600, allows fifteen cents for each
voucher prepared and paid and makes pro-
vision for the actual expense Of rent and fuel
-. Plumb introduced bill to shorten the
period required in homesteading public lands
to two years. After an executive session the
senate adjourned till January 5.
kAOeaSGs
MONDAY December 19.-The senate bill
granting the Thanking privilege to Lucretia r.
Garfield was passed. Bills Introduces: To
abolish taxes and restrictions on the sales of
leaf tobacco in the hands of the producers; to
reduce the tax on manufactured tobacco; to
extend the provisions of the pensions arrear-
ages act to pensioners under special act of con-
gress; to equalize bOunties; to abolish duties
on salt, wooden blankets and agricultural i'm
plements, and to reduce the duty on all other
dutiable articles 10 per cent, except ON dia-
monds. gold and silver, jewery, silk or articles
of which silk is component, value on which
duty shall be increased 20 per cent: to repeal
the arrears of pension act; to make the trade
dollar legal tender; to repeal the tax the
manufacture and sale of tobacco and matches;
to provide for drawback of 10 per cent. on all
goods hereafter imported in American built
ships owned exclusively by citizens of the
United States; for the admission of Dakota,
New Mexico and Washington Territories into
the Union as states; for the protection of the
person of the President of the United States,
(provides for the punishment by death of as
sault with intent to kill the President, and if it
shall be shown that the assailant was ire
sponsible at the time of the assault he shall be
confined in an asylum for the insane for life);
fixing the time for counting votes for president
and vice president, and providing for contest
of their election. Adjourned till Wednesday.
WEDNESDAY, December 21.-A resolution re-
garding the proposed formal memorial services
to the late President Garfield was passed.
James g. Blaine will pronounce the euology.
:. Hammond introduced a bill amending the
constitution as to the offices and duties of the
president and vice president, Referred. =. The
speaker announced the standing committees.
. Adjourned till January stu.