The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-03-17
FORTY-sEYENTH CONGRESS-.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON March 16.-The House
amendment increasing by 5000 the ap-
preparation for the Mississippi river over
flow sufferers was passed.
Senator Harrison asked non-cOncurTence
in the second amendment, which directs
the use of portion Of the appropriation
for the hire of laborers to strengthen threat
ened levees. He thought the whole money
was needed for relief and objected to Great
ing a separate levee fund, as involving ex-
penditures not foreseen, and further, that
the people threatened with disaster ought
to contribute their labor to protect their
homes from floods.
The second amendment was non-con-
CURED in.
Senator Sherman presented a protest
from many Union soldiers against the res
toration of Fitz John Porter to the army
roll.
Senator voorhees, introduced bill to in
crease the pensions of persons who have
been permanently disabled in the leg or arm
in the military or naval service, from thirty
six to forty-sight dollars per month; and it
provides they shall be paid the difference
between said sums monthly from February
2Sth, 1877, to the time of the approval of
this act.
Senator Logan spoke upon the measure
introduced by him to appropriate the in
come from taxes on spirits for educational
purposes. He urged the peculiar propriety
of devoting the whisky tax to the education
of the young. At the close OF his remarks
the bill was referred.
Senators Sherman, Hoar and Vorhees
were appointed on the joint Committee to
provide for the Marshall statue
Further Peruvian-Chili CORES pondence
was read and referred.
Senator voorhees, offered a resolution
which was adopted, directing inquiry
whether the section of the statutes pro-
viding that disabled soldiers be preferred in
civil appointments is in full force or has been
repealed or modified; whether it has been
openly disregarded or violated; whether it
applies to Provost Marshals and Quarter
masters not disabled, and whether addi-
tional legislation is necessary to cause the
section to be enforced by the various de-
partments.
The consideration of the postoffice ap-
propriat1on bill was resumed, the question
being on the amendment increasing the
appropriation Ior special facilities from
$500, 900 to $3.50, 600, changing the term
fstrunk lines" to railroads lines, and adding
a provision that said facilities shall be dis
tributed as near as may be on the railroad
lines leading to and from the principal
cities in different sections of the United
States The amendment was adopted as
was also the item of increased expenditures
recommended by the Committee as follows:
Miscellaneous items, $4,000; /; railway,
postoffice and clerks $50, 900; route agents
$3.50 900; mail messengers, S50,O00-
The amendment allowing the use of De-
partment stamps as heretofore prevailed
Senator Edmunds moved to amend by
inserting the following: And the Secre-
tary of the Senate and the Clerk of the
House of Representatives shall have the
power to use official envelopes prepared by
them for all official business of their res
pective offices and use, such envelopes for
auv purpose other than such official busi-
ness shall be punished by penalties and
imprisoned by law for the illegal use OF
such envelopes, and each member of the
Senate and House of Representatives and
each Delegate from the Territory shall
have the right to send through the mail
any letter or package containing only print
ed or written letter or package containing
only printed or written matter not exceed
ing two ounces in weight. identified by his
autograph signature without the payment
of postage
Senator Ferry opposed the amendment
He believed the privilege would be abused.
The yeas and nays were demanded, and
the amendment was adopted-40 to 10
Mr.. Kenna said he merely desired to as
sert the pre- rogatiyes of this House and as
sert the untenable character of the Speak
er's proposition.
The Speaker said he had not undertaken
to punish msmber, but to reprimand,
namely, to check and Tepress member
who is pcrsistenuy out of order. He must
do this or neglect his duties. 2a
The Senate concu rent resolution was
passed, requesting the President to bring
to the attention of Nicaragua the necessity
of arranging by convention for the final
settlement of claims existing between the
Tinted States and Nicaragua.
Mr.. Henderson, of Illinois. from the
Committee on Military Affairs, reported a
resolution calling on the Secretary of War
for statement of all facts before him at
the time he authorized the sending Of
troops to Nebraska, together with the rea-
sons therefor Adopted
The Speaker announced the COMMITTEES
to carry out the resolution for the erection
of a monument to Chief Justice Marshall.
Adjourned.