Morning journal and courier., 1882-12-16
Forty-Seventh Congress.
WASHINGTON. Dec, 1,

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10.
 sENATE.-The bill providing for ascertaining the claims of American citizens for spoliations commit ted by the French prior to July s, O1 came this of the measure but Mr. Sherman opposed the bill, contending that the claimants had absolutely no claim against the United States After remarks by Senators Sherman, Bayard and others the bill amenc ed and passed.
 The Psndleton civil service bill was taken up and Mr. Mller of New York, continued his remarks. He believed great pressure brought to bear to keep unneeded persons in offce
 Mr. Cockre-Who brings that pressure to bear Does it not come from Republican Senators and Rep resentatives?
 Mr. Miler-Undoubtedy much Of the treasure comes from them, but I happen to know that there quite industrious in seeking and securing patron age as any on this side of ths chamber.
 Mr. George delivered spt ech in support of the measure He held that it the inauguration of an ev h purify sn of our free institutions.
 MT. MoPherson. discussing NIr. Allison's amend ment makipg the board of examination consist of three commissioners, said the people were anxious less expenditure. This measure, however, simply provided mode for determining who should fill President had power ascertain the full auali cations of applicants for office, and the bill sequently rather weak so far as real reform is cerned
 Mr.. Bayard. in opposing the amendment, said he thought the bill was step in the right direction
 Mr Edmunds made long speech in defense of the President in regard to removals and appointments is subject to regulation by law.
 Mir. Logan contended that any attempt to indicate whom the President should appoint was interfer- enee with the executive prerogattve
 The matter still under discussion at 5 20 D. m when the Senate adjourned.
 HoUsE-Mr. Reed presented the claim of Dr. J. H. Mclean, of St. Louis, to the seat held by the late Congressman Allen, saying that his opponent in the election makes no claim to the seat
 long discussion followed, Messrs Clardy, Buckner and others from Missouri favoring McLeans claims MT. Bland and others asked that the go to the Committee on Elections motion that Mclean be sworn in was adopted by vote of IA to 15, and he was sworn in
 The House then took up the postoice bill MT Town send spoke briefly, favorinR the all postal charges newspaper matter, saying that under the present law the country papers have large advan- tage over others newspapers carried free with in the mits of the county where they published Mir. Atkins opposed the reduction. MT. Hill, of New Jersey, then took the floor, delivering carefully prepared ech favortng reduction of letter post age to two cents. MT. Willis of Kentucky, spoke favor of the reduction of postage well Messrs Dunnel and Holman.
 MT. Robeson offered amendment providing that for carrying the mails land grant railroads shall be paid but onehaf the rates given for lke service to other roads,
 The bill was then by sections. Mr. Upson moved to add half million for increased Star facilities, but MT. Cannon opposed.
 Mir. Robinson, of Massachusetts, offered amend nent giving $500 for special fast mail facilities.
 MT. Hiscock moved to make it $2OO, ,OOO and pending discussion on this the committee rose.
 A resolution offered directing the Ways and Means committee to inquire into certain alleged der in he sale of blanks at high rates acting importers agents, also bill granting public lands to agricultural colleges after which the House at 45O D. adjourned.