The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-03-11
XLVIIth Congress-1st Session.


WASHINGTON, March TO-
At the hour of assembling not more than
half dozen Senators were present Only a
bare quorum was obtained during the early
part of the morning hour.
Tho chair submitted response OF the Sec
rotary of War to resolution calling for in
formation as to additional works necessary at
the falls of the Ohio river to complete the i'm
provement thereof in a manner to serve the
interests of the commerce of that river.
Mr.. Vest offered resolution directing the
Secretary of War to use steamers and other
vessels belonging to or now employed by the
government on the Mississippi and tributaries
in transportation and distribution of rations
and supplies furnished to sufferers by the re-
cent overflow, and providing for the necessary
expenses thereof. Passed.
Mr.. Dawes reported back the fertilization
appropriation bill without amendment.
The following bills were introduced and re-
ferred: By Mr.. Hoar, providing for the pur-
chase Of the Forbes historical art collection,
BroTn approprating $sSO1t5 fof t bbg NM Mr.
provement of the harbor of Savannah.
The bill for commission on the alcoholic
liquor traffic which again came up on the
calendar was discussed. Pending the
amendments Mr.. Bayard said the suppress
sion of pure alcoholic stimulants would in
crease the use of opiates and drugs; that such
had been the experience of the medical pre-
fession. He moved an amendment to the in
ed to the commission. Being interrupted by
the expiration of his five minutes he insisted
that the question was too large to be consider
ed under the five minute rule.
After debate by Messrs. George, Morgan and
Sherman, the Sherman liquor commission bill
was taken up.
At this point an order was adopted for adj
journment from to-day-until tomorrow.
The liquor commission bill was then pre-
oeeded with and the pending amendment Of
fered by Mr.. Bayard was lost by party vote
"a, nays %. The bill was then reported to the
Senate from the committee of the whole, and
Mr.. Jones argued against the power of Con-
gress under the constitution to regulate or in
terfere with the liquor traffic in the States.
Mr.. Sherman replied that the bill did not
propose interference with the license or sale in
States, bull merely instituted an inquiry as to
the best mcdeof dealing with evils growing
out of the traffic.
On motion of Mr. Plumb the number of
the commission was fixed at seven.
On motion of Mr.. Frye the time within
which the commission shall report was fixed
at IS months and the bill was then passed-34
against IA.
sion bill but it was informally laid over as I'M
finished business for Monday, and after an ex-
ecutive session the Senate adjourned till Mon
day.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Reed Of Maine asked that the Geneva
award bill be made a special order for the
third Tuee1ay in March.
Mr.. Hutchin of New York objected.
Mr. Grape of Massachusetts presented reso-
lutahs of the Land League and Irish Ameri-
can societies of Nas3achucatts, asking Con-
grees to take steps for the protection of Amer
lean citizens abroad. Referred.
Mr.. Thompson of Iowa presented minority
report of the committee, on elections in the
case of M. D. Ball. Ordered printed. The
report declares that Mr.. Ball is entitled to
seat in the 47th Congress as delegate from
Alaska.
The Speaker laid before the House four
memorials from citizens of Utah Territory,
one of 1896 young ladies, one from 10,095
young men, one from 1900 women and one
from 12,378 men, for the suspension of further
action on all bills relating to Utah. and for the
appointment of commission of honorable and
unprecedented men and women to inquire into
and determine upon the state Of affairs in that
Territory.
Mr. Camp of New York suggested ironically
that the rame3 of the signers be read.
The memorials were ordered printed and re-
ferred.
A joint resolution was passed making an az.
preparation of $4,000 to be Immediately avail
able to enable the lighthouse board to meet
extraordinary expenses consequent on the
flood in the Mississippi river.
A concurrent resolution was adopted request
ing the President to bring to the attention of
the government of Nicaragua the necessity of
arranging by convention for the final settle
meDt of all unadjusted claims existing be-
tween the government of the United States
and the government of Nicaragua, and claims
f citizens of the United States against the
government of Nicaragua
The House at 80 went into committee of
the whole, Mr.. Davis of Ii inois in the chair,
on the private calendar.
The first bill on the calendar was for the re-
lief of Charles P. Chouteau and gave rise to
some discussion, pending which the committee
rose informally and the House passed the Sem
ate joint resolution authorizing the Secretary
of War to use government vessels for the
transportation and distribution of rations fur
nished by the United States ID the sufferers by
the Mississippi overflow. The committee then
resumed its session.
At 355 the committee rose and the House
passed number of private bills. The Speaker
laid before the House the following messages
from the President and they were referred:
Transmitting the report from the Secretary
of State touching the Imprisonment in Mexico
of Thomas Shields and two other American
citizens. The report states that the resolution
of the House calling for information relative
thereto was transmitted to Minister Morgan,
who it was alleged by Mr.. Shields, took no
steps to procure their release and the following
telegram was read in reply:
"Statement of Shields with regard to me is false
Learning they were arrested L brought matter to
notice of secretary of State for foreign affairs.
They released and were again rearrested few
days since for drunkenness and dsorderly conduct.
Particulars by next mall
Transmitting the report Of the Secretary of
State relatives to removals, appointments and
promotions in the consular service since
March 4, 1877. The House then took recess
until 80, the evening session to be for the con-
sideration of pension bills only.
The evening session was devoted exclusively
to the consideration of pension bills, Mr.. Briggl
in the chair There were II bills passed and
then the House at 1905 adjourned till Monday.