The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-07-20
XLVIIth Congress--1st Session.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, July 10.
MI. Sewell presented and had read resolu.
ton adopted at the recent annual meeting OF
the society Of the Fifth Army Corps at Detroit
asking that justice be done General Fitz John
Porter
Mr.. Sewell then asked that the bill for Por-
ter's relief be made special order for the
first Monday in December next.
Mr.. Conger objected to the motion at this
time as not properly morning business, and
Mr.. SeWelI Withdrew the request and gave
notice that he would call up the bill at the
time indicated.
Mr. Logan said he had presented an adverse
report on the case but would not interpose OBJ
struotlon to its consideration. The resolution
was tabled.
MIR. Allison, from the appropriations COM
mittee, reported the House joint resolution
continuing until July 31st the resolution OF
June both making temporary provision for ex-
penditures of the government, with an amend
msnt continuing for the same period resolu-
tion for the payment temporarily of certain
employees of the war department. lie asked
present consideration of the subject.
Mr.. Harris suggested further continuance
until the end of August.
Mr.. Allison said the appropriation commit
tee had considered that question, and he con-
CURED with them that Congress by working
energetically could adjourn by July 31st.
Objection being made to further debate the
subject was laid aside until later in the day.
On motion of Mr.. Miller of New York the
House amendment to the Senate bill Tor the
sale of the old New York post office site was
concurred in.
Mr.. Logan introduced a bill to continue a
section of an act approved May 6, 1882, to ex-
ecute certain treaty stipulations relating to the
Chinese. The sectino Furnishes with fine and
imprisonment the masaer OF vessel VINO
shall Knowingly bring within the United
States on such vessel or land or permit to be
landed Chinese laborers from any foreign port.
The bill provides that the section shall not be
construed to apply to Chinese on board OF
vessels in transit between foreign ports touch
ing at ports within the United States when
such landing is to allow them to pass through
this country to their own with no intention OF
violating such law.
Mr.. Logan explained and advocated the BILL
Mr.. Miller moved its reference to the COM
mittee on foreign relations
Mr.. Logan moved to refer it to the judiciary
committee.
Mr.. Farley favored reference as indicated
by Mr.. Miller.
After further debate the bill was laid over
without action upon the motions to refer and
the Senate resumed the consideration OF the
tax bill.
The question was upon Mr.. Beck's amend
ment reducing the tax upon manufactured
tobacco to II cents per pound, the reduction to
take effect January 1st next, and after some
debate this was agreed to, 20 to 26
appropriations of the last fiscal year until July
31st was passed.
After remarks in its advocacy by Messrs
Allison and Sewell without further action
on tho tax bill the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
After the reading of the journal the House
resumed the South Carolina contested election
case of Smalls VS.. Tillman.
After speeches by Mr.. Briggs OF New Hamp-
shire in support of the claims of the contest
ant, and by Mr. Atherton of Ohio, in favor OF
the sitting member, Mr.. Horr of Michigan
stood in front OF the speakers desk and with
cane pointed out the boundary lines of the
Congressional districts of South Carolina un-
der the recent redistricting. He also produced
diagrams of each district separately and de-
clared that it was not gerrymandering. 1t
was downright villainy.
Wandering was not as fair as that of the 14th
district of Ohio, which was to infict upon
Congress another one of the Horr family.
Mr.. Horr replied that when Congress was in
dicted with his brother he could take care of
himself.
Mr.. Horr arraigned the ballot-box stuffing of
the South in q strong speech, to which Mr..
Ewing of South Carolina replied at somo
length.
Messrs. Moulton and Simonton submitted ar
guments in favor of the sitting member.
Mr.. Tillman spoke in his own behalf, bat ad-
dressed himself especially to the propriety of
the House deciding upon elections and returns
of its members, claiming that party politics
and prejudices prevented unbiased action.
Mr.. Briggs spoke in support of the contest
ants claims. The previous question was then
ordered, and Mr.. Miller closed the debate
The minority resolution, declaring Mr.. Till
man entitled to the seat, was rejected. With
out division, the first resolution, declaring Mr.,
Tillman not elected, was agreed to-yeas 49,
nays /.
The next resolution declaring Mr.. Small en-
titled to the seat was carried-yeas 141, nays B..
The Speaker then announced that an error
had been made in footing up the former vote
yeas 145, nays 1. 1t should have been-yeas
144 nays 1. 1t would however have made no
difference as the Chair now voted in the affirm
ative.
Mr. Randall objected to such a proceeding,
and long discussion elsued as to the right of
the Speaker to act in this manner, and a good
deal of feeling was exhibited on the Demo-
cratic side over side remark of Blackburns,
that the error was intentional on the part of
the clerk.
Mr.. Calkins in view of this assertion offered
a resolution directing an investigation be made
into the matter. Mr.. Blackburn having how
ever left the chamber, the resolution was post
poned TO tomorrow.
Mr.. Small appeared at the bar of the House
and took the oath of office.
The Alabama case of Smith VS.. Shelley, was
then taken up and Mr. Ranney having the
floor the House adjourned.