The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1882-03-02
XLVIIth CONGRESS.

[FIRsT SESSION

SENATE
A bill was introduced by Mr. Saunders max
ing an appropriation to improve the navigation
of the Missouri River opposite the States of
Nebraska and Iowa. Mr.. Call introduced
Washington City, having in view the settle
ment of the controversy now waging between
Chilli and Peru, and to prevent the dismembere
ment OF Peru. The bill placing General Grant
on the retired listwas discussed. The pension
arrears resolution was taken up, and Mr.. No
Pherson offered and advocated . substitute de-
clariDg that the Senate adheres to the principle
that pensions shall be computed from time OF
disability, and directing the Pension Committee
to bring in bill, by which the business of the
Pension Bureau may be expedited, and frauds
detected and punished. r
Mr.. Dawes presented a petition asking tho
nation to keep its plighted faith and trsat the
Indians justly. Aspirited debate on the In
dian question ensued, and the petition was
finally referred. The Senate took up the ap-
portionment bill, and after q few remarks and
criticisms it, it was passed BY uiod uoce
vote. Mr.. Plumb introduced bill amending
the act of 1874. to encourage the growth OF
timber on the Western prairies. A resolution
declaring that the law sranting arrears of pen
sions ought to be repealed, aud amendments
thereto, again came up as unfinished business.
After several amendments were offered and
rejected, the whole subject was tabled-yeas
26, nays 49,
A joint resolution authorizing the Secretsry
of War to issue rations for the relief of the
destitute in Mississippi, and appropriating
500, 900 to that end, was passed. The Senate
bill relating to Indian traders Was passed. It
prohibits any person other than Indians from
trading on an Indian reservation without
license, but especially eGcepts traders with the
five civilized tribes in the Indian Territory. The
Grant retirement bill was taken up and Mr..
Bayard moved to amend by substituting
therefore provision to pay every President
of the United States who shall have served,
or may hereafter serve in said Office, and
who shall have retired fiom the same,
sum annually, during bis life, equal to
one-fourth part Of the annual Presiden-
tial salary, but this not to be paid in case of
second Presidential terms. Mr.. Bayard's amend
ment rejected-yeas 5, nays 81. An amend
ment by Mr.. Shermen prevailed without discus
sion, making the proposed retirement addi-
tional to the number authorized by law. The
bill then passed-yeas IS, nays II. The bill
authorizes the President, in recognition Of the
eminent public services of Ulysses 8. Grant,
late General of the Army, to nominate, and by
and with the advice and consent of the Senate,
to appoint him to the army with the rank and
grade of General, to be placed on the retired
list, with pay accordingly.
resolution was adopted requesting the
Committee on Military Affairs to inquire into
the expediency of giving more aid than is now
provided to the various States and Territories,
to encourage and promote the organization Of
the military force Of the country, and to
strengthen their efficiency. Mr.. Bayard offered
q resolution to elicit full information in regard
to the proposed mediation by the United States
between Peru, Bolivia, and Chill. The Senate
considered the immediate deficiency bill, and
agreed to the proposed amendments-for the
subsistence and education Of the Indians, and
200 for necessary expenses of Garfeld's
and Burnsides funerals. The bills passed.
The tariff commission and Chinese bills were
| taken up and laid over as unfinished business.
HOUSE.
Bills were introduced as follows: To enable
soldiers and sailors to obtain in money the
value of homesteads to which they are entitled;
providing all public buildings shall be con-
structed of material found in the State where
the buildings are to be erected; appropriating
$25, 900 for the survey of water route be-
tween Beattyville, KY, and Cumberland,
Georgia; providing that all silver coin, defaced
OF worn by ordinary use, shall be received by
the Government and paid for in perfect coin at
its original value. bill authorizing the pay
ment of the Japanese indemnity fund, 81, ITO, :
| 314, to the Japanese Government, with e1cep-
tion of $254, 900, which shall be paid to the Of
fcers and crew of the United States ship
l wyoming, pdsbcu dmlu dppldu6o
The House went into committee of the
whole on the postoffce appropriation bill. The
clause under consideration was that appro-
priating over 10000 900 for transportation OF
mails by rail. An amendment was agreed to-
| 85 to 69-providing that mails shall be carried
| without extra charge on the fastest trains,
| whenever the Postmaster General thinks ii
desirable, and upon failure to comply with this
| provision, compensation of roads will be re-
duced fifty per. cent. The clause relating to
Star Route transportation being reached, Mr..
part of the appropriation shall be paid fol
expedited, extended or increased service, the
cost of which would exceed 1000, unless
there has been new advertising and letting.
| Rejected. Mr.. Holman offered an amendment
authorizing the Postmaster General to ter
inmate any mail contract which has been sub
let at lower rate, and to enter into contract
with 8 sub-contractor at the same price fol
which he had agreed to perform the service
Mr.. Page heartily approved this as being thu
only honest amendment yet offered. Pending
action the committee rose.
A joint resolution appropriating $10o, 900, X
be used by the Secretary of War for stores fol
the relief of destitute persons in districts over
aowen by the Mississippi and tributaries, ani
authorizing the Secretary to cooperate with th'
State authorities in the distribution, was passed
Consideration of the postofice appropriation
bill was resumed. Mr.. Holman's amendmen
was pending, providing that whenever any con
tractor shall sublet his contract for trans
portation of mail on any route fol
service. the Postmaster General maj
declare the original contract at an end, anG
enter into contract with sub-contractol
without advertising, to perform the service or
the terms at which he has agreed with tht
original contractor to perform the same. Aftel
! some discussion this amendment was adopted
by vote of SO to 83. Mr.. Atkins offered II
amendment providing that when . contract il
declared void on account of having been sub
let, the contractor shall be entitled to ont
months extra pay, as now. Adopted.
Mr. Belmont offered resolution respecting
the Peruvian muddle, and Mr.. Kasson offeret
9 substitute, which was accepted. The Hous
spent the rest Of the sitting in Committee OF
the Whole on the private calendar, and thel
adjourned.
|