The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-12-14
XLVII CONGRESS--2d Session.
SENATE.


WASHINGTON, Dec. 49,
Mr.. Morrill, obtained leave for the finance
Senate
Mr. ingalls, introduced by request a bill to
compel the prosecution of proceedings IN
oan!krnptcy to final decree. Referred to the
judiciary committee
At the close of the morning hour Mr. Beck
caiied up his resolution for the investigation of
poIineal assessments, question being on Mr.
Gdmnnd's motion TO refer he resolution and
substitute offered by Mr.. Hale, to the commit
Zee on Judiciary. They were SO referred
MI. Platt, at his own request, was relieved
from duty as chairman of the committee on
pensions.
The consideration of the Pendeton bill was
resumed and Mr.. Hawley addressed the Senate
az length. Something must be done, he said
10 reform the civil service. The continuance
Of the present system was rendered impossible
not only by the evils developed under it. but
also by the extraordinary growth of the coun-
Try and the consequent increase in the num-
Der OF pubic ofnces. Mr.. Hawley discussed
at length the main points of the Pendleton
bill. The time for action had come and he
hoped the Senate would pass this plain. SIM
pie, practical bill.
The formal amendments reported bv the
committee on civil service reform were
agreed to.
Mr.. Hoar waived his amendment relating to
the character of competitive examination, in
favor of one offered by Mr.. Logan, providing
that examinations shall be practical in their
character and relate to matters which will
fairly test the relative fitness and capacity of
the applicants to discharge the duties of the
service into which they seek to be admitted"
Mr.. Pendleton assenIed to the amendment
and it was adopted.
Mr.. Sherman moved to strike out the provi-
sion making a permanent appropriation for
the expenses OF the commission Agreed to-
On motion of Mr.. Sherman provision for the
payment OF the expenses of the commission
was limited to travelling expenses.
Mr.. Allison explained that the object of his
amendment offered yesterday as a substitute
for the first section of the Pendleton bill, was
to provide that there shall be three commits
sioners instead of five and that the commits
sion shall be composed of persons not connect
ed with the department.
Pending the consideration of the amend
ment the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
On motion of Mr.. Springer, of Illinois, the
Senate joint resolution was passed authorizing
the payment OF the Virginius indemnity fund
to the mother of Gen. w. A. @. Ryan.
The Congressional library bill came up as un-
finished business, the pending question being
motion by Mr.. Randall, of Pennsylvania, to
lay upon the table the motion to reconsider the
vote BY which the House decided to recommit
the bill with instructions.
Mr.. Rice of Massachusetts, stated that he
would withdraw all objections to the recommit-
tai If the committee were granted leave to re-
port at any time, but 10 this Mr.. Blount, of
Georgia, objected
The motion to reconsider was then tabled
yeas 115, nays 101. This vote has the effect of
recommitting the bill with instructions to the
committee to report back bill tor the erectiou
of library on the ground here belonging to
the United States.
The House then went into committee of the
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