Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-03-16
PORTYSEVRNTH CONGRESS.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, March 10.
Mr.. Frye reported from the committee on
rules, new rule, namely: "a vote to lay
on the table proposed amendment shall not
carry with it the pending measure" CAL
endar.
Mr. Brown. from the railroad committee,
reported with amendments, bill granting
the right of way for a railroad and telegraph
line through the lands of the Choctaws and
Chickasaws, to the st. Louis San Fran
cisco Railroad Company, and for other pur-
poses. Restored to its former place on the
calendar.
Mr.. Edmunds asked for an indefinite leave
of absence on account of illness in his family,
adding, if the privilege was extended he
would try not to abuse it. No objections
were made.
Mr.. Malone introduced a concurrent reso-
luton, which was read for the first time. pro-
viding for a rebate on stamped or the tax
paid on tobacco, in case the tobacco tax is
reduced equal To the amount of such reduc-
ton.
On motion of Mr.. Mcpherson the bill was
passed appropriating 10000 for monument
10 commemorate the battle If Monmouth.
AT 30 the tariff commission bill was in
formally laid aside, to allow Mr.. Garland TO
speak upon the importance Of the mainten-
ance of an efficient levee system on the
Mississippi.
The bill is subject recently introduced
BY him. The bill appropriates Sl5,00000O
tor this purpose. His belief was that the
loss inflicted by the present overflow largely
outstripped the total appropriation now asked
for, and would amount to at least $50, 000,-
900.
Messrs. Jones and Vest further spoke in
support of the bill, which was finally sent to
the committee on the Mississippi river and
tributaries.
The Senate bill TO amend Section 2163,
Revised Statutes, so as TO authorize customs
collectors to use steam launches in boarding
vessels, and for other purposes. in a better
detection of frauds, was amended and passed.
The consideration of the post Office appro
priation bill was then resumed. The pend
ing amendment TO make the provision relat-
ing to sub-contracts applicable only to con-
tracts hereafter made, was agreed to. The
increase in the item for the compensation of
post office clerks of $50, 900, prevailed.
The next amendment reported by the Sem
ate, was in the item on sub-letting of con-
tracts. and declares if the contractor, or sub
contractor, shall fail to pay the carrier within
two months of the end of a quarter, the de-
partment shall pay the debt and charge it to
the contractor When person or firm hold
ing several contracts fails to perform the
service on any one of them, the pay for the
others shall be withheld until all penalties
are satisfied.
The amendment gave rise to a somewhat
protracted discussion, in the course of which
Messrs. Dawes and Hawley became involved
in a personal controversy, on what the latter
construed to be the unwarrantable criticism
on the part Of Mr.. Dawes, in attributing his
efforts to show the unreasonableness of the
amendment in practical operation, to special
anxiety for the interest of the mail contrac-
tors.
A modification of the amendment by the
transposition of several words was made. and
the committee amendment as modified was
adopted. Without further progress the bill
was laid over as unfinished business for to-
morrow, and the tariff commission bill was
again taken up.
Mr.. Allison submitted report of the COM
mittee on appropriations, with the testimony
taken in what is known the treasury con-
tingent fund investigation. Tabled and or
dered printed.
Adjourned.