Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1883-12-19
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.



MONDAY, December 1O.-A memorial was re-
celYed from veterans Of the Mexican war; ask
ing fer pensions. The standing committees of
the senate were then announced. A resolution
was agreed to, authorizing the committee on
military affairs to enquire as to the expedjencv
of purchasing the encampment grounds occu-
pied by the Revolutionary army at Valley Forge
for national park. Hill called up a resolu-
ton asking the secretary of the interior to fur
nish copies of all papers relating to the trans
fer of the land grant of the New Orleans, Ba-
ton Rouge and Vickskurg Railroad Company to
the New Orleans and Pacific Railway Company.
Pending action, the senate adjourned.
TUESDAY, December 11-Anthony, of Rhode
Island, appeared and was sworn in. The senate
then confirmed Walter Q. Gresham as postmas-
ter general After the introduction of numer-
Gus unimportant bills and resolutions the SEN
ate went into executive session, after which an
adjournment was taken.
WEDNESDAY, December 12-The entire ses-
Sion was taken up by discussion Of the reso-
luton OF Tuesday In regard to the sinking
fund, and the amendment to toe constitution
regarding civil rights. The latter matter was
referred to the judiciary committee, and after
short executive session the senate adjourned.
THURSDAY, December 13.-Blls introduced:
To admit into the Union the state of Washing
ton. The report of the committee on rules
came up for discussion. Resolutions asking
for information regarding the transfer Of the
Texas Pacific land grants and in regard to the
expenses incurred III the Star route trials.
After a short executive session the senate ad-
jouIned until Monday.
House.
MONDAY, December 1O.-Blll5 were intro
duced repeating the presumption laws and
amending the homestead laws so patents shall
issu after three years of actual occupancy; de-
clarng forfeited certain lands granted to vari-
GUS railroads and to states for the aid of such
70 mill
to indemnify California for expenses incurred
in the Indian wars; to prevent undue discrimi-
nation in railway transportation; to incorporate
the Maritime Canal Company, Nicaragua; to
abolish postage on second class matter and to
reduce postage on transient newspapers; pro-
viding, in case of removal. by death, resigna-
ton or inability. Of the President or Vice Presi-
dent that the secretary OF state shall be acting
president until a special election Is held; for
the construction of the Maryland and Delaware
ship canal. Adjourned.
TUESDAY, December lin the absence
the speaker, Cox, of New York, presided: Bills
introduced: To establish a postal savings
bank system; for the construction of harbor
of refuge On Lake Michigan; to abolish the
duty on salt; to allow planters and farmers to
sell tobacco IN the leaf to others than dealers
without special tax; to prevent the adultera-
ton of food and drugs; to abolish the duty on
sugar: for the abrogation CT the Clayton-Bul-
Wer treaty; to reduce the price of government
lands within railroad limits; to provide pen
sions for widows Of surfmen who lose their
lives while In the discharge of duty; for the
retirement of the trade dollar and its TecOln-
age; to appropriate the surplus money in the
treasury and all money herea4 ter derived from
internal revenue for educational purposes.
granting "a pension to the widow of the late
Gen. Steadman; for the admission of Arizona
and Utah as states. Several communications
of minor nature were received from the
President and referred. Adjourned to Friday
FRIDAY, December IA Joint resolution was
introduced for the observance of the Path of
December as public holiday, in honor of the
resignation of Washington as commander of
nounced, Messrs. Carlisle, Blackburn, Randall
Keifer and Reed. Mr.. Robinson of Massa-
chusetts, was granted indefinite leave of alb
sence. Adjourned until Monday.