The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1883-12-27
A WEEKS NEWS.
by Telegraph and Mail
CONGRESSIONAL.

liz the Senate. the 18th, a message was
received from the House announcing the
death of Mr. Haskell, OF Kansas. 1t was i'm.
mediately taken up, and after appropriate re-
marks by Mr. ingalls,, and on his motion, the
President of the Senate aPpoihoed p Senators n
attend the obseouies of the deceased Repre-
sentative. The Senate then adjourned In
the House Mr.. Anderson announced Uhe death
of his colleague and offered the customary
resolutions when the House adjourned.
In the Senate, on the 18th, Mr.. Harrison
introduced bill providing civil government
for Alaska Mr. Van Wycke offered resolu-
ton which was agreed to, calling on the Sec
retary of the Interior for copies OF the mort
cages given by the Texas racine hallway
March g. ISL; also TO inform the Senate of the
names of railroad corporations claiming lands
not earned during the lifetime OF the grant,
together with the number OF acres clalmed by
each. At the expiratiOn of the morning hour
Ihe Senate proceeded to the election of Off
GERS. General Anson McCook was chosen Sec
retary and the balance of the Republican
nominees elected. The Senate went into eX-
acutive session, and when the doors were re-
opened went into Committee of the Whole for
the purpose of continuing the consideration
0f the rules Pending consideration of the
rules the Senate adjOurned.... The House was
aot in session.
INthe Senate the 18th, the bill adapting the
new standard time TO the District of Columbia
passed. The Senate then resumed considera-
ton of unfinished business in regard to rules.
After lengthy discussion the Senate took up
the House resolutions for holiday recess and
amended it to read from Monday, December
"a, TO Monday, January :. AS amended agreed
to- and returned to the House. After eXecu-
tive session. adjourned. In the House. Mr.
Scales presented the certificate of election of
Mr.. Skinner, representatlve-elect of the First
District of North Carolina: This led to
lengthy discussion, non-partizan in its char
acter the question opened being that of the
legality of an election for vacancy under
the new apportionment. Finally resolution
of Mr.. Hiscock was agreed to that Mr.. Skinner
be sworn in and the reference of the main fea-
lures of the case to the Committe of Elections,
with instructions to report quickly. A re-
port by Mr. Blackburn for the creation of
q number of committees, called forth an
amendment by Mr.. Reed for the creation of a
Committee on the Alcoholic Liquor Traffic,
which brought on q debate in which Mr.. Vance
in reply to those who opposed it said the OBJ
ject of such committee only looked to get
ting information upon subject of interest to
every human being on the continent. The
sentiment of the people should be respected
by this Congress, TO know the facts about in
temperance, which wrecked so many house
holds of the land. He hoped that the repre-
SentatiVes of the people would accord the
friends of humanity, Justice, mercy and happy
homes the right TO be heard, and extend TO
the people an opportunity to gather informa-
tion on subject of such tremendous impor-
tance. 1t did not follow necessarily that there
would be PrOhibitOry law. After further
debate the motion to create the committee
prevailed. Mr. Calkins offered resolution,
which was adopted, calling on the Secretary
of State for all communications, documents
and papers in his possession relating to the
trial, conviction and execution of the late
Patrick O'Donnell by the British Government.
The Senate amendment for a holiday recess
was agreed. Adjourned.
In the Senate, the Goth, Mr.. Cullom intro
duced bin to establish a board of Railroad
Commissioners and regulate interstate Com
merce. Mr.. Van Wyck's resolution regarding
lands granted 10 railroads taken up, dis
cussed, amended and adopted. The Senate
concurred in the joint resolution of the House
relating to the celebration of the centenary
of the surrender by Washington of his com
mission as COmmander-in-Chef of the patriot
forces Of America. Adjourned till Monday.
IA long discussion sprang up in the House
over the resolution offered by Mr.. Geddes to
grant months extra pay to discharged en-
ployes. Further discussion was had on the
creating of new committees, when the House
adjourned until Monday.