The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-12-01
xLvIII CONGRESS-.
Opening Of the Second Session
To-day.
SKETCH OF THE WORK BEFORE
TEE TWO BRANCHES.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30.-Ths second session Of
the Forty-eighth Congress will begin tomorrow at
noon. AS both houses are organized, there will
probably be no unusual delay in the appointment of
joint committee to notify the President OF
readiness to receive his annual message. In the
House of Representatives the appointment of Its
branch OF this joint committee will probably be
preceded by the swearing in of the successors of
Representatives Calkins and Kasson, who resigned
during the recess, and Representative Evins, who
recently died. Both Houses will probably adjourn
immediately after the reading OF the Presidents
message
greater number of the appropriation bills
are in readiness for the consideration of the sub
committees of the House commit. ON appropria-
tions than has been prepared at so early date for
number of years. These bills incluie estimates
for the Indian, army, navy, military academy,
sular and diplomatic, p0st-otfice and District Of
Columbia appropriations. Members of the appro-
priation committee are of the opinion that one or
Two OF these bills will be reported to the House
during this week.
II has been suggested by number Of Representa-
tives that Congress take recess about the middle
OF the month TO give an opportunity for the mem-
Defs 70 attend the opening OF the New Orleans
Exposition, and that during this proposed recess
the appropriations committee consider the appro-
praton bills so as to have the most OF thom ready
TO report to the HouAe upon the reassemblnR OF
Congress after the holidays. They agree that the
usual amount of work prior to Adjournment for the
holidays will have been accomplished by the 14th
inst because OF the unusually early assemblage OF
Congress this year.
The Mcpherson Senate bill to provide for the
issue OF circulating notes to national banks and
the Dngley bill to authorize the Secretary OF the
Treasury to invest lawful money deposited in the
treasury in trust by national banks for the retire
ment OF their circulating notes, both reported
favorably from the committee on banking and eur.
rency at the last session, and now the action
of the House.
The education bill reported from the House com
mittee on education is another important measure
upon the House calendar and Representative Willis
tn al far IT,
opportunity soners. The Blair bill passed by the
Senate to effect the general purpose is still in
the hands OF the House committee on education.
An effort will be made by the House committee
on public lands TO secure early consideration OF the
bill providing for forfeiture of the Northern Pacific
land grant: That measure was favorably reported
to the House at the last session of Congress.
The bankruptcy bill a substitute for the
Senate bill on the same subject was favorably re-
ported by the judiciary committee Members of
this committee say it is their opinion that no action
will oe taken upon the bill during the present Con-
gress
The Mexican pension bill which was debated at
length during the last few days Of the last session is
the first unfinished business be considered and
this can be reached only bya motion to discuss
measures on the speakers table, Representative
Townshend who had charge Of that measure SANS
ne will ask for its further consideration at the
earliest practicable moment.
I'm the Senate.
The President Of the Senate and the Ser rpaant- at
Arms made a tour of inspection OF the Senate wing
Of the Capitol yesterday, examining the several i'm
provements introduced into the committee and
cloak rooms, and tho condition of the rooms them
Selves ami found everything In readiness for The
session tomorrow. Very few senators had arrived
until last night.
The interstate commerce bill reported to the
Senate last year. is set for consideration next
thursday, ana the postal-telegraph bill for the
Monday following
The bills for the admission of Dakota and wash
ngton Territory will undoubtedly be pressed by the
senators who have them in charge.
bill foI the re-cOnage of the trade dollar is be-
lore the Senate committee on finance. Its consider
aton was, last session, postponed until December
OF ms session. Its fate cannot be predicted.
no Republican caucus committee Of the Seaats
Will early take into consideration the filling Of va.
cancies upon committees caused by The death of
Senator Anthony. Senator Hswley is likely to take
the chairmahship of the committee printing,
being now second on this committee, and Senator
Pike s no has no schairmanship. mAy be rendered
the chairmanship of civil service and retrench-
ment, now filled by Senator Hawley. Senator Pike
manship OF the committee on claims which will be
vacant at the end OF the session as Senator Cameron
of Wisconsin, who now holds this position has de-
ciined to be candidate for reelection. Mr.. Pike
the committee on civil service and retrenchments
The First Rnsiness.
member Of the Senate and two members of the
House have died during the recess, and two MEM
bers Of the House have resigned. 1t is probable
that the first proceedings in bath branches will be
cies thus created. If this is accomplished by the
customary formal announcements of the deaths the
two houses will probably adjourn az once as a mark
OF respect to the memory of the deceased. Prece-
Oents IN such cases however give reason for the be-
lief that ne formal announcements of tho deaths
Will take place tomorrow, or if they do take place
IL viii follow the reading of the Presidents message
In this case there will probable be no unusual DELAY
in tho appointment of the joint committees to mott
~ the OF the readiness of the two houses
TO receive his annual message.