The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-01-22
THE HOUSE.
A Large Number of New Bills and ResOlu-
tions Introduced.


tions Introduced.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21.-Bills were introduced
as follows:
By Mr. Dunn: 10 ascertain what railroad
companies are indebted to the government for
the cost of Surveying and selecting lands granted
instlSieyszIg 5ho Secretary OF the Interior to
give notice to the president and treasurer of
such companies that he is ready to deliver pat
ents for the lands to which the companies will be
entitled if that cost were paid. Ii within two
months of the date of this notice the costs are
not paid, the Attorney general shall institute
proceedings against the companies. 1t also
directs the Secretary Of the Interior to issue pat
ents conveying title to all lands granted railway
companies legally earned by virtue of the com
petion of the roads within the time required
by law.
By Mr.. Finerty: To confer brevet promotion
On army officers particularly distinguished for
heroic action in Indian warfare.
BY Mr.. Wood: TO authorize the Governor of
hsli system of international commerce and de-
eide the practica bility of establishing bureau
of international commerce.
BY Mr. Holman: resolution calling upon the
Secretary of the Interior for information as to
whether since June l. 1882, any patents have
been issued or lists of lands certified to any
State, or patents issued TO any railroad corpora
ton, on account of grants heretofore made for
lands to which such State or corporation is not
entitled: also for all communications touching
the issuing of such patents, and the opinions of
any United States officer in relation thereto on
file in his department.
By Mr. Anderson: To provide for the adjust
ment of land grants made to aid in the construc-
ton of railroads. Also, to reduce lifetime pat
ents to five years Also, to amend the rules so
as TO require eX-members of Congress, before
being entitled to the privileges of the floor, to
obtain order from the Speaker, which shall
only be issued upon the ex-member declaring
upon his honor that he is not interested, directly
or indirectly, in any corporation or person hay
ing pecuniary interest in the defeat or passage of
measures before Congress or committees, and
pedging that while the House is in session he
will not communicate with any member respect.
ing any claim to affect any company, corpora
ton, or persons having an interest in legislation
In case of violation of the pledge, the commit
tee on rules shall declare the eXmcmber forever
deprived of the privileges of the floor.
By Mr.. Peters: To regulate United States
commerce through national court of arbitra-
ton.
BY Mr. Cutcheon: To improve the civil serv-
ice by relieving Legislative officers from perform
ing executive functions
BY Mr.. Barnes To encourage education and
provide national series of text books within
the jurisdiction of Congress.
BY Mr. Morgan: To regulate attorneys fees
in pension cases. Tt prohibits the receipt of fees
before the allowance of pensions; fixes the fee at
So except in case of prior contract, approved by
the Commissioner of Pensions
BY Mr.. Taylor, of Ohio Repeating all lmita-
tons of time in which melitorous applications
for pensions may be filed.
By Mr.. George A resolution authorizing the
Commissioner of Indian Affairs to make investi-
CATION of the massacre of Dr. Marcus Whiteman
and others, in 1647.
BY Mr.. Warner, of Tennessee (by request):
ITO procure information relative to the demand
and price of American agricultural products IN
other countries
M Boutelle offered resolution Pequestingthe
Secretary of War to inform the House whether
it was true that for several years past the of
Fitz John Porter has been submitted to mem
bers of each graduating class at West Point for
the purpose of inviting their criticism and iudg-
ment on the findings of the general court mar
tial held in pursuance of law. The Secretary is
further requested in case this be true to inform
the House by what authority or instigation the
minds of successive graduating classes of
youths, educated at public expense,
We're thus directed to a discussion
and questioning of official action of lawful stpe-
riors, and if true as alleged, that these youths,
just emerging from a course of study and entering
the service as subordinate officers, have been
encouraged or permitted to diseredit the action
of their superors by expression Of opinions that
the action of Porter was perfectly proper,
whether such action was not calculated to foster
spirit Of INSTRUMENTATION among officers.
Mr.. Ray, of New York, objected to its pres
ent consideration, and Mr. Gibson to its refer
ence.
Mr.. Hemphill, from the committee on expend-
itures in the Department OF Justice, reported a