Grand Rapids morning telegram., 1884-12-15
THE NA1ON'S CAPITAL.
WORK LAu OUT FOR CONGRESS.
The Partie Divide on Admitting Da-
kota-Mculioch TO Be Confirmed
-MaY Bills are Waiting.

WlsHrsTos, Dec. 14.--In the Senate the
''irrepres.ble conflict. which has been going
on for somany years in Congress over di-
vision ofthe territory of Dakota. and the
admissin Of the southern half into the
union States, has been discussed through
out the~eek. aud still has the right of way
In Oh. regular order of business. Party
lines ave been strictly drawn on the meas
ure, republicans favoring, and Democrats
oppeing the bin. There are indications Of
dsire To bring into the discussion the sup
preston of coiored votes II the South.
Tn Republicans are evidently dragging their
co.t-tails for an invitation to night on this
isue, but thus far the Democrats have failed
totread ON them, though Jonas, of Louisi-
aia, came very near participating In a dis
cussion of this kind Tuesday by asserting
hat in the last election in Louisiana there
was ''no contest"
The amended House bill urged by MIR.
Slater, OF Washington, and supported by his
Republican colleague, Mr.. Dolph, both be-
ing members of the Committee on Public
Lands. for forfeiting certain lands granted
by the United States TO the Oregon Central
railroad. has been discussed through MORN
ing hours of three sittings, without results.
When the Senate adjourned motion TO re-
commit was pending, with strong proba-
bility that it would pass This would have
thrown over consideration of the bill for the
present session. On these questions of
forfeiting land grants To corporations, and
resembling Indian leases, the Senate seems
disposed to initiate the gait of Peeksnif's
horse, which lifted up its legs very high,
and set them down In the same place. Mr..
Hill, of Colorado will try on Monday to
cal mn, in pf a COn
tinued coinage of silver dollars and, IL Is un-
derstood. is preparing 10 make a vigorous
attack on the recommendations of the Presi-
dent and Secretary of the Treasury on this
subject
There does not seen to be any very earn
eat intention TO take hold of the Spanish
Treaty before the holidays. Even those
senators whose constituents are most inter-
ssted in the defeat of the treaty have not
yet determined upon any combined plan of
action. Mr. Van Wyck intends calling up
his resolution of that debate. when 1t does
occur, shall be in open session, and strong
pressure viii be brought to bear 10 effect a
change in the Senate procedure.
McCulloch's nomination as Secretary of
the Treasury, will probably be confirmed on
Tuesday. Riddleberger's opposition is chiefly
based on McCulloch's past attitude on the
Virginia debt question, a subject which inter-
ests the Senators no more. A majority are
reluctant To have free-trade and protection
fight over the nomination. and prefer to let
the responsibility of the appointment rest
with tho President.
The indications are that for the coming
week the Interstate Commerce bill WILL as
il has during the past two weeks, occupy
most of the time of the House. Monday
being Suspension Day." the bill cannot
come mp until Tuesday, when MIR. Reagan
has given notice that he will call the previous
question on his amendment, which 1t is not
likely will be adopted, and If 1t is he has
agreed thst il shall remain open TO amend
ment under the fve-minute rule.
and il il is not. then the bill
ii like manner shall be open for
the amendments, of which there are now
some fifteen pending. These are likely to
occupy the following two days. Friday Is
ssprivate-bi day." and the House probably
will then adjourn TO Monday-nearly one
fourth of the session gone and nothing done.
Mr.. Hancock, of Texas, will sometime
during the week, probably Tuesday, call up
and the House pass the pension ,apPropria.
tions. That, however, Is but little bill OF
three pages, appropriating only Sl5.OOOUO
and not much time will be wasted on 1t
while members like Warner and Taylor, of
Ohio. have campaigns To hight over In the
House. Monday, after the members have
introduced and had bills referred, most of
them will never be seen again.
week. motions to suspend the rules are In
order committees having preference. Call
rests on the Committee on Banking and
Currency. Buckner, chairman will ask that
a day be fixed for the consideration of Sena-
tor McPherson's bill regulating National
Bank circulation. This will be agreed TO
without though "a 10 whether he will vote for
or against taking up the bill. when the day
fhus fixed arrives. Lacy (Mich.), for the
Committee ON Coinage, Weights and Meas
ures. will ask the House to suspend the rules
and pass his bill to substitute one and two
dollar silver certificates for greenbacks of
like denomination.
Peters, of Kansas, from the Commerce
Committee. will urge the passage of bill TO
promote the efficiency of the revenue marine
service. Hatch mo If the Committee on
Agriculture il reached before adjournment,
viii ask the passage of bill making the
of Agriculture cabinet
officer. Ex-Governor Curtin (Penn.l
ready 10 present the French Spoilatlon Bill
and seek its passage under the suspension of
the rules.
Other committees following on the list
have measures ready to pTeseut, but do not
hope TO be reached on this call.