The Portland daily press., 1884-12-19
XLVIIIth Congress--2d Session


SENATE
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1S.
Among the memorials presented in the Senate to-
day was one by MIR. Hoar from the Woman Suffrage
Association Of Pennsylvania protesting against the
admission of Dakota on a constitution made by
men alone and denying the suffrage and rights Of
women. Mr.. Hoar, In presenting it, said that
while he favored woman suffrage, he thought /
unwise in the present temper of Congress for ths
advocates of that cause to oppose the admission OF
new State on the grounds set forth. because when
the territories of Wyoming and Washington shall
call for admission, the exercises Of suffrage by
women in these territories may be advanced as an
argument against their admission.
Mr.. Hale introduced o bill, which was referred to
the committee on commerce, providing for the
establishment of port of entry at Mount Desert
Ferry, in the town of Hancock, Maine.
Mr. Platt rep rtes fsvornbiy frora the committee
on contingent expenses and the Senate agreed to the
resolution providing for the payment of expenses
OF Senators attending tbs funeral of Senator
Anthony.
Mr.. Vest submitted joint resolution declaring
that without the authority of Congress the proposed
Nicaragua surveying expedition, ordered by the
Secre airy not to enforce the orders issued on the
subject until definite and final action was taken by
Congress on the resolution.
On MIR. Hale's objection the resolution went over
one day, Mr. Vest stating that he would call it up
tomsrrog as the expedition sould sail Saturday and
prompt action was necessary.
Mr., Sherman ca led up and the Senate passed the
bill appropriating S5O,0OO for the purpose of
erecting statue of General Lafayette.
The Senate then went into executive session. the
doors being closed. Senator Riddeberger contiu-
ued his speech in opposition to the confirmation of
Hugh NcCulloch as Secretary Of the Treasury.
Al 2.6U p. m. the doors were reopeDed and the
inter state commerce bill was taken up. 1t pro-
vides for the estab shment of an inter state COM
nerce commission, t. be composed of five members
who are to be appointed by the President by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate not
more than three of the commissioners to belong to
the same political party. The commission shall
supervise all matters pertaining the regulation
OF commerce among the States and Territories and
the method OF operation of transportation COM
panies 1t prohibits unreasonable rates of charge
aud unjust discrimination between shippers, ana
requires the commissioners to hear all complaints
against companies in regard to rates or discrmina-
tons and 10 turn complaints to the United
States District Attorney if the companies refuse
justice. 1t is made the duty of such attorney to in
stltute suit for damages in every such Every
transportation company Is required to report an
nualiy to the commission full detailed statement
OF receipts and expenses and schedules of rates of
Secretary of the Interior, who in shall report
to Congress full account of the commissions
operation, with suggestions for further legislation if
any be necessary.
Mr.. Cullom addressed the Senate In support OF
the bill. He quoted from Commissioner Fink who
he said had expressed the belief there was settled
public opinion, shared by railroad companies that
1t was desirable to have such commission.
Mr.. Slater offered an amendment embodying the
provisions of the Reagan bill.
Adjourned,