Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-12-19
PORTY-ElGHTH CONGRESS.
Second Session.
SENATE.
WAsHINeroN. Dec. ID.

WASHINGTON. Dec. Is.
Among the memorials presented was one
| by Mr.. Hoar from the womsn's suffrage asso-
citation of Pennsylvania, protesting agSinst
! the admission of Dakota on a constitution
made by men alone, and deaving the suffrage
/ rights of women.
Mr. Hoar, in presenting it, said that while
he favored woman suffrage, he thought it
unwise in the present temper of Congress
for advocates of that cause TO oppose the
admission of a new State on the grounds set
! forth, because when the Territories of Wyom-
ing and Washington shall call for admission,
the exercise of suffrage by women in these
| Territories may be advanced as an argument
against their admission.
! Hr. Vest called up his resolution that the
Nicaraguan survey party must be sanctioned
| by Congress.
! Mr.. Hale introduced bill which was re-
ferred TO the committee on commerce, pro-
viding for the establishment of a port of
entry at Mount Desert Ferry, in the town of
| Hancock, Me.
The Senate voted 200 for statue of
of Lafayette, and then went into executive
Sc ssion to discuss the confirmation of Nc
Culoch as secretary of the treasury
Mr. Riddleberger continued his speech in
opposition.
AT $50 p NJ. the doors were re-opened
and the Interstate commerce bill was taken
up. Ut provides for the establishment of an
| Interstate commerce commission, to be COM
posed of five members, who are to be ap-
pointed 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 to the
| regulation of commerce among the States
| and Territories and the method of operation
of transportation companies. Ii prohibits
unreasonable rates of charge and unj just dis
| elimination between shippers, and requires
the commissioners to hear all complaints
against companies in regard TO rates or dis
elimination, and to turn the complaints over
| to the U. S. district attorney if the compa
MES refuse justice. 1t is made the duty of
such attorney to institute suit for damages in
each case. Every transportation company is
required to report annually to the commits
sion full detailed statement of the receipts
and expenses and schedules of rates of
charge, the commission to report annually to
the secretary of the interior, who in turn
shall report to Congress full account of the
commissions operations, with suggestions
for further legislation if any be necessary
Mr.. Cullom addressed the Senate in sup
port of the bill. He quoted from Commits
sioner Fink. who, he said, had expressed the
belief that there was a settled public opinion
shared by railroad companies 1t was desir-
able to have such a commission.
Mr.. Slater offered an amendment embody-
ing the provisions of the Reagan bill
HOUSE.
Immediately after the reading of the jour
nal the House resumed the consideration of
the interstate commerce bill. the pending
question being on a motion to table the mo-
ton to reconsider the vote by which the
House yesterday adopted Mr.. COTS amend
ment providing that in the transportation of
passengers, railroad companies shall make
no discrimination on account of race or color
The motion TO reconsider was tabled-l40
to los.
Mr.. Barksdale of Mississippi offered an
amendment providing that the furnishing of
separate accommodations with equal fares
and equal comforts at the same charges shall
not be considered discrimination.
The amendment was agreed to--l3l to 1874.
Further consideration of the bill was post
poned few moments in order to allow the
Senate amendment to the bill making tenn
porary provision for the naval service. Messrs,
Randall, Holmes and Long were appointed
| conferees.
When the Interstate commerce bill was
again taken up, Mr.. Reagan of Texas de-
manded the previous question on the first
section.
point of order was made that as the bill
was being considered as in the committee of
the whole, twas not competent for the House
to take any action which would prevent the
offering of amendments and discussion under
the five minute rule
After long debate the speaker declined
to entertain the demand for the previous
question.
Mr.. Horr of Michigan offered as an amend
ment to Mr. Barksdale's amendment the
words "prov ided that such separation shall
not be made on the basis of race or color"
Mr.. Herbert moved to close the debate on
Mr.. Horr's amendment, and pending
the question Mr. Keifer raised a
point of order against the motion.
The house voted that the motion was in
order.
The motion to close the debate was then
agreed to:
Mr. Horr's amendment was lost-yeas lis.
nays 120.
The consideration of the second section
was then entered upon, but without action
the subject went over.
Mr.. Curtin of Pennsylvania introduced a
joint resolution providing for the representa-
ton of the United States at the proposed ex-
hlbItion IN London IN 1856; referred. ut
provides that the government be officially
represented at London and requests the
President to direct that the government ex-
hibit now on display at New Orleans be put
in condition at the conclusion of the fair to
forward to London and assign one or more
vessels to transport the exhibit. An appro-
priation of $500, 900 is made for this purpose. }
Adjourned.
Boston Items.