The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-01-10
THE HOUSE.
Reference of Papers for the improvement of
the Mississippi.


the Mississippi.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9-AIr. Kasson offered q
preamble and resolutions reeiting that certain
foreign governments with which the United
States has commercial treaties securing to the
United States treatment assured to the most
favored nations, in regard to the importation
of American produce and manufacture,
have, in apparent violation of such
treaties, prohibited the introduction of
certain food products of the United States,
under regulations not applied to like productions
of other nations, and directing the committee
on foreign affairs to inquire into the facts, and
report what legislative or other action should
be taken, by Congress or the executive, to Sc
cure due observance of such treaties and pro-
tect the rights of United States citizens in
respect thereto, whether by retaliatory legisla-
ton or otherwise Adopted
Mr. Deuster offered resolution directing the
committee on commerce to investigate the al
legged reasons for the exclusion of American pork
in Germany and France, and to recommend leg
islation warranted by the facts. Referred
Mr. Gibson asked leave to offer resolution
declaring that all laws of the federal govern
ment authorizing the sale of intoxicating liquors
in a State, wholesale or retail be made depend
ent upon the parties authorized first obtaining a
license from the State authorities.
Mr. Deuster objected.
Mr. Slocum, from the committee on military
affairs reported the bill for the relief of Ftz
John Porter. Referred to the committee of the
whole Mr.. Sloeum also reported back the reso-
luton calling upon the Secretary of War for in
formation concerning the average number of
commissioned officers of the army from the 4th
of March, 1857 TO March /, 1861, and March 4,
1877 and March A. 1881 together with state
ment of the number tried by cOurt-martial,
number of convictions of which the findings of
the court were disapproved, and the number OF
sentences RENTED. Adopted.
bir Steele, from the same committee, reported
a bill to provide for the pay and muster Of Ger
tain officers and men of the volunteer forces.
Referred to the committee of the whole
Mr. Vance, chairman of the committee on pat
ents reported a bill to enable United States
courts in cases otaanproper grants Of letters pat
emit by reason of fraud or Misrepresentation, to
declare the patent void on application of the At
torney-general. Placed ON the House calendar.
Mr. Sloclm from the committee on ship
building and ship-oYning interests reported Mr..
Dngley's shipping bill unanimously agreed TO by
whole.
The Speaker laid before the House message
from the President, submitting the annual re-
port Of the Mississippi River Commission.
Mr. Willis moved its reference to the commit
tee rivers and harbors, contending that
it was the committee which had proper
jurisdiction on the subject. a
Mr. King chairman of the committee on Mis-
Of the message TO that committee, to which it
had invariably been referred
A long discussion ensued. The House refused,
yeas 124, nays l43, to refer the message to the
committee on Mississippi levees Referred to
tho committee on rivers and harbops, -71g'F
The Speaker laid before the House message
from the President, transmitting draft of the
ill to allow Indians homestead in certain cases
without the payment Of fees The eommunica-
ton was referred.
Also, a message in regard to the resolution re
speeding the alleged distribution Of circulars in
some Of the departments asking contributions for
political purposes and the reply of tho Secretary
Of State thereto Referred
Also, a letter from the Secretary Of the Treas