Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-05-13
PORTY-EIGHTn CONGRBSS.
First Session.
sen ATE.
W.surycroS Nav

WASHINGTON, May I2.
ne char laid before the Senate petition
OF the American medical association, praying 2
that steps be taken to prevent the spread OF
epidemic diseases.
MI Pendfeton presented petitions from the
cincinnati board of trade and chamber of
commerce, advocating increased efficiency in
the navy and for the New Orleans cotton ex-
position.
Mr.. Mcmillan, from the committee on
judiciary, offered a resolution which was
agreed to, authorizing the committee 10 in
qoire INTO the facts forming the basis of the
Dill recently introduced by Mr.. Garland, to
amend the Thurman act relating to the claims
OF the Union Central Pacific railroad. The
committee was authorized TO send for persons
and papers.
The Senate took up the resolution to direct
the secretary of the interior to withhold from
the Northern Pacific railroad patents for Ger
tain land grants.
MI Wilson moved an amendment direct
ing the judiciary committee to report to the
Senate its opinion whether it is competent for
the Senate to direct the executive officer to
suspend the execution of laws.
In accordance with a suggestion from Mr..
Slater, Mr. Van Wyck modified his resolu.
tlon by substituting the word request for
''direct"
The bill was debated by Messrs. Dolph,
Van Wyck and Conger until o'clock when
it went over
The chair laid before the Senate the uniin-
lshed business, it being Mr.. Beck's appeal
from the decision of the chair on Mr.. Harris
point of order concerning the committee of
conference on the shipping bill
Pending this question Mr.. Dawes moved to
takes IN the Indian hill ouraad
to.
The bill was debated at lengthiby Messrs
Hawley, Vest. Dawes and Hoar in favor of
and ingalls, against, at the conclusion of
which the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
Among the bills introduced and referred in
the House this morning was one by Mr. Cox
of New York. to place Gen. Grant on the
retired list. and one by Mr.. Hewitt, to modify
the existing laws relating to duties on import
and internal revenue taxes, and enlarge the
free list.
olution calling on the secretary of the navy
for information as to the breaking up and
sale of old ships.
On motion of Mr.. Lore of Delaware, the
Senate bill was passed to prevent and punish
counterfeiting within the United States OF
notes, bonds and other securities of foreign
governments.
The petition of VIM. Webster, a citizen of
the United States, who claims to have been
unlawfully deprived of tract of land in New
Zealand, was placed on the Honse calendar.
Mr.. Belford of Colorado introduced bill
to prevent the sudden contraction of cur
rency. 1t prohibits any solvent national
bank from retiring more than ten per cent
per aanum of its entire issue of notes, and
provides that any bank violating this prohib-
ition shall forfeit its charter.
Mr.. Payson of Illinois introduced bill to
restrict the ownership of real estate in the
territories to American citizens; also to place
lumber on the free list; also to reduce the
rates of duty on sugar so per cent.
Bills were introduced by Mr.. Tucker to
repeal internal revenue taxes on tobacco and
on brandy and wine manufactured from
fruits,
By Mr.. Poland of Vermont, By request, to
regulate commerce among the several States,
and to codify the law relating to bills of ex-
change.
Conference committees were appointed on
the FitZ John Porter bill. and on the bill
establishing bureau of animal industry.
The House then proceeded to the consider
alton of business relating to the District of
Columbia.
Several district bills were passed, includ-
ing one appropriating $500, 900 to complete
the district sewerage system, half of which
amount shall be charged to the district, and
another prohibiting the sale of lottery tickets
and repeating the laws requiring commercial
travellers to pay license tax.
Mr.. O'Neil of Missouri introduced bill
providing that after July l. 1884. the follow
ing articles will be exempt from taxation
Raw sugar not refined. molasses, salt, rice,
barley. potatoes, oatmeal, currents, raisins,
prunes, peas, beans, butter, cheese, live ami
mails, vegetables and chicory.
Mr.. O'Neil estimates to accomplish re-
duction of $50 900, 600 in revenue.
Adjourned.