The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-18
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS-.
THE n
A Sweeping Proposition Concerning Com
merce and transportation.

A Sweeping Proposition Concerning Com
merce and transportation.
WASHINGTON, April Inn. Wilson offered
the following preamble and resolution, which,
at his request, were permitted to lie on the table
to be called up in a few days for reference to a
committee:
Whereas, The Constitution delegates to Congress
power to regulate commerce with foreign nations ana
among the several States, and with the Indian tribes;
therefore. be it
Resolved, That it is competent for Congress, in
the exercise of the power so delegated, to provide by
law fof~such regulation Of transportation and com
merce among the several States as shall include a sys.
tenn of maximum and minimum rates to be charged
for the same; for free competition within the limits
so fixed; for prohibition of discrimination OF
any kind whatever, either in favor Of or
against cities, towns Or other localities nt;m
points; for applying the same principles to transpor-
tation for individuals, firms, associations or corpor-
adons, in all matters relating to commerce among
the states for the presentation and enforcement OF
the right of shippers to select lines or parts OF lines
over which the shipments shall pass, to the end that
Shippers may avail themselves OF all rail, or part ran
and part water routes of the country; for the pre-
vention of such pooling arrangements and agree
ments as restrain Just competition, or as
upon such commerce between the States, for protec,
ton OF such commerce against unjust exacdons based
on the class of securities commonly denominated
'watered stocks, and for the promotion of the true
interests both of the corporations employed i'll such
transportation and the people and localities engaged
IN such commerce by the enforcement of the primer
pies hereinbefore stated, and thereby induce harmony
and stability in the affairs of such corporations, peo-
pie and localities"
The Senate went into executive sessi on and
when the doors were re-opened Mr. Cockrell in
troduced a bill to provide for the appointment of
a Missouri commission, to carry intoeffect plans
for the improvement of the Missouri river from
its mouth to its headwaters.
The Senate proceeded to consideration Of bills
On fhA lapIo A~1 knD1- 5nn ALnh hill ~ n,1fhhP1 IN
the Secretary of War to adjust and settle the &C
| count for arms between South Carolina and the
government of the United States, and to balance
the same by so reducing the overcharge made
against the State in 1869; under the act of 1903,
as that the amounts paid on account by South
Carolina In the last ten years may be taken IN
full satisfaction of the accounts. After some dis
cussion the bill was passed-yeas, 80; nays, II:
L h Senate then passed the bin to authorize
and direct the managers of the Home for Dis
abled Volunteer Soldiers to locate "a BRANCH
home at some suitable point in either of the
States of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa,
Minnesota, Missouri, or Nebraska. Before pass
ing the bill it was modified by amendments pro
posed by Mr.. Miller, of California, and Mr..
Conger. Mr.. Miller's amendment authorizes the
board of managers to receive propositions from
the managers of the Veterans Home. located in
Napa county, California, for a transfer of the
buildings and property of that home to the
United Statesfor use as a branch of the National
Soldiers Home, and to report to Congress in re
spect to the propriety and expediency Of the &C
ceptance.of said Veterans Home.
Mr.. IConger said the soldiers and sailors of
Michigan were unanimous in their demand for
a home in their State, where they would
be among people that would take an interest in
them. On his molten the bill was so amended
as to require the board of managers to inquire
into the expediency of establishing a branch
home in Michigan. On motion of Mr.. Logas a
clause was added providing that these amend
ments should not ~intefere with or delay the es-
tabishment of the home provided for by the
bill. Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars
was appropriated to carry out the purpose.
Mr.. Slater, according to notice given some
days since on presenting a billto forfeit the I'M
earned land grants of the Northern Pacific Rail
road Company, addressed the Senate.
Mr. Dolph asked that the bill lie on the table
a few days, to which Mr.. Slater assented.
Consideration of the bankruptcy bill was then
resumed, and amendments were offered by
Messrs. George, Morgan, Wilson, Hoar and 9TH
ers. Mr., Hoar and other senators were anxious
to have the bill disposed of to-day, and were
willing to sit late to accomplish that end, but it
becoming manifest that considerable discussion
would arise on some of the proposed amend
ments, the Senate adjourned.