The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-12-16
XLVITIti Congress--2d Session


WASHINGTON, Dec. 15.
The chair laid before the Senate letter from
the Postmaster General transmitting statement of
the claim of postmasters for loss sustained through
fire and other causes for which they were not re-
sponsible.
Also letter was read from the Acting Secretary
of the Interior, transmitting a report from the
Commissioner of Indian Affairs setting forth em-
barrassments that grow out of tho provisions Of the
law requiring that appropriations for the support
the Indian industrial school at Lawrence. Kansas
shall be disbursed upon basis of an allowance not
to exceed SITS fer the support and education Of
each scholar. The report states that the first cost
of fitting up the school is much greater than will
be necessary afterward and suggests that for the
present the limitation referred to be removed The
communication referred.
MIR. Sherman, from the committee on the library
reported tavorably with amendments q bill provid-
ing fer the erection OF statue to General
Lafayette.
MIR. Logan presented large number of petitions
from tobacco and cigar manufacturers and labor
organizations of Illinois, New York and other
states, protesting against the ratihcation of the
Spanish treaty; also petitions signed by over 900
ex-soldiers of the Union army, praying that Con-
gress would purchase for the capitol at Washing.
ton portrait Of General George II Thomas and
recommending that it be executed by Miss Ransom
MIR. Logan sail he had seen the picture and con-
sidered it an excellent likeness. The papers were
referred.
The member from New York reported fayorably
from the committee on foreign affairs bill to
authorize the President to accept invitations from
foreign governments to international exposiCions
and TO appoint commissioners thereto, and appro-
priating $25, 900 to be at the disposition of the
PRESIDENT to cover the necessary disbursements in
such cases. The bill was placed on the calendar.
The chair laid before the Senate Mr.. Van Wyck's
resolution heretofore offered relating the Spanish
treaty aud requiring the committee report
rule providing for the consideration of COMMERCIAL
treaties In open session.
Mr.. Miller of California said this matter was
under the consideration of the committee foreign
relations and he moved the reference of tie resolu-
tion to that committee.
MIR. Hoar raised point of order that the matter
should be considered with closed doors.
The Senate then, at 1880 O'Clock, went into se-
cret session.
The Senate briefly considered in secres session
Senator Van Wycks resolution which proposes
such an amendment Of the rules as to permit the
discussion of commercial treaties in open session.
Referred to the committee on foreign relations.
In 15 minutes the doors reopened, and fur.
ther rsmonstrances were presented against the
ratification of the treaty with spain.
Mr.. Sherman inquired of the chair whether it
was proper to present them in open session.
The chair held that it was proper.
On motion Of MIR. Harrison, the Dakota bill was
taken up.
Mr.. Garland submitted substitute for the bill
reported from the committee on territories. zone
of the provisions of the substitute provides for
submitting to the popular vote the question of
dividing the Territory After remarks by Messrs.
Garland Harrison and Vest the bill was informally
laid aside at the request Of Mr. Hill in order that
he might address the Senate the silver question
apropos of the resolution recently submitted by
him. declaring it to be the sense of the Senate that
there is reason for suspension of the coinage of
the silver dollar or Of the issue Of silver certih-
Gates.
Mr.. Hill said that the recommendations of the
President and the Secretary of the Treasury, re-
Gently made to Congress, in respect silver were
inopportune to an alarming degree at a time when
falling prices proved that money was deficient
rather than abundant Gold mono-metalism would
increase both the value of credits aud the
burden of debts. If the United States were alb
soutey stationary country, the annual coinage Of
twenty millions of silver dollars would finally
drive out some other kinds of money, but $2S, 600
600 was much less than the annual increase of ouI
total money during the past Ave years. 1t was
clearly less than the increase necessary to keep up
our prices. The time most inopportuue for stop
plug the coinage of silver when bank note cur
Iehcy is undergoing contraction. The situation in
respect to our paper money is admitted all sides