Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-12-12
FORTY-ElGHTH CONGRESS.
Second Session.
SENATE.


Wyck offered the following:
Whereas. commercial treaty of grea,
importance has been negotiated between the
United States and Spain, which was made
public by the King of Spain, to such an ex.
tent that it was cabled from Madrid to the
New York Times aud given to the American
people by that journal before the same was
presented with becoming solemnity and
secrecy to the Senate; and
Whereas, The provisions of said treaty
materially affect the subject of revenues and
taxation, and involve no serious injury to
diplomacy and State secrets, and the discus.
sion thereof should be in open session, so
that the people may be fully appraised of the
the reasons why said treaty should be ratified
or rejected. Therefore,
Resolved. That the committee on rules be
directed to report an amendment Of additiona'
rules, requiring that treaties which concern
the matter OF revenue shall be considered in
open session.
On objection of Mr. Wilson the matter
went over one day.
Mr.. Blair's resolution offered yesterday,
directing the committee on naval affairs to
examine Capt. Ericsons inventions relating
to guns, torpedoes, etc was agreed to.
The consideration of the Oregon Central
land forfeiture bill was then resumed.
An amendment was agreed to, providing
that all settlers in good faith on the lands
forfeited. who are otherwise qualified, shall
be entitled to preference in the right to enter
the lands in accordance with the homestead
or preempton laws, and shall be regarded as
having legally settled such lands from the
date of settlement, and in case such settler be
not so entitled under the existing laws, he
shall be permitted within one year to pur-
chase not to exceed l60 acres at 81 .25 per
acre, and reducing to $125 per acre the price
of even numbered sections along the line of
the uncompleted portion of the road.
An amendment was agreed to,repealing the
act which allowed settlers on railroad lands
subsequently forfeited, to locate to an amount
equal to the original entry without additional
cost.
MIR. Morgan moved to recommit the bill IN
order that the rights of all parties might be
ascertained.
II was debated until o'clock, when the
matter went over and the Dakota admission
bill was taken up.
Mr.. Harrison addressed the Senate at
length in support Of the bill.
Mr. Sherman introduced joint resolution
which was passed, appointing the 21st of Feb
ruary for the ceremonies connected with the
completion of the Washington monument.
The Senate then went into executive ses-
sion, and when the doors were reopened
adjourned until Monday.
HOUSE.
The desks of half dozen democratic MEM
bers were surrounded this morning by roosters
of brilliant plumage.
Mr.. Hancock of Texas, from the committee
on appropriations, reported the invalid pen
sion appropriation bill, and it was referred to
committee of the whole.
Mr.. Mills of Texas made an unsuccessful
effort to have passed, the Senate bill for
public building at Waco, Tex, Mr.. Brumm
of Pennsylvania being the Objector.
The House then resumed consideration of
the interstate commerce bill.
In the discussion of the bill a general
understanding was arrived at that the debate.
shall close the next day after the subject is
taken up, and that then vote shall be taken
as between the substitute and the committee
bill. Whatever measure shall be successful
will then be open to amendment and debate
under the five minute rule.
MIR. Willis OF Kentucky offered q resolution
calling on the secretary of war to inform the
House whether the amount appropriated for
He'll Gate, N. Y, had been diverted from the
purposes therein set forth; referred.
Adjourned until tomorrow.