The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-01-22
hvCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
THE SENATE.
A Proposition to Discuss the Mexican Treaty
Eh.,nI. G..a,.,t., Lsnia1.t,d

a Proposition to Discuss the Mexican Treaty
in Open Senate Rejected.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21-The chair laid before
the Senate bills from the House, one making
all public roads and highways post routes; an
other, to enable courts of the United States, in
cases where patents were obtained by fraud, to
annul the patents, ON application OF the Attor-
ney-generaL
Several petitions were presented, praying for
an investigation of the divorce legislation in the
divorce statistics.
lIr. Logan presented petitions from eX-soldiers
of the Union army, praying for the passage Of
laws giving ex prisoners of war the benefit Of
public lands.
Mr. Van Wyck introduced resolution provid-
ing that any further debate on the Mexican
treaty be had with open doors.
Objection was made to its reception, and the
chair ruled out of order at present such resolu-
ton in open Senate
Mr. Van Wyck appealed from the decision Of
the chair.
On motion of Mr. Edmunds, the Senate re
solved to close the doors in order to discuss the
appeal.
Senate in secret session.
Objection was then made to the immediate
consideration, of the resolution even IN secret
session. and it went over for one day under the
rules. The doors were then re-opened.
Bills were introduced as follows:
BY Mr. Lapham: 70 provide for the erection
of a bronze statue to Simon Bolivar at Washing
ton or New York
By Mr. Edmunds: To amend the act granting
aid for the construction of a railroad telegraph
line from the Missouri river to the Pacific ocean,
to secure to the government the use of the same
for postal, military. and other purposes, ap-
proved July l, 1862, and bills amendatory
thereof, one of which provides for the settlement
of claims OF the United States and secure to the
United States the Indebtedness of the compa-
MES to them In presenting the bill, Mr.. Ed
munds said it had been prepared by the Com
missioner of Railroads and was very important
in its object 1t intended, if possible, to
bring to termination the controversy which
appears to be perpetual between the United
States and these railroad companies as to what
they should pay in, and to provide for open
ing up transactions by new arrangement
on a long bond, to take the place of the obliga
tions of the companies to repay the United
States. 1t is also provided legal securities for
such repayment and methods of enforcement
thereof. The bill was referred to the Judiciary
committee.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of
bills on the calendar. The first to engage at
tention was the bill reported from the COMMITTEES
on private lands, which provides method
of perfecting titles to lands lying within the
limits of the territory derived by the United
States from Mexico. The Dill was made the
epecalorder for Monday next. t
The bill permitting retired army officials to
hold Offices in Territories passed; yeas, 81; nays
IL ~
The,bil for the establishment of a civil gov
eminent in Alaska was taken up. 1t provides
for Governor, to be appointed by the Presi-
dent. with powers similar to those of Governors
of other Territories, establishes courts, etc ar.
The amendment proposed in the, committee
was adopted in the Senate, making the laws of
Oregon, as far as applicable, the laws of Alaska
Without reaching a conclusion the bill the
Senate went into executive session, and when
the doors reopened adjourned.