The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-04-03
FORTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS-.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, April 2.
Mr.. Garland introduced a bill which was referred
to the committee on judiciary, providing super.
vsory jurisdiction of the powers of district courts
and JUDGES exercising circuit court powers.
proceeding to the calendar OF unobjected to,
the Senate passed the bill for the relief Of VIM. III
Crook, one of he secretaries of the President for
signing land patents The bill gives the beneficiary
from 1877 to 1882.
The bill to increase the efficiency OF the general
land OH g was also passed. The bill passed adds
another law clerk to the present force; gives the
Commissioner 5000 year salary and Assistant
Commissioner 5000; both officers TO be appointed
by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
1t desgHates chiefs of the division the present
chief clerks of the several divisions of the office
>, MIR. Morrilps bill relating the improvement of
Inc coinage, was then taken up aid passed without
debate. He said that the only intention of The bill
was to authorize the director of the mint to have
properly qualified persons investigate the whole
subject OF coinage OF money, with view to i'm
provement in the style and character of our coins
The Chair then laid before the Senate the educa-
uon bill, and Mr. George to0k the floor to reply to
the criticism upon his argument made by MIR. Coke
yesterday
Without action, however, the Senate went into
executive session.
In the House Mr. Reed asked the unanimous con-
sent for present consideration of the Geneva award
bill but Mr.. Holmes objected
The House went into the committee of the whole
on ne indian appropriation bill. MIR. Ell briefly
explained the provisions of the bill wiich appropr.
ates So, 077 6h3. There was but little new iegsIA-
non IN the bill, but one provision appropriating
$4,000 for detection and prosecution of men wuo
surIeptitiously sell whiskey to the Indians. He
nsidered 1t very important feature of the bill
Another item of general legislation was one re-
curing each Indian agent to submit an annual CEN
sus of the Indians at his agency. He believed the
Indians shonid be given standing in the courts 30
they could enforce the performance of contracts
and In the course of time should be raised to the
dignity of citizenship.
Mr.. Hardemsn Of Georgia availed himself of the
time accorded him in the debate to speak in sup
port OF the bill to create the department. of agricul
ture
Mr.. Throckmorton of Texas criticized the Indian
bill being indefinite in its provisions.
After long Geba recess of fifteen minutes
was taken by unanimous vote on he floor to allow
the members 10 pay their respects to Gen. Grant
who had appeared.
Spe 4ker carlisle escorted Gen. Grant tn tkn ss.aoe
IN n 'hg 81 the clerks desk where leaning on one of
his crutches he received the respects of the mem
bers, the Speaker ing by his side and introduo
j. to him representatives with whom he had not
be en- prevOu ~ acquainted.
When the H us reassembled the Speaker laid be-
fore the House message from the President recon
mending an appropriation of 500 900 for the pro-
lection of levees Of the lower Mississippi river Re
ferIed
Adjourned.