The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1885-02-20
SUMMARY OF CONGRESS-



Mr.. Cameron, of Pennsylvania, called up his
resolution concerning the Improvement of
the merchant marine 1t directs the com.
mlttee ON finance to inquire whether it would
lie cXpcdient to expcnd the surplu, rev,uu, of
the United States, or any portion thereof, for
the purpose OF reviYint the shipping and
export trade by allowing Il rebate
from tariff duties on foreign goois imported
in ships built and owned in the United States,
and by also allowing premium on American
grown products and articles of American
manufacture exported i'll American vessels,
Mr. Cameron made long speech
in favor of the resolution, which
was referred to the finance committee. g.
Mr. Beck made speech on the Anti Silver
Coinage bill. He favored the redemption of
the trade dollar, but opposed the suspension
of the coinage of tho stan lard silver dollar
"a bill was passed appropriating, $500 900
for the purchase of n site for the extension Of
the postoiiice department building in Wash
ington
After discussion the pension appropriation
bill was passed with amendments, and went
back to the House .... The anti-fencing bill
was passed, making it unlawful for any per-
son or association to enclose public lands to
which, or to any portion of which such per-
son or association have no claim or color of
title. The creation, maintenance, or control
OF any such enclosure is forbidden.
An interesting scene occurred in the SEN
ate upon its return to the Senate chamber
from the count of the Electoral vote in joint
convention in the House. No sooner had
Mr.. Edmunds taken the chair than Mr. Con-
ger was on his feet He said he desired to
have 20 on record his protest against the de
caration of Mr.. Elmunds in joint convcn-
ton. John Sherman said that without enter
inS into any argument he conceded with Mr.
Conger Mr. Ingalls, took the same view and
offered a resolution formally declaring the
dissent of the Senate from Mr.. tdmunds de-
caration. Mr.. BaYard objected and the
resolution went over. Mr. Hoar then offered
resolution reciting the total of the vote
and declaring that nothing further was
necessary to make finally binding and
legal the result OF the count This also went
over under objection. Mr.. Elmuuls said the
Senate was in no way responsible for the
declaration made by him. He made it on his
own responsibility He said ifhe had exceeded
his authority, or had not fulfilled his duty. he
would resign at once his Office. The declaration
made by Mr. Edmunds at the conclusion of
the electoral count, and to which some of
the Senators took exception, was As follows:
And the President Of the Senate makes this
declaration only as a public statement in the
presence Of the two House, of Congress of
contents of the papers opened and read on
this occasion, and not rs possessing any
authority in law to declare any legal con
cluSion whatever"
The resolutions offered 10y Nj ingalls, and
Mr.. Hoar relating to the electoral count were
on motion of Mr.. Hoar referred without
comment to the committee ON privileges and
elections A resolution offered by Mr.. SHEER
man was agreed to, authorizing the president
of the Senate to appoint committee of
three Senators to make the necessary ar
rangements for the Inauguration of the Prcsi-
dent-elect on March 49,. McssrS. sherman,
Hawley and Ransom were appointed the
committee, 90. The army appropriation bill
and the bill repeating the presumption and
culture laws were passed.