Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-02-21
FORTY-ElGHTH CONGRESS-.
sen ATE.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20.
Mr.. Miller of New York reported favorablv
without amendment. the House bill for the
protection OF forests on the public domain
Mr.. Mitchell gave notice that on Monday
ne would ask the Senate to take up the PEN
SION bills on the calendar that have been
passed by the House, including those that
have been favorably reported by the Senate
committee, and which include the proposed
pension TO the widow of Lieut.. DeLong.
Mr.. HOar introduced bill for the relief of
seamen. He said it was almost transcript
of the Massachusetts law, relating to the
pledge OF seamen's wages. and making such
pledge only for the support of their wives
and children; referred to the committee on
commerce.
Mr. German offered a resolution which
was agreed to, calling on the secretary of the
interior for information as to wheter the sub
sidized Pacific railroads have constructed and
are maintaining and operating their own lines
of telegraph, and whether telegraphic mes
sages are accepted and transmitted for all
persons and corporations without discrimina-
ton as to price and other conditions, as pro-
vided by the act of July l, 1862.
The Des Moines river settlers title bill was
laid before the Senate.
Mr.. Lapham resumed his remarks in sup
IL.
Mr.. Lapham's amendment was voted down.
Mr.. Lapham occupied the time till o'clock
discussing the amendments proposed by him
AT that hour, Mr.. Lapham still having the
floor, the matter went over.
Mr.. Morrill, called up the anti-silvec coin
age bill, saving that MIR. Sherman was ready
To speak on it.
Mr.. Hoar said he did not think silver
debate was of any Importance to the country
at this time, but vote on the silver question,
however, would be worth every inconven-
ience, even that of an extra session.
Mr. Hale said there were two general ap-
preparation bills on the Senate calendar that
should be considered and passed today. They
could hardly be passed tomorrow, and other
appropriation bills would shortly be poured
in on the Senate.
MIR. Hale asked unanimous consent to take
up the agricultural appropriation bill.
The silver bill was informally laid aside,
and the agricultural appropriation bill was
taken up and its consideration proceeded
with.
The bill, after debate, was passed substan-
TALLY as it came from the Senate committee
The postotfice appropriation bill was then
taken up.
The Senate committees amend ment reduc-
ing the amount for clerks in postoffices from
$1,000 900 to S5,l50,000, was adhered to-
The section of the bill as it came from the
House provided that letters shall be charged
at a rate OF two cents an ounce instead two
cents half ounce; drop letters (where there
is no free delivery one cent an ounce, and
newspapers in bulk to regular subscribers,
one cent pound; but sample copies at one
cent per four ounces.
AS to this provision Mr.. Beck said the
appropriation committee bad concluded to
strike it out as being general legislation. 1t
was good legislation, though in the wrong
place.
After considerable discussion the Senate
disagreed to the committees amendment by
vote of Is to 49, as far as that amendment
related to letter postage, leaving the news
paper provision yet to be acted on.
The Senate then went into executive ses-
SION and later adjourned.