The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-07
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
THE SENATE.
Passage of the Bill FORGETTING the Oregon
Central Land Grant.

AAAG
Passage of the Bill FORGETTING the Oregon
Central Land Grant.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6-Mr. ingalls, stated that
on the 4th of December, 1883, he introduced a
bill, which was referred to the committee on
pensions, to amend the pension acts of January
and March, 1883. The bill had been now thir-
teen months in possession Of the committee, and
he supposed that was a sufficient length of time
for it to make up its mind as to the propriety of
its passage or rejection. For the purpose OF
testing the sense of the Senate as to the bill he
(Mr. Ingalls) moved to discharge the committee
from it's further consideration.
Mr.. Mitchell, chairman of the pensions com
| mittee, said that the whole subject covered by
the bill referred to had been gone over during
| the last session in connection with the Mexican
pension bill, and action taken on it. Mr.. In
galls's motion went over to Monday.
On motion of Mr.. Slater the Senate resumed
consideration of the Oregon Central Iand-tor-
fixture bill, and Mr.. Morgan spoke in opposition
to it. He (Mr. Morgan) moved to amend by
adding to the bill the substance of the provisions
which, on his motion, had been added to the
Atlantic and Pacific forfeiture bill, providing a
method of judicial procedure for ascertalnment
of the rights of any parties claiming under the
grant.
The hour of 2 o'clock arriving, consideration
Of the interstate bill was about to be
resumed, but on. motion of Mr.. Slater the SEN
ate-yeas %, nays 22-deeided to lay that bill
aside till tomorrow, in order to continue con-
sideration of The Oregon Central bill.
Mr.. Morgan spoke at considerable length In
advocacy of his proposed amendments Inc
bonds, which were a lien on the road, he said,
were outstanding in the hands of innocent par
ties, and whatever rights inhered IN the
| holders Of those bonds were rights that
1901 ---Il L4~A s--Na4snaAA md dnRTdn
upon. 'In Gods name" said he, what sort of a
government have we got If the judicial depart,
menJ cannot be trusted to pass upon q ttles
When did Congress get its reputation for Inn
maculate purity to such an extent as that 1T
rose above the reputation of judges? When did
we find the precincts of our courts haunted by
gangs of foul lobbyists to attempt, to pervent
the decisions of those courtss 1t Is not the courts
such people visit; they visit Congress. They
are not found about the Supreme Court, but
are often found in the Hobbies of this body. l
will not say that where the carcass is, there the
| eagles gather together-that would be unjust;
but l will say this, that for a serene, honest
judgment, of perfect integeity, and one upon
which the country can rest with satisfaction,
commend me to a court rather than q legislative
body"
Mr.. Slater replied to Mfr. Morgan, and main
tanned that Mr.. Morgan's amendment was I'm
necessary. The bondholder's rights were shown
by the grant; they had such rights as the grant
ing act gave them, and could have no more. Mr..
| Slater denied that this was a case of %confisca-
ton. 1t was a case of reversion, or forfeiture,
because of a condition broken.
Mr.. Dolph said the portion to which the pend
ing bill related had not been earned. The con-
dition subsequent ON which the grant had been
made was not fulfilled, and, not being fulfilled,
the grant became void. 1t was not within the
power of Congress, Mr.. Dolph said, to cut of, on
a bill of this character. the acquired rights Of
any citizen. The rights of all could be asserted
in court in spite of any act of Congress.
After further argument, Mr.. Morgan's amend
ment was rejected. Yeas, Is; nays, %. The
bill was then read a third time, and passed with
out division.
Before the announcement of the vote on the
amendment, Mr.. Morgan changed his vote from
yea to nay, and on the passage of the bill gave
immediate notice of a motion to reconsider.
Mr.. Dolph presented a memorial of the Board
of Trade of Portland, Ore, asking the establish
ment of an assay Office at that city. Referred.
After an executive session the Senate adj
journed.