The Portland daily press., 1885-03-23
XLIXth Congress--lst Session.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, March d.
me Chair laid before the Senate today res-
oiution offered by Mr.. Pike, chairman of the
committee on claims, directing that committee
to compile and digest the laws and judicial de-
clslens now in forco relating TO the adjudica-
blon OF private claims, and to continue the list
OF private claims which have been presented to
congress, so that the said list shail cover the
9Th and 48ih Congress-
Mr. Edmunds moved an amendment striking
out all relating to the compilation and digest
OF laws and decisions, which he regarded as
unnecessary,
Mr.. Pike maintained the necessity for the
proposed work
After further discussion, the resolution was
recommitted
Mr.. Mitchell offered a resolution providing
Ior the appointment OF a special committee of
nve senators to inquire into and report, not
later than the second Monday of next Decem-
Der, as to the number OF trade dollars put in
circulation in the United States before their
legal tender quality was repealed, how said
coins came into circulation subsequently,, how
many are still held In the several States OF this
country, at what rates they were taken, how
much profit accrued in any way to the govern
menI by the coinage of trade dollars, and what
has been the practice OF this and other govern
ments as to the receipt or refusal by them of
their Own coin. Tho resolution also provides
Tor the employment Of a stenographer and for
travelling expenses, etc.
Messrs. Beck and Harris objected to it's
pAcooAV EoHbidoEdblOug dLu IL WAS lalQ over, TO-
gether with an ironical substitute, offered by
Mr.. Cockrell, similar to the one which he
offered yesterday, proposing to authorize any
TWO or more senators to constitute themselves
an investigating COMMITTEES, with a rowing
commission, to inquire into any subjects they
may deem worthy OF investigation-"at home
or abroad, on land or the sea.''
Mr.. HaWley, rising to a question of privilege,
called atten to the omission from the Congress
sional Record OF some of the remarks made by
Il AZ.
members of the South American commission,
which omissions, he said, rendered the sub bse-
quent remarks of other senators somewhat un-
meaning.
Mr.. Van Wyck explained that he had strick-
en- out some paEts of his remarks after consul
tation with the senator from Missouri (Mr.
Vest) as matter of kindly feeling, and not be-
cause he thought he was wrong in his asser-
tions. Mr. Van Wyck introduced formal
resolution directing the official reporter to re-
publish the proceedings Of yesterday.
Mr.. Teller made spirited defence OF his ad-
ministratien, which was incidentally assailed
yesterday by the senator from Nebraska He
mad decided not to psy any attention to the re-
marks OF yesterday, since the senator had told
him he would strike them from the record, but
now the senator reiterated them He said the
secretary OF the interior was required to exc
cute the law, not to listen to demsgogues. The
secretary OF the interior had been fortified in
the action which was criticised by the opinions
OF attorney-generals who were as much superior
in acquaintance with law or morals to the SEN
ator from Nebraska, as it was possible for one
man to be superior to another.
Mr.. Frye reported resolution from the COM
mittee on rules directing that committee to
prepare an official seal for the Senate Of the
United States. Laid over.
Mr.. Van Wyek's resolution was adopted.
The Senate at 2 10 o'clock went into exeeU-
tive session on minor treaties and nominations.
AT o'clock the doors were thrown open, aud
the Senate adjourned until 10 O'Clock Monday.