St. Landry democrat., 1885-02-07
TOPICS OF THE DAY.
News from Everywhere.
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.

ffHoQe 1sIdnu) was sworn IN. "A memorial
from the Kansas Legislature demonstrating
against the establishment of cattle trail
across or through that State was presented
Mr.. Bayards resolution expressing indigna-
ton over the London explosions and de-
nouncing dynamiters was taken up and af-
ter debate was adopted by a vote Of 81 to /.
Mr.. Riddleberger alone voting in the negative
-...ln the House the army appropriation bill
was reported. Speeches IN memory of the late
Congressman Duncan (of PennsyIvana) were
made. A bill was introduced appropriatng
money to establish a navy yard at Bruins
wick, ga. Resolutions OF inquiry were in
fr0duced as follows: Whether any persons
In the United States, directly or indirectly,
have had anything to do with the recent
London explosions; in reference to extend
ing the bonded period for distilled spirits !;
whether the Clearing House Association of
New York refuses to receive silver dollars or
certificates in settlement of balances.
In the Senate on the 9th the Committee
on Finance reported favorably, with amend
ments, the House bill for the retirement and
recoinage of the trade dollar. The confer
tavorably and was adopted, Mr.. Hale stat
ing that it had been stripped of all new leg
islation.. In the House Mr.. White wanted
the journal corrected, claiming that his
resolution to abolish the office of
Internal Revenue Commissioner had
been stricken out, and had not
to question of privilege by Mr.. White, de-
tended his right to do what Mr.. White COM
planned of. The matter was then dropped.
The army bill was passed with some slight
amendments One amendment was offered
providing for the retirement of General
Grant Though not specially naming him1
with the rank and full pay of General. This
was ruled out on point OF order by Mr..
Eorney, who had charge of the BILL
IN the Senate on the 2Sth several mes
sages were received from the President
transmitting information heretofore called
for in regard to the landing of foreign cables
In the United States. the awards of the
Venezuelan mixed commission, and the
status Of the Oklahoma lands, which
lands, the President thinks, can not, under
the present treaties, be opened Tor settle
menG. The Senate then went into executive
session on the Nicaraguan treaty and dis
cussed that matter until 7:30 p. m. In the
House concurrent resolution was intro
duced relative to counting the electoral vote
and fixing February 18th as the day. Re-
tferred. A resolution was adopted request
ing the President to transmit copy of the
recent appeal of Fitz John Porter. A COM
munication was received from the Score
tary of the Navy recommending that Con-
gress tender Russia and certain people Off
ctal expression of it's thanks for the aid and
sympathy given the Jeanette exploring
party. The conference report on the six
months naval appropriation bill was
agreed to. Attempts were made to take va
rious bills from the calendar, but so many
members wanted some particular bill that
much time was lost in making motions, and
nothing was accomplished before adjourn
ment.
In the Senate on the Goth Mr.. Pendleton
presided. The bill to facilitate promotions
throughout the army by retiring from ac-
tive service on their own applications off,
GERS who served in the war of the re-
belIion, was reported adversely. The or
der of exercises prepared by the Wash
1ngtOn Monument Commission was ap-
proved. The Senate then went into execu-
tive session on the Nicaraguan treaty, and
Tho fl10 ~
In the House the river and harbor appro-
priation bill was discussed in committee OF
the whole. Mr. Willis made brief expIanR-
ton of the features and a statement of
the large items Of appropriation The
largest appropriation IS for the improve.
ment of the Mississippi River, for which 3d.
s5oOOp II gwen, or about forty per cent. Of
cause OF the larger amount appropriated for
the river below Cairo. Mr.. GIBSON opposed
the creation Of the office OF Advising En-
gineer of the Mississippi River Commission.
No final action was taken.
In the Senate on the Goth memorial
from number of naval officers was pre-
scented protesting against the passage of
the resolution giving the thanks of Con-
gress to Commander SchIey and Lieuten-
ant Emery, for such resolution, they
claim, wou d advance these officers one
grade and affect all the oIticers above them
In the list of their respective ranks. Mr..
Hoac asked unanimous consent to take up
the Pacific Railroad bill, but did not want
action taken Immediately on its passage.
He spoke at length, as did also Mr.. Garland.
The report was also read. Mr.. Pugh spoke
on the inter State commerce bill and fav
ored the Commission plan and opposed the
Reagan bill...... In the House Mr.. Black
burn presided. Mr.. Carlisle being absent.
The Post office appropriation bill was report
ed and referred. A message was received
from the President in reference to the loan of
the British steamer Alert for use Ia the
Greely relief expedition. He asks permlS-
sion to return the vessel with a suitable ac
acknowledgements of the courtesy, etc.
PERSONAL AND POLITICAL
NEWS was received on the 2Sth at the
British War Office that General Stewards
forces were intrenched south of Metamneh,
and they were in communication with