Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-01-06
RORTY-ElGHTH CONGRESS.
Second Session,
SENATE.

SE1N a i Es
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5.
The chairman laid before the Senate the
credentials of Hon. Justin S. Morrill,, re-
elected for six wears, commencing on the 4th
of March. 1885.
Mr.. Sherman presented petition from the
Society of Friends, praying that provision
may be made in the pending Spanish treaty
for the settlement by arbitration of any differ
erce that may arise between Spain and the
United States referred to the committee on
foreign affairs.
Among the bills introduced and referred
were the following:
BY Mr.. Beck, to create a revenue commits
sion.
Mr.. Voorhees, introduced concurrent res.
olution extending the thanks of Congress
to all officers and men of the ships Alert,
Bear. Thets and Lock Garry, for the daring
and skill displayed by them in the rescue of
the survivors of the Greedy Arctic expedition ;
referred.
Mr.. Miller of California offered resolution
which was agreed to, calling on the secretary
of state for copies of all treaties except the
postal treaties entered into by the United
States, the ratification whereof has been ex-
changed, with such notes as may be in his
possession indicating such treaties or parts
of treaties as have been changed or abro-
gated.
The Senate then proceeded to the consider.
alton of bills upon the calendar.
Among the bills read the third time and
passed was one to permit the officers of ves-
sells in collision with government vessels to
sue the United States.
The Senate then took up the interstate
commerce bill and Mr.. Wilson spoke in its
favor.
Mr.. Sewell said that while he did not think
that any great abuse existed 10 the railroad
system of the country generally. vet he
thought that bill of this character was
timely, as tending to remedy the abuses tha,
might, in exceptional cases, exist Mr. Sew
all denied that one-hnlf of the railroad stock
in this country was "water." as had been
stated some weeks ago in debate.
Mr. Morrill, gave notice that on Wedues.
day next he would call up, for the purpose OF
making some remarks on il. his resolution.
offered some weeks ago, declaring it to be
the sense of the Senate that the so-called re-
ciprocity treaties with nations of inferior
ponulation and wealth sbould he regarded
with disfayor.
message was received from the presi-
dent transmitting the report of the Secretary
of the Interior. Recommending some proyis.
ion for disarminp the Cheyenne. Arapehoe
and other Indians when sucb action sball be
found necessary for their advancement in
civilized pursuits. the Indian, To he com.
pensated for the arms thus taken.
The Senate vent into executive session
and when the doors were reopened. ad.
ionrned.
HOUSE.
John A Swope. elected TO fill the vacancy
occasioped by the death of w. A. Duncan
from the 10Th congressional district of Penn
sylyania. appeared and took the oath of office.
Hinder the call of States the following bills
and resolutions were introduced and appro.
priatelv referred:
By Mr.. Herbert of Alabama, a preamble
and resolution reciting that,
Whereas. II appears that the President
has empewered Hon, John A. Kas.on and
Gen. w. S. Sanford TO represent this govern.
ment at what is STYLED the international Atri-
can conference at Berlin, to consider the
question of erecting and maintaining State
in Congo, Africa.
Whereas, Such alliance as this confer
ence seems to impart is a departure from the
traditional policy of the United States There
fore,
Resolved, By the House of Representa-
tiyes. that the President be requested to in
form this body whether he has so accredited
Hon. John. A. KassOn and Gen. w. S. San
ford, and if so, he is respectfully requested
to state the reasons which have impelled him
to take such a step. If he has so accredited
said Kasson and Sanford, he is further re-
quested to inform the House whether in the
letter of authority to them or otherwise, there
were any conditions affixed to or limitations
placed upon the exercise of their authority as
such delegates, and if such conditions were
prescribed, whether they were made know
to the conference; and the President is fur
ther requested to impart to the House such
information as may be in his power tending
to show whether the new State to be erected
the conference is to be republican or mon-
archial in form. The President is also re-
quested to give an opinion as to whether the
app earance of delegates from the United
States in such international conference would
not estop this government to deny the right
of any further alliance European sovereigns
might make, to set up on the American con-
tinent, governments of such form as to them
might seem wise, whenever occasion for
such interference might arise.
By Mr.. Cox, authorizing the Bartholdi
statue to be used for lighthouse; also
creating the office of assistant chief signal
officer, with the rank and paw of colonel of
infantry.
Mr. Coxs purpose in introducing this is to
prov ide position for Lieut.. Greely.
Bv Mr.. Hopkins of Pennsvvania. to pro.
vide for the erection of public building.
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