The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-10
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
THE SENATE.

The Discussion ON the Interstate Commerce
Bill.
WASHINGTON, Jan. "a bill passed directing
the transfer of ore of the vessels of the Greedy
relief expedition to the Treasury Department
for a revenue cutter, for use in the waters Of
Alaska. and authorizing the retention of the
other two for use in the navy as surveying yes
sells or otherwise. In submitting the report,
Mr.. Cameron said the revenue cutter now in
Alaska was insufficient for the purposes of the
government.
Mr. Mcpherson inquired whether there was
any intention on the part of the government to
return to the English government the ship pre-
scented to the United States for the purposes of
the Greedy relief expedition.
Mr. Cameron replied that under the law, as it
would stand without the passage of this bill,
the Secretary of the Navy would be required to
sell all ships forming part of the relief expedi-
ton.
Mr. DolL \ reported favorably from tho COM
mittee on public lands, the bill to amend the Re-
yised Statutes relating to the entry of coal lands
by reducing the price of such lands from $40 to
$5 per acre where the landsiare more than fifteen
miles from any completed railroad and from 500
to $40 where the lands are within ten miles of
completed railroad.
Mr.. jackson, from the committee on pensions,
reported favorably without amendment, the bill
the legislative provision of the pension appropri-
alton bill recently passed by the House. Mr..
Jackson said he would call the bill up to-mor-
row.
A resolution offered by Mr. Wilson was agreed
to, calling on the Secretary of the Interior for
copy of the report of the government directors
of the Union Pacific railroad for 1884.
MIR. Slater called up the Oregon Central land
forfeiture bill, which has been in allegiance sub
ject to Mr.. Morgan's motion to reconsider.
Mr.. Morgan said he had learned from some
senators. who had voted against his proposed
amendment, that they had so voted not from
opposition to the principle covered by the
amendment, but because they did not think the
amendment necessary under the special circum-
stances Of the Oregon central case. He then
withdrew his motion to reconsider. The bill,
therefore, stands passed as amended by the Sen
ate. 1t now goes to the House.
The Senate proceeded to consideration of
bills upon the calendar. Senator Sherman re-
ported favorably from the library committee the
amendments intended to be proposed to the sun
dry civil appropriation bill, appropriating $l0,-
600 for the portrait Of General Thomas by Miss
Ransom and $4,000 for the painting of the
electoral commission by Mrs. Fasset. Referred.
The Senate resumed consideration of the in
terstate commerce bill, and Mr.. Garland called
up the House bill on the same subject, with
view, he said, of moving to recommit the Senate
bill with all its proposed amendments, together
with the House bill, to the committee on rail
roads for further consideration. The House bill
was read, and Mr.. Garland addressed the Senate
on the subject matter. in which he opposed the
proposition to. regulate interstate traffic by
commission. He recognized the demand exist
ing In the country for some proper legislation in
the direction aimed at but he thought the bill
just passed by the House better measure than
any measures proposed in the Senate The
House bill defined what was wanted, and
did not leave it to any subordinate
officer or commissions; it did not dele
gate the power of.Congress to any other body.
MIR. Garland wanted to see the object in view
accomplished, and felt he could say that the
senators on his side of the chamber would cheer
fully aid in bringing the matter to close at this
session. He believed greater progress would
now be made by recommitting all bills and pro-
posed amendments to a committee who could
consider them and report promptly to the Sen
ate.
Mr.. Cullom, while willing to concede every
thing possible to Mr.. Garland whom he re-
garded, he said as one of the most eminent
fer to have the bill discussed in the Senate in
stead of committee He wanted the people of
the country to see that this interstate commerce
bill was no longer to be foot ball, and that there
was determination that something be done
with it
Mr. Dawes said many suggestions made during
the past few days were we'll calculated to make
the Senate seem to want to do something about
this question. while the Senate was really tax
ing care that nothing be done. The Senate had
it now in its power to do something, and it ought
to do 1t, and not refer the subject to com
mittee there to be allowed to sleep the sleep of
death.
After further debate, participated in by Messrs
Bayard, Cullom Harrison, ingalls,, Slater, Maxey
and Jones, of Florida, the motion to recommit
was rejected by vote of eighteen to twenty
four.
Mr.. Cullum said that when, after discussion
or the Senate bill should be perfected he would
move to amend the House bill by substituting
the Senate bill for it,
Mr. Wilson's amendments making it unlawful
for railroads to discriminate against localities or
individuals was added to the bill
Mr. Vance proposed an amendment making
it unlawful for railroads to charge small ship
pers higher rates than large shippers. The
subject to which the bill related, he said. con-
stituted this coming question in American pol
l.l Una Tor tne next twenty years The public
country for all time to the greed and to the
capacity of the railroads without endeavoring to
protect themselves against extortion. There
was no reason why railroads should not be as
publc servants, and were no more
justified, in charging q poor man, or
small shipper, more for the service
rendered him than was charged for like service
to the rich man or the large shipper. It would
be like the case of the Judge who should feel
justified in imposing light penalty ON man
who was often in court because he was whole
sale offender. and imposing heavy penalty on
man who was honest enough to be occasionally
brought into court
Mr.. George supported Mr.. Vances amend
ment
Mr.. Brown moved to amend the amendment
OF Dlr Vance by adding to it that mo merchant
shall sell large package or quantity of goods
at smaller per cent. than he charges for
smaller package of like quality. if the goods had
been produced in or transported from another
State, so as to fall within the power of Congress
to regulate interstate commerce"
Before Mr. Browns smile at his own Joke had
quite disappeared, the Senate went into exec
utiye session and soon adjourned until Monday.
THE HOUSE.
Attention Given to the Consideration of
Private Bills.