Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1886-08-06
FORTY-NINTH CONGRESS-.
WASHINGTON, August 5, 1881

SENATE-After prayers had been offered,
some discussion ensued on the time of adj
journment, pending which the Senate went
into secret session. Just after the doors
were closed Major Prudden, the Presidents
private secretary, arrived with number of
bills which had been approved by the Presi
dent, including the deficiency, sundry civil
and river and harbor appropriation bills.
Mr.. Blair gave notice that on the first day
of the next session he would ask considera
tiotsof the joint resolution amendatory of
the constitution extending the right of suf-
image to women.
MIR. Harris (Mr Hawley in the chair) Of
fered d resolution of thanks to Senator Sher
tiality' with which he had presided over the
Senate during the present session.
The question being put Mr.. Hawley de-
clared the resolution unanimously adopted,
but Mr.. Riddleberger created sensation
by demanding count and declaring the
resolution ought not to pass and without
quo.um could not pass. There was not a
quorum present and in order to overcome
the embarrassing position the Senate took a
recess.
After the recess, Mr. Riddleberger not be-
ing present, the resolution of thanks to Mr..
Sherman was adopted.
Mr.. Conger endeavored to have day next
session fixed for consideration of the Eads
ship railway bill, but Mr.. Edmunds objected.
Mr.. Conger gave notice that he would ask
the Senate to consider the bill at an early
day next session.
MIR. Hawley said he had been seeking an
opportunity to call up Mr.. Beck's bill to
prohibit members of Congress acting as
counsel for subsidized railroad companies,
but other business had stood in the way.
Mr.. Beck agreed that it had been impossible
to have action the bill at this session,
but thought the bill had not had fair
play and that the Committee on the
Judiciary had sought to burlesque
what he regarded as very serious matter.
On motion of Mr. Beck the second Monday
in December next was fixed for consideration
of the bill.
The following bills were then passed:
House bill for the relief of soldiers of the
Twelfth Michigan volunteer infantry dds
honorably discharged): Senate bill removing
the political disabilities of Benjamin P 10y
all of Virginia.
The Senate then at 30 took further re-
cess until $50 p. M.
When the Senate reassembled Mr.. Plumb,
from the conference committee on the FORTH
cations bill, reported disagreement and said
that the House conferees thought it better to
let the matter go over for this session.
Mr. Hawley said this meant that the forti-
ications bill had failed.
Mr. Plumb assented to that conclu sion.
Mr. Hawley made speech on the unpro-
tected condition of the ports of the United
States.
Mr. German said he was in favor of liberal
appropriations for this purpose.
After another recess Mr.. Elmunds moved
that the Senate take still another recess until
800 The vote was to IL. "Call the rolli''
said Mr. Edmunds, and the chair repeated
the order to the clerk.
''Before that is done''-interrupte Mr.. AL
lison.
"But nothing else can be DONE" insisted
Mr. Edmunds, and SO the call was proceeded
with and showed the presence of thirty-three
Senators-not quorum.
Mr. Allison corrected his statement of
yesterday by making the appropriations of
| the present current exceed those of last year
| by forty-fve millions instead of thirty-t
| millions.
| Then Mr.. Edmunds changed his motion
| for recess SO as to make 1t extend to SIX
| minutes before and entered into discus
| sion with the chair as to the parliamentary
| practice and rule in case of the absence of a
| quorum the chair holding that no motion
| but one to adjourn or to compel the attend
ance of absentees was in order. The ques-
| ton could not be decided by submitting it
| to the Senate as the same dlthculty ABOUT
quorum would arise and SO by general con.
sent there was a suspension of any attempt
| at business until the hands OF the clock dla
indicated quarter before A.
| At that moment message from the Pres1
/ dent was announced. Mr. Edmunds inter
posed against its reception on the ground
that no business could be done in the alb
| sence of quorum.
The chair decided that the message could
| be received.
Mr. Edmunds-''I appeal from the deci
| sion of the chair"
The chair-"The chair cannot entertain ar
appeal in the absence of quorum.
Uaughter.)
Mr.. Edmunds-sLet that be entered OF
the journal"
The message was then received; being {
mere announcement that the President hae
signed certain bills.
Mr.. Edmunds-''If receiving message
and entering it on the journal is not business
I am mistaken"
After another short delay the moment o.
adjournment arrived and the chair said
| Senators-Before announcing the termination O.
this session of the Senate beg leave TO return
| each of you my grateful thanks for your unlforn
courtesy and kindness to me as your presiding OH
and especially for the resolution OF To-Day II
| which you have expressed your approval. I'M
| session has been distinguished by the grea
| number and variety of SUBJECTS Wmcl
| have been considered, and by the marke'
| absence of political controversies Inc var1e'
| needs and aims of a rapidly growing country nav
| occupied most OF the time Of the Senate snor
recess will enable you to greet your constituents