Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-28
IInIIae.

Mr.. Hatch of Mo-, from the committee on
agriculture, reported resolution calling on
the commissioner of agriculture for informa-
ton as to the amount of wheat and corn on
hand in this country, where it is located, the
number of acres Of winter and spring wheat
now in the ground, the amount likely to be
required for exploration and other informa-
ton on tho subject.
Mr.. Townshcnd of Illinois, from the com
mittee on patents, reported bill to limit
the jurisdiction of the United States courts
in patent cases and to protect persons who
without notice are bona iide manufacturers,
purchasers, vendors or users OF articles for
the exclusive ne or sale of which patent
has been granted; calendar.
The House resumed consideration of the
bill for the relief of the Alabama flood suf-
fcrers. Mr. Cannon Of ILL.,, thought the
House was justified under the presidents and
through humanity in giving relief.
Mr.. Beach of New York, while willing to
put his hand in his own pocket for the relief
of the Alabama sufferers, was not willing to
indulge his sympathy or benevolencc by put
ting his hands in the pockets of others. 1t
was time a stop should be put to this kind of
legislation, and it was the democratic party
which should put stop to it.
The session was opened with prayer. The
having been read by the clerk, Mr. Springer
of ILL., moved its reference to the committee
on labor with instructions to that committee
to report upon it by bill or otherwis, on or
before May 10
Mr.. Hammond of Georgia thought that
there was no reason to believe that the COM
mittee would not act diligently, and it was
unusual to instruct committees on such mat.
tiers.
Mr.. Butterworth of Ohio moved to refer
the message to the committee of the whole.
A short but interesting discussion cnsued, Ii
which the message was warmly commended
by Mr. Randall of Pennsylvania, Mr.
McCreary of Kentucky, and others. 1t wa
finally referred to the committee on labor
with instructions to report upon it on or be
fore May Il.
On motion of Mr. LoHg Of Mass, Senate
bill was pas ell approprating $1,000 in aid
of the national monument at Plymouth
Mass
Mr.. Voorhees, of W. T., rising to question
of privilege. offered the following resolution
Resolved, That the committee OH rules b
instructed to inquire whether Hon. l.. D. NJ
SWEET, or any other cx-mcmbcr of the HOUSE
who has awaited himself of the privilege o
admission to the floor under rule 81, is inter
es.cd as agent or attorney for any railroad o
| other corporation, or interested Ill any clam
or bill pending before Congress, and repor
to the House the result of such inquiry will
such recommendations as may be necessary.
1t has been an open secret, lie sail, tina
ever since the beginning of this Congress
powerful lobby organize in the interest o
various railroad corpo atoms had invested
the capital, and that I! c rules of the HOus
had been openly, repeatedly and notoriousl.
set at defiance by some members of that lot
by. He protested against the contnuanc
of that rank and crying abuse. He did no
| intend to reject upon Mr.. SWEET, but ha
inserted his name because he personally kney
that Mr.. SWEET was attorney for the Northern
| Pacific company.
Accepting suggestions made by Mr. Boun
of Ga. aud Mr.. Randall, Mr.. Voorhees, mod
fed his resolution by emitting the name Q
Mr.. SWEET. and by providing that the il
| Quiry shall be carried on by select commit
tee of five members As SO modified, tn
! resolution was adopted