Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-02-02
HOUSE..

In his opening prayer the chaplain referred
feelingly to the afflicted secretary of state
and commended him TO the infinite pity ant
tenderness of Almighty God
Mr.. Hanback, of Kansas offered the fol
lowing resolution, which after some shart
debate was adopted:
Resolved, That the committee on expen.
dltures in the department OF justice be em-
powered to make full inquiry in any expendi-
lures on the part of the government relative
to the rights of the Bell and Pan Electric
Telephone Co.'S and for the purpose of this
investigation and to the end that the people
may be fully advised the committee ID
granted the right to send for persons and
papers. All expenses are to be audited and
accounted from approved vouchers, and when
so approved TO be paid out of any moneys in
the treasury not otherwise appropriated
Under call of the states the following
bills were introduced and referred
BY Mr.. Herbert of Alabama-To provide
for the assistant secretary of the navy.
BY Mr.. Dougherty of Florida-Authoriz-
| ing the secretary of the treasury to reverse
all decisions of subordinate officers in the
treasury department IN matters of account
also to regulate the sub-letting of contracts
for carrying mails.
By MIR. Biount of Georgia-To enforce OBJ
ngatlons 10 carry u. ). mails
By Mr.. Davis of Massschuseets-To estab-
lish bureau of public health.
Under the call of States Mr.. Bland of Mis-
souri, offered for reference TO the coinage
weights and measures committee a resolu-
ton calling on the secretary of the treasury
tor information as to whether any arrange
ment has been affected by the treasury de-
partment with the clearing house committee
N fha lattnn pf
silver, and if so by what authority of law
that department assumes to virtually suspend
the coinage of silver by boarding the money
IN the treasury. 1t also calls tor informa-
ton as to the amount of silver dollars in the
treasury unrepresented by outstanding GER
tlhcates on the 4th of March last, and what
is the amount today also what the amount
of the interest bearing debt is now subject to
call and what policy is to be pursued in pay.
ment of the silver thereon and on other dues
bill was introduced by Mr.. Gallinger of
New Hampshire to distribute the unexpended
balance of theGeneva Award.
BY MIR. Little of Ohio-A resolution di-
recting the committee on the judiciary to en-
quire into and report; first, whether under the
existing law, and if so, what law the attorney
general is authorized at the instance and in
terest of private corporations or of indiv iduas
in the name and at the expense of the United
States to institute and carry on or to defend
against suits, to cancel and annul letter pa
tents issued to citizens of the United States,
under the laws thereof, on account of inven-
tions or discoveries, said United States hsv-
| ing no pecuniary or other interest therein
and second, whether if such authority ex-
lists and its continuance be deemed wise in the
| judgment of the committee, the law confer
ring the same shall not be made so specific
as that parties interested can be appraised
with certainty in what cases and under what
conditions they may look to the United States
to und ertake the burden of their ligitations
in that behalf.
BY Mr.. Ranney of Massachusetts (by re-
quest)-to establish postal telegraph sys-
tenn.
By Mr.. Hewitt of New York-To modify
the existing laws relating to duties on i'm
ports and collection of revenue. This is
with few changes, the bill reported by Mr..
Hewitt in the first session of 4Sth Congress,
amending the customs regulations.
When the call of states was completed,
Mr.. Matson of Indiana, having secured the
floor, moved to suspend the rules and put
upon its passage the bill increasing the pen
sions of soldiers widows from $S to Sl2 per
month, with an amendment providing that
this act shall apply only to widows who were
married to deceased soldiers prior to its pas
sage and to those who NAV hereafter marry
prior or during the service of the soldier.
The motion to suspend the rules and pass
the bill was agreed to; yeas 1873, nays sc, and
at o'clock the House adjourned.