The Indianapolis journal., 1886-04-21
THE FORTY-NINTH CONGRESS.
Argument in Favor of the Bill Providing for
Teaching the Nature Of Alcoholic Drinks.

Argument in Favor of the Bill Providing for
Teaching the Nature of Alcoholic Drinks.
WASHINGTON, April 2O.-The galleries of the
House this morning were enlivened by the uni
forms of members of the Seventh Regiment of
New York, who were taking advantage of their
sojourn in Washington to visit the Capitol and
view the law makers in session.
Mr.. Reed, of Maine, addressing his remarks to
Mr. Tucker of Virginia. inquired when the
Utah bill was to be reported by the judiciary
committee.
Mr.. Tucker replied that the bill was being con-
sidered by the committee When datermina-
ton had been arrived at, the bin would be re
ported adversely or favorably.
Mr.. Reed suggested that the bill had been in
committee long time, and it was a measure in
which the country was much interested. Could
the gentleman give no other answer?
Mr.. Tucker (dryly)-No other answer.
Mr.. Reed with equal drynessl-I am sorry
forit.
Mr.. Mills, of Texas. from the committee on
ways and means, reported joint resolution TO
give notice to terminate the convention OF June
3, 1875, with his Majesty, the King of the
Hawaiian Islands. Referred to the committee
of the whole.
Mr.. Breckenridge of Kentucky. filed minor
ity report
Mr. Collins of Massachusetts,, from the COM
mittee on judiciary, reported bill fixing the
salaries of the United States district judges at
$4,000
Mr.. Caldwell, of Tennessee, from the commit
tee on commerce, reported bill to regulate
commercial sales Of goods by sample, price lists,
ETC., between residents of the several States and
Territories Placed on the House calendar
Mr. Wellburn. of Texas, from the committee
on Indian affairs, reported bill to create the
Office Of Assistant Commissioner of Indian
Affairs. Referred to the committee of the
whole
Mr.. Clardy, of Missouri, from the committee
on mines and mining, reported bill for the re-
lief of William McGarrahan. Placed on the pri-
vate calendar.
tee on education, reported Senate pill to pro
vide for the study of the nature OF alcoholic
drinks and narcotics, and their effects upon the
human system id the military and naval acade-
mics, and in the Indian and public schools of the
Territories and of the District OF Columbia.
Placed on the Hense calendar.
The report accompanying the bill states tnat
nearly 1000 900 men and women have petitioned
the legislatures of the different States for
similar laws. and up to the present year
with in fourteen States As evidence that the
people earnestly desire law like the one sug-
gested, the committee points to the fact that
petitions hearing the names of over zoe, 900 per-
sons have been presented to this Congress asking
for such enactment. The effect of similar laws
in the different States, in the opinion of the
committee, have proven most satisfactory. Such
laws lead to progress, and serve to prevent
threatening evil to humanity and the general
welfare. The report argues that the bill invades
no right of self government The measure has
the vital merit Of involving no political signif-
cance, but appeals to the very foundations upon
which popular self-government rests-the intel
ligence of the people. 1t was difficult to see how
so many objections could be raised to such
statute, except by those who feared to have the
next generation educated up to subject uni
versally recognized to be Of the most vital i'm
portance to individual health and social security
Mr.. Storm OF Pennsylvania, from the COM
mittee on civil l-service reform, reported bill
amending the statutes so as to give hoporably
discharged soldiers and sailors preference in
public appointments. Placed on the House cal
endar.
[,The report says that the soldiers and sailors
of the country have for years demanded this
change in the law, and the committee thinks
that the demand is justand reasonable A minor
ity report was submitted by Mr. Clemens Of
Georgia, and Mr.. Blanchard of Louisiana, in
which the argument is made that the amend
ment of the law would be violation of the
alleged fundamental principle of the civil-service
law that appointments should be made alone
upon, merit. ascertained by competitive examina-
tion. :"
Mr.. Skinner, of North Carolina from the com
mttee on Indian affairs. reported back Senate
bill to extend the laws Of the United States over
the Indian Territory. Placed on the House cal
endar.
In the morning hour the House resumed con-
sideration of the joint resolution for the appoint
ment Of a commission to inquire into and report
upon the condition Of the Indians.
After an unsuccessful attempt by Mr.. Hol-
man, of Indiana, to secure immediate action
the measure, its further consideration was post
poned until May 15
The remainder Of the morning hour was con-
sumed in an effort to secure consideration of the
bill for relief of the Alabama flood sufferers,
then the House went into committee of the
whole-Mr Wellborn, of Texas, in the chair
on the river and harbor appropriations bill
Smooth progress was made in the bill until All
obstacle was reached in provso authorizing the
Secretary of War to accept for the United
States, from the marine hospital of Erie. Pa
the title to the peninsular of Presoue isle, at
Erie At this proposition Mr. Hammond, of
Georgia. raised the point Of order that It had no
place in river and harbor bill. Arguments in
support OF the point were presented by Mr.
Hewitt, of New York, ana Mr. Springer, of Hi
nois while Mr.. Bayne and Mr.. Scott of Penn
sylvania. took different view of the case
The point was finally overruled by the chair,
who was satisfied that the possession of the
peninsula by the United States was an element
in the work of improving the harbor of Erie;
and motion to strike out the proviso was re-
jected by the committee. A number of amend
ments were offered and rejected, and then the
committee rose and the House adjourned.
Proceedings of the Senate.
WAsHINGToNs April 20 The Chair laid before
the Senate communication from the Secretary
of the Interior. transmitting, in compliance with
a recent resolution of the Senate, detailed in
formation relating TO the lands of the North
e. D~x1.