National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-01-15

THE HOUSE.
The House plunged into consideration Of
the lIoar presidential succession bill yes
terday, and IN the course Of debate consid-
cradle opposition to It's passage in its pres
ent shape was elected. Before the bill
came up for consideration some minor mat.
tiers were acted upon. On motion Of Mr.
Holman q Senate bill for the relief of the
Peoples National Bank Of LOwrcnccburg,
Ind, was taken up and passed. Mr.. Ding
ley, of Maine, from the committee on Amer
lean shipping, reported resolution, which
was adopted, directing the committee to in
quire and report what, II any, legislation
will promote the interests Of the American
merchant marine.
Mr.. Wellborn, of Texas, offered n resolu.
ton authorizing all committees having iu
risdictiOn of general appropriation bills to
have printed such documents as they may
desire. Referred.
Two private bills only were reported I'M
der the call of committees for reports, and
then began the morning hour for the con-
sideration Of such business as might be
called up.
On behalf Of tho committee on ways and
means, Mr.. Morrison, Of Illinois, called up
the resolution for the distribution of the
Presidents message. II was adopted with.
out objection or amendment.
On behalf Of the committee on the judi
ciary, Mr. Hammond, Of Georgia, called up
bill amending section 1000, Revised
Statutes, so as to provide that final judg-
ments against the United States, rendered
by the court Of claims, shall bear interest ut
the rate Of 3 per cent. from the date Of
its presentation to the Secretary Of the
Treacury for payment. Mr.. Hammond ex-
planned that the necessity for this bill grew
out Of the fact that, in the codification Of
the laws, the word "or," In the sentence,
"In cases where the judgment is appealed
from is in favor Of the claimant, or the
same is affirmed by the Supreme Court, In
terest thereon &C., had been changed to
sand" 1t had been held under this word
.ng that, before judgment could draw in
| lterest, IL must be affirmed by the Supreme
| Court, which had not been the intention of
the law. The bill was passed.
On behalf OF the committee on claims,
| Mr. Springer, Of Illinois, called up the reso-
luton directing the committee to inquire
into the expedlency Of passing general laws
for the aseertanment OF facts in all private
measures by judicial tribunal before action
| by Congress, and also the proprlety of pro-
hlbiting the adjudication of private claims
or relief measures by Congress.
Mr.. Tucker, Of Virginia, while he had no
objection to the purpOrt Of the resolution,
commended that 1t referred to a matter over
which the judiciary committee had jurisdic-
ton, and he offered an amendment provid-
| lUG IUNJ llle INJURY Suull DC conducted DIV
the committee on judiciary.
The amendment was agreed to, and the
resolution, MS amended, adopted.
On behalf OF the committee on prcsiden-
tial laws. Mr.. Caldwell of Tennessee, called
up the Hoar presidential succession bill,
and, Us there were but few minutes of the
morning hour remaining, by unanimous
consent II was agreed that the debate
should continue during the afternoon, Mr..
Caldwell reserving the right TO call the
previous question at any time.
Mr.. Cooper, Of Ohio, who prepared the
minority report, stated the reasons which
compelled him to take stand against the
measure, and pointed out the objection,
which he considered us fatal to its utility.
lie protested against the general principle
Of the bill-against the idea Of vesting in
the person who occupied the presidential
chair the power to perpetuate the success
sion by naming his successor. He was pro-
foundly doubtful Of the constitutionallty of
provision which would vest the presidency
upon u man appointed by an outgoing adj
mmistration. lie believed II TO b. in viola
tion, not only Of the spirit and letter Of the
constitution, but Of the spirit out of which
the constitution rose, and was unwlse legis-
lation because IL tended to widen the space
between The President and the people.
Mr.. Adams, Of New York, rose and pro-
pounded the question; "Suppose the Secre-
tnry Of the Treasury should succeed to the
office of President, and then appointed a
Secretary OF State, assuming that II vacancy
existed, who would be President under the
billY Would the Secretary of State APP
pointed by the Secretary Of the Treasury,
acting as President after confirmation by
the Senate, or would the Secretary of the
Treasury, acting as President, hold the
Office for the unexpired term, and after the
Secretary OF State qualitledF
hat t1 a Nf.,, tTl,fp \ fVit $40.
piled Mr.. Cooper.
MIR. Eden, OF Illinois, defended the bill
against adverse criticism, and pointed out
wherein 1t was an improvement over the
existing law The present measure would
preserve the country from anarchy, in cases
Of trouble arising in the matter Of the
PRESIDENTIAL succession.
Mr.. Mckinley, OF Ohio, gave notice Of {
substitute which he would offer for the bill
This substitute preserves the law of l702
with the addition Of provision that, fol
the purpose Of having Il speaker of the
House Of Representatives continually II
Office, Congress shall convene on the ith o
March next succeeding the election o
, representatives TO Congress, and wheneve
q vacancy exists either In the Office Of presi
dent pro tempore of the Senate or speake
! Of the House, the President shall cOnvGn
,, the house IN which the vacancy exists 70
the purpose Of electing presiding officer.
Messrs. Peters, of Kansas; Adams, o
Illinois, and Rowell, Of Illinois, dellveet
: arguments In opposition TO the bill In II
J present shape, while Messers. Seney, o
ohio; COwles, Of North Carolina, aud Dih
BILE, Of South Carolina, favored It's passage
The debate then ceased, Int will he re
sumcd to-day after the transaction OF pri
yate business.
: On motion Of Mr. Matson, OF Indiana
Friday night sessions were ordered for th
, consideration Of pension bills.
The House then TAT 500 adjourned.