The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-24
Proceedings in the House.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23-On motion Of Mr..
Forney, of Alabama, resolution was adopted
granting leave to the appropriations committee
to sit during the sessions Of the House.
Mr.. Morrison, of Illinois, from the committee
on ways and MEANS reported joint resolution
directing the payment of the surplus in the
Treasury on the public debt. Referred TO the
committee of the whole.
Mr. Hewitt, of New York, obtained leave to
file the views of the minority.
The report which accompanies the joint reso-
luton. says:
ION the 30th of January, 1866, as shown by the
official statement OF the assets and liabilities of
the Treasury Of the United States, there was in
the Treasury and United States deposltories, in
GLIDING the amount held for the redemption Of
United States notes. and not including minor
and fractional silver coin, classed as assets not
available. the sum of $l79 $780, pa in excess of
all other liabilities than the redemption Of said
United States notes It Is believed that this
sum is largely in excess Of the sum required for
the purpose for which il is held, and that con-
siderable part thereof should be applied to the
payment of the Understanding debt OF the
United States now payable, to the end that the
public moneys shall be used to tighten public
burdens and not unnecessarily held to lure the
agents and representatives of the people into
improvident and wasteful expenditure"
Mr.. Weber of New York. from the committee
on railways aud canals, reported a bill for the
permanent Improvement of the Erie and Oswego
canals and to secure the freedom OF the same to
the commerce of the United States. Referred to
the committee of the whole.
Mr. Tucker. of Virginia, from the committee
on the judiciary, reported bill providing that
no person shall be held to answer for any crime
whereof the punishment may be loss of life or
liberty. except presentment or indictment of
grand jury, except in cases arising In the land
naval forces, or in the militia when in actual
service in time of war or public danger. Placed
on the House calendar
Mr. Ellsberry, from the committee on invalid
PENSIONS reported bill granting pensions to all
invalid soldiers. or their widows or children who
are dependent upon their daily labor for sup
port Referred to the committee of the whole.
MIR. Buchanan, from the committee on claims.
reported bill for the relief of the survivors of
the exploring steamer Jeanette, and the widows
and children of those who perished in the expe
dition. Placed on the private caander
MIR. Payson, OF Illinois. from the committee
on public lands, reported q bill granting the
right of way in Montana Territory to the Gin
nabas e. Clarks Fork Railroad Company. Re-
ferred to the committee of the whole.
The morning hour was consumed in the con-
sideraton of the bill to annex the northern part
of Idaho Territory to the Territory of Washing
ton bat no final action was taken.
The House then proceeded to the consideration
of business on the House calendar. the first bill
OeluS budL auluOFlLluS Tile several eXecutlV0 O6-
partments to exhibit articles at the New Or
leans exposition, and the pending motion being
one to lay the bill on the table. The motion
to table was carried-yeas 1875, nays liz
The next bill on the calendar was that forfeit
ing the unearned land grant Of the Atlantic 81
Pacific Railroad Company.
On motion of Mr.. Holman, of Indiana an
amendment was adopted providing that the for
feited lands shall be subject 10 settlement under
the homestead law only.
Thn ,hofif s.fo rffo hxyN Nv Map nf A.
Kansas on behalf of the minority of the COM
mittee public lands. FORGETTING all the lands Of
the company not earned within the time limited
by the granting act, was debated briefly, and was
rejected and the bill was passed without divis-
ion or objection
On motion of Mr. Morrison. of Illinois, it was
ordered that Saturday Of each week be- devoted
to general debate, in committee of TIE whole, on
the state of the Union, and then, on motion of
Mr.. Morrison the House, at 1920. adjourned.