The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-28

mittee on.Pacifc railroads, reported back res
olution calling on the Secretary of the Interior
for copies of all contracts or leases which are to
be found on file in his department., between the
Southern Pacific Railroad Company and any
railroad to which land grants have been made
or which have received any subsidies from the
United States; also, a copy of the charter of in
corporation of the Southern Pacific company,
and also. copies of all contracts on file between
the Pacific Steamship Company and any land
grant or subsidized railroad Adopted
Mr. Viele, of New York, from the committee
on military affairs, reported bill to aid in the
erection of monument to Gen. U. S. Grant, in
New York city. Referred to the committee of
the whole.
Mr. Peel. of Arkansas, from the committee on
Indian affairs, reported bill granting the right
of way through the lands of the Choceaw and
Chickasaw Indians to the st. Louis & San Fran
cisco Railroad Company. Placed on the House
calendar.
The House then resumed, in the morning
hour, the consideration of the bill for the retire
ment of certain naval officers. It was vigorous
ly advocated by Mr.. McAdoo, of New Jersey,
and Mr.. Sayers Of Texas.
Mr. Thomas. of Illinois, gave notice that he
would move to recommit the bill. He was led to
this course by tie discovery that the bill was
not perfect, and not by the oratory of the storm
tossed mariner
Mr. Reagan inquired whether the gentleman
intended to make that kind of speech, and then
Mr. Thomas replied that the gentleman had
made his speech
Mr. Reagan suggested that be had neither re-
fected upon nor insulted any one.
Mr.. Thomas disclaimed the intention of insult
ing any one.
gentleman had queer way of using language.
Subsequently, Mr. Reagan obtained unanimous
consent to make few remarks, in the course of
which he defended himself from the charge OF
L
patriots for the first fifty years of the country's
history communists He thought that they
were, in the sense that he was held to be COM
munist They were men who were not willing
to extend privileges to one man which they
would not extend to all.
Mr. Thomas of Illinois, moved to recommit
the bill. pending which Mr.. Warner, of Ohio,
moved to lay the bill on the table.
The latter motion was lost, but before the mo-
ton to recommit could be reached the morning
hour expired.
The House then proceeded to consideration of
the bill declaring forfeited certain land grants to
the States of Mississippi, Alabama and Louis
lana voted as aid in the construction of railways.
Mr. Payson. of Illinois, explained that the ex-
cepton of the Gulf & Ship Island road in Mis-
sissippi, was made in order that there might be
no opposition to the bill In the case of the
Gulf & Ship Island road, some work had been
recently done, and it was thought better to omit
it from the operation Of the bill. Tie question
of FORGETTING the lands Of the road would be de-
cided afterwards
Mr.. Van Eaton. of Mississippi, strongly advo-
Gated The exemption; and stated that the whole
question relative to that road could be thorough
ly discussed when the bill now pending in com
mittee, extending the time within which the
roads may be completed, was brought before the
House.
The question being on the amendment of the
committee excepting the Gulf & Ship Island
road, it was reiected-yeas, SO; nays 178.
Mr.. Holman, of Indiana, offered an amendment
that the land be restored to the public domain,
and shall be subject to entry and settlement
under the provisions Of the homestead law only;
provided, however, that if sales of any such
lands have heretofore been made by the United
States such cases are hereby confirmed
The amendment was adopted, and the bill, az
amended, passed The House then adjourned.