Morning journal and courier., 1888-09-18
Fiftisth Congress--Errst Session.
WAsu1Heros. Sept. IT

WAsH1HaToE, Sept. IT. SEEArE-Mr. Sherman offered resolution directing the committee on foreign relations to inquire into and report at the next session of Congress, the state of the relations of the United States with Great Britain and the Do I minion of Canada, with such measures az are expedient to promote friendly commerce and political intercourse; the committee to have leave to sir during the recess of Con- gress. He asked that the resolution lie over till tomorrow and said that he would then address the Senate briefly upon it.
 Mir. Hoar offered resolution, which WAS adopted, instructing the committee on finance to inquire as to the Cotton Bagging trust, and what legislation is necessary to eounteract it.
 TO CREATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
 The House bill to enlarge the powers and duties of the department of agriculture and to create an executive department to be known as the department of agriculture was taken up, the question being on the amendment weather bureau of the signal service to the department of agriculture. In the course of 8 debate participated in by Senators Butler, Palmer, Call, Dawes and Plumb the latter described the competition which the Amer ican agrioultrist met and would continue to meet in the markets of the world from South America, Australia, India and Africa, declaring his belief that unless existing con- ditions were changed and markedly changed, India wheat would sell in New York markets within five years (duty paid) in competition with American wheat. It was therefore de- sirabls that the President should have in his cabinet man who represented the great agricultural interest of the country, and it was necessary to diversity agriculture and to look more and more to the home market rather than to the foreign market.
 The discussion was further continued by Senators George, Blair, Vest, Butler and Dawes. Without action the bill was laid aside till to-morrow, and the Senate aa 5:10 adjourned.
 HoUsB.-Mr. Dingley of Maine offered a resolution calling on the President for infor- nation as to whether the rights of American fishermen have been violated by the Cana dian authorities during the past year, and if so whether he has retaliated as he had su- thority to do under the act of March 3, 1887; referred.
 MT. ONeill of Missouri offered resolution assigning day for the consideration of labor legislation. The vote resulted in favor of the resolution, but the point was again made of no quorum.
 A resolution wes adopted extending the scope of the library investigation and reouir- ing the committee appointed under Judge Kellys resolution to report within two weeks. It was evident.that no more business could be transacted for lack of a quorum and at 2:55 the House adjourned.
 Flurry Hn she Produce Exchange.
 NEW YORK, Sept. 17.-Unfavorsble French crop reports caused lively scene at the Produce Exchange to-day. At the close the December option on wheat went to 102 1-16 against 100X at Saturdays close. The bulk of lard is held by one or two prominent houses, principally Fairbanks and Warrens of Chicago. The market advanced 75 points oa October and the late months from 40 to 50 points. Only 750 tierces of October at 11o. were sold.