The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-02-02
CONGRESS.
An Abstract Of the More Important
Proceedings in Both Houses.

Senator Plumb introduced a bin to extend
the southern and western boundaries OF the
State o! Kansas.
Senator Hoar called up the motion made by
Senator German some time ago 10 reconsider
the vote bv which the Senate had ordered the
special committee of five on Pacific Railroad
matters.
Senator German supported this proposal, and
suggested that the committee be made OF seven
instead Of FIVE members.
Senator Edmuuds said that, as Chairman of
the Judiciary Committee, he would be exceed
ingly cratified 10 have that committee relieved
Of the vast amount Of labor involved IN the
consideration Of this subject.
Senators Platt Coke and George thought
that the judiciary Committee ought TO con-
tinue the consideration Of tie subject, but after
further discussion the resolution was modified
by increasing the membership TO seven, and
then adopted.
Senator Palmer called up the bill introduced
by him on the 18th ult. in regard TO immigra-
lion, and made 2 speech IN support of il. he
discaimcd any intention to prevent any eapa-
bic industrious, law-abiding person from seek
ing home on American soil. De had the
highest respect for those f0reign-born citizens
with whom he had been associated all his life,
but II il was desired that the American work
ingman should retain his superiority over the
underpaid laborer Of Europe, such obstacles
would have TO be interp0sed from time 10 time
rs would deter the influx Of those who would
degrade American labor by undue competition
The object Of this bill was TO exclude the de-
pendent delinquent and dangerous classes
through inspection and investigation in their
own country instead Of at the ports of entry.
At the conclusion Of Senator PalmeT's speech
the bill was referred TO the Committee on For
eign Relations
The Deficiency Bill was taken up and dis
cussed, but not disposed Of.
In the House, the resolution directing the
Committee on Military Affairs to investigate as
to what necessity il any, existed for q military
post at Fort Brown, on the Rio Grande, and re-
Questing the Secretary Of War 10 withhold the
payment Of any part Of the 100000 now due
for the ground and rents for the reservation,
was taken up and discussed.
Mr.. Laird supported the resolution because
the property was not worth the sum appropri-
ated
The Texas Members opposed the resolution,
but il was adopted
Mr. Breckinridge Ark introduced bill TO
consolidate the customs collection districts
where the revenues do not equal the expenses.
ii also provides that the compensation for
Revenue Collectors shall not exceed 5000 or
be less than $1,000. which shall be in lieu of
fees and commissions.
On motion OF Nr. Warner No. q bill was
passed authorizing the construction Of bridge
across the Missouri River at Lexington, No.
The House then adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. ..
In the Senate. Senator Davis, from the Com
mittee on Pensions. reported favOraby, with
amendments, Senate Bill Isl, granting pen
eiOns 10 ez-sOldieTS and sailors who are inca
pacitated fog the performance Of manual labor,
and providing Tor pensions TO dependent Tela-
tiyeS 81 deceased soldiers and sailors.
Senator Chandler offered a resolution direct
ing the Secretary Of the Navy TO transmit to
the Senate statement Of the changes made in
the original plans Of the cruisers; also. infor-
nation concerning all naval vessels, machinery
and armor for same and contracts made since
March 4, 1853.
Senator Butler IS. c. amended the resolu-
tion by striking out 1853" and inserting
"IsS0"
Senator Chandler said that he had not the
slightest objection 10 having information as to
what be had done during his occupancy OF the
seeretaryship Of the Navy put before the Sen
ste, but the information bad already been laid
before that body.
Senator Hale hoped that the Senator from
South Carolina would not insist upon his
amendment, because the information was al
ready IN possession Of the Senate.
Senator Chandler said that be would vote fol
the resolution if it was put in the form Of 9
Eeperate resolution.
Senators German, Beck and others from tho
South supported the amendment, which, a
there was 10 objection from anyone from th,
North. WIS agreed to, and the resolution wa
then passed.
The Deficiency BIZ was taken up and afte
extended discussion and amendment fnall!
passed.
Senator Butler. in behalf Of the minority O
the Committee on Territories. reported a sub
stitHte for the bill reported by Senator Plat
foT the division Of Dakota and the admission 0
the southern half as a State. The substitute re
a D. go H.
enabling act 20 allow the people Of the who'll
Territory 10 form a State Government II pro
vides for tie holding Of an election on the Tues
day after the first Monday in June, Iss5, a
which All persons who have resided in Tia
State for GO days and are otherwise qualified I
vote shall have the right 70 choose delegates {
& constitutional convention 10 meet the thin
Tuesday ia July, lSss
The Senate went into Executive session, an
thereafter adjouuucd.
IN the House, Nr Peel from the Comnitte
on ID6iau STAIRS called Up bill 70 sell th
excess, after allotment, Of certain lands i
Kansas granted 10 some New York Indian
The matter went over, without action, after
general discussion.
Mr. Bacon. from the Committee Oh Nanufat
lures, offered a substitute Tor SIR. Mason's rese
Luton directing tie Committee On Manufat
lures % make az inquiry into The names nun
Der and extent Of combinations, trusts. pool
tLctF 81 4N4aAE40ais engaged ID manufacturing
mining % dealing Iu some Of the BecessaTies
lie. who have confined Tor the purpose ,
controlling the production or supply Of I'll
same. and thereby increasing the price to I'll
people Of tho country.
M Randall supported the amendment, sa1
Ing that tie original resolution was not con
prebensiFe enough 10 include am inquiry as
al trusts and pools which il might be desirab
10 investigate. lie wanted 10 include IN the
tic Standard DH Co. the Whisky Tru.
and every organization ID the nature OF tru
or pool, whether Us operations relate 20 Il
Deccssaries of life " merely to the comfort
citizens IN other particulars. lie wanted
embrace also aIl gas companies.
The Introduction Of this amendment Dr.
y0kcd q lively discussion, as all Of the membo
were anxious ~ learn just exactly in what
rcctlcn The proposed investigation pointed Al
whether they or their constituents would be
juIed % benefited thereby.
Ag. Scott Pa was especially exercised in
gard 10 the matter, for IL was understood that (
ineuiry struck ~ some Of the business intere
With which he was connected. lie opposed {
resolution because lie thought that Congress
nothing 10 DO with the question at all, aud {
States were capable Of protecting the peol
within their limits against any combination
conspiracy that might exist.
Ar. BrUmm wanted 20 have the inquiry
tended SO as 10 apply 10 anthracite coal com
nations
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