The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-25
Proceedings of the House.

WASHINGTON Jan. 24.--Mr. Oates, of Ala
bama, from the committee on the judiciary,
reported bill making bills OF lading conclusive
evidence in certain cases. Placed on the House
calendar.
Mr.. Whtthorne of Tennessee, from the com
mitiee of naval affairs reported bill appro-
priating $l75, 900 for the repair of the United
States steamship Hartford. Referred to the
committee of the whole.
Mr.. Mlliken, of Maine, from the committee
on public buildings aud grounds. reported bill
for the erection OF building in WASHINGTON for
the use of the Signal Office Referred to the
committee of the whole.
Mr.. Davis, of Massachusetts. from the com
mittee on commerce. reported bill to reward
Esquimo natives for acts of humanity TO ship
wrecked seamen. Referred to the committee
on the whole.
Mr.. Richardson. of Tennessee. chairman of
the committee on printing, reported resolution
calling on the Public Printer for information as
to whether he has recently discharged or fur
Laughed any of his force, and if so, for what rea-
son. at time when the printing ordered by the
House is largely in arrears. Also, whether, in
making such discharges regard has been had to
the statute giving preference in employ ment to
honorably discharged soldiers. Adopted
In the morning hour the House proceeded to
the consideration of the resolution concerning
the Fort Brown military reservation in Texas.
In March, 1885, $3.50, 900 was appropriated to en-
able the Secretary of War to acquire valid
title to the reservation and to pay all claims for
the use and occupation of the property by the
government; that part of this appropriation
has been used on account of disputes between
the claimants, and that $50. 900 would be large
for its occupation. The resolution directs the
committee on military affairs to investigate the
matter and to report what necessity exists for
military post at TT. Brown. The Secretary of
War is requested to withhold the payment of
any part of the sum of S160, 900 for the grounds
and rents of the reservation.
ftnwA
On motion of Mr.. Phelan, of Tennessee a bill
was passed authorizing the construction of a
bridge across the Mississippi river at Memphis,
Tenn.
Mr.. Breckenridge, of Arkansas, introduced a
bill to authorize the consolidation of customs
collection districts In certain districts. Referred
1t authorizes the President to discontinue any
customs district where the revenues are not
equal to the expenses, and to appoint deputy col
lectors at subports when necessary. Il also
authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to fix
the compensation of collectors and surveyors
at the beginning of each year in accordance
with the amount of their BUSINESS pro-
vlded. that the compensation shall not exceed
$1,000 or be less than 81. 900, which shall lbe in
lieu of all fees and commissions heretofore al
lowed. The provision is not to apply to cases
where customs officers now receive a fixed sala-
ry in lieu of all fees ard commissions. All fees
hereafter received are to be paid into the treas
ury.
On motion of Mr. Warner, of Missouri, a bill
was passed authorizing the construction of
bridge across the Mississippi river at Lexing-
ton, Mo.
The bill comforting civil jurisdiction in the In
dian Territory on United States Courts having
criminal jurisdiction was passed.
The bill granting to the Duluth, Rainy Lake
River q Southwestern Railroad Company right
of way through certain Indian lands in Mime
sofa was passed.
Mr.. Wheeler. of Alabama offered resolution
for the printing of 5000 extra copies of the
report of the board OF visitors to the Military
Academy In Offering the resolution, which was
Mr.. Wheeler paid a tribute to Mr..
George w. Childs. of Philadelphia, president of
the board. whose philanthropic generosity was
not bounded by municipalities, by States, by
sections or by peoples. and whose fame extended |
TO races foreign to us in language and ideas.
The House then adjourned.