The National tribune., 1888-12-27
CONGRESS.
An Abstract of the More Important
Proceedings in Both Houses
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10.


In the Senate, Mr.. Edmunds (Vt.l introduced
and had referred to the Committee on Foreign
Relations, the following joint resolution:
ResoErsd, That the Government OF the United
States viii look with serious concern and disap-
prevail upon any connection of any European Gov
eminent with the construction or control of any
ship canal across the Isthmus of Darien across
Central America, and must regard any such con-
neeton control injurious to the just rights and
interests of the United States and as menace to
their welfare.
Resolved, That the President of the United States
be requested to communicate this expression of
the views of Congress to the Governments of the
countries of Europe.
The tariff bill was then considered for the
balance of the days session, the Senate ad-
journing at 5 o'clock p. m.
In the House, bfr. Springer [Tl) stated that
at a meeting of the Committee on Territories
this morning it had been determined that the
territorial bills would not be called up for con-
sideration until Jan. Is.
Mr.. Hayes Iowa. from the Committee on
Accounts, reported, as a privileged matter a
bill authorizing the appointment of clerks to
Senators and Representatives not Chairmen of
committees. On point of order raised by Mr..
Holman Ind.), the bill was referred to the
Committee of the Whole, aud Mr.. Hayes moved
that the House go into committee for its con-
sideration. Mr.. Springer demanded the yeas
and nays, regarding the vote as test vote on
the bill. The motion was defeated-yeas 3d.
nays LOG.
At the expiration of the morning hour the
House went into Committee of the Whole on
the river and harbor bill.
The bill having been read, Mr.. Blanchard
(La) said that there was no disposition on the
part of the members of the Committee on Riv-
ers and Harbors to discuss the measure unless
some Member might desire information.
Mr.. Kerr (Iowa) said that he would like to
know the reason why appropriations were made
for the improvement of rivers and harbors
which he had never heard Of before.
Mr.. Spinoa IN. ". You could not pass the
ciYil-service examination.
Mr.. Kerr. Perhaps not, but would like to
know the special reasons why the apprOpria-
lions are made.
Mr.. Blanchard stated that every item of APP
preparation in the bill had been in the bill of
last year. The bill appropriated in the aggre-
gate S11, 100000, being little less than 335 per
cent. of the amount recommended by the Chief
Of Engineers. He referred the gentleman from
Iowa TO the Engineer Reports for the informa-
ton desired
Mr. Sowden (Pa.) declared that of the ap-
preparations previously made for rivers and
harbors, nearly $23, 000, 900 remained unexpend-
ed, and he opposed the further appropriation of
$12 100000.
Pending further debate the committee rose
and the House at 4:45 adjourned.
THURSDAY, Dec. 20.
In the Senate on motion of Mr.. Sherman (O.l
the House amendments to the direct tax bill
were non-concurred in aud conference order
ed. Senators Sherman, Morrill, (Vt.) and Vance
IN. CT were appointed conferrees on the part
of the Senate.
Mr. Morrill, asked unanimous consent that
the voting on the tariff bill aud all amend
ments thereto shall begin at 1 o'clock on the
21st of January next, after which there shall
be no further debate without unanimous con-
Unanimous CONSENT wa given and that
order was made.
Mr.. Morrill, then moved an amendment to
the holiday recess resolution, fixing it from
Friday, the 21st, till Wednesday, the I'd of Jan
uary, and this was agreed to.
Mr. Gibson (La.) offered a resolution, which
was laid on the table and ordered printed, for
the appointment of a select committee of Is
Senators to inquire into the state of the suf-
frage throughout the United States; especially
to investigate the election of State officers at
the State elections held in November last in
Rhode Island and Louisiana, and the Presiden-
tial election in the States of New York and
Indiana, aud toreport all facts showing whether
any improper, undue and unlawful influences
and practices were employed through Gonspira-
cieS, trades, combinations, intimidatiOns, COR
rupt use of money, purchase of votes or voters,
false registering false voting, stuthng ballot
boxes, or in any way whatever and to what ex-
tent, and to make such recommendations as it
may Q6SH H6CcSSdEy.
The tariff bill was then taken up and consid-
cred until o'clock, when Mr.. Allison (Iowa)
said that as Mr.. Davis Mimi desired to go on
with the pension bills in the evening, he
was willing to give way. The tariff bill was
laid aside, the progress having been about 10
pages. All the pension bills on the calendar,
80 in number, were passed. The legislative
appropriation bill was referred to the Commit
tee on Appropriations
The Senate adjourned at 4:40 o'clock D. m.
In the House, on motion of Mr.. Mcmillan
(Tenn.) the Senate amendment to the holiday
recess resolution was agreed to. 1t provides
for a recess from Friday, Dec. 81, until Wednes-
day, Jan. 2.
Mr.. Blanchard (La.) moved that when the
river and harbor bill be next taken up general
debate be limited to 10 minutes. This was OPP
posed by Mr.. Sowden pa, aud his PROPOSE
ton. limiting the debate to two hours, being
rejected by Mr. Blanchard he raised the point
of no quorum on that gentleman's motion.
After consultation between the two gentlemen
a comprom Use of 10 minutes was proposed but
Mr.. Cheadle CInd.) now enacted the role of OBJ
jector.
Mr.. O'Neill pa then suggested that general