The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-18
The Chief Executive Gives His
Views Of the Pacific Railways.
Mr.. Blairs Educational Bill Again
Taken Up by the Senate.
The Senator Himself Speaks In De-
fense of His Pet Measure.
Mr.. wilkins Currency Bill Occupies the
Attention OF the House-Weaver
Filibusters About It-Mr Carlisle's
Illness Prevents Attendance.

WAsHlNGToN, Jan. IA bill was re-
ported from the committee on finance and
placed in the caander TO reimburse the
1epositors oithc Frceman's trust company.
Mr.. Mandeson offered resolution calling
III the Secretary of War asking for informa-
ton as to the bridge, authorized by the act
ii March 3, 1887, TO be built between
Omaha and Council Bluffs; and whether
Il is being constructed rs combined rail
way and wagon bridge, orasa wagon bridge
only. Laid over.
Mr.. Plat offered resolution instrncting
ihe postollice committee TO inquire wheth-
er any mail matter addressed TO senators
had been detained in the Washington
postofiice, and whether such detention has
been legal or illegal. He made an explain
ntory statement TO the effect that 400 copies
Of book mailed by Connecticut advertis.
ing firm TO senators and members OF Congress
and on each Of which / cents postage was
paid, had been charged 81 cents extra
postage because the words 'judicious
advertising agents and experts" had been
printed on the wrapper; and had not been
delivered because such extra postage was
not paid. In his judgment the law did
not authorize such extra charge.
The construction put upon the law by
the postmaster-genera in that respect was,
in his opinion, not only technical con-
straint but an improper and unjustifable
one which had caused great distress, an
noyance and loss to the business people OF
the country.
Mr.. Salisbury defended the action OF
the postmastergeneral.
Mr.. Plat, in further remarks, con.
domned the action in the matter Of the
New York "reform" postmaster,an official
rs to whom, he said, he was sorry for APP
pontment and sorry for the confirmation.
The resolution was agreed TO-
In connection with the same subject
Mr. Sawyer asked unanimous consent for
the immediate consideration Of the House
bill relating 10 permissible printing or
writing on second, third and fourth class
matter" such bill having been reported
back from the postoflice committee with
ont amendment Consent was given and
the bill was passed.
The presiding officer laid beiore'the Sen.
ate q message from the President with the
report Of the Pacific railroad commission
ers.
A. the conclusion Of the reading Of the
Presidents message, Mr.. lloar moved that
II, with the accompanying reports, be
committed 20 n select committee Of five
senators, TO be appointed by the chair
Agreed 10.
subsequently Mr.. German moved 10 re-.
consider the vote and the motion was laid
over.
Mr. Plumb offered resolution, which
WIS adopted, calling ON the Secretary of
the Treasury for statement Of the sums
paid 10 States and Territories under the
act oi the Twenty-lirst Congress ~ 10 per
cent. Of the sales Of public lands, also q
resolution, which wis adopted, calling on
the Secretary Of the Interior for detailed
information ~ 10 railroad and Indian lands
In Kansas.
On motion Of Mr.. Jones, Of Arkansas.
the Senate bill reported from the commit
tec ON commerce, 10 authorize the South
west Arkansas and Indian Territory Rail-
road company To build bridge Across the
OuaChila river in Arkansas, was taken up
and passed.
The Blair educational bill vas taken mp
and the Senate was addressed 10y Mr..
Bowen In support ol the bill.
The blair bill was temporarily laid aside
10 enable Mr.. Frye 81 call up the Senate
bill 10 amend the laws relating TO the in
spcction of steam vessels. The bill was
passed.
On motion Of Mr.. Dawes the bill reported
from the committee on Indian affairs Jan
uary 8, In relation to marriages between
white men aud Indian women, was taken
-.up aud passed.
The principal provision is that white
men marrying Indian women shall not
thereby acquire any right 10 tribal prop
crty.
The Blair educational bill was again
taken up, and Mr.. Blair addressed the
Senate in advocacy of H.
Mr. Harris said thatin Mr.. Bair's pamph-
ut, the Legislature Of Tennessee was repre-
scented as fayorng the bill. That was a
gross mistake. Tie Legislature Of 1cnncs.
see had never taken any such position.
Mr. Blair admitted that there might
probably be a mistake as 70 Tennessee.
Mr. Plait, noticing q reference 10 the
number of children attending school In
Connecticut, explained that IN -ome Of the
towns in the State, many children were
being educated In the Catholic parochial
schools, and were not enumerated In the
tables oi school attendance.
Mr.. Blair suid that ho WIS aware Of that
fact and mentioned the city OF Manchcs.
tcr, In his own State, ~ q place where half
al the population was under the control oi
the Catholic church, and the Catholic
children were generally educated Ia the
parochial schools. Much Of the opposi-
ton 10 the pending bill had come from
that large body Of people who didn't be-
lievc In common schools ~ a system of
education. That was apparent from the
criticisms IN the public press, and Il was a
question for the serious consideration Of
the American people. A national In.
dorcmeri of tie common school system
was therviop oi the greatest importance.
The slrongcsl opposition came 10 II from
the great ecclesiastical organization which
was the life aud pith and force Of the pa.
rochial system. but yet that organization
was not unit ON the question. Many
certainly somc-of the organs Of the
Catholic iaiih favored the pending bill,
and the Catholic church wis divided on
b the question The Ir,sh World wis strong
supporter u the bill. NOr ven tile ad-
hernis ~ the parochial system to be