The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-01-13
Lth CONCRESS-.-FIRST SESSION.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, Jan. H.
The President presented memorial in
regsrd to printing on third class mail matter,
and remarked that he did not think there was
any fault in the law but that the trouble
arose from incorrect Interpretation of law by
the Postmaster General; also, petition for is
suance of fractional currency and the aboli-
tion of postal notes.
Mr.. Hiscock offered resolution, which
was adopted, calling on the President for in
formation as to judgments before the late
Spanish American Claims Commission.
The resolution offered by Mr.. Chandler on
instructing the committee on judiciary, was
to inquire into the suppression of the votes
of the colored citizens Of Jackson. Miss, at
| the recent municipal election, and into the
alleged participation in such suppression by
the United States district attorney, deputy
collector of internal revenue and deputy
United States marshal, was taken up.
The Mississippi Senators disclaimed any
intention to resist the proposed investiga-
tion although they denied that the facts
were as stated and questioned the constitu-
tionality Of the investigation.
Senator Chandler called the attention of
the Senators from Mississippi to the 18th
constitutional amendment, which declares
that the right of citizens of the United
States to vote shall not be denied or abrids-
ed by the United States or by any State
on account OF race, color or previous condl-
tion CT servitude. He conceived that when
ever, in any election within any. State, the
right of any man to vote was denied because
be was black, that was a proper matter for
investigation by the Senate.
The resolution was adopted 29to "a, party
vote, except Riddleberger's who voted with
the Democrats while the two Mississippi
Senators were excused from voting.
Senator Mitchell called up the bill intro
duced by him on the 18th of December
abrogating all treaties between the United
States and China, pertaining to Chinese i'm
migration to the United States. He then ad-
dressed the Senate in support of the bill.
Senator Stewart addressed the Senate on
the same question. He said he had offered a
resolution requesting the President to nego-
tiate treaty with the Chinese empire ex-
Guiding Cinnamon altogether, except diplo-
matte agents and those engaged in foreign
trades, but it would be necessary also to
have treaties with Great Britain and Mexico
to prevent these powers opening their doors
and allowing the Chinese to come into the
United States. If such treaties could not be
negotiated, he would be in favor OF Senator
Mitchell's bill. He moved the reference OF
the bill and his resolution to the committee
on foreign relations. Referred.
The message from the President regarding
the invitation of the French government to
participate in the international exposition at
Papis, in 1885, was presented and referred to
the committee on foreign relations.
The Senate went into the executive ses-
sion, and at 4.45 adjourned.
The Senate, in executive session, reached
the unperstanding that the nominations OF
Lamar, Villas and Dickinson should not be
taken up until Monday.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Townshend reported back to the
house today the Boutelle flag resolution, as
amended by the committee on military af-
fairs. Mr.. Boutelle had no objection TO the
amendments, though he did not think that
it was broadening the scope of inquiry. He
did not think that information as to the re-
turn of flags to the Northern States had any
bearing upon the purpose of the original res
olution. No banner belonging to loyal
States had been captured by rebel States,
though he had seen it so stated. The flags
captured by rebels and recaptured by Union
troops had been returned to the survivors OF
the regiments which had borne them into
battle.
Mr. Cox of New York remarked on the
unanimity with which the committee on
military affairs had reported the resolution.
The country was to be congratulated upon
the fact that this resolution, which concerned
matter which had touched the public sta
bility so greatly, could be reported unani-
mously add even receive the appreciation OF
the gentleman from Maine.
The Boutelle resolution was adopted.