The Portland daily press., 1890-09-18
THE BILL OF THE PORTLAND COMPANY.
The Senate Votes to Refer 1t to the
Court Of Claims.
Senators Willing to Give Augusta's
Postmaster Increased Salary.
IAN Co Out" the Democratic order
In the Lower Branch.

WASHINGTON, September 17.-In the Sem
ate today Mr. Sherman, from the committee
on foreign relations, reported resolution
which was agreed to, requesting the Presi-
dent to communicate to the Senate informa-
tion on the subject of the arrest of Thomas
T. Collins, citizen of the United States re-
siding at Manila, in the Philippine Islands,
by officers of the Spanish government
Mr. Blair addressed the Senate on the
joint resolution proposing an amendment to
the constitution cOnferring representation
on the District of Columbia in the two
houses of Congress and in the electoral col
lege.
The Senate proceed to the consideration of
bills on the calendar and number were
passed, including the Senate bill to make the
salary of the postmaster at Augusta, Me-,
$500. and the Senate bill referring to the
court OF claims the claim of the Portland
Company of Portland, Me-, for allowances
for building two naval vessels, August, 1862,
not to exceed $50, ,867.
The Senate resumed consideration of the
Senate bill to establish an United States
land court and provide for the settlement of
private land claims in Nevada, Colorado,
Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
The bill establishes court of private land
claims to consist of chief justice and four
associate justices, to hold office until Decem-
bCA cAs lOJts tuO SOuIb W uOlu SuCu S6SSlOuS
as may be necessary in the states and terri
tories mentioned.
The court will be subject to the following
restrictions: No claim will be allowed that
shall not appear to be upon q title lawfully
of Spain or Mexico, and one that, at the
date of the acquisition of the territory by
the United State, the claimant would have
had a lawful right to make perfect had the
territory not been acquired by the United
tnf md thn Init 49,
been bound upon the principles of public
law. or by the provisions of the treaty of
cession to respect and permit to become COM
plete and perfect. No claim shall be allowed
that shall interfere with, or overthrow any
just and unextinguished indian title or
ance or confirmation Of any claim shall con-
fer any right or title to any gold, silver or
quicksilver mines or minerals in the same;
and unless the grant claimed affected the do
nation or sale Of such mines or minerals
to the grantee, or unless such
grantee has become otherwise entitled there
to in law or equity: all such mines or
minerals shall remain the property of the
United States with the right of working the
same same winch Iaet snail 1a lie stated In any pa
act shall authorize the working of any mines
therein by any persons except the c0nfirmee
or his assigns until Congress shall provide
by law therefor. No claim shall be allowed
LUZ any lauus Luo IlSut 10 WHICH mas uILu6rL0
been lawfully acted upon and decided by
Congress or under its authority. No pro-
ceeding, decree or act under this act shall
constrain or affect the private rights of per-
sons as between each other; all which rights
shall be reserved and saved to the same ef-
feet as If this act had not passed. No
confirmation shall in any case be made or
any patent issued for greater quantity than
eleven square leagues of land to, or in the
right OF any one original grantee or claimant
or in the right of any one original grant to
two or more persons jointly, nor for great.
er quantity than authorized by the respect
i've laws of Spain or Mexico, applicable to
the claims.
Mr.. Dolph. moved to amend the 14th sec
tlon by providing that where lands decreed
to any claimant shall have been sold or
granted by the, United states, IL slali De
lawful for such claimant TO execute a release
to the United States of his right to the land
so sold OF granted, and he shall receive pay
ment therefor at the rate of $125 per acre.
This was agreed to. The bill Yves laid aside,
and after passing so pension bills the Senate
adjourned.