The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-09-20
YESTERDAY IN CONGRESS-.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19.-Plumb's resolu-
tion to recommit the bankruptcy bill to the
Judiciary committee with instructions to
amend by making it apply to voluntary
bankruptcy, was taken up. After discus
sion it was placed on the calendar. The
matter will not be brought up again this
session. Voorhees, introduced joint reso-
luton for the immediate increase of silver
money by purchase for coinage of 10000. 600
ounces of silver at price below 1929,
within the next thirty days; this purchase
to be in addition to the amount
required by the existing law. Re-
ferred to the finance committee. The SEN
ate then went into executive session.
When the doors we're reopened the senate
passed number of bills, including the
house bill to discontinue the coinage of So
and 81 gold pieces and three-cent nickel
pieces. The house bill to reduce the amount
of United States bonds required of national
banks, and to restore to the channels of
trade the excessive accumulations Of lawful
money in the treasury, having been reached
on the calendar. Sherman said he believed
it's passage would tend much to quiet even
the present, agitation in the money market.
Undoubtedly the effect of the bill would be
not only to prolong, but to encourage the
national bank system: Plumb feared the
bill would finally result in a contraction of
the currency. While he agreed that the
national banking system as system of
discount and deposit WAS wise and ought to
be continued, it was plain to be seen that
it was not long to be a system having
relation to currency. The banks them
selves wanted to get out of that
MI NJ nr1
to let national bank currency disappear
without supplying currency in its place.
He believed the business of the country was
in greater peril than for years from a lack
of sufficient circulating medium. Power
moved to strike out the first section, re-
ducing to 81 600 the deposit of bonds to re-
tain charters. After further discussion the
bill went over till tomorrow. The senate
bill for the protection of trees and other
growth ON the public domain from destruc-
tion by fire WAS passed.
In the house to-day there was another
day Of roll calls and tilibustering. The
journal be corrected. This was laid on the
table, yeas lao. nays two. But Mr.. Crisp
raised the point of no quorum. The
speaker counted 164 members present. q
quorum. Crisp challenged the correctness
Of the count and the speaker said that, hav-
ing nsts taken Ken great , palms. he had no doubt
by the doorkeeper that there were dozen
democrats in the lobby. Crisp's motion
was laid on the table, but
the gentleman from Georgia still pro.
tested that tellers should be appointed.
The speaker stated that tho question was
on the approval of the journal. and the vote
being taken resulted 1852 to two. Crisp
raised the point of no quorum. The speak
er replied that De Haven, of California. was
present, but had not voted. He. together
with the speaker, made 166 members pres
ent, although the speaker was Of the opin-
ion that 164 members constituted quorum.
Crisp again challenged the correctness of
the count, and the speaker said that no
matter what the conduct of the gentlemen
who were obstructinR legislation might be,
1t was desirable that no mistake should be
made, and therefore ordered tellers, ap-
pointing Mckinley and Crisp. Holman, of
Indiana, was about to leave the hall, when
the speaker spied him and ordered the
tellers to count him. Holman then amid
much laughter, passed between the tellers,
who finally announced the presence of l64
members. Crisp made the point of order
that, notwithstanding the four vacancies
existing in the membership of the house by
reason of deaths, 164 members did not con-
stitute quorum. This point was dis
cussed at much length. The speaker
promised decision with the reservation
that if, after careful examination. he should
lind precedent in opposition to it, he
would not adhere to it. He had decided to
adhere to the rule that 1G6 members con-
stituted a quorum. Without action the
house took recess.