The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-04-16
WAR SHIPS REPLACED
And the Naval Sill Passed-The
Functions Of the Courts.

funCttOnS OF tn0 COuFtSs
WASHINGTON. April 15.-In the House to-
day, after the reading Of the journal, MIR.
Boutelle of Maine called up the naval ap-
preparation bill, the Epending question being
upon the amendment adopted in committee
of the whole striking out the clause provid-
ing for the construction of three coast line of
battle ships. The action of the coml.ittee
was rejected 1o4; nays, 1872.
Mr.. Holman of Indiana moved to recon-
NIT the bill with instructions to the commit
tee on naval affairs to report back an
amendment providing for one battle ship;
lost-yeas, 1903; nays. 129. The bill then
Mr.. Cannon of Illinois, from the commit
tee on rules, reported resolution for the
immediate consideration of the bill to define
and regulate the jurisdiction of the courts of
the United States. The resolution provided
that the previous question should be consid-
cred as ordered at o'clock today. This pro-
vision ELECTED good deal of opposition
from the Democratic side. The resolution
was finally adopted.
Mr.. Oates of Alabama moved an adjourn
ment, and Mr.. Cannon raised the point of
order that this motion was dilatory. He was
sustained by the Speaker.
The bill passed-yeas. 13l, nays, 13; the
Speaker counting a quorum. The bill with
draws all the original jurisdiction now vest
ed In the circuit courts OF the United States
and vests the same exclusively in the dis
trict courts of the United States: 1t pro-
vides that the circuit courts shall exercise
such jurisdiction by writ of error and appeal
as they exercise under existing laws. The
circuit court is made an appellate court ex-
clusively, except that it has power to issue
all remedial process. The circuit courts
shall consist of the present circuit judge
and two others appointed in each circuit by
the President, by and with the advice
of the Senate. The bill requires three
judges to constitute a quorum. In case
either Of the judges. is absent, at any term,
the senior circuit judge of the circuit may
require any district judge ot. the circuit to
tin his stead for the time being. There
must always be one circuit judge present.
No circuit or district judge. before whom
case is tried in the district court, can
circuit courts shall be courts OF record. The
circuit courts shall be held in the first cir
cult, In Boston; the second, in New York
| the third, in Philadelphia; the fourth, in
| Richmond. Va; the fifth, In New Orleans !;
the sixth, in Cincinnati; the seventh, in
Chicago; the eighth, in ST. Louis; the ninth,
| in San Francisco
Wrlts OF error in proper cases and in all
other cases appeals, may be had from the dis
trlct TO circuit courts, both at law and in
equity, In cases OF admiralty and maritime
| jurisdiction, within six months after the
| entry OF final Judgment or decree in the dis
| trict courts. The circuit courts shall have
| original jurisdiction to issue certain remedi-
| al writs andestablish rules of practice not in.
| consistent with those of the supreme court
| A writ of error from the district court and
| an appeal to the circuit court may be had in
| ali criminal cases wherein the circuit court
| may now exercise jurisdiction by writ of er.
| ror. Pending Appeals on writs
| of error, the judgments of the district
court in all criminal cases shall be stayed
| until the case is finally settled by the appel,
| late court. Civil causes may be removed in
| to the district court of the United States in
the territorial jurisdiction Of which they are