Los Angeles herald., 1891-12-18

senate in support of the joint resolu-
tion proposing an amendment to the
constitution providing for the election
of United States senators by direct vote
of the people OF the several states.
Turpie argued strongly in favor of the
proposed amendment, and referring to
the coming worlds fair and the occasion
therefor, said: "It would be most felicit-
GUS should we signalize it by the sub
mission and adoption of this amend
ment, thus publishing to that grand
commercial court of worlds commerce
and exchange that the great republic of
the west had given to it's people direct
control of the legislative departments of
the government"
At the close of Turpie's speech the
Joint resolution was referred to the
committee on privileges and elections.
MITCHELL's TWO MEASURES.
Mitchell offered a resolution, which
was referred to the committee on for
eign relations, instructing that commit
tee to inquire into the advisability of
appropriate action looking to an invita-
tion OF the governments of the world for
a conference in connection with the
worlds fair, to discuss international
arbitration and laws.
Mitchell also introduced bill provid-
ing for the construction of two first-class
revenue cutters for service on the Pa
cifc coast, one of which shall be at least
of 450 tons, and the other OF not less
than 900 tons displacement; each to be
constructed and equipped to secure a
speed OF Is knots per hour.
STEWART SPEAKS ON FREE COINAGE.
Stewart then proceeded to address the
senate on that part of the presidents
message relating to free coinage. He
said the president was laboring under a
misapprehension when he stated that
the advocates of free coinage believed
the act of 1890 would raise silver to par
and keep it there. The act, be observed,
was opposed by the Democrats. The
anti-silver Republicans, with the votes
Of the free coinage Republicans, passed
the act as a compromise measure. He
contended that it amounted to a pledge
that the government would maintain
free coinage. 1t was expressly stated in
the act that it swas the established pol
icy of the United States to maintain the
two metals on a parity with each other
on the present legal ratio. Stewart ar
gued at length in favor OF free coinage.
BILLS INTRODUCED.
A number of bills were introduced,
among them:
By Sawyer-Amending in several
ways the act authorizing the sale of
timber on lands reserved for the use of
the Menominee Indians, in Wisconsin.
BY Teller-Approprjating $4,000 70
introduce and maintain domestic rein
deer in Alaska.
BY Plumb-To remove the limitation
ON arrears of pensions.
After an executive session the senate
adjourned till Monday.
THE DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE LIST.
The Democratic senatorial caucus
committee this morning gave the finish
ing touches to the Democratic list OF
committee assignments, and soon after
it was approved by the caucus, and it
was given to Senator Cullom to add TO
the Republican assignment list.
As Senators Hill and Vance have not
yet taken their seats in the senate, the
committee places intended for them
were temporarily assigned to other SEN
ators, with the understanding that they
resign them in faver of the absent SEN
ators when they appear.
Senator Hill will serve on the follow
ing committees: Interstate commerce,
territories, immigration, expenditures
in the public departments, relations
with Canada.
Vance will remain in the committee
positions in which he was at the last
congress.