The National tribune., 1892-04-14
CONGRESS.
An Abstract of the More Important
Proceedings in Both Houses.
TUESDAY, APRIL >.


inq on the Secretary of War for information as
TO whether the railroad bridge across tho Mis-
sissinpi River at Memphis. Tenn, provides
nasssceway las required in the act) for wagons
and vehicles of all kinds, and for the transit OF
animals.
Mr.. Berry stated the facts in the case. lie
had information that the railroad company
had wholly disregarded the law in the con-
struction of the bridge.
The Indian appropriation bill was then
taken up, and Mr.. Pettigrew offered an amend
ment THAT the President is authorized TO de-
sail officers of the army TO act as Indian agents
At all agencies where he shall deem such action
for the benefit of the service.
Mr.. Palmer argued against the amendment,
and appeared startled to learn that there were
Indians who we're United States citizens and
voters He was informed by Mr.. Pettigrew
that the Ssseton Indians of South Dakota
were citizens and voters, and yet had agents
over them.
Mr.. Palmer said he was startled to know
that citizens had agents over them.
Mr. Henderson made an argument In sup
mort of the amendment, at the conclusion OF
which Mr. Dolph moved that the Honse bill to
absolutely prohibit the coming of Chinese to
the country be laid before the Senate and re-
ferred to the Committee on Foreign Relations,
and it was so ordered.
The discussion of Mr.. Pettigrew's amend
ment was then resumed, but without reaching
n vote on the amendment the Senate adjourned.
After the transaction of preliminary busi-
ness. Mr.. McAlillin Tenn. d. moved that the
House go into Committee of the Whole on the
free-wool bill. and pending that motion moved
that debate on the first section be limited to
half an hour. This was opposed by the Repub-
licans. and Mr.. Burrows (Mich r. moved TO
limit debate TO two hours
Mr.. Burrows attempted to make an explapa-
- -. cIpr
Speaker was ordered by the latter TO take his
seat. Filibustering tactics were then resorted
to by the Republicans. 1t was impossible 20
transact business, and Mr.. McMillin, recogniz'
ing this fact after a number Of roll-calls had
been ordered, moved TO adjourn, which was
carried.
WEDNESDAY,, APRIL 6.
The ordinary routine business was transacted
In the Senate after which the resolution here
tofore offered by Mr.. Hale, calling on the Secre-
tary of State for copies OF all agreements made
with other countries relating to interchange
of trade, was taken up and agreed 10, with an
amendment Offered by Mr. Morgan) calling for
information as to what steps have been taken
TO inaugurate reel procal trade with Mexico,
and lif not successfully the causes of the failure.
Mr.. Morgan then called up his silver resolu-
tions and yielded the floor to Mr.. Wolcott, who
addressed the Senate at length in advocacy Of
the free coinage Of silver.
The Indian appropriation bill was then taken
up. and long argument ensued over the
amendment offered by Mr.. Pettigrew, providing
for the detail of Army officers as Indian agents.
The matter finally reached vote, and Mr..
Pettierew's amendment was defeated-yeas a.
nays %. Mr.. nawes's motion to strike out the
House provision was also defeated, after which
the bill was passed.
After short Executive session the Senate
adjourned.
After the transaction of some miscellaneous
business Mr.. McMilin Tenn, D. moved that
the House go into Committee on the free-wool
bill. Pending that, he moved that all debate
on the first section be limited TO one hour and
a quarter.
After some good-natured discussion between
Mr.. McAIillin and Mr.. Burrows Mich, b. Mr..
McMillin suggested that three-quarters OF an
hour be given TO each side.
Mr.. Barrows said that the time offered was
not sufficient but he was anxious to proceed
with the bill that be would acquiesce. Thus
the battle of yesterday ended. and the House
went into Committee of the Whole on the free
wool bill.
At the expiration Of the time fxeH for de-
bate, several amendments were offered to the bill
and rejected, The Committee then rose and
reported the bill to the House, but without
taking action on the measure the House adj
iourned.
THURSDAY, APRIL z.
After the transaction of routine morning
business the Senate proceeded 10 the considera-
tion of the bill making appropriations for the
expenses Of the Government of the District OF
Columbia.
While the bill was under consideration Mr..
Stewart made personal explanation on an ar
ticle in New York paper, in which he is
charged with taking mortgages on property
Ill, H.
was the law of California, and the mortgages
were made out on the usual blanks. Upon the
suggestion of Mr.. Hale, Senator Stewart said
he would never let il occur again, as be would
be glad TO be paid in silver as n gold. The Dis
trict bill was laid aside, and the free-wool bill
WAS received from the House and referred to
the Committee on Finance.
After short Executive session the Senate ad-
jcurned.
After routine morning business, the House
resumed consideration Of the free wool bill, Mr..
Wilson Nv. Va. d. closing the debate in favor
OF the bill. A vote was then taken, and the
bill was passed by a vote OF 1874 yeas TO 90 nays.
Tie House then went into Committee of the
Whole on the cotton-bagging bill. During the
consideration of the bill Mr.. Funston Kan.
Il. made personal explanation and read
article published IN the New York Voice, which
said that many members and Senators were
seen constant vat the barof the House restaurant
drinking whisky ard beer. Quite number of
Congressman and Senators were mentioned by
name, Mr.. Funston among them, aud that gen.
tleman abused the author in such a pointed
manner that he was finally called to order and
was Kissed from the foor. Some of the MEM
bers acknowledged tie impeachment, bat Mr..
Funston denied il emphatically, and said it
was published TO defeat his nomination.
Without reaching conclusion on the cotton
bsggiug bill, the House adjourned.
FRIDAY. APRIL 8.
In the Senate the District Of Columbia Appro-
priaton bill was taken up after the routine
business Of the morning had been transacted,
and Dir. Cockrell moved to amend the item
appropriating 100000 for the entertainment
OF the National Encampment of the G. A. r.
so that the sum should be taken from the rev.
ennes Of the District. After long argument.
the amendment Was defeated by II yeas to 81
nays.
ing amendment offered by Mr.. Quay, and it
WEE adopted by vote of 41 yeas to 10 nays.
To pay for subsistence and quarters for such
honorably discharged nonresident Union SOL
diers sailors, aud marines who served in the
war Of the rebellion as may attend as delegates
or otherwise, the Twenty-sixth National En-
cornpmcnt OF the Grand Army of the Republic
in the city Of Washington, in the District Of
Columbia, 100000, or SO much thereof as may
be necessary. And the sum hereby appropri-
ated shall he paid to and dsbursed by the
Citizens Executive Committee of Washington
having in charge such reception and enter
tanment, under such regulations as NAV be