Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1896-02-13
A WEEK IN CONGRESS.
Secession Talk In tho House Causes Tur-
buIent Soene.

The Senate Thursday passed the House
bill to prevent prize lighting and bull fight-
ing In the territories and District of Co.
lumbia. The session of the House was
devoted to the further consideration of the
bond bill and the Senate's free coinage
substitute therefor.
Senator Frye of Maine was chosen presi-
dent pro tempore Friday without dissent
The Senate adjourned until Monday. There
was an exciting and turbulent scene in the
House, for which Mr.. Talbert of South
Carolina and Mr.. Barrett of Massachusetts,
were responsible. Mr.. Talbert arising to
question OF personal privilege, referred
to the misinterpretation, IL not misrep-
sentation in the press of what he said
Wednesday night upon the action of South
Carolina at the outbreak of the war. He
reiterated what he then said, to the effect
that he believed secession to be right, and
under the same conditions would do as he
had done. He was called to order by MIR.
Barrett, who asked that his words be
taken down. and offered resolution de-
nouncing the words as seditious and trea-
sonable, and in violation OF the oath taken
by Mr.. Talbert at the beginning of Con-
gress. Much excitement prevailed until
Mr.. Talbert was permitted to explain. He
said he had no idea that the conditions of
1861 could ever recur, and he was glad of
1t. he had no idea of engaging in a VIOLA
ton of the 18th amendment. The remain
der of the session was devoted to the
further consideration of the bond bill and
free coinage substitute The president
Friday afternoon signed the bill prohibit
ing prize fighting and bull fighting in the
territories and district of Columbia.
Discussion of the bond bill and free coin
are substitute was continued in the House
Saturday.
a joint resolution was introduced in the
Senate Monday by Mr.. Cameron. and,
after its first and second reading. was laid
on the table, to be called up hereafter,
earnestly recommending the good offices
of the United States to the favorable con-
sderation of the Spanish Government for
the recognition of the independence of
Cuba" Senator Pettigrew introduced a
joint resolution directing the secretary of
of the treasury to foreclose the Govern
ment lien on the Union Pacific and the
Kansas Pacific Railroad Companies, pay
the prior lien upon said roads and take
possession for the United States. He is
also directed to pay the floating debt of
the roads, take UP the bonds and stock
pledges as securities therefor, and take
possession of all the branch lines con-
structed out of the earnings of the Union
Pacific. speech in rela ton to the Mon
roe doctrine was made by Mr.. Smith of
New Jersey. In his opinion there is no
occasion for any action by the Senate at
this time. The remainder of the day was
spent in a discussion of the joint resolu-
ton directing the secretary or agriculture
to purchase and distribute seeds for the
year 1896 The discussion of the silver
question was continued in the House. The
announcement of the sudden death of
Representative Grain caused an adjourn
ment-
The Senate on Tuesday passed the bill
directing Secretary Morton to continue
.he purchase and distribution of seeds.
discussion of the general appropriation
bill gave several senators an opportunity
| to air their views on the civil service law
The House continued the discussion of the
silver question.
! The Senate Wednesday considered the
urgent deficiency bill and put off until
another day a bill to make Lincoln's BIRTH
( day holiday. The free silver substitute
! for the bond bill was further considered
in the House.