MONDAY, December 7, 1874. Link to Annals.

Present:

From the State of New Hampshire.

Messrs. Aaron H. Cragin,

Bainbridge Wadleigh.

From the State of Massachusetts.

Messrs. George S. Boutwell,

William B. Washburn.

From the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Mr. Henry B. Anthony.

From the State of Connecticut.

Mr. Orris S. Ferry.

From the State of Vermont.

Messrs. George F. Edmunds,

Justin S. Morrill.

From the State of New York.

Mr. Roscoe Conkling.

From the State of New Jersey.

Mr. Frederick T. Frelinghuysen.

From the State of Pennsylvania.

Messrs. Simon Cameron,

John Scott.

From the State of Delaware.

Mr. Eli Saulsbury.

From the State of Maryland.

Messrs. George R. Dennis.

William T. Hamilton.

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From the State of Virginia.

Mr. John F. Lewis.

From the State of South Carolina.

Messrs. John J. Patterson.

Thomas J. Robertson.

From the State of Kentucky.

Messrs. Thomas C. McCreery,

John W. Stevenson.

From the State of Tennessee.

Mr. Henry Cooper.

From the State of Ohio.

Messrs. John Sherman,

Allen G. Thurman.

From the State of Louisiana.

Mr. J. Rodman West.

From the State of Indiana.

Mr. Daniel D. Pratt.

From the State of Illinois.

Messrs. John A. Logan,

Richard J. Oglesby.

From the State of Alabama.

Mr. George E. Spencer.

From the State of Maine.

Messrs. Hannibal Hamlin,

Lot M. Morrill.

From the State of Missouri.

Messrs. Lewis V. Bogy,

Carl Schurz.

From the State of Mississippi.

Messrs. James L. Alcorn,

Henry R. Pease.

From the State of Arkansas.

Messrs. Powell Clayton,

Stephen W. Dorsey.

From the State of Michigan.

Messrs. Zachariah Chandler,

Thomas W. Ferry.

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From the State of Florida.

Messrs. Simon B. Conover.

Abijah Gilbert.

From the State of Texas.

Mr. James W. Flanagan.

From the State of Iowa.

Messrs. William B. Allison,

George G. Wright.

From the State of Wisconsin.

Messrs. Matthew H. Carpenter,

Timothy O. Howe.

From the State of California.

Messrs. John S. Hager.

Aaron A. Sargent.

From the State of Minnesota.

Messrs. Alexander Ramsey,

William Windom.

From the State of Oregon.

Messrs. James K. Kelly,

John H. Mitchell.

From the State of Kansas.

Messrs. James M. Harvey,

John J. Ingalls.

From the State of West Virginia.

Messrs. Arthur I. Boreman,

Henry G. Davis.

From the State of Nebraska.

Mr. Phineas W. Hitchock.

The honorable Henry Wilson, Vice-President of the United States and President of the Senate, resumed the chair.

On motion by Mr. Anthony,

Ordered, That the hour of the daily meeting of the Senate be 12 o'clock meridian, until otherwise ordered.

Mr. Anthony submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Secretary inform the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is assembled and that the Senate is ready to proceed to business.

Mr. Conkling submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

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Resolved, That a committee, consisting of two members, be appointed to join such committee as may be appointed by the House of Representatives, to wait upon the President of the United States, and inform him that a quorum of each House is assembled, and that Congress is ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make.

Ordered, That the committee be appointed by the Vice-President; and The Vice-President appointed Mr. Conkling and Mr. Thurman.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the credentials of George F. Edmunds, elected a Senator by the legislature of the State of Vermont for the term of six years, commencing March 4, 1875; which were read.

Ordered, That they lie on the table.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the credentials of William W. Eaton, elected a Senator by the legislature of the State of Connecticut for the term of six years, commencing March 4, 1875; which were read.

Ordered, That they lie on the table.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the report of the clerk of the Court of Claims, communicating, in obedience to law, a statement of the judgments rendered by said court for the year ending December 7, 1874.

Ordered, That it lie on the table. The Vice-President laid before the Senate the annual report of the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, communicating a statement of property belonging to the United States in his possession December 7, 1874.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the annual report of the Secretary of the Senate, communicating a statement of property belonging to the United States in his possession December 7, 1874.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Senate, communicating a statement of the receipts and expenditures of the Senate from July 1, 1873, to June 30, 1874.

Ordered, That it lie on the table. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, presented the petition of Laban Heath, praying compensation for damage occasioned to him as publisher, by reason of certain detective printing of steel-plate illustrations of bank-notes and currency by the Treasury Department, under contract with him in 1868--′69.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented the petition of Hiram Bateman, late of Company I, Third Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, praying to be allowed a pension.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Sargent presented the petition of Mrs. Susan Roberts, of Humboldt County, California, praying compensation for lands taken and used by the Government for public purposes.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Sargent presented the petition of A. R. Eddy, lieutenant-colonel and deputy quartermaster-general, and Rufus Saxton, lieutenant-colonel and quartermaster-general, praying to be restored to their original rank and pay, of which they claim to have been deprived in violation of law.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Sargent presented a memorial of John L. Worden, rear-admiral 0007 7 United States Navy, for himself and on behalf of the officers and crew of the iron-clad steamer Monitor, asking that the estimated value of the Merrimac, destroyed by the Monitor, may be distributed among them.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Schurz presented the petition of Elizabeth Reidenbach, widow of F. Reidenbach, praying to be allowed a pension.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Boutwell presented the petition of J. S. Savage, of Newton, Massachusetts, inventor of a safety ballot-box, praying to be allowed to appear before a committee of Congress and explain its advantages.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the annual report of the Attorney-General, showing the operations of the Department of Justice for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874.

Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the state of the finances.

Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, from the joint select committee appointed at the last session of Congress, under the act of June 20, 1874, to frame a government for the District of Columbia, submitted a report, (No. 479,) accompanied by a bill (S. 963) for the better government of the District of Columbia; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Sherman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 964) to provide for the revision of the laws for the collection of customs duties; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 965) for the relief of certain settlers upon the public lands in the State of Kansas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Patterson asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 966) to increase the efficiency of the Medical Department of the Army; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed:

S. 967. A bill for the relief of certain settlers on the public lands in the State of Nebraska.

S. 968. A bill to provide for the relief of persons suffering from the ravages of grasshoppers.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 969) for the relief of Ferdinand Monti, a wagon-master in the Mexican war; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Logan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 970) for the relief of Andrew Hosmer, of Peoria, Illinois; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed:

S. 971. A bill to protect persons of foreign birth against forcible constraint or involuntary servitude.

S. 972. A bill to enable Italians in certain cases to enter public lands of the United States under the homestead law, and for other purposes.

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S. 973. A bill to correct the date of commission of certain officers of the Army.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: I am directed to inform the Senate that a quorum of the House of Representatives has appeared, and that the House is ready to proceed to business.

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution for the appointment of a committee, to join such committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate, to wait upon the President of the United States and inform him that a quorum of the two Houses has assembled, and that Congress is ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make; and it has appointed Mr. Dawes, Mr. Robert S. Hale, and Mr. Beck the committee on its part.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the twelfth annual report of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.

Mr. Ingalls submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the Committee on Indian Affairs be directed to inquire into the recent disturbances in the Indian Territory, and to report to the Senate what measures are necessary for the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the preservation of law and order in that region, and whether the best interests of civilization do not demand the immediate establishment of courts of the United States in said Territory as provided by the treaties of 1866.

On motion by Mr. Anthony,

The Senate took a recess until half past 1 o'clock p. m.

After which,

Mr. Conkling, from the joint committee appointed to await upon the President of the United States and inform him that a quorum of each House has assembled, and that Congress is ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make, reported that the committee had performed the duty assigned them, and that they had been instructed by the President to say that he would immediately make a communication to each House in writing.

Whereupon,

The following communication was received from the President of the United States by Mr. Babcock, his secretary: To the Senate and House of Representatives:

Since the convening of Congress, one year ago, the nation has undergone a prostration in business and industries such as has not been witnessed with us for many years. Speculation as to the causes for this prostration might be indulged in without profit, because as many theories would be advanced as there would be independent writers—those who expressed their own views, without borrowing—upon the subject. Without indulging in theories as to the cause of this prostration, therefore, I will call your attention only to the fact, and to some plain questions as to which it would seem there should be no disagreement.

During this prostration two essential elements of prosperity have been most abundant: labor and capital. Both have been largely unemployed. Where security has been undoubted, capital has been attainable at very moderate rates. Where labor has been wanted, it has been found in abundance, at cheap rates compared with what—of necessaries and comforts of life—could be purchased with the wages demanded.

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Two great elements of prosperity, therefore, have not been denied us. A third might be added: our soil and climate are unequaled, within the limits of any contiguous territory under one nationality, for its variety of products to feed and clothe a people, and in the amount of surplus to spare to feed less favored peoples. Therefore, with these facts in view, it seems to me that wise statesmanship, at this session of Congress, would dictate legislation ignoring the past; directing in proper channels these great elements of prosperity to any people. Debt, debt abroad, is the only element that can—with always a sound currency— enter into our affairs to cause any continued depression in the industries and prosperity of our people.

A great conflict for national existence made necessary, for temporary purposes, the raising of large sums of money from whatever source attainable. It made it necessary, in the wisdom of Congress—and I do not doubt their wisdom in the premises, regarding the necessity of the times—to devise a system of national currency, which it proved to be impossible to keep on a par with the recognized currency of the civilized world. This begot a spirit of speculation involving an extravagance and luxury not required for the happiness or prosperity of a people, and involving, both directly and indirectly, foreign indebted ness. The currency being of fluctuating value, and therefore unsafe to hold for legitimate transactions requiring money, became a subject of speculation within itself. These two causes, however, have involved us in a foreign indebtedness, contracted in good faith by borrower and lender, which should be paid in coin, and according to the bond agreed upon when the debt was contracted—gold or its equivalent. The good faith of the Government cannot be violated toward creditors without national disgrace. But our commerce should be encouraged; American ship-building and carrying capacity increased; foreign markets sought for products of the soil, and manufactories, to the end that we may be able to pay these debts. Where a new market can be created for the sale of our products, either of the soil, the mine, or the manufactory, a new means is discovered of utilizing our idle capital and labor to the advantage of the whole people. But, in my judgment, the first step toward accomplishing this object is to secure a currency of fixed, stable value; a currency, good wherever civilization reigns; one which, if it becomes superabundant with one people, will find a market with some other; a currency which has as its basis the labor necessary to produce it, which will give to it its value. Gold and silver are now the recognized medium of exchange the civilized world over; and to this we should return with the least practicable delay. In view of the pledges of the American Congress when our present legal-tender system was adopted, and debt contracted, there should be no delay—certainly no unnecessary delay—in fixing, by legislation, a method by which we will return to specie. To the accomplishment of this end I invite your special attention. I believe firmly that there can be no prosperous and permanent revival of business and industries until a policy is adopted—with legislation to carry it out—looking to a return to a specie basis. It is easy to conceive that the debtor and speculative classes may think it of value to them to make so-called money abundant until they can throw a portion of their burdens upon others. But even these, I believe, would be disappointed in the result if a course should be pursued which will keep in doubt the value of the legal-tender medium of exchange. A revival of productive industry is needed by all classes; by none more than the holders of property, of whatever sort, with debts to liquidate from realization upon 0010 10 its sale. But admitting that these two classes of citizens are to be benefited by expansion, would it be honest to give it? Would not the general loss be too great to justify such relief? Would it not be just as honest and prudent to authorize each debtor to issue his own legal-tenders to the extent of his liabilities? Than to do this would it not be safer—for fear of over-issues by unscrupulous creditors—to say that all debt obligations are obliterated in the United States, and now we commence anew, each possessing all he has at the time free from incumbrance? These propositions are too absurd to be entertained for a moment by thinking or honest people. Yet every delay in preparation for final resumption partakes of this dishonesty, and is only less in degree as the hope is held out that a convenient season will at last arrive for the good work of redeeming our pledges to commence. It will never come, in my opinion, except by positive action by Congress, or by national disasters which will destroy, for a time at least, the credit of the individual and the state at large. A sound currency might be reached by total bankruptcy and discredit of the integrity of the nation and of individuals. I believe it is in the power of Congress at this session to devise such legislation as will renew confidence, revive all the industries, start us on a career of prosperity to last for the many years, and to save the credit of the nation and of the people. Steps toward the return to a specie basis are the great requisites to this devoutly to be sought for end. There are others which I may touch upon hereafter.

A nation dealing in a currency below that of specie in value labors under two great disadvantages: First, having no use for the world's acknowledged medium of exchange, gold and silver, these are driven out of the country because there is no need for their use; second, the medium of exchange in use being of a fluctuating value—for, after all, it is only worth just what it will purchase of gold and silver; metals having an intrinsic value just in proportion to the honest labor it takes to produce them—a larger margin must be allowed for profit by the manufacturer and producer. It is months from the date of production to the date of realization. Interest upon capital must be charged, and risk of fluctuation in the value of that which is to be received in payment added. Hence, high prices, acting as a protection to the foreign producer, who receives nothing in exchange for the products of his skill and labor, except a currency good, at a stable value the world over. It seems to me that nothing is clearer than that the greater part of the burden of existing prostration, for the want of a sound financial system, falls upon the workingman, who must after all produce the wealth, and the salaried man, who superintends and conducts business. The burden falls upon them in two ways, by the deprivation of employment and by the decreased purchasing-power of their salaries. It is the duty of Congress to devise the method of correcting the evils which are acknowledged to exist, and not mine. But I will venture to suggest two or three things which seem to me as absolutely necessary to a return to specie payments, the first great requisite in a return to prosperity. The legal-tender clause to the law authorizing the issue of currency by the National Government should be repealed, to take effect as to all contracts entered into after a day fixed in the repealing act; not to apply, however, to payments of salaries by Government, or for other expenditures now provided by law to be paid in currency in the interval pending between repeal and final resumption. Provision should be made by which the Secretary of the Treasury can obtain gold as it may become necessary from time to time from the date when specie 0011 11 redemption commences. To this might and should be added a revenue sufficiently in excess of expenses to insure an accumulation of gold in the Treasury to sustain permanent redemption.

I commend this subject to your careful consideration, believing that a favorable solution is attainable, and if reached by this Congress that the present and future generations will ever gratefully remember it as their deliverer from a thraldom of evil and disgrace.

With resumption, free banking may be authorized with safety, giving the same full protection to bill-holders which they have under existing laws. Indeed, I would regard free banking as essential. It would give proper elasticity to the currency. As more currency should be required for the transaction of legitimate business, new banks would be started, and, in turn, banks would wind up their business when it was found that there was a superabundance of currency. The experience and judgment of the people can best decide just how much currency is required for the transaction of the business of the country. It is unsafe to leave the settlement of this question to Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury, or the Executive. Congress should make the regulation under which banks may exist, but should not make banking a monopoly by limiting the amount of redeemable paper currency that shall be authorized. Such importance do I attach to this subject, and so earnestly do I commend it to your attention, that I give it prominence by introducing it at the beginning of this message.

During the past year nothing has occurred to disturb the general friendly and cordial relations of the United States with other powers.

The correspondence submitted herewith between this Government and its diplomatic representatives, as also with the representatives of other countries, shows a satisfactory condition of all questions between the United States and the most of those countries, and with few exceptions, to which reference is hereafter made, the absence of any points of difference to be adjusted.

The notice directed by the resolution of Congress of June 17, 1874, to be given to terminate the convention of July 17, 1858, between the United States and Belgium has been given, and the treaty will accordingly terminate on the 1st day of July, 1875. This convention secured to certain Belgian vessels entering the ports of the United States exceptional privileges which are not accorded to our own vessels. Other features of the convention have proved satisfactory, and have tended to the cultivation of mutually beneficial commercial intercourse and friendly relations between the two countries. I hope that negotiations which have been invited will result in the celebration of another treaty which may tend to the interests of both countries.

Our relations with China continue to be friendly. During the past year the fear of hostilities between China and Japan, growing out of the landing of an armed force upon the island of Formosa by the latter, has occasioned uneasiness. It is earnestly hoped, however, that the difficulties arising from this cause will be adjusted, and that the advance of civilization in these empires may not be retarded by a state of war. In consequence of the part taken by certain citizens of the United States in this expedition, our representatives in those countries have been instructed to impress upon the governments of China and Japan the firm intention of this country to maintain strict neutrality in the event of hostilities, and to carefully prevent any infraction of law on the part of our citizens.

In connection with this subject I call the attention of Congress to a generally conceded fact—that the great proportion of the Chinese immigrants 0012 12 who come to our shores do not come voluntarily to make thei-homes with us and their labor productive of general prosperity, but come under contracts with head-men who own them almost absolutely. In a worse form does this apply to Chinese women. Hardly a perceptible percentage of them perform any honorable labor, but they are brought for shameful purposes, to the disgrace of the communities where settled and to the great demoralization of the youth of those localities. If this evil practice can be legislated against, it will be my pleasure as well as duty to enforce any regulation to secure so desirable an end.

It is hoped that negotiations between the government of Japan and the treaty powers, looking to the further opening of the empire, and to the removal of various restrictions upon trade and travel, may soon produce the results desired, which cannot fail to inure to the benefit of all the parties. Having on previous occasions submitted to the consideration of Congress the propriety of the release of the Japanese government from the further payment of the indemnity under the convention of October 22, 1864, and as no action had been taken thereon, it became my duty to regard the obligations of the convention as in force; and as the other powers interested had received their portion of the indemnity in full, the minister of the United States in Japan has, in behalf of this Government, received the remainder of the amount due to the United States under the convention of Simonoseki. I submit the propriety of applying the income of a part if not of the whole of this fund to the education in the Japanese language of a number of young men to be under obligations to serve the Government for a specified time as interpreters at the legation and the consulates in Japan. A limited number of Japanese youths might at the same time be educated in our own vernacular, and mutual benefits would result to both governments. The importance of having our own citizens, competent and familiar with the language of Japan, to act as interpreters and in other capacities connected with the legation and the consulates in that country, cannot readily be overestimated.

The amount awarded to the government of Great Britain by the mixed commission organized under the provisions of the treaty of Washington in settlement of the claims of British subjects arising from acts committed between April 13, 1861, and April 9, 1865, became payable, under the terms of the treaty, within the past year, and was paid upon the 21st day of September, 1874. In this connection, I renew my recommendation, made at the opening of the last session of Congress, that a special court be created to hear and determine all claims of aliens against the United States arising from acts committed against their persons or property during the insurrection. It appears equitable that opportunity should be offered to citizens of other states to present their claims, as well as to those British subjects whose claims were not admissible under the late commission, to the early decision of some competent tribunal. To this end, I recommend the necessary legislation to organize a court to dispose of all claims of aliens of the nature referred to, in an equitable and satisfactory manner, and to relieve Congress and the Departments from the consideration of these questions.

The legislation necessary to extend to the colony of Newfoundland certain articles of the treaty of Washington of the 8th day of May, 1871, having been had, a protocol to that effect was signed in behalf of the United States and of Great Britain, on the 28th day of May last, and was duly proclaimed on the following day. A copy of the proclamation is submitted herewith.

A copy of the report of the commissioner appointed under the act of 0013 13 March 19, 1872, for surveying and marking the boundary between the United States and the British possessions, from the Lake of the Woods to the summit of the Rocky Mountains, is herewith transmitted. I am happy to announce that the field-work of the commission has been completed, and the entire line, from the northwest corner of the Lake of the Woods to the summit of the Rocky Mountains, has been run and marked upon the surface of the earth. It is believed that the amount remaining unexpended of the appropriation made at the last session of Congress will be sufficient to complete the office-work. I recommend that the authority of Congress be given to the use of the unexpended balance of the appropriation in the completion of the work of the commission in making its report and preparing the necessary maps.

The court known as the Court of Commissioners of Alabama Claims, created by an act of Congress of the last session, has organized and commenced its work, and it is to be hoped that the claims admissible under the provisions of the act may be speedily ascertained and paid.

It has been deemed advisable to exercise the discretion conferred upon the Executive at the last session, by accepting the conditions required by the government of Turkey for the privilege of allowing citizens of the United States to hold real estate in the former country, and by assenting to a certain change in the jurisdiction of courts in the latter. A copy of the proclamation upon these subjects is herewith communicated.

There has been no material change in our relations with the independent states of this hemisphere which were formerly under the dominion of Spain. Marauding on the frontiers, between Mexico and Texas, still frequently takes place despite the vigilance of the civil and military authorities in that quarter. The difficulty of checking such trespasses along the course of a river of such length as the Rio Grande, and so often fordable, is obvious. It is hoped that the efforts of this Government will be seconded by those of Mexico to the effectual suppression of these acts of wrong.

From a report upon the condition of the business before the American and Mexican Joint Claims Commission, made by the agent on the part of the United States, and dated October 28, 1874, it appears that of the 1,017 claims filed on the part of citizens of the United States, 483 had been finally decided, and 75 were in the hands of the umpire, leaving 462 to be disposed of; and of the 998 claims filed against the United States, 726 had been finally decided; one was before the umpire, and 271 remained to be disposed of. Since the date of such report other claims have been disposed of, reducing somewhat the number still pending; and others have been passed upon by the arbitrators. It has become apparent, in view of these figures, and of the fact that the work devolving on the umpire is particularly laborious, that the commission will be unable to dispose of the entire number of claims pending prior to the 1st day of February, 1875—the date fixed for its expiration. Negotiations are pending looking to the securing of the results of the decisions which have been reached, and to a further extension of the commission for a limited time, which it is confidently hoped will suffice to bring all the business now before it to a final close.

The strife in the Argentine Republic is to be deplored, both on account of the parties thereto and from the probable effects on the interests of those engaged in the trade to that quarter, of whom the United States are among the principal. As yet, so far as I am aware, there has been no violation of our neutrality rights, which, as well as our duties in that respect, it shall be my endeavor to maintain and observe.

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It is with regret I announce that no further payment has been received from the government of Venezuela on account of awards in favor of citizens of the United States. Hopes have been entertained that if that republic could escape both foreign and civil war for a few years its great natural resources would enable it to honor its obligations. Though it is now understood to be at peace with other countries, a serious insurrection is reported to be in progress in an important region of that republic. This may be taken advantage of as another reason to delay the payment of the dues of our citizens.

The deplorable strife in Cuba continues without any marked change in the relative advantages of the contending forces. The insurrection continues, but Spain has gained no superiority. Six years of strife give to the insurrection a significance which cannot be denied. Its duration and the tenacity of its adherence, together with the absence of manifested power of suppression on the part of Spain, cannot be controverted, and may make some positive steps on the part of other powers a matter of self-necessity. I had confidently hoped, at this time, to be able to announce the arrangement of some of the important questions between this Government and that of Spain, but the negotiations have been protracted. The unhappy intestine dissensions of Spain command our profound sympathy, and must be accepted as perhaps a cause of some delay. An early settlement, in part at least, of the questions between the governments is hoped. In the mean time, awaiting the results of immediately pending negotiations, I defer a further and fuller communication on the subject of the relations of this country and Spain.

I have again to call the attention of Congress to the unsatisfactory condition of the existing laws with reference to expatriation and the election of nationality. Formerly, amid conflicting opinions and decisions it was difficult to exactly determine how far the doctrine of perpetual allegiance was applicable to citizens of the United States. Congress by the act of the 27th of July, 1868, asserted the abstract right of expatriation as a fundamental principle of this Government. Notwithstanding such assertion, and the necessity of frequent application of the principle, no legislation has been had defining what acts or formalities shall work expatriation, or when a citizen shall be deemed to have renounced or to have lost his citizenship. The importance of such definition is obvious. The representatives of the United States in foreign countries are continually called upon to lend their aid and the protection of the United States to persons concerning the good faith or the reality of whose citizenship there is at least great question. In some cases the provisions of the treaties furnish some guide; in others, it seems left to the person claiming the benefits of citizenship, while living in a foreign country, contributing in no manner to the performance of the duties of a citizen of the United States, and without intention at any time to return and undertake those duties, to use the claims to citizenship of the United States simply as a shield from the performance of the obligations of a citizen elsewhere.

The status of children born of American parents residing in a foreign country, of American women who have married aliens, of American citizens residing abroad where such question is not regulated by treaty, are all sources of frequent difficulty and discussion. Legislation on these and similar questions, and particularly defining when and under what circumstances expatriation can be accomplished or is to be presumed, is especially needed. In this connection I earnestly call the attention of Congress to the difficulties arising from fraudulent naturalization. The United States wisely, freely, and liberally 0015 15 offers its citizenship to all who may come in good faith to reside within its limits on their complying with certain prescribed reasonable and simple formalities and conditions. Among the highest duties of the Government is that to afford firm, sufficient, and equal protection to all its citizens, whether native-born or naturalized. Care should be taken that a right, carrying with it such support from the Government, should not be fraudulently obtained, and should be bestowed only upon full proof of a compliance with the law; and yet frequent instances are brought to the attention of the Government of illegal and fraudulent naturalization, and of the unauthorized use of certificates thus improperly obtained. In some cases the fraudulent character of the naturalization has appeared upon the face of the certificate itself; in others examination discloses that the holder had not complied with the law; and in others certificates have been obtained where the persons holding them not only were not entitled to be naturalized, but had not even been within the United States at the time of the pretended naturalization. Instances of each of these classes of fraud are discovered at our legations, where the certificates of naturalization are presented, either for the purpose of obtaining passports, or in demanding the protection of the legation. When the fraud is apparent on the face of such certificates, they are taken up by the representatives of the Government and forwarded to the Department of State. But even then the record of the court in which the fraudulent naturalization occurred remains, and duplicate certificates are readily obtainable. Upon the presentation of these for the issue of passports, or in demanding protection of the Government, the fraud sometimes escapes notice, and such certificates are not infrequently used in transactions of business to the deception and injury of innocent parties. Without placing any additional obstacles in the way of the obtainment of citizenship by the worthy and well-intentioned foreigner who comes in good faith to cast his lot with ours, I earnestly recommend further legislation to punish fraudulent naturalization and to secure the ready cancellation of the record of every naturalization made in fraud.

Since my last annual message the exchange has been made of the ratification of treaties of extradition with Belgium, Ecuador, Peru, and Salvador; also of a treaty of commerce and navigation with Peru, and one of commerce and consular privileges with Salvador; all of which have been duly proclaimed, as has also a declaration with Russia with reference to trade-marks.

The report of the Secretary of the Treasury, which, by law, is made directly to Congress, and forms no part of this message, will show the receipts and expenditures of the Government for the last fiscal year; the amount received from each source of revenue, and the amount paid out for each of the departments of Government. It will be observed from this report that the amount of receipts over expenditures has been but $2,344,882.30 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874, and that for the current fiscal year the estimated receipts over expenditures will not much exceed nine millions of dollars. In view of the large national debt existing, and the obligation to add one per cent. per annum to the sinking-fund, a sum amounting now to over $34,000,000 per annum, I submit whether revenues should not be increased or expenditures diminished to reach this amount of surplus. Not to provide for the sinking-fund is a partial failure to comply with the contracts and obligations of the Government. At the last session of Congress a very considerable reduction was made in rates of taxation, and in the number of articles submitted to taxation; the question may well be asked whether 0016 16 or not, in some instances, unwisely. In connection with this subject, too, I venture the opinion that the means of collecting the revenue, especially from imports, have been so embarrassed by legislation as to make it questionable whether or not large amounts are not lost by failure to collect, to the direct loss of the Treasury and to the prejudice of the interests of honest importers and tax-payers.

The Secretary of the Treasury in his report favors legislation looking to an early return to specie payments, thus supporting views previously expressed in this message. He also recommends economy in appropriations; calls attention to the loss of revenue from repealing the tax on tea and coffee, without benefit to the consumer; recommends an increase of ten cents a gallon on whisky, and, further, that no modification be made in the banking and currency bill passed at the last session of Congress, unless modification should become necessary by reason of the adoption of measures for returning to specie payments. In these recommendations I cordially join.

I would suggest to Congress the propriety of re-adjusting the tariff so as to increase the revenue, and, at the same time, decrease the number of articles upon which duties are levied. Those articles which enter into our manufactures, and are not produced at home, it seems to me should be entered free. Those articles of manufacture which we produce a constituent part of, but do not produce the whole, that part which we do not produce should enter free also. I will instance fine wool, dyes, &c. These articles must be imported to form a part of the manufacture of the higher grades of woolen goods. Chemicals used as dyes, compounded in medicines, and used in various ways in manufactures, come under this class. The introduction, free of duty, of such wools as we do not produce would stimulate the manufacture of goods requiring the use of those we do produce, and, therefore, would be a benefit to home production. There are many articles entering into “home manufactures” which we do not produce ourselves, the tariff upon which increases the cost of producing the manufactured article. All corrections in this regard are in the direction of bringing labor and capital in harmony with each other, and of supplying one of the elements of prosperity so much needed.

The report of the Secretary of War, herewith attached, and forming a part of this message, gives all the information concerning the operations, wants, and necessities of the Army, and contains many suggestions and recommendations which I commend to your special attention.

There is no class of Government employés who are harder worked than the Army—officers and men; none who perform their tasks more cheerfully and efficiently, and under circumstances of greater privations and hardships.

Legislation is desirable to render more efficient this branch of the public service. All the recommendations of the Secretary of War I regard as judicious, and I especially commend to your attention the following: The consolidation of Government arsenals; the restoration of mileage to officers traveling under orders; the exemption of money received from the sale of subsistence stores from being covered into the Treasury; the use of appropriations for the purchase of subsistence stores without waiting for the beginning of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is made; for additional appropriations for the collection of torpedo material; for increased appropriations for the manufacture of arms; for relieving the various States from indebtedness for arms charged to them during the rebellion; for dropping officers from the rolls of the Army without trial for the offense of drawing pay more than once for the same period; for the discouragement of the plan to pay 0017 17 soldiers by checks; and for the establishment of a professorship of rhetoric and English literature at West Point. The reasons for these recommendatious are obvious, and are set forth sufficiently in the reports attached. I also recommend that the status of the staff corps of the Army be fixed—where this has not already been done—so that promotions may be made and vacancies filled as they occur in each grade when reduced below the number to be fixed by law. The necessity for such legislation is specially felt now in the Pay Department. The number of officers in that department is below the number adequate to the performance of the duties required of them by law.

The efficiency of the Navy has been largely increased during the last year. Under the impulse of the foreign complications which threatened us at the commencement of the last session of Congress, most of our efficient wooden ships were put in condition for immediate service, and the repairs of our iron-clad fleet were pushed with the utmost vigor. The result is that most of these are now in an effective state, and need only to be manned and put in commission to go at once into service.

Some of the new sloops authorized by Congress are already in commission, and most of the remainder are launched and wait only the completion of their machinery to enable them to take their places as part of our effective force.

Two iron torpedo-ships have been completed during the last year, and four of our large double-turreted iron-clads are now undergoing repairs. When these are finished, everything that is useful of our Navy, as now authorized, will be in condition for service, and with the advance in the science of torpedo warfare, the American Navy, comparatively small as it is, will be found at any time powerful for the purposes of a peaceful nation.

Much has been accomplished during the year in aid of science and to increase the sum of general knowledge and further the interests of commerce and civilization. Extensive and much-needed soundings have been made for hydrographic purposes and to fix the proper routes of ocean telegraphs. Further surveys of the great Isthmus have been undertaken and completed, and two vessels of the Navy are now employed, in conjunction with those of England, France, Germany, and Russia, in observations connected with the transit of Venus, so useful and interesting to the scientific world.

The estimates for this branch of the public service do not differ materially from those of last year, those for the general support of the service being somewhat less, and those for permanent improvements at the various stations rather larger than the corresponding estimate made a year ago. The regular maintenance and a steady increase in the efficiency of this most important arm in proportion to the growth of our maritime intercourse and interests, is recommended to the attention of Congress.

The use of the Navy in time of peace might be further utilized by a direct authorization of the employment of naval vessels in explorations and surveys of the supposed navigable waters of other nationalities on this continent; specially the tributaries of the two great rivers of South America, the Oronoco and the Amazon. Nothing prevents, under existing laws, such exploration, except that expenditures must be made in such expeditions beyond those usually provided for in the appropriations. The field designated is unquestionably one of interest and one capable of large development of commercial interests advantageous to the peoples reached, and to those who may establish relations with them.

Education of the people entitled to exercise the right of franchise I 2 s 0018 18 regard essential to general prosperity everywhere, and especially so in republics, where birth, education, or previous condition does not enter into account in giving suffrage. Next to the public school, the post-office is the great agent of education over our vast territory; the rapidity with which new sections are being settled, thus increasing the carrying of mails in a more rapid ratio than the increase of receipts, is not alarming. The report of the Postmaster-General, herewith attached, shows that there was an increase of revenue in his Department in 1873 over the previous year of $1,674,411, and an increase of cost of carrying the mails and pa ing employés of $3,041,468.91. The report of the Postmaster-General gives interesting statistics of his Department, and compares them with the corresponding statistics of a year ago, showing a growth in every branch of the Department.

A postal convention has been concluded with New South Wales, an exchange of postal cards established with Switzerland, and the negotiations pending for several years past with France have been terminated in a convention with that country, which went into effect last August.

An international postal congress was convened in Berne, Switzerland, in September last, at which the United States was represented by an officer of the Post-Office Department of much experience and of qualification for the position. A convention for the establishment of an international postal union was agreed upon and signed by the delegates of the countries represented, subject to the approval of the proper authorities of those countries.

I respectfully direct your attention to the report of the Postmaster-General, and to his suggestions in regard to an equitable, adjustment of the question of compensation to railroads for carrying the mails.

Your attention will be drawn to the unsettled condition of affairs in some of the Southern States.

On the 14th of September last, the governor of Louisiana called upon me, as provided by the Constitution and laws of the United States, to aid in suppressing domestic violence in that State. This call was made in view of a proclamation issued on that day by D. B. Penn, claiming that he was elected lieutenant-governor in 1872, and calling upon the militia of the State to arm, assemble, and drive from power the usurpers, as he designated the officers of the State government. On the next day I issued my proclamation commanding the insurgents to disperse within five days from the date thereof, and subsequently learned that on that day they had taken forcible possession of the State-house. Steps were taken by me to support the existing and recognized State government; but before the expiration of the five days the insurrectionary movement was practically abandoned, and the officers of the State government, with some minor exceptions, resumed their powers and duties. Considering that the present State administration of Louisiana has been the only government in that State for nearly two years; that it has been tacitly acknowledged and acquiesced in as such by Congress, and more than once expressly recognized by me, I regarded it as my clear duty, when legally called upon for that purpose, to prevent its overthrow by an armed mob under pretense of fraud and irregularity in the election of 1872. I have heretofore called the attention of Congress to this subject, stating that, on account of the frauds and forgeries committed at said election, and because it appears that the returns thereof were never legally canvassed, it was impossible to tell thereby who were chosen; but, from the best sources of information at my command, I have always believed that the present State officers received a majority of the legal votes actually cast at that election. I 0019 19 repeat what I said in my special message of February 23, 1873, that in the event of no action by Congress I must continue to recognize the government heretofore recognized by me.

I regret to say that, with preparations for the late election, decided indications appeared in some localities in the Southern States of a determination, by acts of violence and intimidation, to deprive citizens of the freedom of the ballot, because of their political opinions. Bands of men, masked and armed, made their appearance; White Leagues and other societies were formed; large quantities of arms and ammunition were imported and distributed to these organizations; military drills, with menacing demonstrations, were held; and, with all these, murders enough were committed to spread terror among those whose political action was to be suppressed, if possible, by these intolerant and criminal proceedings. In some places colored laborers were compelled to vote according to the wishes of their employers, under threats of discharge if they acted otherwise; and there are too many instances in which, when these threats were disregarded, they were remorselessly executed by those who made them. I understand that the fifteenth amendment to the Constitution was made to prevent this and a like state of things, and the act of May 31, 1870, with amendments, was passed to enforce its provisions, the object of both being to guarantee to all citizens the right to vote and to protect them in the free enjoyment of that right. Enjoined by the Constitution “to take care that the laws be faithfully executed,” and convinced by undoubted evidence that and lations of said act had been committed, and that a wide-spread vioflagrant disregard of it was contemplated, the proper officers were instructed to prosecute the offenders, and troops were stationed at convenient points to aid these officers, if necessary, in the performance of their official duties. Complaints are made of this interference by Federal authority; but if said amendment and act do not provide for such interference under the circumstances as above stated, then they are without meaning, force, or effect, and the whole scheme of colored enfranchisement is worse than mockery, and little better than a crime. Possibly Congress may find it due to truth and justice to ascertain, by means of a committee, whether the alleged wrongs to colored citizens for political purposes are real, or the reports thereof were manufactured for the occasion.

The whole number of troops in the States of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Maryland, and Virginia, at the time of the election, was four thousand and eighty-two. This embraces the garrisons of all the forts from the Delaware to the Gulf of Mexico.

Another trouble has arisen in Arkansas. Article 13th of the constitution of that State (which was adopted in 1868, and upon the approval of which by Congress the State was restored to representation as one of the States of the Union) provides in effect that, before any amendments proposed to this constitution shall become a part thereof, they shall be passed by two successive assemblies, and then submitted to and ratified by a majority of the electors of the State voting thereon. On the 11th of May, 1874, the governor convened an extra session of the general assembly of the State, which, on the 18th of the same month, passed an act providing for a convention to frame a new constitution. Pursuant to this act, and at an election held on the 30th of June, 1874, the convention was approved, and delegates were chosen thereto, who assembled on the 14th of last July and framed a new constitution, the schedule of which provided for the election of an entire new set of State officers in a manner 0020 20 contrary to the then existing election laws of the State. On the 13th of October, 1874, this constitution, as therein provided, was submitted to the people for their approval or rejection, and according to the election-returns was approved by a large majority of those qualified to vote thereon, and at the same election persons were chosen to fill all the State, county, and township offices. The governor elected in 1872 for the term of four years turned over his office to the governor chosen under the new constitution; whereupon the lieutenant-governor, also elected in 1872 for a term of four years, claiming to act as governor, and alleging that said proceedings by which the new constitution was made and a new set of officers elected were unconstitutional, illegal, and void, called upon me, as provided in section 4, article 4, of the Constitution, to protect the State against domestic violence. As Congress is now investigating the political affairs of Arkansas, I have declined to interfere.

The whole subject of Executive interference with the affairs of a State is repugnant to public opinion, to the feeling of those who, from their official capacity, must be used in such interposition, and to him or those who must direct. Unless most clearly on the side of law, such interference becomes a crime; with the law to support it, it is condemned without a hearing. I desire, therefore, that all necessity for Executive direction in local affairs may become unnecessary and obsolete. I invite the attention, not of Congress, but of the people of the United States, to the causes and effects of these unhappy questions. Is there not a disposition on one side to magnify wrongs and outrages, and on the other side to belittle them or justify them? If public opinion could be directed to a correct survey of what is, and to rebuking wrong, and aiding the proper authorities in punishing it, a better state of feeling would be inculcated, and the sooner we would have that peace which would leave the States free indeed to regulate their own domestic affairs. I believe on the part of our citizens of the Southern States—the better part of them—there is a disposition to be law-abiding, and to do no violence either to individuals or to the laws existing. But do they do right in ignoring the existence of violence and bloodshed in resistance to constituted authority? I sympathize with their prostrate condition, and would do all in my power to relieve them; acknowledging that in some instances they have had most trying governments to live under, and very oppressive ones in the way of taxation for nominal improvements, not giving benefits equal to the hardships imposed; but, can they proclaim themselves entirely irresponsible for this condition? They cannot. Violence has been rampant in some localities, and has either been justified or denied by those who could have prevented it. The theory is even raised that there is to be no further interference on the part of the General Government to protect citizens within a State where the State authorites fail to give protection. This is a great mistake. While I remain Executive all the laws of Congress, and the provisions of the Constitution, including the recent amendments added thereto, will be enforced with rigor, but with regret that they should have added one jot or tittle to Executive duties or powers. Let there be fairness in the discussion of Southern questions, the advocates of both, or all political parties, giving honest, truthful reports of occurrences, condemning the wrong and upholdng the right, and soon all will be well. Under existing conditions the negro votes the republican ticket because he knows his friends are of that party. Many a good citizen votes the opposite, not because he agrees with the great principles of state which separate parties, but because, generally, he is opposed to negro rule. This is a 0021 21 most delusive cry. Treat the negro as a citizen and a voter—as he is and must remain—and soon parties will be divided, not on the color line, but on principle. Then we shall have no complaint of sectional interference.

The report or the Attorney General contains valuable recommendations relating to the administration of justice in the courts of the United States, to which I invite your attention.

I respectfully suggest to Congress the propriety of increasing the number of judicial districts in the United States to eleven, the present number being nine, and the creation of two additional judgeships. The territory to be traversed by the circuit judges is so great, and the business of the courts so steadily increasing, that it is growing more and more impossible for them to keep up with the business requiring their attention. Whether this would involve the necessity of adding two more Justices of the Supreme Court to the present number I submit to the judgment of Congress.

The attention of Congress is invited to the report of the Secretary of the Interior, and to the legislation asked for by him. The domestic interests of the people are more intimately connected with this Department than with either of the other Departments of Government. Its duties have been added to from time to time until they have become so onerous that without the most perfect system and order it will be impossible for any Secretary of the Interior to keep trace of all official transactions having his sanction and done in his name, and for which he is held personally responsible.

The policy adopted for the management of Indian affairs, known as the peace policy, has been adhered to with most beneficial results. It is confidently hoped that a few years more will relieve our frontiers from danger of Indian depredations.

I commend the recommendation of the Secretary for the extension of the homestead laws to the Indians, and for some sort of territorial government for the Indian Territory. A great majority of the Indians occupying this Territory are believed yet to be incapable of maintaining their rights against the more civilized and enlightened white man. Any territorial form of government given them, therefore, should protect them in their homes and property for a period of at least twenty years. and before its final adoption should be ratified by a majority of those affected.

The report of the Secretary of the Interior, herewith attached, gives much interesting statistical information, which I abstain from giving an abstract of, but refer you to the report itself.

The act of Congress providing the oath which pensioners must subscribe to before drawing their pensions cuts off from this bounty a few survivors of the war of 1812 residing in the Southern States. I recommend the restoration of this bounty to all such. The number of persons whose names would thus be restored to the list of pensioners is not large. They are all old persons who could have taken no part in the rebellion, and the services for which they were awarded pensions were in defense of the whole country.

The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture, herewith, contains suggestions of much interest to the general public, and refers to the approaching Centennial and the part his Department is ready to take in it. I feel that the nation at large is interested in having this Exposition a success, and commend to Congress such action as will secure a greater general interest in it. Already many foreign nations have signified their intention to be represented at it, and it may be expected that every civilized nation will be represented.

0022 22

The rules adopted to improve the civil service of the Government have been adhered to as closely as has been practicable with the opposition with which they meet. The effect, I believe, has been beneficial on the whole, and has tended to the elevation of the service. But it is impracticable to maintain them without direct and positive support of Congress. Generally the support which this reform receives is from those who give it their support only to find fault when the rules are apparently departed from. Removals from office without preferring charges against parties removed are frequently cited as departures from the rules adopted, and the retention of those against whom charges are made by irresponsible persons and without good grounds, is also often condemned as a violation of them. Under these circumstances, therefore, I announce that if Congress adjourns without positive legislation on the subject of “civil-service reform,” I will regard such action as a disapproval of the system, and will abandon it, except so far as to require examinations for certain appointees, to determine their fitness. Competitive examinations will be abandoned.

The gentlemen who have given their services without compensation, as members of the board to devise rules and regulations for the government of the civil service of the country, have shown much zeal and earnestness in their work, and to them, as well as to myself, it will be a source of mortification if it is to be thrown away. But I repeat that it is impossible to carry this system to a successful issue without general approval and assistance, and positive law to support it.

I have stated that three elements of prosperity to the nation, capital, labor, skilled and unskilled, and products of the soil, still remain with us. To direct the employment of these is a problem deserving the most serious attention of Congress. If employment can be given to all the labor offering itself, prosperity necessarily follows. I have expressed the opinion, and repeat it. that the first requisite to the accomplishment of this end is the substitution of a sound currency in place of one of a fluctuating value. This secured, there are many interests that might be fostered, to the great profit of both labor and capital. How to induce capital to employ labor is the question. The subject of cheap transportation has occupied the attention of Congress. Much new light on this question will without doubt be given by the committee appointed by the last Congress to investigate and report upon this subject.

A revival of ship-buiding, and particularly of iron-steamship-building, is of vast importance to our national prosperity. The United States is now paying over $ 100,000,000 per annum for freights and passage on foreign ships—to be carried abroad and expended in the employment and support of other peoples—beyond a fair percentage of what should go to foreign vessels, estimating on the tonnage and travel of each respectively. It is to be regretted that this disparity in the carrying-trade exists, and to correct it I would be willing to see a great departure from the usual course of Government in supporting what might usually be termed private enterprise. I would not suggest as a remedy direct subsidy to American steamship-lines, but I would suggest the direct offer of ample compensation for carrying the mails between Atlantic seaboard cities and the Continent on American-owned and American-built steamers and would extend this liberality to vessels carrying the mails to South American states and to Central America and Mexico, and would pursue the same policy from our Pacific sea-ports to foreign sea-ports on the Pacific. It might be demanded that vessels built for this service should come up to a standard fixed by legislation, in tonnage, speed, and all other qualities, looking to the possibility of Government requiring them at some time for war purposes. The right also of taking possession of them in such emergency should be guarded.

0023 23

I offer these suggestions, believing them worthy of consideration, in all seriousness, affecting all sections and all interests alike. If anything better can be done to direct the country into a course of general prosperity, no one will be more ready than I to second the plan.

Fowarded herewith will be found the report of the commissioners appointed under an act of Congress approved June 20, 1874, to wind up the affairs of the District government. It will be seen from the report that the net debt of the District of Columbia, less securities on hand and available, is:

Bonded debt issued prior to July 1, 1874 $8,883,940 43

3.65 bonds, act of Congress June 20, 1874 2,088,168 73

Certificates of the board of audit 4,770,558 45

15, 742, 667 61

Less special-improvement assessments (chargeable to private property) in excess of any demand against such assessments $1,614,054 37

Less Chesapeake and Ohio Canal bonds 75,000 00

And Washington and Alexandria Railroad bonds 59,000 00

In the hands of the commissioners of the sinking-fund 1,748,054 37

Leaving actual debt less said assets 13,994,613 24

In addition to this there are claims preferred against the government of the District, amounting, in the estimated aggregate reported by the board of audit, to $ 3,147,787.48, of which the greater part will probably be rejected. This sum can with no more propriety be included in the debt account of the District government than can the thousands of claims against the General Government be included as a portion of the national debt. But the aggregate sum thus stated includes something more than the funded debt chargeable exclusively to the District of Columbia. The act of Congress of June 20, 1874, contemplates an apportionment between the United States Government and the District of Columbia, in respect of the payment of the principal and interest of the 3.65 bonds. Therefore, in computing with precision the bonded debt of the District, the aggregate sums above stated as respects 3.65 bonds now issued, the outstanding certificates of the board of audit, and the unadjusted claims pending before that board should be reduced to the extent of the amount to be apportioned to the United States Government in the manner indicated in the act of Congress of June 20, 1874.

I especially invite your attention to the recommendations of the commissioners of the sinking fund relative to the ambiguity of the act of June 20, 1874; the interest on the District bonds, and the consolidation of the indebtedness of the District.

I feel much indebted to the gentlemen who consented to leave their private affairs and come from a distance to attend to the business of this District, and for the able and satisfactory manner in which it has been conducted. I am sure their services will be equally appreciated by the entire country.

It will be seen from the accompanying full report of the Board of Health that the sanitary condition of the District is very satisfactory.

In my opinion the District of Columbia should be regarded as the grounds of the National Capital, in which the entire people are interested. I do not allude to this to urge generous appropriations to the District, but to draw the attention of Congress, in framing a law for the government of the District, to the magnificent scale on which the city was planned by the founders of the Government; the manner in which, for ornamental purposes, the reservations, streets, and avenues, were laid out; and the proportion of the property actually possessed by the General Government. I think the proportion of the expenses of the government and improvements to be borne by the General Government, the cities of Washington and Georgetown and tine county, should be carefully and equitably defined.

0024 24

In accordance with section 3, act approved June 23, 1874, I appointed a board to make a survey of the mouth of the Mississippi River with a view to determine the best method of obtaining and maintaining a depth of water sufficient for the purposes of commerce, &c.; and in accordance with all act entitled "An act to provide for the appointment of a commission of engineers to investigate and report a permanent plan for the reclamation of the alluvial basin of the Mississippi River subject to inundation," I appointed a commission of engineers. Neither board has yet completed its labors. When their reports are received they will be forwarded to Congress without delay.

U. S. GRANT.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 7, 1874.

The message was read.

On motion by Mr. Carpenter, Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed. On motion by Mr. Edmunds, at 2 o'clock and 45 minutes p. m. The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, December 8, 1874 Link to Annals.

Mr. William Sprague, from the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations; Mr. John P. Stockton, from the Senate of New Jersey ; Mr. John W. Johnston, from the State of Virginia; and Mr. Augustus S. Merrimon and Mr. Matthew W. Ransom from the State of Carolina, attended.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a report of the, Secretary of the Interior, communicating, in obedience to law, an inventory of the property belonging to the United States in the Department of the Interior November 30, 1874.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of the Interior, commmunicating a report of the surveyor-general of New Mexico upon tine private land-claim of Ignacio de Roival and Jacinto Pelaez, and the claim of Antonio Elias Armenta and others, and the land-grant to Salvador Vernal and Thomas Lopez.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and he printed.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of Wm. G. Ford, praying compensation for use and occupancy by thc Government of a certain building owned by him in Memphis, Tenessee, from 1862 to 1865.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Nathan Uphan late of Company G, Eighty-fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, praying to be allowed a pension.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Stevenson presented the petition of Elizabeth Caison, of Bourbon County, Kentucky, praying compensation for commissary and quartermaster's stores taken for the use of the Government.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

0025 25

Mr. Logan presented the petition of F. M. Blount, praying to be relieved from loss sustained in consequence of receiving a counterfeit United States note while a clerk in the office of the assistant treasurer at Chicago, Illinois.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of publishers of Philadelphia, praying certain amendments to the postal laws relative to the transmission of periodicals.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Scott presented additional papers in relation to the petition of William Williams, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, praying to be allowed a pension.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of Jonathan G. Lang, late of Company B, First Regiment of United States dragoons, praying to be allowed a pension.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Stevenson presented the petition of Mrs. Annie Horine, of Jessamine County, Kentucky, praying for compensation for whisky and wines taken and used by the commissary department of the Government.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Conover presented the petition of Salvador Costa, praying compensation for the use and destruction of the sloop Mary Lawrence by the United States forces at Apalachicola, Florida, in 1864.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Logan presented the petition of publishers of the Little Corporal and other periodicals, praying an amendment to the, postal laws fixing the rate of postage on periodicals at two cents per pound and authorizing prepayment of postage by stamps or stamped wrappers.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Harvey presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying the passage of House bill No. 3281, to amend an act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Edmunds presented the petition of Mary E. Cane, the petition of Rosa Ward, praying to be allowed pensions.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Edmunds asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 974) to enable the supreme court of the District of Columbia to proceed with its jury business; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Chandler asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 975) to amend section 110 of the act of June 30, 1864, and section 9 of the act of July 13, 1866, imposing taxes upon the circulation of other than national banks; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cameron asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 976) to promote economy in the marine-hospital service; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obained leave to bring in a bill (S. 977) fixing the times for holding the circuit court of the United States in the districts of California, Oregon, and Nevada ; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

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Mr. Harvey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 978) for the relief of homestead and pre-emption settlers on the public lands; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Harvey asked and by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 979) for the relief of First Lieutenant Henry Jackson, Seventh Cavalry, United States Army; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous, consent, ordered leave to bring in a bill (S. 980) fixing the salary of the President of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be, printed.

Mr. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 981) providing for the construction of a United States Government telegraph-line between the cities of Washington, District of Columbia, and Boston, Massachusetts; which was the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 982) for the relief of William G. Ford; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 983) to provide for the transfer of certain causes from the district to the circuit courts of Alabama; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 984) to regulate the lien of judgments in the courts of the United States on real estate; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Davis submitted the following resolution for consideration ; which was ordered to be printed: Resolved , That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, requested to furnish the Senate with a detailed statement, commencing with the 30th of June, 1865, and closing with the last fiscal year, showing therein the names of all postmasters, paymasters, quartermasters, commissaries, collectors of internal revenue, collectors of customs, officers of the Freedmen's Bureau, and any other officer or set of officers, from whom any sums of money were due at the close of the last fiscal year, and which now remain unpaid ; also, the names of the sureties of such officers, the penalty of their official bond, the amount due, and when due, in each case ; the total of such sums so due ; by whom and from what State such officers were appointed ; and whether there are any suits now pending to recover said sums of money, and, if so, against whom, in what courts, and for what amount.

The President is also requested to report the number of acres of the pnblic lands and the amount of bonds and money granted to railroads, canals, or other works of internal improvement, giving therewith the names, dates, and amounts in each case, and also the grand totals ; also, the number of acres of the public lands and the amount of bonds heretofore granted or voted by Congress to railroads, or contemplated railroads, for which no certificates or evidences of ownership have been issued, stating in detail the name of the railroad and the amount granted or voted to the same, and the grand totals of such grants.

On motion by Mr. Sherman, at 12 o'clock and 28 minutes p. m. The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, December 9, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. John B. Gordon, from the State of Georgia, and Mr. Morgan C. Hamilton, from the State of Texas, attended.

On motion by Mr. Anthony, and by unanimous consent, Ordered , That so much of the thirty-fifth rule of the Senate as requires the appointment of the standing and other committees to be made by ballot be suspended.

Mr. Anthony then submitted the following resolution ; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to : Resolved , That the following be the standing committees of the Senate during the present session:

On Privileges and Elections —Mr. Morton, chairman ; Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Logan, Mr. Alcorn, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Wadleigh, Mr. Hamilton of Maryland, and Mr. Saulsbury.

On Foreign Relations —Mr. Cameron, chairman ; Mr. Morton, Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Howe, Mr. Frelinghuysen, Mr. Conkling, Mr. Schurz, Mr. Stockton, and Mr. McCreery.

On Finance —Mr. Sherman, chairman ; Mr. Morrill of Vermont, Mr. Scott, Mr. Wright, Mr. Ferry of Michigan, Mr. Fenton, and Mr. Bayard.

On Appropriations —Mr. Morrill of Maine, chairman ; Mr. Sprague, Mr. Windom, Mr. West, Mr. Sargent, Mr. Allison, Mr. Dorsey, Mr. Stevenson, and Mr. Davis.

On Commerce —Mr. Chandler, chairman ; Mr. Spencer, Mr. Conkling, Mr. Buckingham, Mr. Boutwell, Mr. Gordon, and Mr. Dennis.

On Manufactures —Mr. Robertson, chairman; Mr. Sprague, Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Fenton, and Mr. Hager.

On Agriculture —Mr. Frelinghuysen, chairman ; Mr. Robertson, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Davis, and Mr. Gordon.

On Military Affairs —Mr. Logan, chairman; Mr. Cameron, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Wadleigh, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Ransom.

On Naval Affairs —Mr. Cragin, chairman ; Mr. Anthony, Mr. Morrill of Maine, Mr. Sargent, Mr. Conover, Mr. Stockton, and Mr. Norwood.

On the Judiciary —Mr. Edmunds, chairman ; Mr. Conkling, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Frelinghuysen, Mr. Wright, Mr. Thurman, and Mr. Stevenson.

On Post Offices and Post-Roads —Mr. Ramsey, chairman ; Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Ferry of Michigan, Mr. Flanagan, Mr. Dorsey, Mr. Jones, Mr. Saulsbury, Mr. Merrimon, and Mr. Johnston.

On Public Lands —Mr. Sprague, chairman ; Mr. Windom, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Oglesby, Mr. Harvey, Mr. Boutwell, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Tipton.

On Private Land-Claims —Mr Thurman, chairman ; Mr. Ferry of Connecticut, Mr. Fenton, Mr. Bayard, and Mr. Bogy.

On Indian Affairs —Mr. Buckingham, chairman ; Mr. Allison, Mr. Oglesby, Mr. Morrill of Maine, Mr. Ingalls, Mr. Bogy, and Mr. McCreery.

On Pensions —Mr. Pratt, chairman; Mr. Oglesby, Mr. Ingalls, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Allison, Mr. Hamilton of Texas, and Mr. Norwood.

On Revolutionary Claims —Mr. Brownlow, chairman ; Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Conover, Mr. Johnston, and Mr. Goldthwaite.

On Claims —Mr. Scott, chairman ; Mr. Pratt, Mr. Boreman, Mr. Wright, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Washburn, Mr. Dennis, Mr. Merrimon, and Mr. Goldthwaite.

On the District of Columbia —Mr. Lewis, chairman ; Mr. Spencer, Mr. Hitchcock, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Jones, Mr. Dorsey, and Mr. Hamilton of Maryland.

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On Pattents —Mr. Ferry of Connecticut, chairman ; Mr. Windom, Mr. Wadleigh, Mr. Hamilton of Maryland, and Mr. Johnston.

On Public Buildings and Grounds —Mr. Morrill of Vermont, chairman ; Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Cameron, Mr. Stockton, and Mr. Cooper.

On Territories —Mr. Boreman, chairman ; Mr. Hitchcock, Mr. Cragin, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Cooper, and Mr. Hager.

On Railroads —Mr. Stewart, chairman ; Mr. Scott, Mr. West, Mr. Ramsey, Mr. Hitchcock, Mr. Cragin, Mr. Howe, Mr. Frelinghuysen, Mr. Hamilton of Texas, Mr. Ransom, and Mr. Hager.

On Mines and Mining —Mr. Hamlin, chairman ; Mr. Sargent, Mr. Tipton, Mr. Goldthwaite, Mr. Alcorn, Mr. Harvey, and Mr. Jones.

On the Revision of the Laws of the United States —Mr. Conkling, chairman ; Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Alarcon and Mr. Ransom.

On Education and Labor —Mr. Flanagan, chairman ; Mr. Patterson, Mr. Ingalls, Mr. Morton, Mr. Frelinghuysen, Mr. Pease, Mr. Bogy, and Mr. Gordon.

On Civil Service and Retrenchment —Mr. Wright, chairman ; Mr. Boutwell, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Howe, Mr. Hamilton of Maryland, and Mr. McCreery.

To Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses of the Senate —Mr. Carpenter, chairman ; Mr. Jones, and Mr. Dennis.

On Printing —Mr. Anthony, chairman ; Mr. Howe, and Mr. Saulsbury.

On the Library —Mr. Howe, chairman ; Mr. Allison, and Mr. Edmunds.

On Engrossed Bills —Mr. Bayard, chairman ; Mr. Lewis, and Mr. Cooper.

On Enrolled Bills —Mr. Clayton, chairman ; Mr. Please, and Mr. Kelly.

Mr. Anthony submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, anti agreed to:

Resolved , That there be added to the standing committees of the Senate a committee to be known as the Committee on Rules, to consists of three members.

Mr. Anthony submitted the following resolution ; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to : Resolved , That the Committee on Rules consist of thc following members: Mr. Ferry of Michigan, chairman ; Mr. Hamlin, and Mr. Merrimon.

On motion by Mr. Anthony, and by unanimous consent, Ordered , That the Select Committee on the Levees of the Mississippi River and the Select Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard be continued during the present session ; and, On motion by Mr. Anthony,

Ordered , That the foregoing select committees be constituted as follows:

On the Levees of the Mississippi River —Mr. Alcorn chairman ; Mr. Clayton, Mr. Schurz, Mr. Cooper, and Mr. Harvey.

On Transportation. Routes to the Seaboard —Mr. Windom, chairman ; Mr. Sherman, Mr. Conkling, Mr. West, Mr. Conover, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Norwood, Mr. Davis, and Mr. Johnston.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Treasurer of the United States, communicating a copy of his adjusted quarterly accounts of receipts and expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1873.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Boutwell presented additional papers of Julius Peckering, of Auburn, New York, relative to his application for an extension of his 0029 29 patent for an improved method of attaching straps to boot-legs; which were referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Scott presented a memorial of the type-founders of the United States, remonstrating against the ratification of the Canadian reciprocity treaty, so far as it relates to printing types and materials; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, presented a petition of captains and masters of vessels engaged in commerce between the port of Georgetown, District of Columbia, and other ports of the United States, praying the passage of the bill (H. R. 3412) in relation to the bridge across the Potomac River used by the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Company; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, presented a petition of merchants and other business men, citizens of Georgetown, District of Columbia, praying the passage the bill (H. R. 341.2) in relation to the bridge across the Potomac River used by the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Company; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Chandler presented a memorial of the National Association of Lumbermen, remonstrating against the ratification of the treaty between the United States and Canada known as the reciprocity treaty; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Horace Brown, of Milo, Piscataqua County, Maine, praying to be allowed a pension, on account of service rendered in the war of 1812; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Ramsey,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Rebecca L. Wright, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Stevenson presented the petition of Blanton Duncan, trustee, praying compensation for the use and occupancy by the United States troops of a dwelling-house and other property in Kentucky during the late war belonging to his wife and children; which was referred to the Committee on Claims. Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Smith County, Kansas, praying permission to leave their homesteads for the period of one year without working a forfeiture of their titles thereto; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Conkling,

Ordered , That C. F. Johnson have leave to withdraw his petition and papers from the files of the Senate, he leaving copies of the same with the Secretary of the Senate.

Mr. Scott presented a memorial of the Texas and Pacific Railroad Company and the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company, asking aid to provide and complete a southern system of railroads to the Pacific; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Mr. Lewis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 985) to provide that all pensions on account of death, wounds received, or disease contracted in the service of the United States since March 4, 1861, which have been granted, or which shall hereafter be granted, on application filed previous to January 1, 1875, shall commence from the date of death or discharge and for the payment of the arrears of pensions; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 986) explanatory of section twenty-five of the act entitled “An act to revise, consolidate, and amend the statutes relating to patents and copyrights;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Patents, and ordered to be printed.

0030 30

Mr. Ferry, or Connecticut, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 987) to reduce and fix the Adjutant-General's Department of the Army ; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 988) to authorize the Secretary of War to ascertain the expenses incurred by the State of Kansas in resisting the Indian invasions of 1874; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr.Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring a bill (S. 989) amendatory of, and supplementary to, “An act to incorporate the Texas Pacific Railroad Company, and to aid in the construction of its road, and for other purposes,” approved March 3, 1871, and an act supplementary thereto, approved May 2, 1872; and “An act granting lands to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the States of Missouri and Arkansas to the Pacific Ocean,” approved July 27, 1866; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Railroads, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (3. 990) providing for the entry of certain lands in the State of Louisiana ; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Edmunds asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 991) to provide for the selection of grand and petit juros in the District of Columbia ; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordeied to be printed.

Mr. Boutwell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring a bill (S. 992) for the relief of Isaac H. Tower; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Boutwell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 993) for the relief of Luther Hall; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Patents, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 994) for the relief of James R. Porter; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee OH Claims, ami ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 995) for the construction of a military wagon-road from Sidney, Nebraska, to the posts at the Red Cloud and Spotted Tail agencies; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, submitted the following resolution ; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved , That Senate report No. 449, Forty-third Congress, first session, 0031 31 and Senate bill No. 937, from the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, with instructions to report what action shall be taken thereon.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Ordered , That all bills heretofore introduced, and all petitions, memorials, and other communications heretofore presented to the Senate at the present session, and not otherwise disposed of, be referred by the Secretary to the appropriate committees.

Under the foregoing order the following petitions were referred to the Committee on Pensions, viz:

The petition of Elizabeth Reidenbach;

The petition of Hiram Bateman;

The petition of William Williams;

The petition of Jonathan G. Lang;

The petition of Rosa Ward;

The petition of Mary E. Cane; and

The petition of Nathan Upham.

The following to the Committee on Military Affairs:

The petition of William G. Ford; and

The petition of A. R. Eddy, lieutenant-colonel and deputy quarter-master-general, and Rufus Saxton, lieutenant-colonel and deputy quartermaster-general.

The following to the Committee on Naval Affairs;

The petition of John L. Worden, rear-admiral, United States Navy.

The following to the Committee on Claims:

The petition of Laban Heath;

The petition of Salvador Costa;

The petition of Mrs. Annie Horine;

The petition of Mrs. Elizabeth Carson; and

The petition of F. M. Blount.

The following to the Committee on Public Lands: The petition of Mrs. Susan Roberts.

The following to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads:

The petition of publishers of the Little Corporal and other periodicals, praying amendments of the postal laws; and

The petition of publishers of Philadelphia, praying amendments of the postal laws.

The following to the Committee on Patents:

The petition of J. S. Savage.

The following to the Committee on Railroads:

The petition of citizens of Kansas, praying the passage of House bill No. 3281, to amend the act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean.

The following to the Committee on Printing:

The report of the clerk of the Court of Claims, showing judgments rendered by said court for the year ending December 7, 1874;

The report of the Secretary of the Senate, communicating a statement of property belonging to the United States in his possession December 7, 1874;

The report of the Secretary of the Senate, communicating a statement of receipts and expenditures of the Senate from July 1, 1873. to June 30, 1874; and

The report of the Sergeant-at-Arms, of the Senate, communicating a statement of property of the United States in his possession December 7, 1874.

The following to the Committee on Private Laud-Claims:

0032 32

The report of the surveyor-general of New Mexico upon certain private land-claims in that Territory.

The following to the Committee on Finance:

The report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the state of the finances; and

The report of the Comptroller of the Currency.

The following to the Committee on the Judiciary:

The report of the Attorney-General, showing the operations of the Department of Justice.

Under the said order, bills numbered S. 971, S. 974, S. 977, S. 983, and S. 984 were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bills numbered S. 965, S. 967, and S. 978 were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Bill numbered S. 970 was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Bills numbered S. 966 S. 968, S. 969, S. 973, S. 979, and S. 982 were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Bills numbered S. 964 and 975 were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill numbered S. 981 was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Bill numbered S. 976 was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Bill numbered S. 972 was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Bill numbered S. 980 was referred to the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment.

On motion by Mr. Sherman, at 12 o'clock and 35 minutes p. m.,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, December 10, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. Oliver P. Morton, from the State of Indiana; Mr. Thomas M. Norwood, from the State of Georgia; and Mr. George Goldthwaite, from the State of Alabama, attended.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the following bills and joint resolution, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 3822. An act making an appropriation to enable the Postmaster-General to carry into effect the law requiring the prepayment of postage on newspapers, approved June 25, 1874.

H. R. 3825. An act to amend the national-bank act, and fixing the compensation of national-bank examiners.

H. R. 3839. An act to prohibit Senator, Representatives, and Delegates in Congress from acting as counsel or otherwise in suits.

H. R. 3891. An act relieving the political disabilities of Edward Booker, of Henry County, Virginia.

H. Res. 119. Joint resolution to continue the board of audit to examine and audit the unfunded or floating debt of the District of Columbia.

It has passed the following resolution, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

Resolved by the House of Representatives, ( the Senate concurring ,) That the Congressional Printer be directed to bind one hundred copies of the Revised Statutes of the United States, without the index—forty copies for the use of the Senate and sixty copies for the use of the House.

I am directed to request the Senate to return to the House of Representatives 0033 33 the bill of the House (H. R. 1588) to revise, amend, and consolidate the laws relating to security of life on board vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, and for other purposes.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, (H. R. 2104,) I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of its President.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution of the House of Representatives directing the Congressional Printer to bind one hundred copies of the Revised Statutes, without an index, for the use of the Senate and House of Representatives; and

Ordered , That the resolution be referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Anthony, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the resolution of the House of Representatives directing the Congressional Printer to bind, without the index, one hundred copies of the Revised Statutes of the United States for the use of Congress, reported it with amendments.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said resolution; and, the amendments reported by the Committee on Printing having been agreed to, the resolution, as amended, was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved by the House of Representatives , ( the Senate concurring ,) That the Congressional Printer be directed to bind one hundred and fifty copies of the Revised Statutes of the United States, without the index-sixty copies for the use of the Senate and ninety copies the use of the House.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendments.

The Senate proceeded to consider the message of the House of Representatives requesting the Senate to return to the House the bill of the House (H. R. 1588) to revise, amend, and consolidate the laws relating to the security of life on board vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, and for other purposes; and

Ordered , That the Secretary be directed to return to the House of Representatives the said bill, (H. R. 1588,) agreeably to its request.

The bills and joint resolution this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Ordered , That the bill H. R. 3825 be referred to the Committee on Finance; that the bills H. R. 3839 and H. R. 3891 be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; and that the bill H. R. 3822 and the joint resolution H. Res. 119 be referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the bill (H. R. 2104) to confirm an agreement made with the Shoshone Indians (eastern band) for the purchase of the south part of their reservation in Wyoming Territory.

The Vice-President signed the enrolled bill H. R. 2104, last reported. to have been examined, and it was delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

On motion by Mr. Boreman,

Ordered , That when the Senate adjourn it be to Monday next.

On motion by Mr. Boreman,

Ordered , That E. Boyd Pendleton have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers on leaving copies of the same with the Secretary.

Mr. Patterson presented the petition of Alexander Henderson, praying 3 s 0034 34 payment of balance claimed to be due him for services as consul at Londonderry, Ireland; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Washburn presented a petition of John L. Shorey, praying an amendment of the law relative to the transmission of periodicals through the mails; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Edmunds presented a memorial of the Houston, Trinity and Tyler Railroad Company, praying compensation for railroad-iron taken by the military authorities of the United States at Galveston, Texas, in 1865; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary:

To the Senate of the United States:

In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 3d of February, 1873, I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, together with the papers which accompanied it.

U. S. GRANT.

Washington, December 8, 1874.

The message was read.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary:

To the Senate and House of Representatives: I transmit herewith a report, dated the 8th instant, with accompanying papers, from the Secretary of State, in compliance with the requirements of section 208 of the Revised Statutes of the United States.

U. S. GRANT.

Washington, December 8, 1874.

The message was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Commerce and be printed.

Mr. Cameron presented two petitions of American seamen, praying for such legislation as will the better promote the efficiency of the marine-hospital service; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Boutwell presented additional papers relative to the application of Penelope T. Heald for a pension; which, with the papers on file, were referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 996) for the relief of the Allegheny Valley Railroad Company; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott presented a letter of John Scott, president of the Allegheny Valley Railroad Company, transmitting papers relative to the claim of that company; which was referred to the Committee on Claims, to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Hager asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 997) for the adjudication of title to lands claimed by José Apis and Pablo Apis, in the State of California; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hager presented papers relative to the private land-claim of José Apis and Pablo Apis to a certain tract of land in California, known as 0035 35 La Jolla Rancho; which were referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims, to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 998) supplemental to an act entitled “An act to provide for the payment of the expenses incurred by the Territories of Oregon and Washington in the suppression of Indian hostilities there in the years 1855 and 1856,” approved March 2, 1861; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 999) providing for holding the terms of the United States district court for the southern division of Iowa, at Burlington, in said division; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Patterson asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1000) amending the concluding proviso to section 3262 of the Revised Statutes of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Washburn asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1001) to amend the fourteenth section of the act to establish the judicial courts of the United States, approved September 24, 1789; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Washburn presented papers in relation to the jurisdiction of the circuit courts of the United States in issuing writs of mandamus or other common-law writs; which were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, to accompany the foregoing bill, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamlin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. 11) to fill an existing vacancy in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said resolution was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved , That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. West, from the Committee on Appropriations, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3822) making an appropriation to enable the Postmaster-General to carry into effect the law requiring the prepayment of postage on newspapers, approved June 25, 1874, reported it with an amendment.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and the reported amendment having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered , That the amendment be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill, as amended, was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved , That it pass.

0036 36

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendment.

On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 2680) granting a pension to Mrs. Jane Dulaney; and,

On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

Ordered , That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Boutwell, and by unanimous consent, the vote postponing indefinitely the bill (H. R. 1401) granting a pension to Penelope T. Heald was reconsidered; and,

On motion by Mr. Boutwell,

Ordered , That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and

On motion by Mr. Cameron,

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, December 14, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. Reuben E. Fenton, from the State of New York, and Mr. Thomas F. Bayard, from the State of Delaware, attended.

Mr. Cameron presented the petition of Charles B. White, George M. Sternberg, and J. J. Woodward, assistant surgeons of the United States Army, praying for the passage of a law authorizing their promotion to the rank of surgeon, to which rank they consider themselves entitled; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Anthony presented a memorial of F. & J. Rives, praying the purchase by the Government of the buildings, grounds, type, presses, and other materials, together with stereotype-plates for printing full sets of the Congressional Globe; which was referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Boutwell presented a memorial of H. W. Boardman, of Lowell, Massachusetts, asking leave to appear for certain parties before the Committee on Patents in opposition to the extension of the Wellman patent for stripping top-flats of carding-engines; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Wright presented the petition of Francis J. Comstock, praying compensation for hay taken and used by the United States Army in 1865; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Henry H. Robinson, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, praying for the reduction of the salary of the President of the United States to twenty-five thousand dollars per annum; which was referred to the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of William D. Moore praying an amendment to the act of Congress of February 14, 1871, such as will extend pensions to the widows of all soldiers of the war of 1812 where the marriage occurred prior to 1850; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

The Vice-President presented the petition of Lorenzo P. Gudger, of Dalton, Georgia, praying compensation for property alleged to have 0037 37 been confiscated by the Government; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Thurman presented the petition of Madeline V. Dahlgren, Romaine de Overbeck, and Vinton Goddard, praying the passage of a law authorizing the trustee of the estate of the late Samuel F. Vinton to sell or otherwise dispose of certain securities and other property belonging to said estate, and invest the proceeds in other property; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Bayard presented a memorial of Captain H. S. Hawkins, of the Sixth United States Infantry, praying re-imbursement for property lost on the Missouri River by the sinking of the steamer Miner at Yankton, Dakota, in May, 1872; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Cameron presented several petitions of American merchant-seamen, praying for such legislation as will the better promote the efficiency of marine-hospital service; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of mutual insurance companies in New York, praying for a repeal of the clause which excludes them from a share of the Geneva awards; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of P. A. Krise, of Lynchburgh, Virginia, praying an amendment to the act of Congress of February, 1871, such as will abolish the test oath required of soldiers and sailors of the war of 1812 in securing a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Thomas Westnedge, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, praying to be allowed bounty under the act of July 22, 1861, and additional bounty under the act of July 28, 1866; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sherman presented resolutions of the Importers and Grocers' Board of Trade of New York, in favor of a revision and simplification of the revenue and collection laws; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of the corresponding committee of the workingmen of Kansas, praying compensation for two hours' extra labor per day performed for the Government from May 19, 1869, to August 15, 1872; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Ingalls presented resolutions of the legislature of the State of Kansas, as follows:

Resolution in favor of an extension of the time of payment by settlers on the Miami Indian lands in that State for their lands until October 30, 1876, without working a forfeiture of their titles thereto.

Resolution in favor of the passage of a law authorizing the pre-emptors and homestead settlers on the public lands in certain of the western counties of that State to abandon their claims for one year, and extending the time of proving their claims and making payment for their lands for one year without working a forfeiture of their titles.

Resolution in favor of the passage of a law authorizing homestead settlers in the regions of that State devastated by grasshoppers, chinchbugs, and the drought, to be absent from their homesteads for the period of one year, and extending the time of proving their titles and paying for their lands for one year without working a forfeiture of their titles.

Resolution in favor of an extension of the time of payment by setlers 0038 38 on the public and Indian lands in that State for their lands until January, 1876.

Resolution in favor of a postponement of all payments by settlers on the Kansas Indian reserve and trust lands until January 1, 1876, by reason of the ravages of the chinch-bug, the grasshoppers, and the continued drought having destroyed their crops.

Ordered , That they be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Ingalls presented a resolution of the legislature of the State of Kansas in favor of a change in the management of the Indians, and in the administration of the affairs of the Indian Bureau; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

The Vice-President presented the petition of George W. Coffin, late of Company I, Tenth Regiment of Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Morton presented a petition of citizens of Indiana, praying that the proper law-officer of the Government may be directed to take an appeal from the decision of the supreme court of Indiana to the Supreme Court of the United States in a case involving the right of colored children to be admitted to the public schools in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Sprague,

Ordered , That the Committee on Public Lands be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Mrs. Susan Roberts, and that it be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Boreman, on his own motion, was excused from further service as a member of the Committee on Claims.

Ordered , That the vacancy on the committee be filled by the Vice-President.

On motion by Mr. Boreman,

Ordered , That Riley H. Smith have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers, on leaving copies of the same with the Secretary.

Mr. Howe presented the annual report of the Librarian of Congress, exhibiting the progress of the Library for the year ending December 1, 1874.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

On motion by Mr. Howe that five hundred additional copies of the report be printed for the use of the Librarian,

Ordered , That the motion be referred to the Committee on Printing

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Maine,

Ordered , That three hundred additional copies of the bill (S. 963) for the better government of the District of Columbia be printed for the use of the Senate.

Mr. Sprague, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them severally without amendment, and that they ought not to pass, viz:

S. 201. A bill to create an additional land-district in the State of Kansas.

S. 606. A bill for the relief of settlers on railroad lands.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Sprague,

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, from the Committee on Appropriations, to 0039 39 whom was referred the joint resolution (H. R. 119) to continue the board of audit to examine and audit the unfunded or floating debt of the District of Columbia, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Harvey, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them severally without amendment, and that they ought not to pass:

S. 965. A bill for the relief of certain settlers upon the public lands in the State of Kansas.

S. 967. A bill for the relief of certain settlers on the public lands in the State of Nebraska.

S. 978. A bill for the relief of homestead and pre-emption settlers on the public lands.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were severally reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Harvey,

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

On motion by Mr. Harvey,

Ordered , That the Committee on Public Lands be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of citizens of Smith County, Kansas, praying permission to leave their homesteads for the period of one year without working a forfeiture of their titles.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed, without amendment, the joint resolution of the Senate (S. 11) filling an existing vacancy in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

It has agreed to the amendment of the Senate to the bill of the House (H. R. 3822) making an appropriation to enable the Postmaster-General to carry into effect the law requiring the prepayment of postage on newspapers, approved June 25, 1874; and

It has agreed to the amendments of the Senate to the resolution of the House directing the Congressional Printer to bind 150 copies of the Revised Statutes of the United States without the index.

The House of Representatives has passed the following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 3827. An act for the relief of certain settlers on the public lands in certain portions of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Kansas. H. R. 3907. An act repealing section three of the “act making appropriations for the consular and diplomatic service of the Government, and for other purposes,” approved February 22, 1873.

H. R. 3918. An act to relieve P. U. Murphy and John A. Brown, of Alabama, of political disabilities.

It has passed the following resolution, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

Resolved by the House of Representatives , ( the Senate concurring ,) That one-third of the reports of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the years 1872 and 1873, printed upon the appropriation of fifty thousand dollars by the act of June 23, 1874, be delivered to the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate, and that two-thirds of the said reports be delivered to the Doorkeeper of the House, for distribution among the people by the Senators and Representatives.

Mr. Morton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1002) declaring the effect of permits to purchase products of the insurrectionary States in certain cases, granted by the President during the war of the rebellion; which was read the first and 0040 40 second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed:

S. 1003. A bill fixing a minimum price upon certain restored public lands.

S. 1004. A bill fixing a minimum price upon certain restored lands in the State of California.

Mr. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1005) granting the right of way and depot-grounds to the Oregon Central Pacific Railroad Company through the public lands of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Railroads, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Davis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1006) making an appropriation for continuing the improvement of the great Kanawha River, in the State of West Virginia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1007) for the relief of James W. Long, late captain in the United States Navy; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1008) for the relief of John S. Wood, late First Lieutenant of Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1009) to enable the Commissioner of Agriculture to make a special distribution of seeds; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1010) to amend “An act for the creation of a court for the adjudication and disposition of certain moneys received into the Treasury under an award made by the tribunal of arbitration constituted by virtue of the first article of the treaty concluded at Washington the eighth day of May, A. D. 1871, between the United States of America and the Queen of Great Britain,” approved June 23, 1874; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed. Mr. Hamlin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1011) for the relief of Asa J. Morrow; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Edmunds asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed:

S. 1012. A bill for the relief of the district judge of Vermont.

S. 1013. A bill explanatory of an act entitled “An act making appropriations 0041 41 for the support of the Army for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1875, and for other purposes,” approved June 16, 1874.

S. 1014. A bill to amend an act entitled “An act regulating proceedings in criminal cases, and for other purposes,” approved March 3, 1865.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed, viz:

S. 1015. A bill amending the law granting pensions so as to remove the disability of those who, having participated in the rebellion, have since its termination enlisted in the Army of the United States and become disabled.

S. 1016. A bill granting a pension to Sarah E. W. Elderkin.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1017) for the relief of Ana M. Roblas y Robaldo, widow of Francisco Robaldo, deceased; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1018) for the relief of John Cleghorn, late register of the land office at Sioux City, Iowa; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Stevenson asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1019) for the erection of public buildings at Covington, Ky.; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1020) for the relief of John Fletcher; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1021) to refer to the Court of Claims and the Supreme Court the determination of the rights of the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad Company, under existing laws; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allison asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1022) to provide for the government and to promote the civilization of Indians; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Harvey, from the Committee on Public Lands, reported a bill (S. 1023) for the relief of certain settlers on the public lands; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That the said bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Morton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. 12) to provide for a writ of error from the supreme court of Indiana to the Supreme Court of the United States in a certain case involving the rights of colored citizens: which was read 0042 42 the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Rules be instructed to consider and report upon the expediency of repealing or modifying the twenty-first joint rule of the two Houses of Congress.

Mr. Anthony submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Printing be directed to inquire whether the volume of the Congressional Record cannot be reduced in bulk without impairing its value as a record of the debates and proceedings in Congress.

Mr. Cameron submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved by the Senate, ( the House of Representatives concurring, ) That a joint committee of two from the Senate and three from the House of Representatives be appointed by the presiding officers of the respective Houses to take measures for the proper notice of the presence at the capital of His Majesty Kalakaua, King of the Hawaiian Islands.

And The Vice-President appointed Mr. Cameron and Mr. McCreery members of the committee on the part of the Senate. Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the foregoing resolution.

On motion by Mr. Ingalls, The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 3080) to authorize the Seneca Nation of New York Indians to lease lands within the Cattaraugus and Allegany reservations, and to confirm existing leases; and

On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

Ordered, That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The Senate proceeded to consider its amendments to the bill of the House (H. R. 3572) to amend existing customs and internal-revenue laws, and for other puposes, disagreed to by the House of Representatives; and

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Resolved, That the Senate further insist upon its amendments to the said bill disagreed to by the House of Representatives, and agree to the second conference asked by the House on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses thereon.

Ordered, That the conferees on the part of the Senate be appointed by the Vice-President; and The Vice-President appointed Mr. Sherman, Mr. Frelinghuysen, and Mr. Cooper.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

On motion by Mr. Howe,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 3339) relating to the disposition of certain lands to be reclaimed in sections 14, 23, and 26, in township 16 north, of range 20, in the county of Sheboygan, in the State of Wisconsin; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

0043 43

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendment of the House of Representatives to the resolution of the Senate to print extra copies of the Report of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1873; and,

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

Resolved, That the Senate agree to the amendment of the House to the said resolution, as follows:

Strike out all after the word “That” and insert:

Ten thousand five hundred copies of the Report of the Smithsonian Institution for the year 1873 be printed, two thousand copies of which shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, one thousand for the use of the Senate, and seventy-five hundred for the use of the Institution: Provided, That the aggregate number of pages of said report shall not exceed four hundred and fifty, and that there shall be no illustrations except those furnished by the Smithsonian Institution.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

A message from the, House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: I am directed to return to the Senate the bill (H. R. 1588) to revise, amend, and consolidate the laws relating to the security of life on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, and for other purposes, recalled by the House for clerical correction.

The House of Representatives has concurred in the resolution of the Senate to appoint a joint committee to take measures for the proper notice of the presence at the capital of His Majesty Kalakaua, King of the Hawaiian Islands; and has appointed Mr. Orth, Mr. E. Rockwood Hoar, and Mr. Cox, members of the committee on its part.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, (H. R. 3743 and H. R. 3822,) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills:

H. R. 3743. An act to re-imburse the city of Boston for certain expenses incurred in the improvement of Chelsea street, (formerly Charlestown,) in connection with the United States navy-yard.

H. H. 3822. An act making an appropriation to enable the Postmaster-General to carry into effect the law requiring the prepayment of postage on newspapers, approved June 25, 1874.

The Vice-President signed the two enrolled bills (H. R. 3743 and H. R. 3822) last reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

The bills this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Ordered, That the bill H. R. 3827 be referred to the Committee on Public Lands; that the bill H. R. 3907 be referred to the Committee on Appropriations; and that the bill H. R. 3918 be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

The resolution of the House of Representatives providing for the distribution 0044 44 of the reports of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the years 1872 and 1873, was read and referred to the Committee on Printing.

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Maine,

The bill (S. 963) for the better government of the District of Columbia was read the second time and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and

On motion by Mr. Anthony, at 3 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m.,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, December 15, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. Dennis presented a petition of England and Bell, of Baltimore, Maryland, manufacturers of friction-matches, praying for the abolition of the tax on matches; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Chandler presented the petition of Elmira E. Cravath, widow of Isaac M. Cravath, late captain in the Twelfth Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented a petition of citizens of Washington County, Maryland, praying for the abolition of the tax on friction-matches; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Stevenson presented the petition of Rachel E. Turner, widow of James H. Turner, late adjutant of the Twenty-fourth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, praying to be allowed arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Boutwell presented a memorial of the National Board of Trade, asking for the organization of an additional Executive Department, to be called the Department of Commerce; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented the petition of Luther R. Smoot, of Baltimore, Maryland, praying payment of the proceeds of the sale of two locomotive-engines by the Government, which belonged to him; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Conkling presented a resolution of the American Seamen's Friend Society, of New York, in favor of the erection of a merchant-marine hospital at the port of New York, on such site as may be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury; which was referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

Mr. McCreery presented the petition of Butler, Miller & Co., praying compensation for cotton taken and used by the United States in the fortifications at Nashville, Tennessee, in 1862; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Scott presented the petition of L. A. Godey, publisher, of Philadelphia, praying an amendment to the postal laws relative to the transmission of periodicals; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Gordon presented a petition of the Medical Association of Georgia, praying for such legislation as will increase the efficiency of the medical department of the Army; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Washburn presented the petition of William Giles Dix, of Massachusetts, praying for the formation and adoption of a National Constitution to supersede the present Federal Constitution; which was referred to the Committee on the Revision of the Laws.

Mr. Bogy presented the petition of A. C. Widdecombe, of Boonville, 0045 45 Missouri, praying to be re-imbursed for amount of costs paid in defending the title to the northeast quarter of section seventeen, township 49, range 16, in said State, patented to him by the Government in October, 1866; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of N. A. Cowdrey, of New York City, praying for the enactment of a law authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue to him and other creditors of the District of Columbia, bonds of the United States bearing four per cent. interest and running thirty years, in lieu of the certificates of indebtedness heretofore issued to them by the board of audit, created by act of Congress; which was referred to the Joint Select Committee to prepare a Frame of Government for the District of Columbia.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

Ordered, That Annie E. Dixon have leave to withdraw her petition and papers from the files of the Senate, she leaving copies of the same with the Secretary of the Senate.

Mr. Spencer, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was refered the bill (S. 845) for the relief of Major Junius T. Turner, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 480) thereon.

Mr. Spencer, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 968) to provide for the relief of persons suffering from the ravages of grasshoppers, reported it without amendment. Mr. Alcorn asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1024) in relation to the compensation of persons acting as commissioners under special acts of Congress; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1025) to consolidate the debt of the District of Columbia, and to issue the bonds of the United States in exchange for the bonds of the District; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Joint Select Committee appointed to prepare a Frame of Government for the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1026) for the relief of the heirs or legal representatives of Abraham Livingston, deceased; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1027) relating to rank of officers of the Army; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1028) for the relief of W. W. Handlin, of Louisiana; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West presented the memorial of W. W. Handlin, praying compensation for certain services as judge of the third district court of New Orleans; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1029) for the relief of Albert C. Widdecombe; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims, and ordered to be printed.

0046 46

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1030) limiting the time in which applications for bounty lands shall be received, and disposing of suspended cases after a certain date; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1031) to incorporate the Mutual Protection Fire Insurance Company of the District of Columbia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1032) to provide for the appointment of special agents, superintendents of railway postal service, and other officers of the Post-Office Department; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Gordon asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1033) providing for a survey of Raiford's proposed inland route of water communication between the Mississippi River and the harbors of the Atlantic; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. 13) proposing certain amendments to the Constitution of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Morton submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Rules be instructed to consider the propriety of amending the rules so as to dispense with the formality of asking “leave to introduce a bill without giving previous notice,” the constant repetition of which takes the time of the Senate and incumbers the Journal.

Mr. Wright submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the extent and meaning of the act of June 22, 1874, entitled “An act conferring jurisdiction upon the criminal court of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes,” and particularly whether under or by its provisions persons charged with or indicted for libel or other crime in the said District of Columbia can be brought from a State or other place within the Federal jurisdiction to said District to answer therefor, and report thereon.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said resolution; and having been amended on the motion of Mr. Conkling, the resolution as amended was agreed to as follows:

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the extent and meaning of the act of June 22, 1874, entitled “An act conferring jurisdiction upon the criminal court of the District of Columbia and for other purposes,” and, particularly, whether under or by its provisions persons charged with or indicted for libel or other crime in the said District of Columbia can be brought from a State or other place within the Federal jurisdiction to said District to answer therefor, and also whether said act has any application to prosecution or indictment for the crime of libel in any case, and report thereon.

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Maine,

0047 47

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the joint resolution (H. R. 119) to continue the board of audit to examine and audit the unfunded or floating debt of the District of Columbia; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said resolution was read the third time.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Maine,

The Senate resumed as in Committee of the Whole the consideration of the bill (S. 963) for the better government of the District of Columbia; and

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, at 2 o'clock and 50 minutes p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and After the consideration of executive business, the doors were opened, and The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, December 16, 1874. Link to Annals.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating, in obedience to law, information in relation to the care of transient paupers in the Providence Hospital.

Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Assistant-Treasurer of the United States, communicating, in obedience to law, a statement of his adjusted quarterly accounts of receipts and expenditures of the Post-Office Department for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1874.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the Arkansas Constitutional Convention, asking for an extension of the time for filing claims for the payment for stores furnished the United States Army by loyal citizens residing in insurrectionary States; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the Arkansas Constitutional Convention, asking for a revision of the act of April 10, 1869, extending certain privileges to settlers on the public lands; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of W. L. McMillan, requesting the speedy action of the Senate upon his credentials as Senator-elect from the State of Louisiana; which was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of David De Haven, praying compensation for a steamboat seized by the Government and used in the United States Navy in 1863; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Wright presented the petition of Maria A. Rousseau, widow of the late Major-General Lovell H. Rousseau, praying to be allowed an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented a petition of citizens of Baltimore, Maryland, praying for the abolition of the tax on friction-matches; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

0048 48

Mr. Merrimon presented resolutions of the legislature of North Carolina as follows:

Resolution in favor of the refunding of the direct taxes levied and collected on lands in that State in the year 1865;

Resolution in favor of the repeal or modification of the revenue laws;

Resolution in favor of the repeal of the tax on tobacco.

Ordered, That they be referred to the Committee on Finance and be printed.

Mr. Merrimon presented resolutions of the legislature of North Carolina, as follows:

Resolution in favor of an appropriation for the dredging of the month of the Scuppernong River and points as far up as Spraill's Bridge so as to admit steamers and other vessels to carry away the produce raised on the banks thereof;

Resolution in favor of an appropriation sufficient for the completion of the work now in progress in the improvement of the bar in the Cape Fear River.

Ordered, That they be referred to the Committee on Commerce and be printed.

Mr. Merrimon, presented a resolution of the legislature of North Carolina in favor of an appropriation for rebuilding or indemnity for the destruction by fire of the court-house in Davidson County, in that State, while occupied by United States troops in 1866, and to cover the losses of other property in that State under similar circumstances; which was referred to the Committee on Claims and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Merrimon presented a resolution of the legislature of North Carolina in favor of an appropriation of $100,000 for the erection of a Government court-house at Greensborough, and $50,000 for a like purpose at Asheville, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock presented a petition of citizens of Nebraska, praying the passage of the bill (H. R. 3281) to amend an act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for military, postal, and other purposes; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Mr. Thurman presented the petition of E. W. Metcalf, for himself and others, owners of the ship Delphine, praying indemnity out of the Geneva award fund for the destruction of said ship by the rebel cruiser Shenandoah in December, 1864; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Schurz presented the petition of Sophia O. Schimmelfennig, widow of the late Brigadier-General Alexander Schimmelfennig, praying to be allowed an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Harvey presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying the passage of the bill (H. R. 3281) to amend an act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for postal, military, and other purposes; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

On motion by Mr. Mitchell,

Ordered, That the Committee on Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Nicholas White, and that he have leave to withdraw the same.

Mr. Carpenter presented papers relative to the claim of Sarah E. 0049 49 Wedelstedt and David E. Beck for cotton seized by the military authorities of the United States at Memphis, Tennessee, in December, 1864; which were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Gordon presented a memorial of Duff Green, praying the adoption of certain measures to relieve the financial distress of the country; which was referred to the Committee on Finance and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1660) for the relief of John B. Tyler, of Kentucky, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 996) for the relief of the Allegheny Valley Railroad Company, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Edmunds asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1034) to provide for the review of questions of law on findings of fact by the district courts of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Johnston asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the bill (S. 1035) to aid the Washington, Cincinnati and Saint Louis Railroad Company to construct a narrow gauge railway from tidewater to the cities of Saint Louis and Chicago; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1036) for the relief of Rear-Admiral John L. Worden, and the officers and crew of the United States steamer Monitor, who participated in the action with the rebel iron-clad Merrimac on the 9th day of March, 1862; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1037) to establish the Inventors' Institute and Patent Emporium and Patent Manufacturing Company in the District of Colum- bia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Carpenter asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1038) for the relief of Sarah E. Wedelstedt; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1040) to extend the provisions of an act entitled “An act to settle certain accounts between the United States and the State of Mississippi and other States,” approved March 3, 1877, to States 4 s 0050 50 admitted into the Union since that date; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Boutwell submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Finance be instructed to consider the expediency of providing for the redemption of mutilated fractional currency by the postmasters of the several cities and towns of the United States.

Mr. West submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the House of Representatives is hereby requested to furnish to the Senate a copy of the report made to that branch of Congress by the Secretary of War under the act of April 20, 1874, relating to the accounts of disbursing officers.

Mr. Hager submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That so much of the annual message of the President as relates to Chinese importation be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations for such action and report, by bill or otherwise, as in the opinion of the committee may be appropriate and necessary to remedy the evils to which the President calls the attention of Congress.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills and joint resolution:

H. R. 3188. An act granting a pension to Letta Bagley.

H. R. 3339. An act relating to the disposition of certain lands to be reclaimed in sections 14, 23, and 26, in township 16 north, of range 20, in the county of Sheboygan, in the State of Wisconsin.

H. R. 119. A joint resolution to continue the board of audit to examine and audit the unfunded or floating debt of the District of Columbia.

On motion by Mr. Frelinghuysen,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the the bill (S. 319) making retirement in the Army and Marine Corps after age obligatory; and On motion by Mr. Frelinghuysen,

Ordered, That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Craig,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 1063) to restore Captain John C. Beaumont, of the United States Navy, to his original position on the Navy Register; and After debate,

On motion by Mr. Logan,

Ordered, That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Hager,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him March 20, 1874, instructing the Committee on Foreign Relations to inquire into the exediency of preventing the importation of Chinese women for immoral purposes, and suppressing the cooly trade; and On motion by Mr. Hager,

Ordered, That the said resolution be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the 0051 51 bill (H. R. 3188) granting a pension to Letta Bagley; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it pass to a third reading

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

Ordered , That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives therof.

On motion by Mr. Johnston,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 764) to remove the political disabilites of Henry Heth, of Virginia; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , (two-thirds of the Senators present concurring,) That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion by Mr. Gordon,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 755) to relieve James Jackson, of Georgia, of his political disabilities; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , (two-thirds of the Senators present concurring,) That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill (S. 781) and an enrolled joint resolution (S. R. 11) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

On motion by Mr. Pratt, that the bill (H. R. 2190) to amend the act entitled “An act granting pensions to certain soldiers and sailors of the war of 1812, and the widows of deceased soldiers,” approved February 14, 1871, and to restore to the pension-rolls those persons whose names were striken therefrom in consequence of disloyalty, be made the special order for Monday, the 21st instant, at 1 o'clock,

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Carpenter that the Senate adjourn,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 16

Nays 24

On motion by Mr. Carpenter,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Boreman, Boutwell, Carpenter, Chandler, Clayton, Conkling, Conover, Dorsey, Flanagan, Hager, Hitchcock, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Ramsey, Scott, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Bogy, Davis, Fenton, Goldthwaite, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Harvey, Ingalls, Johnston, Kelly, McCreery, Merrimon, Mitchell, Oglesby, Pease, Pratt, Saulsbury, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson, Wadleigh, Washburn, Windom.

So the motion was not agreed to.

0052 52

The question recurring, Shall the said bill (H. R. 2190) be made the special order for Monday, the 21st instant, at 1 o'clock? After further debate,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 29

Nays 17

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Bayard, Bogy, Cameron, Clayton, Davis, Dorsey, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hager, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Harvey, Johnston, Kelly, McCreery, Merrimon, Mitchell, Oglesby, Patterson, Pratt, Ramsey, Ransom, Saulsbury, Schurz, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson, Thurman.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Boreman, Boutwell, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Conover, Flanagan, Hamlin, Hitchcock, Ingalls, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Scott, Wadleigh, Washburn, Windom, Wright.

So the motion was not agreed to, two-thirds of the Senators present not concurring therein.

On motion by Mr. Davis,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him the 8th instant, calling for a detailed statement showing the names of officers of the Government from whom any sums of money were due at the close of the last fiscal year; and also for information relative to lands granted for works of internal improvement; and

On motion by Mr. Edmunds to refer the resolution to the Committee on Finance,

Pending debate,

The presiding officer (Mr. Ingalls in the chair) announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjourmuent yesterday, viz, the bill (S. 963) for the better government of the District of Columbia; and

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the said bill; and

An amendment having been proposed by Mr. Thurman, After debate,

On motion by Mr. Bayard,

Ordered , That the further consideration of the said bill be postponed to to-morrow.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bill and joint resolution:

S. 781. An act for the relief of James L. Pugh.

S. 11. Joint resolution filling an existing vacancy in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Vice-President signed the enrolled bill S. 781, and the enrolled joint resolution, S. 11, last reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, H. R. 3188 and H. R. 3339, and an enrolled joint resolution, B. R. 119, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

The Vice-President appointed Mr. Pease a member of the Committee on Claims, in the place of Mr. Boreman excused.

0053 53

On motion by Mr. Chandler,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 1588) to revise, amend, and consolidate the laws relating to the security of life on board vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, and for other purposes; and

On motion by Mr. Oglesby,

At four o'clock p. m. the Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and

After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, December 17, 1874. Link to Annals.

The Vice-President signed the two enrolled bills, H. R. 3188, H. R. 3339, and the enrolled joint resolution, H. r. 119, yesterday reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

Mr. West presented the petition of Joseph R. Shannon, praying to be allowed the value of the steamer W. Burton, taken by Admiral Farragut in May, 1862, at New Orleans, Louisiana; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of the children of Harriet De La Palm Baker, praying compensation for certain services rendered by their ancestor in the Revolutionary War; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Conkling presented two petitions of manufacturers of frames and mountings for umbrellas and parasols, praying that the duties on umbrellas and parasols may be made higher than duties on piece-goods; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Thurman presented the petition of Elias M. Ritz, praying to be allowed arrears of pension from June 18, 1866, to April 23, 1873; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the following petitions and resolution:

The petition of Margaretta Baker;

The petition of Charlotte D. Crocker;

A memorial of the legislature of Minnesota in favor of the passage of an act granting a pension to H. B. Huntress;

A resolution of the Senate of December 17, 1873, instructing the Committee on Pensions to inquire into the expediency of amending the pension laws, so as to provide that pensions granted to soldiers who have lost an arm above the elbow may be the same as those now allowed to soldiers who have lost a leg above the knee.

Mr. Frelinghuysen, from the Committee on Agriculture, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1009) to enable the Commissioner of Agriculture to make a special distribution of seeds, reported it with an amendment.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and the amendment reported by the Committee on Agriculture having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered , That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

0054 54

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (S. 601) granting a pension to Mrs. Janet Scott West, widow of Cato C. West, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 481) thereon.

Mr. Conkling, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3593) to constitute Patchogue, on the south side of Long Island, in the State of New York, a port of delivery, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Mines and Mining, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2032) to amend the act entitled “An act to promote the development of the mining resources of the United States,” approved May 10, 1872, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and having been amended on the motion of Mr. Hamlin, the bill was reported to the Senate and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered , That the amendment be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill as amended was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass, and that the title be amended to read “An act to amend section two thousand three hundred and twenty-four of the Revised Statutes relating to development of the mining resources of the United States.”

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendment.

Mr. Logan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1043) suspending so much of the act entitled “An act reorganizing the several staff corps of the Army,” approved June 23, 1874, as applies to contract surgeons; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1041) for the relief of Joseph R. Shannon, of Louisiana; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1042) to organize the judicial district of Oklahoma and establish courts of the United States therein; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved by the Senate , ( the House of Representatives concurring ,) That the Women's Centennial Executive Committee of the city ot Washington, in aid of the National Centennial Exhibition, have leave to occupy the rotunda of the Capitol, under the supervision of the Commissioner of Public Buildings and Grounds, during the afternoon and evening of December 17 instant, for the purpose of celebrating the destruction of the tea in the harbor of Boston on the night of the 16th of December, 1773.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Cameron, from the joint committee appointed to consider what notice should be taken of the presence at the capital of the King of the Hawaiian Islands, reported that they had called upon His Majesty and invited him to visit the Capitol to-morrow; that he would be present, 0055 55 and that they had made arrangements for his reception by the Senate and House, in the hall of the House of Representatives, at quarter past twelve o'clock on that day.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (H. R. 1588) to revise, amend, and consolidate the laws relating to the security of life on board vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, and for other purposes; and

After debate,

Ordered , That the further consideration of the said bill be postponed to to-morrow.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered , That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 974) to enable the supreme court of the District of Columbia to proceed with its jury business.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the

Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has concurred in the resolution of the Senate granting to the Women's Centennial Executive Committee of the city of Washington leave to occupy the rotunda of the Capitol, for the purpose named, during the afternoon and evening of December 17 instant.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 963) for the better government of the District of Columbia; and the question being on the amendment, yesterday proposed by Mr. Thurman, viz, strike out the word “regents” wherever it occurs in the bill, and insert commissioners ,

It was determined in the affirmative.

The bill having been further amended on the motion of Mr. Morrill, of Maine, and a further amendment having been proposed by Mr. Morton,

Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Ramsey, at 4 o'clock and 7 minutes p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened and The Senate adjourned.

FRIDAY, December 18, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. Johnston presented the petition of Mrs. Ann Atkinson praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Alcorn,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Mrs. Clementine J. Lake, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Cameron,

The Senate took a recess until one o'clock p. m.

AT ONE O'CLOCK P. M.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered , That when the Senate adjourn it be to Monday next.

0056 56

On motion by Mr. Ramsey,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, December 21, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. Thomas W. Tipton, from the State of Nebraska, attended.

Mr. Johnston presented the petition of William Sharp, of Virginia, praying for the removal of his political disabilities, which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of R. L. Laws, commander in the United States Navy, praying to be restored to the position in the Navy that he occupied prior to July, 1866, next below Captain W. W. Low; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Dennis presented the petition of Elizabeth L. White, mother of James T. White, late of Company B, Eleventh Regiment of Maryland Volunteers, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Stevenson presented a petition of the trustees of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount Sterling, Montgomery County, Kentucky, praying compensation for the use of the church by the United States troops as a hospital during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Conover presented the petition of Mrs. Margaret E. Johnson, widow of Charles M. Johnson, late master of the schooner Pickering, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of James Ballard, of Madison County, North Carolina, praying to be restored to the pension-rolls; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Howe presented the petition of Harry E. Eastman, late of the Second Regiment of Wisconsin Cavalry, praying to be allowed the pay and allowances of a lieutenant-colonel of said regiment May 1, 1864, to February 1, 1865; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Norwood presented the petition of A. C. Davenport, praying compensation as deputy collector, abstract and debenture clerk; at Savannah, Georgia, during the prevalence of the cholera in 1854; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented a petition of hardware dealers, praying the extension of Harvey Lull's patent for shutter-hinges; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Sprague presented the petition of Samuel Crapin, praying compensation for services rendered as a soldier in the war of 1812; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a resolution of the legislature of Arkansas in favor of the repeal of the acts imposing penalties for the sale of leaf-tobacco to any person except a licensed tobacco-dealer; which was referred to the Committee on Finance and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Boreman presented a petition of citizens of West Virginia, praying the establishment of a post-route from Cove Creek to Logan Court-House, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented the petition of Moore N. Falls, 0057 57 president of the Baltimore Steam Packet Company, praying compensation for the use of a steamer belonging to said company in keeping the harbor of Baltimore clear of obstructions to navigation by ice, in the winter of 1862, under a contract with Major Belger, assistant quartermaster, United States Army; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Boreman presented the petition of J. F. Caldwell, of West Virginia, praying to be allowed a pension for services rendered as a soldier in the war of 1812; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Boreman presented additional papers relative to the invention of J. F. Caldwell for transportating railroad-cars across rivers in the absence of bridges; which were referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, presented a petition of citizens of the District of Columbia, praying that the rates of taxation on the real and personal property may be fixed at one per cent. instead of two per cent., as fixed by the bill now pending in Congress.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, communicating copies of reports and recommendations of Generals Pope and Ord relative to the ravages of grasshoppers; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Carpenter presented a memorial of brewers of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, asking an amendment to section 53 of the act to reduce internal taxation and to amend an act to provide internal revenue so as to authorize the use of barrels, casks, hogsheads, &c., again; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented a memorial in behalf of the State of Maryland, praying compensation for arms, accouterments, ordnance, and ordnance-stores belonging to said State and taken possession of by the United States authorities during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Petitions praying the prohibition of the manufacture, importation, and sale of all alcoholic beverages in the District of Columbia, and throughout the Territories of the United States, were presented as follows:

By Mr. Cameron: A petition of citizens of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

By Mr. Frelinghuysen: A petition of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars of the State of New Jersey.

By Mr. Spencer: A petition of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars of the State of Alabama.

By Mr. Pratt: A petition of the Pennsylvania State Temperance Union.

By Mr. Scott: A petition of the preachers' meeting of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Philadelphia.

By Mr. Flanagan: A petition of members of the order of Sons of Temperance of the District of Columbia.

By Mr. Edmunds: A petition of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars of the State of Vermont.

By Mr. Washburn: A petition of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church of Springfield, Massachusetts.

By Mr. Boutwell: A petition of the Massachusetts State Temperance Alliance.

Ordered , That they be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Bogy presented a memorial of Louis Janin & Sons, in relation to homestead settlements on certain unconfirmed land-claims in the 0058 58 State of Louisiana, and praying all amendment to the second section of the act of June 10, 1872, so as to grant relief to the claimants; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims.

Mr. Cameron presented a petition of American merchant seamen and others, praying for such legislation as will promote the efficiency of the marine-hospital service; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Logan presented a petition of citizens, former members of the United States Marine Corps, praying for an equalization of bounties; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Lewis presented the petition of Ann Toliver, mother of David Toliver, late of the One Hundred and Nineteenth Regiment of United States Colored Infantry, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Lewis presented the petition of Govenor Dogan, of Alexandria, Virginia, praying compensation for the use and occupancy of a building belonging to him by the United States Quartermaster's Department during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Hager presented a petition of citizens of California, praying a grant of certain lands in Alaska, to be paid for at a time to be fixed, to be used and occupied by what shall be known as the “Alaska Ship-Building and Lumber Company,” for the purpose of ship-building; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Lewis presented the petition of Levi Washington, praying compensation for services rendered the United States Army in 1862 in acting as a guide; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Emily L. Herron, widow of George W. Herron, late of Company I, Sixty-second Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1946) restoring the name of Mary Byrd Dallas to the pension-rolls, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

Mr. Chandler, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the following bills, reported them without amendment, and that they ought not to pass:

H. R. 3474. An act to establish, Atlanta, in the State of Georgia, a port of delivery.

H. R. 3592. An act to create a stevedores' and other maritime liens on sea-going vessels.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills, H. R. 1946, H. R. 3474, and H. R. 3592, as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Chandler, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3379) for the further security of navigation on Mississippi River, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, reported a bill (S. 1044) to provide for the resumption of specie payments; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Anthony, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the resolution to print extra copies of the report of the Librarian of Congress for 1874, reported it with an amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said resolution; and the amendment 0059 59 reported by the Committee on Printing having been agreed to, the resolution as amended was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved , That five hundred extra copies of the annual report of the Librarian of Congress for the year 1874 be printed, with covers, for distribution by the librarian.

Mr. Anthony, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the resolution of the House of Representatives providing for the distribution of the reports of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the years 1872 and 1873, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said resolution; and On motion by Mr. Anthony,

Ordered , That the said resolution be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Norwood, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of George McCoy, submitted an adverse report (No. 482) thereon.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Miriam Ward.

Mr. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1015) to amend and explain the provisions of the act of June 10, 1872, relating to land-titles; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, asked and, by unanimous consent obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

S. 1046. A bill for the relief of Moore N. Falls.

S. 1047. A bill to re-imburse the State of Maryland for arms and munitions of war furnished during the war.

Mr. Wasburn asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1048) for the construction of a fire-alarm telegraph in the District of Columbia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Dennis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1049) for the relief of F. O. Wyse, late lieutenant-colonel, &.; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Oglesby asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1050) to fix the date of entry into the military service of Colonel and Brevet Major-General Benjamin H. Grierson, United States Army, and to correct his record on the Army Register; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Frelinghuysen asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1051) authorizing the extension of the patent granted to Harvey Lull, of Hoboken, New Jersey, for, a self-locking shutter-hinge; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Patents, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Carpenter asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (H. R. 1052) in relation to affixing stamps upon vessels containing fermented liqours; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

0060 60

Mr. Anthony asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1053) to amend chapter seven of Title thirty-three of the Revised Statutes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Anthony asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1054) reserving for the use of the Congress one hundred and fifty copies of the Revised Statutes authorized to be printed by the act of June 20, June 20, 1874; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and the bill having been amended on the motion of Mr. Anthony, it was reported to the Senate and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered , That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved , That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills, which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed:

S. 1055. A bill granting a pension to C. H. Crippen.

S. 1056. A bill granting a pension to Emily L. Herron, of Obion Coounty, Tennessee.

S. 1057. A bill amending an act granting pensions to certain soldiers and sailors of the war of 1812, and the widows of deceased soldiers.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1058) to legalize assignments of pay of officers and others in Government service; which was read the first and second, times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1059) to incorporate the Dakota and Montana Railroad Company; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Conover asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1060) granting a pension to Mrs. Margaret E. Johnson; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that on the 17th instant they presented to the President of the United States the following enrolled bill and joint resolution:

S. 781. An act for the relief of James L. Pugh.

S. 11. Joint resolution filling an existing vacancy in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

Mr. Oglesby presented certificates relative to the date of entry into the military service of Brevet Major-General Benjamin H. Grierson; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, to accompany, the bill S. 1050.

On motion by Mr. Merrimon,

Ordered , That Enos J. Pennypacker have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers, on leaving copies of the same with the Secretary.

On motion by Mr. Bayard:

Ordered , That Niel Nielsen have leave to withdraw from the files of 0061 61 the Senate his petition and papers, on leaving copies of the same with the Secretary.

Mr. Thurman submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on the District of Columbia is hereby instructed to inquire whether any legislation is necessary for the protection of the conductors of street-railroad companies in said District against regulations of the railroad companies requiring such conductors to work an unreasonable portion of each twenty-four hours, if any such regulations or practice exist; and that the committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Rules be instructed to consider the propriety of revising and reclassifying the rules of the Senate, and that they report accordingly at the earliest day practicable.

Mr. Howe submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire whether any legislation is necessary to prohibit disbursing officers of the United States from paying moneys to persons or corporations, or to the order of such persons or corporations, who have been duly enjoined by the courts of the United States from receiving the same, and to report by bill or otherwise.

A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary:

Mr. President: The President of the United States approved and signed, the 18th instant, the following act and joint resolution:

S. 781. An act for the relief of James L. Pugh.

S. R. 11. A joint resolution filling an existing vacancy in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed, without amendment, the bill of the Senate (S. 1023) for the relief of certain settlers on the public lands.

It has passed a bill (H. R. 3818) making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill H. R. 3818, this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

On motion by Mr. Logan,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 1043) suspending so much of the act entitled “An act reorganizing the several staff-corps of the Army,” approved June 23, 1874, as applies to contract-surgeons; and no amendment being made it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved, That it pass, and, that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

0062 62

On motion by Mr. Boreman,

The Senate proceeded to consider the motion submitted by Mr. Wright, that the Senate reconsider its vote refusing to order to a third reading the bill (S. 44) to establish the Territory of Pembina, and to provide a temporary government therefor; and On the question to agree to the said motion,

It was determined in the affirmative.

On motion by Mr. Boreman,

Ordered, That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Territories.

The presiding officer (Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, in the chair) announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its last adjournment, viz, the bill (S. 963) to provide a better government for the District of Columbia; and The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the said bill; and The question being on the amendment proposed by Mr. Morton to the third section of the bill,

After debate,

On motion by Mr. West, at 2 o'clock p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and

After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, December 22, 1874. Link to Annals.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the following resolution, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

Resolved, (the Senate concurring,) That when the two Houses adjourn on Wednesday, the 23d instant, they adjourn to meet again on Tuesday, the 5th day of January next, at 12 o'clock noon.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, (S. 1023,) I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Mitchell presented a memorial of the legislature of Oregon, praying aid in the construction of the Portland, Dalles and Salt Lake Railroad, and for the right of way for a branch road.

Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.

Mr. Clayton presented a petition of colored citizens of Arkansas, praying for the re-establishment of the lawful government State of Arkansas; which was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

Mr. Carpenter presented the petition of William W. Burns, praying payment of royalty on 3,195 “Sibley tents,” claimed to have been used by the Government; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Carpenter presented the petition of John Spicer, praying compensation for losses alleged to have been sustained by breach of contract for the delivery of 2,900 cavalry horses at Columbus, Ohio, for the use of the United States Army; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented the petition of James Millenger, praying compensation for damages resulting to him by his failure to complete 0063 63 the construction of a hotel-building in Nashville, Tennessee, by reason of the said hotel having been taken possession of and used as barracks for the United States troops; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. West presented a memorial of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange, praying aid in thc construction of the Texas and Pacific Railway; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Mr. West presented the petition of Wakeman W. Edwards, praying compensation for property taken by the United States authorities in 1864; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Boutwell presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying the erection of a light-house and signal-station on Star Island, at the Isles of Shoals; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Flanagan presented the petition of Captain John G. Tod, of the United States Navy, praying to be placed upon the retired list; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Scott presented a memorial of the board of commissioners for the improvement of the Ohio River ami its tributaries, praying an appropriation for the improvement of the said river and its tributaries; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Lewis presented a petition of clergymen of various denominations in the District of Columbia, praying exemption of churches and church property from taxation; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Schurz presented the petition of Henry H. Robinson, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, praying that the salary of the President of the United States may be restored to the former sum of $25,000 per annum; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Mitchell presented the petition of J. W. Drew, late paymaster in the United States Army, praying for relief on account of lost vouchers covering disbursement of public moneys for the months of November and December, 1868; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented a petition of citizens of Iowa, praying for such legislation as will secure to them their rights and claims in and to certain lands in the Des Moines River Valley; granted to the State of Iowa by act of August, 1846, for the purpose of the improvement of the Des Moines River; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The President of the United States approved and signed, the 15th instant, the following acts:

H. R. 2104. An act, to confirm an agreement made with the Shoshone Indians (eastern band) for the purchase of the south part of their reservation in Wyoming Territory.

H. R. 3822. An act making an appropriation to enable the Postmaster-General to carry into effect the law requiring the prepayment of postage on newspapers, approved June 25, 1874; and

He approved and signed, the 19th instant, an act (H. R. 3743) to reimburse the city of Boston for certain expenses incurred in the improvement of Chelsea street, (formerly Charlestown,) in connection with the United States navy-yard.

Mr. Clayton reported from the Committee that they had examined 0064 64 and found duly enrolled the bill (S. 1023) for the relief of certain settlers on the public lands.

The Vice-President signed the enrolled bill (S. 1023) last reported to have been examined, and it was delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

The resolution of the House of Representatives providing for the adjournment of the two Houses from the 23d instant to January 5 next was read.

On motion by Mr. Sprague,

Ordered, That the Committee on Public Lands be discharged from the further consideration of the resolutions of the legislature of Kansas in favor of relief to certain homestead settlers in that State.

Mr. Kelly, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2506) for the relief of Rev. John R. Hamilton, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 483) thereon.

Mr. Kelly, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3178) for the relief of the children of Baker White, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was recomitted the bill (H. R. 1393) providing for the assignment of judges in the Territories, reported it with an amendment.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (H. R. 2976) to define a legal day's work in certain cases, and that it be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Thurman, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3745) to remove the disabilities of James Howard, of Baltimore, Maryland, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved, (two-thirds of the Senators present concurring,) That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Boutwell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1061) to amend Title 52 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, entitled “Regulation of Steam-Vessels;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1062) authorizing the commissioners of claims appointed under the act of Congress of March 3, 1871, or any one of them, to take testimony in cases over ten thousand dollars; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Pratt presented a letter of John J. Key, addressed to the Hon. D. D. Pratt, member of the Committee on Claims of the Senate, in relation to the enactment of a law authorizing the commissioners of claims, appointed under the act of Congress of March 3, 1871, or any one of them, to take testimony in cases involving over ten thousand dollars: which was referred to the Committee on Claims to accompany the bill (S. 1062.)

0065 65

Mr. Johnston asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1063) to amend and re-enact section 44 of an act to reduce internal taxes, approved June 6, 1872; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1064) for the disposal of the Fort Kearney military reservation, in the State of Nebraska; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1065) for the relief of J. W. Drew, late additional paymaster, United States Army; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 4141) to make East Pascagoula, in the State of Mississippi, a port of delivery in the district of Pearl River, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

It has passed the following resolution, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

Resolved by the House of Representatives, (the Senate concurring,) That there be printed of the annual report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the year 1872, two hundred and thirty thousand copies, of which fifty thousand copies shall be for the use of the Senate and one hundred and eighty thousand copies for the use of the House of Representatives; and that there be printed of the report of said Commissioner for the year 1873, one hundred and fifty-five thousand copies, of which thirty-five thousand copies shall be for the use of the Senate and one hundred and twenty thousand copies for the use of the House of Representatives.

Mr. Sargent submitted the following resolution; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses of the Senate:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be directed to pay, out of the contingent fund of the Senate, to the mother of George S. Wagner, deceased, late librarian of the Senate, one hundred and fifty dollars for his funeral expenses, and a further allowance equal to three months' pay of his annual salary.

Mr. Pratt submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Pensions be instructed to inquire into the propriety of reporting a bill placing on the pension-roll, at the rate of $8 per month, the surviving soldiers of the Indian war of 1811; also the widows of such as are dead who were married before the 1st day of January, 1825.

Mr. Sargent submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Appropriations be instructed to inquire whether the Light-House Board as organized by law is in the best form to promote its efficiency and harmonious action; and whether the supervision of the Secretary of the Treasury over the proceedings of 0066 66 said board is as clearly defined by law as is necessary for the responsibility of said board and the interests of the public service.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed, without amendment, the following bills of the Senate:

S. 926. An act referring the case of Joseph Wilson to the Court of Claims.

S. 974. An act to enable the supreme court ot the District of Columbia to proceed with its jury business.

S. 1054. An act reserving for the use of Congress one hundred and fifty copies of the Revised Statutes authorized to be printed by the act of June 20, 1874; and

It has passed the bill (S. 1043) suspending so much of the act entitled “An act re-organizing the several staff-corps of the Army,” approved June 23, 1874, as applies to contract-surgeons, with an amendment, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Sherman that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the bill (S. 1044) to provide for the resumption of specie payment,

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 39

Nays 18

On motion by Mr. Sprague,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Boreman, Boutwell, Cameron, Carpenter, Chandler, Clayton, Cragin, Dorsey, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Hamilton of Texas, Hamlin, Harvey, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Lewis, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pease, Pratt, Ramsey, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Washburn, West, Windom, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Bogy, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Goldthwaite, Hager, Hamilton of Maryland, Johnston, Kelly, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Ransom, Saulsbury, Sprague, Stevenson, Thurman, Tipton.

So the motion was agreed to.

Whereupon,

The said bill was read the second time and considered, as in Committee of the Whole; and

Pending debate,

The presiding officer (Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, in the chair) announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the bill (S. 963) for the better government ot the District of Columbia; and

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the said bill; and

The question being on the amendment proposed by Mr. Morton to the third section of the bill,

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Ordered, That the further consideration of the bill be postponed to to-morrow.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The Speaker of the House of Representatives having 0067 67 signed three enrolled bills, (S. 926, S. 974, and S. 1054,) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Kelly reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills:

S. 926. An act referring the case of Joseph Wilson to the Court of Claims.

S. 974. An act to enable the supreme court of the District of Columbia to proceed with its jury business.

S. 1054. An act reserving for the use of Congress one hundred and fifty copies of the Revised Statutes authorized to be printed by the act of June 20, 1874.

The Vice-President signed the three enrolled bills, (S. 926, S. 974, and S. 1054,) last reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 1044) to provide for the resumption of specie payments.

On motion by Mr. Thurman to amend the bill by inserting as an additional section the following:

Sec. 4. That from and after June 30, 1875, one-twentieth part of the customs-duties shall be payable in United States legal-tender notes or in national-bank notes; and after June 30, 1876, one tenth, and after June 30, 1877, one-fifth part thereof may be so paid;

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Bogy to amend the amendment by striking out all after “That,” in line 1, and in lieu thereof inserting, on and after the first of July, 1875, duties on imports may be paid in legal-tender notes or coin, at the option of the importer;

After debate,

It was determined in the negative.

The question recurring on the amendment of Mr. Thurman,

On the question to agree thereto,

After further debate,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 16

Nays 33

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Bayard, Bogy, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Goldthwaite, Hager, Hamilton of Maryland, Johnston, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Ransom, Saulsbury, Stevenson, Thurman.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Boutwell, Cameron, Carpenter, Clayton, Cragin, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Hamilton of Texas, Hamlin, Harvey, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Patterson, Pease, Pratt, Sargent, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Washburn, West, Windom, Wright.

So the amendment was not agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Schurz to amend the bill by inserting after the word “more” in line 22, page 3, the following:

Provided, That not less than two millions of legal-tender notes shall be retired monthly by the Secretary of the Treasury, and that the legal-tender notes so retired shall be canceled and destroyed.

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 6

Nays 44

0068 68

On motion by Mr. Schurz,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Bayard, Fenton, Hager, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Schurz.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Bogy, Boutwell, Cameron, Carpenter, Chandler, Clayton, Cooper, Cragin, Davis, Dennis, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Goldthwaite, Hamlin, Harvey, Howe, Ingalls, Johnston, Logan, Merrimon, Morrill of Maine, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pease, Pratt, Ramsey, Ransom, Sargent, Saulsbury, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson, Thurman, Tipton, Washburn, West, Wright.

So the amendment was not agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, to amend the bill by inserting after the word “them” in line 7, section 1, the words at their current value, and by striking out in lines 7 and 8, section 1, the words “an equal number and amount of,”

It was determined in negative,

Yeas 3

Nays 40

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Texas,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present, Those who voted in affirmative are,

Messrs. Cooper, Hamilton of Texas, Tipton.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Bogy, Boutwell, Carpenter, Chandler, Clayton, Cragin, Dennis, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Gohlthwaite, Hager, Hamlin, Harvey, Howe, Ingalls, Johnston, Logan, Merrimon, Morrill of Maine, Morton, Oglesby Patterson, Pease, Pratt, Ramsey, Sargent, Saulsbury, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Stevenson, Thurman, Washburn, West, Wright.

So the amendment was not agreed to.

No further amendment being proposed to the bill, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

On the question, Shall the bill pass?

It was determined in affirmative,

Yeas 32

Nays 14

On motion by Mr. Sprague,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present, Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Boutwell, Carpenter, Chandler, Clayton, Cragin, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Hamlin, Harvey, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, Morrill of Maine, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pease, Pratt, Ramsey, Sargent, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Washburn, West, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Bogy, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Goldthwaite, Hager, Hamilton of Texas, Johnston, Merrimon, Ransom, Sprague, Stevenson, Thurman, Tipton.

So it was

Resolved, That the bill pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin, at 6 o'clock and 30 minutes p. m.,

0069 69

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, December 23, 1874. Link to Annals.

The chief clerk called the Senate to order, and read the following letter:

Vice-President's Chamber, Washington, December 22, 1874.

To the Chief Clerk of the Senate:

SIR: Please inform the Senate, when it assembles to-morrow, that I shall not be present.

Respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY WILSON.

Whereupon,

Mr. Anthony offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That in the absence of the Vice-President the Honorable Matthew H. Carpenter be, and he is hereby, chosen President of the Senate pro tempore.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said resolution, and, having been amended on the motion of Mr. Stevenson, the resolution was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved, That in the absence of the Vice-President the Senate do now proceed to the choice of a President of the Senate pro tempore, by ballot.

The Senate, thereupon, proceeded to choose, by ballot, a President pro tempore; and

The tellers having counted the ballots, and reported the state of the vote,

It appeared that the whole number of ballots cast was fifty-one; of which the Honorable Matthew H. Carpenter received thirty-three, and the Honorable Allen G. Thurman eighteen;

Whereupon,

Mr. Carpenter, having received a majority, was declared duly elected, and he thereupon took the chair.

Mr. Anthony submitted the following resolution, which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Secretary wait on the President of the United States and inform him that, in the absence of the Vice-President, the Senate has chosen the Honorable Matthew H. Carpenter, a Senator from the State of Wisconsin, President of the Senate pro tempore, and that he make a similar communication to the House of Representatives.

Mr. Fenton presented the petition of Lucy J. Loop, praying to be allowed a pension for services rendered by her husband and son, who were killed in action during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Fenton presented a resolution of the common council of Rochester, New York, in favor of the ratification of the reciprocity treaty with Canada ; which was referred to the Committee on Fóreign Relations.

Mr. Boreman presented the petition of Samuel C. Bartlett, of West Virginia, praying to be allowed a pension ; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

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Mr. Merrimon presented a resolution of the legislature of North Carolina, in favor of the granting of pensions to the surviving veterans of the Mexican war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Merrimon presented a resolution of the legislature of North Carolina, in favor of an appropriation to enable the New River Canal Company to connect the inland water-system of that State with the Atlantic and Gulf coasts; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Johnston presented the petition of Murray Mason, praying for the removal of his political disabilities; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Flanagan presented the petition of Lemuel Adams, praying to be allowed a pension ; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Anthony presented the petition of Kate Louise Cushing, widow of the late Commander William B. Cushing, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Fenton presented the petition of J. W. Benson, praying a recognition of the services of the late David Ritchie; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented papers in relation to the claim of the owners of the schooner Chieftain, for damages sustained by reason of a collision with the United States transport steamer Star; which were referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Norwood presented the petition of James G. Sturdivant, praying compensation for goods and stores taken from him by United States troops during the late war ; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, recommending an appropriation for two additional messengers or laborers in the Quartermaster-General's Office; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, presented the petition of Fisk Mills, praying to be released from his contract for the erection of a bronze equestrian statue of the late General John A. Rawlins, and the reimbursement of expenses already incurred by him under his contract; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Fenton presented a petition of publishers, praying an amendment to the postal laws relative to the transmission of periodicals; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Fenton presented a memorial of the Board of Trade of Oswego, New York, in favor of the ratification of the reciprocity treaty with Canada; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Hitchcock presented a petition of citizens of Nebraska, praying the passage of the bill (H. R. 3281) to amend “An act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for military, postal, and other purposes;” which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of James O. Thompson, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland,

Ordered, That the resolution directing the Secretary to pay Francis W. Sykes the salary of a Senator while contesting a seat in the Senate, be recommitted to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

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Mr. Dennis, from the Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses of the Senate, to whom was referred the resolution to pay to the mother of George S. Wagner, deceased, late librarian of the Senate, one hundred and fifty dollars for his funeral expenses, and a further allowance equal to three months of his annual salary, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said resolution as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said resolution was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

The resolution of the House of Representatives to print extra copies of the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the years 1872 and 1873 was read, and referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1066) to incorporate the Georgetown and Tenallytown Railroad Company, of the District of Columbia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to Ybring in a bill (S. 1067) to divide the State of Iowa into two judicial districts; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hager asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1068) to remove the limitation restricting the circulation of banking associations issuing notes payable in gold; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1069) providing for the construction of the Oregon Central Pacific Railway and Telegraph Line; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Railroads, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Morton submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved , That the Senate recognize the validity of the credentials of P. B. S. Pinchback, as certified to by Governor William P. Kellogg, of Louisiana, under the seal of said State; and the Committee on Privileges and Elections are instructed to examine and report if said Pinchback is entitled to be admitted on the prima-facie case thus made, or if such admission should be postponed until investigation is made as to the charges of corruption in his election alleged against him.

Mr. Clayton submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved , That the Secretary of War be requested, if not incompatible with the public service, to lay before the Senate the official reports and communications of Major Lewis Merrill, United States Army, relating to certain disorders in Louisiana known as the Coushatta troubles.

Mr. Pease presented the credentials of B. K. Bruce, elected a Senator, by the legislature of the State of Mississippi, for the term of six years, commencing March 4, 1875; which were read.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk.

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Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 3819. An act making appropriations for the naval service for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes.

H. R. 4144. An act providing for the authentication of the Revised Statutes of the United States, and for preserving the originals of all laws in the Department of State.

The bill (H. R. 3819) this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

The bill (H. R. 4141) yesterday received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

The bill (H. R. 4144) providing for the authentication of the Revised Statutes of the United States, and for preserving the originals of all laws in the Department of State, this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved , That it pass.

Ordered , That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendment of the House of Representatives to the bill (S. 1043) suspending so much of the act entitled “An act re-organizing the several staff-corps of the Army,” approved June 23, 1874, as applies to contract-surgeons; and,

On motion by Mr. Logan,

Resolve , That the Senate agree to the amendment of the House of Representatives to the said bill.

Ordered , That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution of the House of Representatives providing that when the two Houses adjourn this day they adjourn to meet on Tuesday, January 5, 1875; and,

On motion by Mr. West,

Resolved , That the Senate agree thereto.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

On motion by Mr. Norwood, that the Senate reconsider its vote postponing indefinitely the bill (H. R. 3474) to establish Atlanta, in the State of Georgia, a port of delivery,

It was determined in the affirmative.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they this day presented to the President of the United States the following enrolled bills:

S. 926. An act referring the case of Joseph Wilson to the Court of Claims.

S. 974. An act to enable the supreme court of the District of Columbia to proceed with its jury business.

S. 1023. An act for the relief of certain settlers on the public lands.

S. 1054. An act reserving for the use of Congress one hundred and fifty Copies of the Revised Statutes authorized to be printed by the, act of June, 20, 1874.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

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Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the bill (S. 420) to amend an act entitled “An act for the restoration to homestead entry and to market of certain lands in Michigan,” approved June 10, 1872, and for other purposes, with all amendment, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, (S. 1043 and H. R. 4144,) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

The President of the United States approved and signed, the 21st instant, the following act and joint resolution:

H. R. 3188. An act granting a pension to Letta Bagley.

H. R. 3339. An act relating to the disposition of certain lands to be reclaimed in sections 14, 23, and 26, in township 16 north, of range 20, in the county of Sheboygan, in the State of Wisconsin.

H. R. 119. Joint resolution to continue the board of audit to examine and audit the unfunded or floating debt of the District of Columbia.

Mr. Kelly reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills:

S. 1043. An act suspending so much of the act entitled “An act reorganizing the several staff-corps of the Army,” approved June 23, 18747, as applies to contract-surgeons.

H. R. 4144. An act providing for the authentication of the Revised Statutes of the United States, and for preserving the originals of all laws in the Department of State.

The President pro tempore signed the two enrolled bills (S. 1043 and H. R. 4144) last reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds, at 1 o'lock p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and the Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 5, 1875. Link to Annals.

Mr. Scott presented a resolution of the American Iron and Steel Association, protesting against the ratification of the proposed reciprocity treaty with Canada; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented the petition of Merritt Lewis, late of Company K, Seventh Regiment of Michigan Cavalry, praying to be allowed an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Mitchell presented a memorial of the Board of Trade of Portland, Oregon, praying the aid of Government, by a guarantee of interest upon bonds or otherwise, to secure railroad communication to the Atlantic States.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock presented two petitions of citizens of the District of Columbia, praying the passage of an act incorporating the Capitol, North O Street and South Washington Railway Company; which were referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Laurence P. N. Landrum, praying to be allowed an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sargent presented a petition of citizens of California, praying 0074 74 that the late members of the “California Hundred” and the “California Cavalry Battalion” may be allowed additional traveling expenses paid by them from their place of discharge from the United States military service in Massachusetts to California; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of Dickson Williams, praying to be allowed a pension on account of services rendered by his sons in the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Logan presented a petition of ten thousand soldiers of the State of Illinois, praying for the equalization of bounties to soldiers; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Logan presented the petition and papers of Henry Greenbaum, president of the German Savings Bank of Chicago, Illinois, praying that a certain amount of taxes alleged to have been improperly collected on deposits may be refunded; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Scott presented the petition of Henry C. Watterson, of Pennsylvania, praying that the amount paid by him for certain internal revenue certain internal-revenue stamps used in his business be refunded; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Wright presented a memorial of the mayor and common council of the city of Burlington, Iowa, praying for an appropriation for the improvement of the harbor at that place; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Wright presented additional papers in relation to the claim of Louis Stein, praying compensation for services rendered the Government in preventing frauds on the revenues arising from the tax on distilled spirits; which were referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Conkling presented a petition of the Second Baptist Church of New York City, praying the prohibition of the manufacture, importation, and sale of all alcoholic beverages in the District of Columbia and throughout the Territories of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Territories.

Mr. Pratt presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying for the passage of a law authorizing the equalization of bounties to the soldiers and sailors in the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Dickinson County, Kansas, praying the passage of the bill (H. R. 3281) amending an act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for postal, military? and other purposes; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Hager presented the petition of Duane M. Greene, late captain of Company E, Sixth Regiment of California Volunteers, praying compensation for services rendered between the date of his commission and the date of his being mustered into the United States service; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Hager presented a petition of citizens of California, praying that a pension may be granted to George W. Ross and Edward Cox, citizens of that State, on account of services rendered the Government in the Florida war and the Mexican war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Hager presented a resolution of the board of supervisors of San Francisco, California, praying that that city be re imbursed for moneys expended in the improvement of streets in front of the property of the 0075 75 United States, and that such legislation may be had as will authorize the Government hereafter to make such improvements at its own expense; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Philip Lester, late of Company B, Sixteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, praying compensation for services as second lieutenant of said company from March 31, 1863, to June 30, 1863; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Flanagan presented the petition of Edmund T. Ryan, late lieutenant in the Fifteenth Regiment of United States Infantry, praying to be re-appointed to his former position, from which he was dismissed by the sentence of a court-martial; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Cameron presented a memorial of citizens of Pennsylvania, dealers in tobacco, remonstrating against any change in the present laws relating to manufactured tobacco; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Sargent presented a petition of John M. Dorsey and William Shepeard, praying compensation for supplies furnished to men in an expedition against the Piute Indians in 1860; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of John B. Keyes, late first lieutenant in the One hundred and twenty-second Regiment of United States Colored Infantry, praying for an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Spencer presented the petition of Philip Henson, of Mississippi, praying compensation for services rendered the Government and re-imbursement of moneys expended for the Government during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Conkling presented a petition of Moses Taylor & Co. and others, praying compensation for vessels and other property destroyed upon the high seas by rebel cruisers during the late war, to be paid out of the Geneva award; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed, without amendment, the following bills of the Senate:

S. 381. An act to create an additional land-district in the State of Oregon, to be called the Dalles land-district.

S. 433. An act for the relief of Mrs. Susan A. Shelby.

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendment of the House of Representatives to the bill of the Senate (S. 420) to amend the act entitled “An act for the restoration to homestead-entry and to market of certain lands in Michigan,” approved June 10, 1872, and for other purposes; and,

On motion by Mr. Boutwell,

Ordered , That the said bill and amendment be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, to whom were referred the hill (S. 1068) to remove the limitation restricting the circulation of banking associations issuing notes payable in gold, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them without amendment, and that they ought not to pass:

S. 731. A bill to reduce tax on circulation of State banks to an amount equal to that paid by national banks.

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S. 777. A bill to amend the fifteenth and sixteenth sections of the act entitled “An act revising and amending the laws relative to mints, assay-offices, and coinage of the United States,” approved February 12, 1873.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed, without amendment, the bill of the Senate (S. 650) explanatory of the resolution entitled “A resolution for the relief of settlers upon the absentee Shawnee lands in Kansas,” approved April 7, 1869; and

It has passed a bill (H. R. 4119) authorizing the Commissioner of the General Land-Office to grant a patent for certain land in the Territory of Arizona, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

Mr. Sargent, from the Committee on Appropriations, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3819) making appropriations for the naval service for the year ending Jane 30, 1876, and for other purposes, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them severally without amendment, and that they ought not to pass:

S. 593. A bill to admit certain sculpture free of duty,

S. 739. A bill to prohibit national banks from loaning money on money as security, and for other purposes.

H. R. 975. An act to amend the act entitled “An act to provide for the redemption of the 3-per-cent. temporary-loan certificates, and for an increase of national-bank notes,” approved July 12, 1870.

H. R. 1398. An act to fix the amount of legal-tender notes at four hundred million dollars.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that December 24, 1874, they presented to the President of the United States the enrolled bill (S. 1013) suspending so much of the act entitled “An act-organizing the several staff-corps of the Army,” approved June 23, 1874, as applies to contract-surgeous.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 580) granting a pension to Rosalie C. P. Lisle, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 487) thereon.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3193) repealing the act granting a pension to William H. Blair, approved July 27,1868, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 485) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pension, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1953) granting a pension to William D. Morrison, late captain of Company D, Seventh Regiment Maryland Volunteer Infantry, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 491) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3691) granting a pension to James Burris, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 492) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1820) granting a pension to Samuel Henderson, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 493) thereon.

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On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

Ordered , That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Jane M. Rudolph.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Texas,

Ordered , That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Mary L. Moore.

On motion by Mr. Flanagan,

Ordered , That the petition of Captain John G. Tod be printed.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1000) amending the concluding proviso to section 3262 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2351) granting a pension to John B. Miller, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 488) thereon.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3017) granting a pension to Jacob Grosch, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 489) thereon.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2355) granting a pension to Ann R. Voorhees, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 490) thereon.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was recommitted the bill (H. R. 3668) for the relief of Smith & Matthews, of Illinois, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3694) granting a pension to Rebecca W. Taylor, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 486) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills (S. 1000, H. R. 2351, H. R. 3017, H. R. 2355, H. R. 3668, and H. R. 3694) as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were severally reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary:

Mr. President: The President of the United States approved and signed, December 24, 1874, an act (S. 1054) reserving for the use of Congress one hundred and fifty copies of the Revised Statutes authorized to be printed by the act of June 20, 1874; and He approved and signed, December 28, 1874, the following acts:

S. 974. An act to enable the supreme court of the District of Columbia to proceed with its jury business.

S. 1023. An act for the relief of certain settlers on the public lands.

And he approved and signed, December 29, 1874, an act (S. 926) referring the case of Joseph Wilson to the Court of Claims.

And he approved and signed, January 1, 1875, an act (S. 1043) suspending so much of the act entitled “An act re-organizing the several staffcorps of the Army,” approved June 23, 1874, as applies to contract-surgeons.

Ordered , that the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Margaret C. Wells, submitted a report, 0078 78 (No. 494.) accompanied by a bill (S. 1070) granting a pension to Margaret C. Wells, which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1071) to advanee Lieutenant A. H. M. Taylor, Nineteenth Infantry, on the rolls of the Army; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be prinnted.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1072) making provision for all Oriental college; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1073) for the relief of John M. Dorsey and William Shepeard; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1074) fixing the pay and rank of civil engineers in the Navy; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1075) for the protection of the postal rights of the inmates of insane asylums; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Edmunds asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1076) to facilitate the disposition of cases in the Supreme Court of the United States, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on, the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1077) for the relief of Dwight J. McCann; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1078) for the relief of S. K. Thompson, late second lieutenant in the Twenty-fifth United States Infantry; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1079) for the relief of William M. Kendall, of Plymouth, in the State of Indiana; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1080) granting a. pension to J. W. Caldwell, of Marshall County, Indiana; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1081) to re-imburse the State of Oregon for moneys paid by said State in the suppression of Indian hostilities during the Modoc war in the years 1872 and 1873; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1082) granting to the Willamette Valley and Coast Railroad 0079 79 Company a right of way through the public lands for a narrow-gauge railroad; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1083) granting the right of way for a railroad and telegraph line to the Puyallup Valley Coal Company, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1084) to establish a post-route in Baker County, State of Oregon, from Clarksville via Humboldt Basin to Rye Valley; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Flanagan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1085) for the relief of Edmund T. Ryan; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Sargent, that the Senate reconsider its vote postponing indefinitely the bill (H. R. 975) to amend the act entitled “An act to provide for the redemption of the 3-per-cent. temporary-loan certificates and for an increase of national-bank notes,” approved July 12, 1870,

It was determined in the affirmative.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed three enrolled bills, (S. 381, S. 433, and S. 650,) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Kelly reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills:

S. 381. An act to create an additional land-district in the State of Oregon, to be called the Dalles land-district.

S. 433. An act for the relief of Mrs. Susan A. Shelby.

S. 650. An act explanatory of the resolution entitled “A resolution for the relief of settlers upon the Absentee Shawneelands in Kansas,” approved April 7, 1859.

Mr. Thurman submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved , That the President of the United States is hereby requested to inform the Senate whather any portion of the Army of the United States, or any officer or officers, soldier or soldiers, of such Army, did in any manner, interfere or intermeddle with, control, or seek to control, the organization of the general assembly of the State of Louisiana, or either branch thereof, on the 4th instant; and especially whether any person or persons claiming seats in either branch of said legislature have been deprived thereof or prevented from taking the same by any such military force, officer, or soldier. And if such has been the case, then that the President inform the Senate by what authority such military intervention and interference have taken place.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the resolution; and On motion by Mr. Conkling to amend the resolution by inserting after the word “Senate” where it first occurs the words, if, in his judgement, not incompatible with the public interest;

Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Conkling, at 4 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m,

The Senate adjourned.

WENESDAY, January 6, 1875 Link to Annals.

The Vice-President signed the three enrolled bills (S. 381, S. 433, and S. 650) yesterday reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

The bill (H. R. 4119) yesterday received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The Vice President laid before the Senate a petition of citizens of Nevada, praying the passage of the bill (H. R. 3281) to amend an act entitled “An act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for postal, military, and other purposes. Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Wadleigh presented the petition of Marie Louise Perrin and Trautmann Perrin, praying compensation for destruction of their property by the bombardment of Greytown, Central America, by the United States sloop-of-war Cyane; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Patterson presented resolutions of the general assembly of South Carolina, in relation to the deposits made in the Freedman's Savings Bank and Trust Company; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Cragin presented the petition of Benjamin Fellows, of Hanover, New Hampshire, a soldier in the war of 1812, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of George W. Riley and D. S. Miller, praying to be relieved from liability and responsibility for failure to fulfill a contract for transporting the mails on route 33219, between Elk City and Cedarvale, in the State of Kansas; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Sargent presented a resolution of the legislature of Idaho Territory, remonstrating against the abolishment of the United States assay-office at Boise City in that Territory; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, recommending an amendment to the legislative, executive, and judicial appropriation bill, to authorize the retention of thirteen enlisted men in the Ordnance Bureau; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, communicating a report of General E. O. C. Ord in relation to the sufferers from the grasshopper-plague.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, recommending an appropriation for the employment of two draughtsmen in the office of the Quartermaster-General; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, transmitting a communication from Major-General J. M. Schofield respecting the repeal of the law which forbids promotion in the staff of the Army; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, recommending an appropriation for the purchase of land required 0081 81 for the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Merrinon presented resolutions of the legislature of North Carolina, as follows:

Resolution in favor of an appropriation to improve the navigation of Neuse River below New Berne.

Resolution in favor of an appropriation to deepen the harbor of Edenton in that State.

Resolution in favor of a refund of certain taxes collected from the producers of spirits of turpentine.

Resolution asking that the branches of the Freedman's Savings Bank of that State be required to account honestly to the depositors in said banks.

Ordered , That they lie on the table and be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of the Treasury, transmitting the report of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey for the year ending June 30, 1874; which was referred to the Committee on Printing.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a resolution of the Board of Trade of Portland, Oregon, asking that during the pendency of the negotiation of the reciprocity treaty between the United States and the Hawaiian Kingdom no discrimination duty be allowed between the diferent grades of Hawaiian sugars imported into the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the annual report of the Congressional Printer, showing the condition of the public printing, binding &c.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a petition of citizens of Wisconsin, praying an appropriation for the completion of the construction of a water-route of transportation by the way of the way of the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers to the Mississippi River; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they this day presented to the President of the United States the following enrolled bills:

S. 381. An act to create an additional land-district in the State of Oregon, to be called the Dalles land-district.

S. 433. An act for the relief of Mrs. Susan A. Shelby.

S. 650. An act explanatory of the resolution entitled “A resolution for the relief of settlers upon the Absentee Shawnee lands in Kansas,” approved April 7, 1869.

Mr. Wadleigh, from the Committee on Patents, submitted a report (No. 494) to accompany the bill (H. R. 3170) for the relief of John W. Marsh.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (S. 888) directing the name of James Brown, of Oregon, to be placed on the pension-rolls and granting him a pension, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 498) thereon.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2156) granting a pension to Nathan A. Winters, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 499) thereon.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3689) granting a pension to Bernard Sailer, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 497) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills (S. 888, H. R. 2156, and 6 s 0082 82 H. R. 3689) as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3728) granting a pension to Abby A. Dike, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 496) thereon.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3181) for the relief of Mrs. Mary A. Thayer, reported it without amendment, and submitted all adverse report (No. 495) thereon.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1086) to regulate promotions in the staff of the Marine Corps; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained have to bring in a bill (S. 1087) to fix and reduce the Pay Department of the Army; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent,referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1088) for the relief or D. S. Miller and G. W. Riley; which was read the first and second times, by nanimous consent, referred to the Committee ou Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1088) for the relief of D. S. Miller and G. W. Riley; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Clayton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1089) to amend an act entitled “An act granting a pension to Martha E. Orick, Mary J. Orick, and John J. Orick, minor children of John C. Orick, deceased;” which was read the first and the second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee Pensions, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Clayton presented the papers in relation to the application of the children of John C. Orick for a Pensions; to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained a leave to bring in a bill (S. 1090) for the relief of A. W. Greely, Fifth Calvary, United States Army; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Frelinghuysen asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1091) to amend the fourteenth section of the act to establish the judicial courts of the United States, approved September 24, 1789; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous, consent, referred to the Committee on Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the, following bills, in which it requests the concurreuce of the Senate:

H. R. 3912. An act to reduce and fix the Adjutant-General's Department of the Army.

H. R. 4126. An act authorizing the Citizens' National Bank of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, to change its name.

H. R. 4162. An act granting the right of way and depot-grounds to the Oregon Central Pacific Railway Company through the public lands of the United States from Winnemucca, in the State of Nevada, to the Columbia River, via Portland, in the State of Oregon.

The President of the United States approved and signed, December 28, 1874, an act (H. R. 4144) providing for the authentication of the Revised Statutes of the United States, and for preserving the originals of all laws in the Department of State.

0083 83

The bills last received from the House of Representatives for concurrence were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Ordered , That the bill H. R. 3912 be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs; that the bill H. R. 4126 be referred to the Committee on Finance; and that the bill H. R. 4162 be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Pratt submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to: Resolved , That the Committee on Pensions be instructed to inquire into the propriety of reporting a bill extending the benefit of the pension-laws to such of the volunteer forces concerned in the pursuit and capture of General John Morgan and his men, on their raid through the States of Indiana and Ohio in 1863, as were disabled in consequence of wounds or injuries received in the line of duty while engaged in that service under the calls of the governors of those States, and to the widows and dependent relatives of such as died in consequence of disabilities incurred in the same service.

On motion by Mr. Harvey,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 3250) to confirm pre-emption and homestead entries of public lands within the limits of railroad-grants in cases where such entries have been made under the regulations of the Land Department; and Pending debate,

The Vice-President announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the resolution submitted by Mr. Thurman calling for information as to a reported interference of the Army of the United States in the organization of the general assembly of the State of Louisiana; and

The Senate resumed the consideration of the said resolution; and

The question being on the amendment proposed by Mr. Conkling,

Pending debate,

()n motion by Mr. Sargent, at 4 o'clock and 30 minutes, p. m.,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, January 7, 1875. Link to Annals.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of citizens of Pennsylvania, soldiers in the late war, praying to be granted each one hundred and sixty acres of the public lands, without restrictions or reservations; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of workingmen, citizens of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, praying that the application made by the Texas and Pacific Railway Company to the Government to guarantee the interest on its bonds may be granted; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Mr. Logan presented the petition of Jearum Atkins, of Washington, District of Columbia, praying that his former petition relative to the sale of his patent rakes for harvesters, reported adversely on by the Committee on Claims, may be recommitted to said committee and he be allowed to appear before them and give further information; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Edmunds presented the petition of Francis M. Strong and Thomas 0084 84 Ross, of Vermont, praying an extension of their patent improvement in weighing-scales; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

Ordered , That the Committee on Indian Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the letter of the Secretary of the Interior relative to the sale of Indian lands in the State of Kansas.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3427) granting an increase of pension to Mary W. Shirk, widow of James W. Shirk, deceased, late commander in the United States Navy, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 500) thereon.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was recommitted the bill (H. R. 2680) granting a pension to Mrs. Jane Dulaney, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 501) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills (H. R. 3427 and H. R. 2680) as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were severally reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the said bills be indefinitely postponed.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3707) granting a pension to Louisa Thomas, reported it with-out amendment, and submitted a report (No. 502) thereon.

On motion by Mr. Harvey,

Ordered , That the petition of Michael Hennessy, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Johnston asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1092) for the relief of Maria V. Brown, assignee of O. F. Brown; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1093) for the relief of Reuben Goodrich; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Edmunds asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1094) for the relief of Francis M. Strong and Thomas Ross; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous censent, referred to the Committee on Patents, and ordered to he printed.

Mr. McCreery asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1095) for the relief of Lafayette Elder; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Frelinghuysen asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1096) amendatory of the act in relation to the Hot Springs reservation in the State of Arkansas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Oglesby, and by unanimous consent, the vote postponing indefinitely the bill (S. 578) granting a pension to Elizabeth Locbrick was reconsidered; and,

On motion by Mr. Oglesby,

Ordered , That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Fenton,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 1054) granting a pension to Jefferson W. Davis, first lieutenant of Company F, Sixty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers; and

0085 85

On motion by Mr. Fenton,

Ordered, That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 1068) to remove the limitation restricting the circulation of banking associations issuing notes payable in gold; and the amendments reported by the Committee on Finance having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate and the amendments were concurred in.

Ordered, That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid. Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 3621) to abolish the western district of Arkansas, and for other purposes; and an amendment to the bill having been proposed by Mr. Wright, from the Committee on the Judiciary,

On motion by Mr. Thurman,

Ordered , That the further consideration of the said bill be postponed to to-morrow.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk: Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 103. An act granting the Memphis and Vicksburgh Railroad Company the right of way along the river-bank at the national cemetery at Vicksburgh, Mississippi.

H. R. 1678. An act to provide for post-quartermaster-sergeants.

H. R. 2724. An act for the relief of certain States and Territories on account of ordnance-stores issued to them during the late civil war.

H. R. 3823. An act making appropriations for fortifications and other works of defense for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876.

H. R. 4185. An act for the relief of Brevet Brigadier-General B. S. Roberts.

H. R. 4187. An act to donate certain artillery-equipments, &c, to the trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home of the State of Illinois.

H. R. 4188. An act to release the Fort Butler military reservation.

H. R. 4190. An act for the relief of William H. Carmen. The House of Representatives has passed, without amendment, the bill of the Senate (S. 1044) to provide for the resumption of specie payments.

The House of Representatives has agreed to the amendments of the Senate to the bill (H. R. 2032) to amend section 2324 of the Revised Statutes, relating to the development of the mining resources of the United States.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, (H. R. 2032 and H. R. 3745,) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills:

H. R. 2032. An act to amend section 2324 of the Revised Statutes, Statutes, relating to the development of the mining-resources of the United States.

0086 86

H. R. 3745. An act to remove the political disabilities of James Howard, of Baltimore, Maryland.

The Vice-President signed the two enrolled bills (H. R. 2032 and H. R. 3745) last reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

The bills this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Ordered , That the bill H. R. 3823 be referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and that the bills H. R. 103, H. R. 1078, H. R. 2724, H. R. 4185, H. R. 4187, H. R. 4188, and H. R. 4190 be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk: Mr. President: The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, (S. 10447) I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the bill (S. 1044) to provide for the resumption of specie payments.

The Vice-President signed the enrolled bill (S. 1044) last reported to have been examined, and it was delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

On motion by Mr. Mitchell that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the bill (S. 46) for the construction of a custom-house and bonded warehouse at Portland, Oregon,

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative; and

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the said bill; and

The question being on the amendment reported by the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds,

Pending debate,

The Vice-President announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjourmnent yesterday, viz, the resolution submitted by Mr. Thurman calling for information as to a reported interference of the Army of the United States in the organization of the general assembly of the State of Louisiana; and

The Senate resumed the consideration of the said resolution; and The question being on the amendment proposed by Mr. Conkling, Pending debate demonstrations of applause having been made in the galleries,

A motion was submitted by Mr. Sargent that the galleries be cleared; and the same having been modified on the motion of Mr. Thurman, was agreed to as follows: Ordered , That the Sergeantat-at-Arms be directed to place in the galleries a sufficient police force to arrest any person or persons who may disturb the proceedings of the Senate by marks of approbation or disapprobation, and report said arrest to the Senate.

After further debate on the resolution of Mr. Thurman,

On motion by Mr. Sargent, at 4 o'clock and 5 minutes p. m., The Senate proeeeded to the consideration of executive business; and

After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and

The Senate adjourned.

FRIDAY, January 8, 1875. Link to Annals.

Mr. Allison presented the petition of J. L. Jones, praying compensation for the use of his patented compound defensive armor by the Government during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented the petition of Emanuel Slifer, praying that a pension be allowed to the orphan children of Joseph Butts, for services rendered by their father while in the Army of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, submitting an estimate of funds required for the military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for the year ending June 30, 1876; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Fenton presented the petition of Thomas McGeehan, praying to be allowed arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Davis presented the petition of George R. Murphy, grandson of Isaac Murphy, praying compensation for spoliations committed by the French prior to the year 1801; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Acting Secretary of the Interior, transmitting, in obedience to law, reports of the surveyor-general of New Mexico on private land claims in that Territory; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented the petition of A. T. McReynolds, of Michigan, praying to be paid a pension heretofore granted him for services during the Mexican war, for the time which lie served in the late war, and of which he was derived by reason of his appointment as a colonel of United States cavalry volunteers; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Conkling presented a petition of citizens of Elmira, New York, praying an amendment to the 14th section of the act of September 24, 1789, to establish the judicial courts so as to authorize the levying of a tax to pay judgments rendered by said courts; which was reported to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Morton presented the petition of Rees B. Edmondson, praying the passage of Senate bill 1002 declaring the effect of permits to purchuse the products of the insurrectionary States, in certain cases granted by the President during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Lewis presented a memorial of the members of the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, remonstrating against a decrease of salaries, and praying for an increase of the same; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia. Mr. Coukling presented a petition of citizens of New York, praying further legislation in behalf of homestead settlers upon the public lands; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

Ordered , That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Mary Randolph.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 366) granting a pension to Hugh Wallace, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 503) thereon.

0088 88

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (S. 749) to repeal a part of the act therein named in relation to the compensation of pension-agents, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 504) thereon.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, from the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, reported a bill (S. 1097) to donate to the State of Oregon a public building, lot, and material, situated at The Dalles, Oregon; which was read and passed to at second reading.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the following resolution, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

Resolved , By the House of Representatives, (the Senate concurring,) That the Congressional Printer be, and hereby is, authorized to print the report of Major Powell's expedition, in quarto form.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1943) granting a pension to Helen M. Stansbury, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 505) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2677) granting a pension to Mrs. Mary G. Harris, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 506) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3031) granting a pension to Catharine A. Winslow, widow of the late Rear-Admiral John A. Winslow, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 507) thereon.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred bill (H. R. 1183) granting a pension to Mrs. Martha R. Robinson, of Portsmouth, Ohio, reported it without amendent, and submitted and adverse report (No. 509) thereon.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 870) to place the name of Mrs. Mary E. Murphy on the pension-roll, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 510) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills (H. R. 1943, H. R. 2677, H. R. 3031, H. R. 1183, and H. R. 870) as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were severally reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3700) granting a pension to Peter Wolfyoung, reported it with an amendment, and submitted a report (No. 508) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (S. 836) granting a pension to William Ira Mayfield, reported it with an amendment, and submitted a report (No. 511) thereon.

Mr. Kelly, front the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 4162) granting the right of way and depot-grounds to the Oregon Central Pacific Railway Company through the public lands of the United States, from Winnemucca, in the State of Nevada, to the Columbia River, via Portland, in the State of Oregon, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Lewis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1098) to aid the Washington and Ohio Railroad Company in the construction of their road to the Ohio River; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia and ordered to be printed.

0089 89

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating, in obedience to law, a statement exhibiting the expenditures at the Springfield Armory, and its operations during the year ending June 30, 1874; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the legislature of the Territory of Dakota, praying for a grant of land to aid in the construction of a railroad from Yankton to the National Park, in that Territory; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the legislature of the Territory of Dakota, praying that the Black Hills, in that Territory, may be opened for settlement, and that the Indian title to the same be extinguished which was referred to the Committee on Territories.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the legislature of the Territory of Dakota, praying for an appropriation to aid in the constrnction of a wagon-road from some point on the the table-lands in Union County, in that Territory, across the marsh-lands to the Ponca landing, on the Missouri River; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Schurz submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed: Resolved , That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to in quire what legislation by Congress is necessary to secure to the people. of Louisiana their rights of self-government, under the Constitution, and to report, with the least possible delay, by bill or otherwise.

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 3819) making propriations for the naval service for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes; and the amendments reported by the Committee on Appropriations having been agreed to, and the bill further amended on the motion of Mr. Sargent, from the Committee on Appropriations, it was reported to the Senate and the amendments were concurred in.

Ordered , That the amendments be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill, as amended, was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendments.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

The bill (H. R. 3780)to relieve the political disabilities of Robert Tansill, of Prince William County, Virginia, was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and,

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered , That the said bill be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Harvey,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 2997) for the relief of George A. Schreiner; and,

On motion by Mr. Harvey,

Ordered , That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Clayton reported from committee that they this day presented to the President of the United States the enrolled bill (S. 1014) to provide for the resumption of specie payments.

0090 90

Mr. Clayton submitted the following resolution for consideration: Resolved , That the Attorney-General be requested, if not incompatible with the public interest, to furnish the Senate with a copy of the report of the United States district attorney for the district of West Tennessee relating to the late massacre at Trenton, in the State of Tennessee.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said resolution; and the resolution having been amended on the motion of Mr. Cooper, it was agreed to as follows: Resolved , That the Attorney-General be requested, if not incompatible with the public interests, to furnish the Senate with a copy of the report of the United States district attorney for the district of West Tennessee relating to the late massacre at Trenton, in the State of Tennessee, together with all information in the Department relating to the arrest and trial of the alleged offenders in said transaction by the Federal court in and for West Tennessee or the State courts of said State; and also all correspondence which may have occurred between the executive department of the State of Tennessee and the General Government upon the same subject.

The business of the morning hour having been concluded, the Senate resumed the consideration of the unfinished business at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the resolution submitted by Mr. Thurman calling for information as to a reported interference of the Army of the United States in the organization of the general assembly of the State of Louisiana; and

The question being on the amendment proposed by Mr. Conkling, viz,

Insert after the word “Senate,” where it first occurs, the words if, in his judgment, not incompatible with the public interest;

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 32

Nays 21

On motion by Mr. Thurman,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Allison, Boreman, Boutwell, Cameron, Clayton, Conkling, Dorsey, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Hamilton of Texas, Harvey, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pease, Pratt, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Wadleigh, West, Windom.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Bayard, Bogy, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hager, Hamilton of Maryland, Johnston, Kelly, McCreery, Merrimon, Ransom, Saulsbary, Sehurz, Stevenson, Thurman, Tipton.

So the amendment was agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Morton to amend the resolution by adding thereto the following: And whether he has any information in regard to the existence of armed organizations in the State of Louisiana hostile to the government of the State and intent on overturning such government by force;

On motion by Mr. Merrimon to amend the amendment proposed by Mr. Morton,

After debate,

Mr. Merrimon withdrew his amendment to the amendment; and

0091 91

The amendment proposed by Mr. Morton to the resolution was then agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Sargent further to amend the resolution by inserting after the word “Senate” where it last occurs the words under what circumstances and,

It was determined in the affirmative.

No further amendment being proposed to the resolution, it was agreed to as amended, as follows:

Resolved, That the President of the United States is hereby requested to inform the Senate, if in his judgment not incompatible with the public interest, whether any portion of the Army of the United States, or any officer or officers, soldier or soldiers of such Army, did in any manner interfere or intermediate with, control, or seek to control, the organization of the general assembly of the State of Louisiana, or either branch thereof, on the 4th instant, and especially whether any person or persons claiming seats in either branch of said legislature have been deprived thereof or prevented from taking the same by any such military force, officer, or soldier; and if such has been the case, then that the President inform the Senate under what circumstances and by what authority such military intervention and interference have taken place; and whether he has any information in regard to the existence of armed organizations in the State of Louisiana hostile to the government of the State and intent on overturning such government by force.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland,

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn it be to Monday next. On motion by Mr. Sherman, at 6 o'clock and 10 minutes p. m.,

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, January 11, 1875. Link to Annals.

The resolution of the House of Representatives to print the report of Major Powell's expedition in quarto form was read and referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Pratt presented a petition of citizens of Erie County, Pennsylvania, praying the passage of a law granting pensions to all soldiers of the war of 1812; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Logan presented a petition of citizens of Chicago, Illinois, praying the passage of a law defining a gross of matches, and to provide for uniform packages; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Hitchcock presented a petition of citizens of Butler County, Nebraska, praying the passage of House bill No. 3281, to amend an act to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean, and to secure to the Government the use of the same for postal, military, and other purposes; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Mr. Boreman presented a petition of citizens of West Virginia, praying the establishment of a post-route from Winfield, in Putnam County, to Flat Fork, in Roane County, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Boutwell presented the petition of A. R. Eddy and Rufus Saxton, praying to be restored to their original rank and pay in the Army, of which they claim to have been deprived in violation of law; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented a petition of citizens of Detroit, Michigan, praying the passage of a law defining a gross of matches, 0092 92 and to provide for uniform packages; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Logan presented a petition of officers of the Army in California and Arizona, praying for the passage of a law for the protection of widows and orphans of officers of the Army; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Wright presented several petitions of citizens of Iowa, remonstrating against the removal of the United States district court from Keokuk to Burlington, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Robert Anderson, of Idaho Territory, praying protection of his rights in the Oneida Road, Bridge and Ferry Company, chartered by the said Territory, against the infringements of the treaty made by commissioners of the United States with the Bannack and other tribes of Italians, at Fort Hall, September 7, 1874; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented a petition of citizens of Detroit, Michigan, praying the passage of House bill No. 3830, to amend section 110 of the act of June 30, 1864, and section 9 of the act of July 13, 1866, imposing taxes upon the circulation of other than national banks; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Mitchell presented the petition of B. P. Patterson, postmaster at Le Grande, Oregon, praying to be relieved from liability for public moneys destroyed by fire April 9, 1874, while in his custody; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Mitchell presented a memorial of the Board of Trade of Portland, Oregon, relative to the plans of H. I. Chapman, civil engineer, for the improvement of the Willamette River; which was referred to the Select Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard.

Mr. Logan presented the petition of Samuel Vancil, of Jackson County, Illinois, praying compensation for property taken from him for the use of the Government during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Kelly presented a resolution of the legislature of Idaho Territory, praying aid for the construction of the Portland, Dalles and Salt Lake Railroad.

Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.

Mr. Logan presented the petition of Jearum Atkins, praying for a rehearing of his case before the Committee on Claims on newly-discovered evidence relative to the sale of patent for rakes for harvesters; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Logan presented a petition of citizens of Illinois, soldiers and sailors in the late war, and heirs of deceased soldiers and sailors, praying the passage of a law for the equalization of bounties; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Sherman presented the petition of J. M. Irwin, praying compensation for two pieces of property purchased by him near Memphis, Tennessee, and sold by the United States authorities for direct taxes; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Jotham Johnson, praying that the soldiers of the war of 1812 may be allowed pensions.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Andrew Caisin, late of Company B, First Regiment of United States Colored Cavalry, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Boreman presented the petition of James Dix, praying compensation 0093 93 for services rendered in removing the family of Washington Summers from Upshur County, West Virginia, to the vicinity of Staunton, Virginia, by order of the military authorities of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of John S. Friend, praying compensation for property taken from him by the Comanche indians in Texas in 1867 and 1868; which was referred to the Committee on Italian Affairs.

Mr. Dennis presented a petition of citizens of Baltimore, Maryland, the advisory board of the depositors in the Baltimore branch of the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company, praying for the enactment of such laws as will afford them relief from distress occasioned by the failure of said company; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Mary Ann Daniel, praying that her son, John T. Daniel, may be allowed an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt presented a petition of citizens of Missouri, praying an amendment of the fourteenth section of the act of September 24, 1789, to establish the judicial courts of the United States so as to authorize the levying of a tax to pay judgments rendered by courts of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Johnston presented a petition of citizens of Virginia, praying for the passage of a law fixing a specific duty at the rate of forty cents per gallon on wines in lieu of the present ad valorem duty; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered, That W. C. McCool have leave to withdraw his petition and paper from the files of the Senate.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 3893. An act to correct the date of commission of certain officers of the Army.

H. R. 4213. An act to provide for compensating the officers of the Government in observing the transit of Venus.

H. R. 4214. An act declaratory of the act entitled “An act to amend the customs-revenue laws, and to repeal moieties,” approved June 22, 1874.

The bills this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Orderet, That the bill H. R. 3S93 be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs; that the bill H. R. 4213 be referred to the Committee on Appropriations; and that the bill H. R. 4214 be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Horace Clough, submitted an adverse report (No. 512) thereon.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was re tarred the bill (H. R. 2080) to provide for deducting any debt due the United States from any judgment recovered against the United States by such debtor, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 222) to extend the provisions of the act entitled “An act to provide compensation for the services of James Witherell, 0094 94 Ross Wilkins, and Solomon Sibley, in adjusting, titles to land in Michigan reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them severally without amendment, and that they ought not to pass:

S. 646. A bill to amend the act entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States,” approved March 2, 1867.

H. R. 933. An act to provide for the holding of terms of the district court of the United States for the western district of Missouri, at Springfield, in said State.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills (S. 646 and H. R. 993) as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered, That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Stevenson, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1012) for the relief of the district judge of Vermont, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3687) granting, a pension to Victoria L. Brewster, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 513) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Texas,

Ordered, That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Merrimon, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1844) the relief of John Heberer, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 514) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Merrimon,

Ordered, That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary:

Mr. President: The President of the United States approved and signed, this day, the following acts:

S. 381. An act to create an additional land-district in the State of Oregon, to be called the Dalles land-district.

S. 650. An act explanatory of the resolution entitled “A resolution for the relief of settlers upon the Absentee Shawnee lands in Kansas,” approved April 7, 1869.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives there of.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Glover and Mather.

Mr. Norwood asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1099) for the relief of the Central Railroad and Banking Company of Georgia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sherman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1100) chartering the Forty-first Parallel Railroad 0095 95 Company of the United States of America, from Lake Erie to the Missouri River, and to limit the rates of freight thereon; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Select Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sherman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1101) to amend the act entitled “An act to incorporate the National Insurance Company of Washington,” approved February 14, 1865 ; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1102) to promote the efficiency of the light-house service of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1103) relating to the approval of bills in the Territory of Utah; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1104) authorizing the issue of patents to mining claims in certain cases; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Mines and Mining, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1105) to amend an act entitled “An act for the relief of saving institutions having no capital stock, and doing business solely for the benefit of depositors,” approved June 22, 1874; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1106) to provide for the appointment of a marshal for the district of Alabama; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1107) for the relief of C. H. Frederick, late lieutenant-colonel in the Ninth Missouri Infantry; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1108) to provide for the sale of the Pawnee and Otoe Indian lands; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Davis asked and, by unanimous cousent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1109) making an apropriation for the improvement of the Little Kanawha River, in the State of West Virginia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cooper asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1110) for the relief of Andrew J. Duncan, of Nashville, Tennessee; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous 0096 96 consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cooper asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1111) for the relief of the estate of Thomas Hord, deceased, of Rutherford County, Tennessee; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1112) for the relief of B. P. Patterson, postmaster at Lc Grande, Oregon ; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1113) establishing a post-road in the State of Oregon; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads: and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims: and ordered to be printed:

S. 1114. A bill for the relief of Mark W. Delahay.

S. 1115. A bill for the relief of Joseph C. Irvin and William Phillips.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1116) for the relief of John S. Friend; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Italian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Clayton,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him December 23, 1874, calling for the official reports of Major Lewis Merrill, United States Army, relating to certain disorders in the State of Louisiana; and having been amended on the motion of Mr. Clayton and the motion of Mr. Merrimon, the resolution as amended was agreed to as follows:

Resolved, That the Secretary of War be requested, if not incompatible with the interests of the public service, to lay before the Senate the official reports and communications of Major Lewis Merrill, United States Army relating to certain disorders in Louisiana; and that the Secretary of War lay before the Senate the official letters, communications and reports of General Emory of the Army in reference to any suggested disorders in any way connected with the late election in the State of Louisiana not already in possession of either one of the two Houses of Congress.

On motion by Mr. Schurz,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him the 8th instant, to inquire what legislation by Congress is necessary to secureto the people of the State of Louisiana their right of self government under the Constitution; and Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Logan, at 4 o'clock and 10 minutes p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 12, 1875 Link to Annals.

Mr. Ingalls presented additional papers in relation to the application of Abraham Ellis, praying to be allowed a pension; which were referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Cragin presented the memorial of William Maxwell Wood, of Washington, D. C., praying payment of $15,000.00 for the present and future use on all Government vessels of his boat detaching and attaching apparatus, invented and patented by him; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Patterson presented a memorial of citizens of Charleston, South Carolina, praying the passage of the House bill 3656, for the construction of a transportation-route from some point on the Union Pacific Railroad to London, England; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Mr. Cragin presented a petition of citizens of Washington, D. C., late emloyees of the navy-yard, praying for such legislation as will re-instate them and secure steady employment; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Bogy presented the petition of Fleming Cramp and William Williamston, praying to be allowed a pension for services rendered the United States in the Yellowstone expedition in 1824 and 1825; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hager presented a memorial of Louis Rose, praying compensation for certain wharf-property in San Diego, California, alleged to have been taken possession of by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims.

Mr. Wright presented a memorial of citizens of Iowa, remonstrating against the removal of the United States district court from Keokuk to Burlington, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Sargent presented a petition of citizens of the District of Columbia, praying that the rate of taxation on the property of the citizens of the District may be fixed at seventy-five cents on each one hundred dollars of the assessed value thereof.

Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a report of the Attorney-General, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of January 8, 1875, information in relation to the massacre at Trenton, West Tennessee.

Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3825) to amend the national-bank act, and fixing the compensation of national-bank examiners, reported it with an amendment.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 964) to provide for the revision of the laws for the collection of customs-duties, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, from the Committee on Finance, reported a joint resolution (S. 15) authorizing Thomas W. Fitch, engineer, of the United States Navy, to accept of a wedding present sent to his wife, Mrs Minnie Sherman Fitch; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That the joint resolution be engrossed and read a third time.

The said joint resolution was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid. 7 s

0098 98

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 4214) declaratory of the act entitled “An act to amend the customs-revenue laws and to repeal moieties,” approved June 22, 1874, reported it with an amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and the amendment reported by the Committee on Finance having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered, That the amendment be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill as amended was read the third time.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendment.

Mr. Cragin, from the Committee, on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 268) for the relief of the officers and crew of the United States steamer Champion, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 514) thereon.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk :

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 3911) making appropriations for the consular and diplomatic service of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

Mr. Oglesby asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1117) for the relief of Mrs. Mary J. Eddy; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Lewis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1118) to incorporate the trustees of the Louise Home, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Lewis presented a copy of the deed for the property known as the Louise Home, from W. W. Corcoran to James M. Carlisle and others; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1119) for the relief of James Millinger, of New Jersey; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1120) for the relief of Miss Rebecca L. Wright; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has agreed to the amendments of the Senate to the bill of the House (H. R. 3819) making appropriations for the naval service for the year 1876, and for other purposes.

The House of Representatives has passed without amendment the following bills of the Senate:

S. 743. An act to remove the political disabilities of Dabney H. Maury, of Virginia.

0099 99

S. 744. An act to remove the political disabilities of Charles M. Fauntleroy, of Virginia.

S. 1068. An act to remove the limitation restricting the circulation of banking associations issuing notes payable in gold.

It has passed with amendments, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate, the bill of the Senate (S. 924) donating condemned cannon to the city of Massillon, Ohio, for monumental purposes.

The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 2419) to provide for the construction of military roads in Arizona; in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendments of the House of Representatives to the bill (S. 924) donating condemned cannon to the city of Massillon, Ohio, for monumental purposes; and Resolved, That the Senate, agree thereto.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (H. R. 3621) to abolish the western district of Arkansas, and for other purposes; and the amendment reported by the Committee on the Judiciary having been amended on the motion of Mr. Wright, was agreed to; and the bill was reported to the Senate, and the amendment as amended was concurred in.

Ordered, That the amendment be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill as amended was read the third time.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title be amended to read, “An act devolving additional duties upon the judge of the eastern district of Arkansas, and for other purposes.”

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendment.

The bills this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Ordered, That the bill H. R. 2419 be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and that the bill H. R. 3911 be referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the bill of the Senate (S. 588) approving the action taken by the Secretary of War under the act approved July 15, 1870, with amendments, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The Vice-President announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its last adjournment, viz, the resolution submitted by Mr. Schurz, to inquire what legislation is necessary to secure to the people of Louisiana their right of self government under the Constitution; and The Senate resumed the consideration of the said resolution; and Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, at 3 o'clock and 35 minutes p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and The Senate adjourned

WEDNESDAY, January 13, 1875. Link to Annals.

Mr. Sargent presented the memorial of Daniel Richards, of San Francisco, California, praying compensation for property taken and destroyed by the Sioux and Arapahoe Indians at Old Fort Brown, Wyoming Territory, in July, 1873; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of Robert Anderson, of Idaho Territory, praying protection of his rights in the Oneida Road, Bridge and Ferry Company, chartered by the said Territory, against the, infringements of the treaty made by commissioners of the United States with the Bannock and other tribes of Indians, at Fort Hall, September 7, 1874; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Arkansas, praying that a proper and efficient government may be established in the western district of that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Morton presented the petition of James Calloway, of Sullivan County, Indiana, praying to be allowed, a pension on account of services rendered the Government in the Indian war of 1811; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sherman presented a memorial of national banks of Tennessee, praying certain amendments to the national banking-laws, in relation to the taxes imposed upon the same; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Alcorn presented the petition of John G. Miller, praying compensation for thirty-two bales of cotton taken from him by the United States authorities in February, 1865; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Conkling presented several memorials of farmers and others, citizens of Ontario County, New York, remonstrating against the ratification of the reciprocity treaty with Canada; which were referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Robertson presented a memorial of the Chamber of Commerce and citizens of Charleston, South Carolina, in favor of an appropriation for the improvement of the harbor at that place; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Bogy presented papers in relation to the application of Langdon C. Eastou for advancement on the Army Register; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of William Webster, submitted an adverse report (No. 516) thereon.

Mr. Kelly reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills:

S. 743. An act to remove the political disabilities of Dabney H. Maury, of Virginia.

S.744. An act to remove the political disabilities of Charles M. Fauntleroy, of Virginia.

S. 924. An act donating condemned cannon to the city of Massillon, Ohio, for monumental purposes.

S. 1068. An act to remove the limitation restricting the circulation of banking associations issuing notes payable in gold.

H. R. 3819. An act making appropriations for the naval service for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes. On motion by Mr. Scott,

0101 101

Ordered , That the Committee on Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (H. R. 3478) in relation to parties in the Court of Claims, and that it be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas M. Redd, submitted a report (No. 517) thereon, accompanied by a bill (S. 1121) for the relief of Thomas M. Redd; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. McCreery, from the Committee on Indian Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 679) to establish the boundary-line between the State of Arkansas and the Indian country, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Indian Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 435) to amend the act entitled “An act to restore a part of the Round Valley Indian reservation, in California, to the public lands, and for other purposes,” passed March 3, 1873, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 77) for the relief of Martha A. Booth, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 518) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills (S. 435 and S. 77) as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

On motion by Mr. Scott,

Ordered , That Mrs. Martha A. Booth have leave to withdraw her petition and papers from the files of the Senate.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1122) concerning naturalization; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1123) authorizing the Commissioner of Patents to consider the application of John Fritz for extension of a patent for rolling iron; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Patents, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1124) for the relief of William H. Powell and F. A. McDowell; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Hager,

Ordered , That J. H. Merrill have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary:

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

In accordance with the requirements of the joint resolution approved March 25, 1874, authorizing an inquiry into and report upon the causes of epidemic cholera, I have the honor to transmit herewith reports upon the subject from the Secretaries of the Treasury and War Departments.

U. S. GRANT.

Executive Mansion, January 12, 1875.

The message was read.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

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Mr. Morton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1125) for the relief of the Terre Haute and Indianapolis Railroad Company, successor of the Terre Haute and Richmond Railroad Company, in the State of Indiana; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1126) for the relief of Langdon C. Easton; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Millitary Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Dorsey submitted the following resolution; which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved , That the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads be requested to inquire if any revision of the postal laws is required to prevent smuggling by mail-packages, and if the expenses of the Department can be decreased by using slow or accommodation trains for any part of the mail-matter of the second or third class, and if any revision of the rates can be made by which the receipts may be increased without impairing the ability of the Department to serve the people as their agency for communicating intelligence and disseminating information.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the bill of the Senate (S. 378) to provide for the incorporation and regulation of railroad companies in the Territories of the United States, and granting to railroads the right of way through the public lands, with an amendment, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 4306) to place Lawrence A. Williams, late major Sixth Cavalry, United States Army, upon the retired list of the Army, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendment of the House of Representatives to the bill of the Senate (S. 588) approving the action taken by the Secretary of War, under the act approved July 15, 1870; and

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Maine,

Ordered , That the said bill and amendment be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 281) ceding to the several States, within whose limits they respectively lie, the beds of unsurveyed lakes and other bodies of water; and

After debate,

Ordered , That the further consideration of the said bill be postponed to to-morrow.

The bill H. R. 4306, this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendment of the House of Representatives to the bill of the Senate (S. 378) to provide for the incorporation and regulation of railroad companies in the Territories of the United States, and granting to railroads the right of way through the public lands; and

Ordered , That the said bill and amendment be referred to the Committee on Railroads and be printed.

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The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary:

To the Senate of the United States:

I have the honor to make the following answer to a Senate resolution of the 8th instant, asking for information as to any interference, by any military officer or any part of the Army of the United States, with the organization or proceedings of the general assembly of the State of Louisiana, or either branch thereof; and also inquiring in regard to the existence of armed organizations in that State, hostile to the government thereof, and intent on overturning such government by force.

To say that lawlessness, turbulence, and bloodshed have characterized the political affairs of that State since its re-organization under the reconstruction acts, is only to repeat what has become well known as a part of its unhappy history; but it may be proper here to refer to the election of 1868, by which the republican vote of the State, through fraud and violence, was reduced to a few thousands, and the bloody riots of 1866 and 1868, to show that the disorders there are not due to any recent causes or to any late action of the Federal authorities.

Preparatory to the election of 1872, a shameful and undisguised conspiracy was formed to carry that election against the republicans without regard to law or right, and to that end the most glaring frauds and forgeries were committed in the returns after many colored citizens had been denied registration, and others deterred by fear from casting their ballots.

When the time came for a final canvass of the votes, in view of the foregoing facts, William P. Kellogg, the republican candidate for governor, brought suit upon the equity side of the United States circuit court for Louisiana, and against Warmoth and others, who had obtained possession of the returns of the election, representing that several thousand voters of the State had been deprived of the elective franchise on account of their color and praying that steps might be taken to have said votes counted, and for general relief. To enable the court to inquire as to the truth of these allegations, a temporary restraining order was issued against the defendants, which was at once wholly disregarded and treated with contempt by those to whom it was directed. These proceedings have been widely denounced as an unwarrantable interference by the Federal judiciary with the election of State officers; but it is to be remembered that by the fifteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States the political equality of colored citizens is secured, and under the second section of that amendment, providing that Congress shall have power to enforce its provisions by appropriate legislation, an act was passed on the 31st of May, 1870, and amended in 1871, the object of which was to prevent the denial or abridgment of suffrage to citizens, on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude; and it has been held by all the Federal judges before whom the question has arisen, including Justice Strong, of the Supreme Court, that the protection afforded by this amendment and these acts extends to State as well as other elections. That it is the duty of the Federal courts to enforce the provisions of the Constitution of the United States and the laws passed in pursuance thereof is too clear for controversy.

Section 15 of said, act, after numerous provisions therein to prevent an evasion of the fifteenth amendment, provides that the jurisdiction of the circuit court of the United States shall extend to all cases in law or equity arising under the provisions of said act and of the act amendatory thereof. Congress seems to have contemplated equitable as well as legal 0104 104 proceedings to prevent the denial of suffrage to colored citizens; and it may be safely asserted that if Kellog's bill in the above-named case did not present a case for the equitable interposition of the court, that no such case can arise under the act. That the courts of the United States have the right to interfere in various ways with State elections so as to maintain political equality and rights therein, irrespective of race or color, is comparatively a new, and to some seems to be a startling idea, but it results as clearly from the fifteenth amendment to the Constitution and the acts that have been passed to enforce that amendment, as the abrogation of State laws upholding slavery results from the thirteenth amendment to the Constitution. While the jurisdiction of the court in the case of Kellogg vs. Warmoth and others is clear to my mind, it seems that some of the orders made by the judge in that and the kindred case of Antoine were illegal. But while they are so held and considered, it is not to be forgotten that the mandate of his court had been contemptuously defied, and they were made while wild scenes of anarchy were sweeping away all restraint of law and order. Doubtless the judge of this court made grave mistakes; but the law allows the chancellor great latitude not only in punishing those who contemn his orders and injunctions, but in preventing the consummation of the wrong which he has judicially forbidden. Whatever may be said or thought of those matters, it was only made known to me that process of the United States court was resisted ; and as said act especially provides for the use of the Army and Navy, when necessary, to enforce judicial process arising thereunder, I considered it my duty to see that such process was executed according to the judgment of the court.

Resulting from these proceedings, through various controversies and complications, a State administration was organized with William P. Kellogg as governor, which, in the discharge of my duty under section 4, article 4, of the Constitution, I have recognized as the government of the State.

It has been bitterly and persistently alleged that Kellogg was not elected. Whether he was or not is not altogether certain, nor is it any more certain that his competitor, McEnery, was chosen. The election was a gigantic fraud, and there are no reliable returns of its result. Kellogg obtained possession of the office, and in my opinion has more right to it than his competitor.

On the 20th of February, 1873, the Committee on Privileges and Elections of the Senate made a report in which they say they were satisfied by testimony that the manipulation of the election machinery by Warmoth and others was equivalent to twenty thousand votes; and they add that to recognize the McEnery government “would be recognizing a government based upon fraud, in defiance of the wishes and intention of the voters of the State.” Assuming the correctness of the statements in this report, (and they seem to have been generally accepted by the country,) the great crime in Louisiana, about which so much has been said, is, that one is holding the office of governor who was cheated out of twenty thousand votes, against another whose title to the office is undoubtedly based on fraud and in defiance of the wishes and intentions of the voters of the State.

Misinformed and misjudging as to the nature and extent of this report, the supporters of McEnergy proceeded to displace by force in some counties of the State the appointees of Governor Kellogg; and on the 13th of April, in an effort of that kind, a butchery of citizens was committed 0105 105 at Colfax, which in blood-thirstiness and barbarity is hardly surpassed by any acts of savage warfare.

To put this matter beyond controversy I quote from the charge of Judge Woods, of the United States circuit court, to the jury in the case of The United States vs. Cruikshank and others, in New Orleans, in March, 1874. He said:

In the case on trial there are many facts not in controversy. I proceed to state some of them in the presence and hearing of counsel on both sides; and if I state as a conceded fact any matter that is disputed, they can correct me.

After stating the origin of the difficulty, which grew out of an attempt of white persons to drive the parish judge and sheriff, appointees of Kellogg, from office, and their attempted protection by colored persons, which led to some fighting, in which quite a number of negroes were killed, the judge states:

Most of those who were not killed were taken prisoners. Fifteen or sixteen of the blacks had lifted the boards and taken refuge under the floor of the court-house. They were all captured. About thirty-seven men were taken prisoners. The number is not definitely fixed. They were kept under guard until dark. They were led out, two by two, and shot. Most of the men were shot to death. A few were wounded, not mortally, and, by pretending to be dead, were afterward, during the night, able to make their escape. Among them was the Levi Nelson named in the indictment.

The dead bodies of the negroes killed in this affair were left unburied until Tuesday, April 15, when they were buried by a deputy marshal and an officer of the militia from New Orleans. These persons found fifty-nine dead bodies. They showed pistol-shot wounds, the great majority in the head, and most of them in the back of the head. In addition to the fifty-nine dead bodies found, some charred remains of dead bodies were discovered near the court-house. Six dead bodies were found under a warehouse, all shot in the head, but one or two which were shot in the breast.

The only white men injured from the beginning of these troubles to their close were Hadnot and Harris. The court-house and its contents were entirely consumed.

There is no evidence that any one in the crowd of whites bore any lawful warrant for the arrest of any of the blacks. There is no evidence that either Nash or Cazabat, after the affair, ever demanded their offices, to which they had set up claim, but Register continued to act as parish judge, and Shaw as sheriff.

These are facts in this case as I understand them to be admitted.

To hold the people of Louisiana generally responsible for these atrocities would not be just; but it is a lamentable fact that insuperable obstructions were thrown in the way of punishing these murderers, and the so-called conservative papers of the State not only justified the massacre, but denounced as Federal tyranny and despotism the attempt of the United States officers to bring them to justice. Fierce denunciations ring through the country about office-holding and election matters in Louisiana, while every one of the Colfax miscreants goes unwhipped of justice, and no way can be found in this boasted land of civilization and Christianity to punish the perpetrators of this bloody and monstrous crime.

Not unlike this was the massacre in August last. Several northern young men of capital and enterprise had started the little and flourishing town of Coushatta. Some of them were republicans and officeholders under Kellogg. They were therefore doomed to death. Six of them were seized and carried away from their homes and murdered in cold blood. No one has been punished; and the conservative press of the State denounced all efforts to that end, and boldly justified the crime.

Many murders of a like character have been committed in individual cases which cannot here be detailed. For example, T. S. Crawford, judge, and P. H. Harris, district attorney of the twelfth judicial district of the State, on their way to court were shot from their horses by men in ambush, on the 8th of October, 1873, and the widow of the former, in 0106 106 a communication to the Department of Justice, tells a piteous tale of the persecutions of her husband because he was a Union man, and of the efforts made to screen those who had committed a crime, which, to use her own language, “left two widows and nine orphans desolate.”

To say that the murder of a negro or a white republican is not considered a crime in Louisiana would probably be unjust to a great part of the people; but it is true that a great number of such murders have been committed, and no one has been punished therefor, and manifestly, as to them, the spirit of hatred and violence is stronger than law.

Representatious were made to me that the presence of troops in Louisiana was unnecessary and irritating to the people, and that there was no danger of public disturbance if they were taken away. Consequently, early in last summer, the troops were all withdrawn from the State, with the exception of a small garrison at New Orleans Barracks. It was claimed that a comparative state of quiet had supervened. Political excitement as to Louisiana affairs seemed to be dying out. But the November election was approaching, and it was necessary for party purposes that the flame should be rekindled.

Accordingly, on the 14th of September, D. P. Penn, claiming that he was elected lieutenant-governor in 1872, issued an inflammatory proclamation calling upon the militia of the State to arm, assemble, and drive from power the usurpers, as he designated the officers of the State. The White Leagues, armed and ready for the conflict, promptly responded.

On the same day the governor made a formal requisition upon me, pursuant to the act of 1795, and section 4, article 4, of the Constitution, to aid in suppressing domestic violence. On the next day I issued my proclamation commanding the insurgents to disperse within five days from the date thereof; but, before the proclamation was published in New Orleans, the organized and armed forces recognizing a usurping governor had taken forcible possession of the State-house, and temporarily subverted the government. Twenty or more people were killed, including a number of the police of the city. The streets of the city were stained with blood. All that was desired in the way of excitement had been accomplished, and, in view of the steps taken to repress it, the revolution is apparently, though it is believed not really, abandoned, and the cry of Federal usurpation and tyranny in Louisiana was renewed with redoubled energy. Troops had been sent to the State under this requisition of the governor, and as other disturbances seemed imminent they were allowed to remain there to render the executive such aid as might become necessary to enforce the laws of the State, and repress the continued violence which seemed inevitable the moment Federal support should be withdrawn.

Prior to, and with a view to the late election in Louisiana, white men associated themselves together in armed bodies called “White Leagues,” and at the same time threats were made in the democratic journals of the State that the election should be carried against the republicans at all hazards, which very naturally greatly alarmed the colored voters. By section 8 of the act of February 28, 1871, it is made the duty of United States marshals and their deputies, at polls where votes are cast for Representatives in Congress, to keep the peace and prevent any violations of the so-called enforcement acts, and other offenses against the laws of the United States; and upon a requisition of the marshal of Louisiana, and in view of said armed organizations and other portentous circumstances, I caused detachments of troops to be stationed in various localities in the State, to aid him in the performance of his 0107 107 official duties. That there was intimidation of republican voters at the election, notwithstanding these precautions, admits of no doubt. The following are specimens of the means used:

On the 14th of October eighty persons signed and published the following at Shreveport:

We, the undersigned, merchants of the city of Shreveport, in obedience to a request of the Shreveport Campaign Club, agree to use every endeavor to get our employés to vote the people's ticket at the ensuing election; and, in the event of their refusal so to do, or in case they vote the radical ticket, to refuse to employ them at the expiration of their present contracts.

On the same day another large body of persons published in the same place a paper, in which they used the following language:

We, the undersigned, merchants of the city of Shreveport, alive to the great importance of securing good and honest government to the State, do agree and pledge ourselves not to advance any supplies or money to any planter the coming year who will give employment or rent lands to laborers who vote the radical ticket in the coming election.

I have no information of the proceedings of the returning-board for said election which may not be found in its report, which has been published, but it is a matter of public information that a great part of the time taken to canvass the votes was consumed by the arguments of lawyers, several of whom represented each party before the board. I have no evidence that the proceedings of this board were not in accordance with the law under which they acted. Whether, in excluding from their count certain returns, they were right or wrong, is a question that depends upon the evidence they had before them; but it is very clear that the law gives them the power, if they choose to exercise it, of deciding that way; and, prima facie , the persons whom they return as elected are entitled to the offices for which they were candidates.

Respecting the alleged interference by the military with the organization of the legislature of Louisiana on the 4th instant, I have no knowledge or information which has not been received by me since that time and published. My first information was from the papers of the morning of the 5th of January. I did not know that any such thing was anticipated, and no orders nor suggestions were ever given to any military officer in that State upon that subject prior to the occurrence. I am well aware that any military interference by the officers or troops of the United States with the organization of the State legislature or any of its proceedings, or with any civil department of the Government, is repugnant to our ideas of government. I can conceive of no case, not involving rebellion or insurrection, where such interference by authority of the General Government ought to be permitted or can be justified. But there are circumstances connected with the late legislative imbroglio in Louisiana which seem to exempt the military from any intentional wrong in that matter. Knowing that they had been placed in Louisiana to prevent domestic violence and aid in the enforcement of the State laws, the officers and troops of the United States may well have supposed that it was their duty to act when called upon by the governor for that purpose.

Each branch of a legislative assembly is the judge of the election and qualifications of its own members. But if a mob, or a body of unauthorized persons, seize and hold the legislative hall in a tumultuous and riotous manner, and so prevent any organization by those legally returned as elected, it might become the duty of the State executive to interpose, if requested by a majority of the members elect, to suppress the disturbance and enable the persons elected to organize the house.

0108 108

Any exercise of this power would only be justifiable under most extraordinary circumstances, and it would then be the duty of the governor to call upon the constabulary, or, if necessary, the military force of the State. But with reference to Louisiana, it is to be borne in mind that any attempt by the governor to use the police force of that State at this time would have undoubtedly precipitated a bloody conflict with the White League, as it did on the 14th of September.

There is no doubt but that the presence of the United States troops upon that occasion prevented bloodshed and the loss of life. Both parties appear to have relied upon them as conservators of the public peace.

The first call was made by the democrats to remove persons obnoxious to them from the legislative hall ; and the second was from the republicans to remove persons who had usurped seats in the legislature without legal certificates authorizing them to seats, and in sufficient number to change the majority.

Nobody was disturbed by the military who had a legal right at that time to occupy a seat in the legislature. That the democratic minority of the house undertook to seize its organization by fraud and violence; that in this attempt they trampled under foot law; that they undertook to make persons not returned as elected members, so as to create a majority; that they acted under a preconcerted plan, and under false pretenses introduced into the hall a body of men to support their pretensions by force, if necessary, and that conflict, disorder, and riotous proceedings followed, are facts that seem to be well established, and I am credibly informed that these violent proceedings were a part of a pre meditated plan to have the house organized in this way, recognize what has been called the McEnery senate, then to depose Governor Kellogg, and so revolutionize the State government.

Whether it was wrong for the governor, at the request of the majority of the members returned as elected to the house, to use such means as were in his power to defeat these lawless and revolutionary proceedings, is perhaps a debatable question, but it is quite certain that there would have been no trouble if those who now complain of illegal interference had allowed the house to be organized in a lawful and regular manner. When those who inaugurate disorder and anarchy disavow such proceedings, it will be time enough to condemn those who, by such means as they have, prevent the success of their lawless and desperate schemes.

Lieutenant-General Sheridan was requested by me to go to Louisiana to observe and report the situation there, and, if in his opinion necessary, to assume the command, which he did on the 4th instant, after the legislative disturbances had occurred, at 9 o'clock p. m., a number of hours after the disturbances. No party motives nor prejudices can reasonably be imputed to him; but honestly convinced by what he has seen and heard there, he has characterized the leaders of the White Leagues in severe terms, and suggested summary modes of procedure against them, which, though they cannot be adopted, would, if legal, soon put an end to the troubles and disorders in that State. General Sheridan was looking at facts, and, possibly, not thinking of proceedings which would be the only proper ones to pursue in time of peace, thought more of the utterly lawless condition of society surrounding him at the time of his dispatch, and of what would prove a sure remedy. He never proposed to do an illegal act, nor expressed determination to proceed beyond what the law in the future might authorize for the punishment of the atrocities which have been committed, and the commission of which cannot be successfully denied. It is a deplorable fact that political 0109 109 crimes murders have been committed in Louisiana which have gone unpunished, and which have been justified or apologized for, which must rest as a reproach upon the State and country long after the present generation has passed away.

I have no desire to have United States troops interfere in the domestic concerns of Louisiana or any other State.

On the ninth of December last Governor Kellogg telegraphed to me his apprehensions that the White League intended to make another attack upon the State-house, to which, on the same day, I made the following answer, since which no communication has been sent to him:

“Your dispatch of this date just received. It is exceedingly unpalatable to use troops in anticipation of danger. Let the State authori authorities be right, and then proceed with their duties without apprehension of danger. If they are then molested, the question will be determined whether the United States is able to maintain law and order within its limits, or not.”

I have deplored the necessity which seemed to make it my duty under the Constitution and laws to direct such interference. I have always refused except where it seemed to be my imperative duty to act in such a manner under the Constitution and laws of the United States. I have repeatedly and earnestly entreated the people of the South to live together in peace, and obey the laws; and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see reconciliation and tranquillity everywhere prevail, and thereby remove all necessity for the presence of troops among them. I regret, however, to say that this state of things does not exist, nor does its existence seem to be desired in some localities; and as to those it may be proper for me to say that, to the extent that Congress has conferred power upon me to prevent it, neither Ku-Klux-Klans, White Leagues, nor any other association using arms and violence to execute their unlawful purposes, can be permitted in that way to govern any part of this country; nor can I see with indifference Union men or republicans ostracised, persecuted, and murdered on account of their opinions, as they now are in some localities.

I have heretofore urged the case of Louisiana upon the attention of Congress, and I cannot but think that its inaction has produced great evil.

To summarize: In September last an armed, organized body of men, in the support of candidates who had been put in nomination for the offices of governor and lieutenant-governor, at the November election, in 1872, and who had been declared not elected by the board of convassers, recognized by all the courts to which the question had been submitted, undertook to subvert and overthrow the State government that had been recognized by me, in accordance with previous precedents. The recognized governor was driven from the State-house, and, but for his finding shelter in the United States custom-house, in the capital of the State of which he was governor, it is scarcely to be doubted that he would have been killed.

From the State-house, before he had been driven to the custom-house, a call was made in accordance with the fourth section, fourth article of the Constitution of the United States, for the aid of the General Government to suppress domestic violence. Under those circumstances, and in accordance with my sworn duties, my proclamation of the 15th of September, 1874, was issued. This served to re-instate Governor Kellogg to his position nominally; but it cannot be claimed that the insurgents have, to this day, surrendered to the State authorities the arms belonging to the State, or that they have in any sense disarmed. On 0110 110 the contrary, it is known that the same armed organizations that existed on the 14th of September, 1874, in opposition to the recognized State government, still retain their organization, equipments, and commanders, and can be called out at any hour to resist the State government. Under these circumstances, the same military force has been continued in Louisiana, as was sent there under the first call, and under the same general instructions. I repeat that the task assumed by the troops is not a pleasant one to them; that the Army is not composed of lawyers capable of judging at a moment's notice of just how far they can go in the maintenance of law and order, and that it was impossible to give specific instructions providing for all possible contingencies that might arise. The troops were bound to act upon the judgment of the commanding officer upon each sudden contingency that arose or wait instructions which could only reach them after the threatened wrongs had been committed which they were called on to prevent. It should be recollected, too, that upon my recognition of the Kellogg government, I reported the fact, with the grounds of recognition, to Congress, and asked that body to take action in the matter; otherwise, I should regard their silence as au acquiescence in my course. No action has been taken by that body, and I have maintained the position then marked out.

If error has been committed by the Army in these matters, it has always been on the side of the preservation of good order, the maintenance of law, and the protection of life. Their bearing reflects credit upon the soldiers, and if wrong has resulted, the blame is with the turbulent element surrounding them.

I now earnestly ask that such action be taken by Congress as to leave my duties perfectly clear in dealing with the affairs of Louisiana, giving assurance at the same time that whatever may be done by that body in the premises will be executed according to the spirit and letter of the law, without fear or favor.

I herewith transmit copies of documents containing more specific information as to the subject-matter of the resolution.

U. S. GRANT.

Executive Mansion, January 13, 1875.

The message was read.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the unfinished business at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the resolution submitted by Mr. Schurz, to inquire what legislation is necessary to secure to the people of Louisiana their right of self-government under the Constitution; and

Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Boutwell, at 4 o'clock and 5 minutes p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and

After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, January 14, 1875. Link to Annals.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the legislative assembly of the Territory of Dakota, in favor of the establishment of a mail-route from Sioux Falls, Dakota, to Lake Benton, Minnesota; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

0111 111

Mr. Scott presented the petition of Thomas P. Blair of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, praying compensation for grain purchased for the United States and captured by the rebel forces under General Lee in 1863; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of citizens of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, praying for the restoration of the ten-per-cent. duty taken off certain foreign products in 1872, and also for the passage of the currency bill submitted by the Hon. William D. Kelley, providing for the issue of 3.65 convertible bonds; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Kelly presented a memorial of the legislature of Oregon, praying compensation for spoliations committed by the Modoc Indians; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Washburn presented the petition of E. Stillman Dix, late of the Thirty-seventh Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Mitchell presented a resolution of the legislature of Oregon, praying that the taking of salmon in the Columbia River in traps, nets, seines, or other contrivances with meshes or apertures less than four inches square, be prohibited; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Scott presented the petition of Mary D. Spackman, M. D., and Mary A. Parsons, M. D., of Washington, D. C., praying an amendment to the charter of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, so as to allow persons being graduates of any chartered medical institution to practice their profession; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Kelly presented a resolution of the legislature of Oregon, praying that the taking of salmon in the Columbia River in traps, nets, seines, or other contrivances with meshes or apertures less than four inches square, be prohibited; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Bogy presented the petition of William A. Wise, praying an amendment to the pension-laws so as to allow arrears of pensions in certain cases; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. McCreery presented additional papers in relation to the application of Lafayette Elder for compensation for a wharf-boat alleged to have been destroyed by the rebel forces; which were referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Clayton presented the petition of Frank W. Perry, late captain in the Twenty-fourth Regiment of United States Infantry, praying to be restored to his original rank on the rolls of the Army, and to be placed on the retired list; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the legislative assembly of Dakota Territory, in favor of an appropriation for the construction of a prison in that Territory; which was referred to the Committee on Territories.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the legislative assembly of Dakota Territory, in favor of the establishment of a mail-route from Yankton to Childstown via Jamesville, in that Territory; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a communication of the Secretary of War, transmitting copy of a telegram received from Major-General 0112 112 J. M. Schofield in relation to the time of retention of prisoners by the military under section twenty-three of act of January 30, 1834, and requesting such legislation as will extend the time so as to enable the United States to carry out the requirement of sections twenty and twenty-one of the said act; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Edmunds, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1938) to extend the provisions of the act approved March 3, 1871, entitled “An act to provide for the collection of debts due from southern railroads, and for other purposes,” reported it with amendments.

Mr. Edmunds, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them severally without amendment, and that they ought not to pass:

H. R. 1937. An act for the relief of the State of Tennessee.

S. 34. A bill to extend the provisions of the act approved March 3, 1871, entitled “An act to provide for the collection of debts due from southern railroads, and for other purposes.”

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were severally reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Stevenson, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 492) to make persons charged with crimes and offenses competent witnesses, reported it without amendment and that it ought not to pass.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Stevenson,

Ordered , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, from the Committee on Appropriations, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3818) making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Thurman, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2084) to provide for the appointment of clerks for the circuit and district courts of the United States held at New Albany and Evansville, in the district of Indiana, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

Mr. Thurman, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3499) in relation to the qualification of jurors in the courts of the United States, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Thurman,

Ordered , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Thurman, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1593) relating to the punishment of the crime of manslaughter, reported it with an amendment.

Mr. Patterson, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3718) granting a pension to Cornelia M. Arthur, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

Mr. Sprague, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was 0113 113 referred the bill (S. 1082) granting to the Willamette Valley and Coast Railroad Company a right of way through the public lands for a narrow-gauge railroad, reported it with an amendment.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (S. 478) relating to certain claims arising from the seizure and conversion by the Treasury Department of certain cotton claimed by individuals, reported it with out amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3275) granting a pension to Eli Persons, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 521) thereon.

Mr. Boreman, from the Committee on Territories, to whom was referred the bill (S. 909) approving an act of the legislative assembly of Colorado Territory, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3274) granting a pension to John S. Corlett, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 520) thereon.

Mr. Sargent, from the Committee on Appropriations, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 4213) to provide for compensating the officers of the Government in observing the transit of Venus, Ventis, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

Ordered , That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Mitchell, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1065) for the relief of J. W. Drew, late additional paymaster in the United States Army, reported it with an amendment, and submitted a report (No. 526) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3008) granting a pension to John J. Bottagar, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 523) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2949) granting a pension to James R. Borland, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 525) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3713) granting a pension to Sarah S. Cooper, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 522) thereon.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred 8 s 0114 114 the bill (H. R. 3716) granting a pension to Elizabeth B. Dyer, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 524) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills (H. R. 3713 and H. R. 3716) as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was recommitted the bill (H. R. 1054) granting a pension to Jefferson W. Davis, first lieutenant of Company F, Sixty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, reported it with an amendment and submitted a report (No. 527) thereon.

Mr. Edmunds, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3623) to amend the twenty-third paragraph of section 3, of the act entitled “An act to regulate the fees and costs to be allowed, clerks, marshals, and attorneys of the circuit and district courts of the United Sates, and for other purposes, approved February 26, 1853, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut, from the Committee on Patents, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1094) for the relief of Francis M. Strong and Thomas Ross, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petitition of Merritt Lewis, submitted an adverse report (No. 519) thereon.

On motion by Mr, Stevenson,

Ordered , That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the resolution of the legislature of West Virginia in favor of the establishment of a district court at Martinsburgh.

On motion by Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut,

Ordered , That the Committee on Patents be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of J. L. Jones, and that it be referred to the Commitee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Harvey,

Ordered , That the Committe on Military Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the letter of the Secretary of War submitting au estimate of the funds required for the military prison at Fort Leavenworth, and that it be referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

Ordered, That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of P. A. Krise.

On motion by Mr. Stevenson,

Ordered , That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the resolution of the legislature of California against the passage of the bill known as the “Santillian land-grant bill.”

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Henry Clegg, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary.

Mr. President: I am directed to announce to the Senate that the 0115 115 President of the United States this day approved and signed an act (S. 1044) to provide for the resumption of specie-payments; and accompanying this announcement, I am instructed to deliver to the Senate a message in writing.

The message of the President was read, as follows:

To the Senate of the United States:

Senate bill No. 1044, “to provide for the resumption of specie-payments,” is before me, and this day receives my signature of approval.

I venture upon this unusual method of conveying the notice of approval to the “house in which the measure originated,” because of its great importance to the country at large, and in order to suggest further legislation which seems to me essential to make this law effective.

It is a subject of congratulation that a measure has become law which fixes a date when specie resumption shall commence, and implies an obligation on the part of Congress—if in its power—to give such legislation as may prove necessary to redeem this promise.

To this end, I respectfully call your attention to a few suggestions:

First. The necessity of an increased revenue to carry out the obligation of adding to the sinking-fund annually one per cent. of the public debt, amounting now to about thirty-four millions of dollars per annum, and to carry out the promises of this measure to redeem, under certain contingencies, eighty millions of the present legal tenders, and, without contingency, the fractional currency now in circulation.

How to increase the surplus revenue is for Congress to devise, but I will venture to suggest that the duty on tea and coffee might be restored without permanently enhancing the cost to the consumers, and that the ten per cent. horizontal reduction of the tariff on articles specified in the law of June 6, 1872, be repealed. The supply of tea and coffee already on hand in the United States would in all probability be advanced in price by adopting this measure. But it is known that the adoption of free entry to those articles of necessity did not cheapen them, but merely added to the profits of the countries producing them, or of the middle-men in those countries who have the exclusive trade in them.

Second. The first section of the bill now under consideration provides that the practicable currency shall be redeemed in silver coin as rapidly as practicable. There is no provision preventing the fluctuation in the value of the paper currency. With gold at a premium of anything over 10 per cent. above the currency in use, it is probable, almost certain, that silver would be bought up for exportation as fast as it was put out, or until change would become so scarce as to make the premium on it equal to the premium on gold, or sufficiently high to make it no longer profitable to buy for export, thereby causing a direct loss to the community at large and great embarrassment to trade.

As the present law commands final resumption on the first day of January, 1879, and as the gold receipts by the Treasury are larger than the gold payments and the currency receipts are smaller than the currency payments, thereby making monthly sales of gold necessary to meet current currency expenses, it occurs to me that these difficulties might be remedied by authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to redeem legal-tender notes whenever presented in sums of not less than one hundred dollars and multiples thereof, at a premium for gold of ten per cent., less interest at the rate of two and one-half per cent. per annum the 1st day of January, 1875, to the date of putting this law into operation and diminishing this premium at the same rate until final resumption 0116 116 changing the rate of premium demanded from time to time as the interest amounts to one-quarter of one per cent. I suggest this rate of interest because it would bring currency at par with gold at the date fixed by law for final resumption. I suggest ten per cent as the demand premium at the beginning, because I believe this rate would insure the retention of silver in the country for change.

The provisions of the third section of the act will prevent combinations being made to exhaust the Treasury of coin.

With such a law it is presumable that no gold would be called for not required for legitimate business purposes. When large amounts of coin should be drawn from the Treasury, correspondingly large amounts of currency would be withdrawn from circulation, thus causing a sufficient stringency in currency to stop the outward flow of coin.

The advantages of a currency of a fixed known value would also be reached. In my opinion, by the enactment of such a law, business and industries would revive, and the beginning of prosperity on a firm basis would be reached.

Other means of increasing revenue than those suggested should probably be devised, and also other legislation.

In fact, to carry out the first section of the act, another mint becomes a necessity. With the present facilities for coinage, it would take, a period probably beyond that fixed by law for final specie resumption to coin the silver necessary to transact the business of the country.

There are now smelting-furnaces for extracting the silver and gold from the ores brought from the mountain Territories, in Chicago, Saint Louis, and Omaha—three in the former city—and as much of the change required will be wanted in the Mississippi Valley States, and as the metals to be coined come from west of those States, and, as I understand, the charges for transportation of bullion from either of the cities named to the Mint in Philadelphia or to New York City, amount to four dollars for each one thousand dollars' worth, with an equal expense for transportation back, it would seem a fair argument in favor of adopting one or more of those cities as the place or places for the establishment of new coining facilities.

I have ventured upon this subject with great diffidence, because it is so unusual to approve a measure—as I most heartly do this, even if no further legislation is attainable at this time—and to announce the fact by message. But I do so because I feel that it is a subject of such vital importance to the whole country that it should receive the attention of, and be discussed by, Congress and the people through the press, and in every way, to the end that the best and most satisfactory course may be reached of executing what I deem most beneficial legislation on a most vital question to the interests and prosperity of the nation.

U. S. GRANT.

Executive Mansion, January 14, 1875.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Ordered , That the message be referred to the Committee on Finance nd be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1127) to empower the Southern Pacific Railroad Company to change the line of their road, the to construct an additional branch; which was read the. first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Railroads, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Clayton asked and by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1128) to restore Frank W. Perry, late captain Twenty-fourth 0117 117 Infantry, to the rolls of the Army; which as read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Schurz asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1129) to organize the Territory of Oklahoma, and for the better protection or the Indians therein, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1130) for the relief of Walter J. Lee; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1131) declaring a post-road in the State of Pennsylvania; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott submitted the following order for consideration:

Ordered , That Thursday, the 21st instant, be assigned for the consideration of business from the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Alcorn, and by unanimous consent, the vote postponing indefinitely the bill (H. R. 3687) granting a pension to Victoria L. Brewster, was reconsidered; and,

On motion by Mr. Alcorn,

Ordered , That said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 3177) for the relief of De Witt C. Chipman; and the amendment reported by the Committee on Finance having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate, and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered , That the amendment be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill as amended was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendment.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 964) to provide for the revision of the laws for the collection of customs-duties; and the amendments reported by the Committee on Finance having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate, and the amendments were concurred in.

Ordered , That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered , That the Secretary request, the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk.

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has concurred in the amendment of the Senate to the bill (H. R. 4214) declaratory of the act entitled “An act to amend the customs-revenue laws, and to repeal moieties,” approved June 22, 1874.

The House of Representatives has passed bill (H. R. 4321) removing the political disabilities of John Withers, Joseph F. Minter, and William Kearney, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

0118 118

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed five enrolled bills, (S. 743, S. 744, S. 924, S. 1068, and H. R. 3819.) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

The bill (H. R. 4321) this day received from the House of Representatives tor concurrence was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

The Vice-President signed the five enrolled bills (S. 743, S. 744, S. 924, S. 1068, and H. R. 3819) yesterday reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

The Vice-President announced that the morning hour had expired, and called, up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the resolution submitted by Mr. Schurz to inquire what legislation is necessary to secure to the people of Louisiana their right of self-government under the Constitution; and The Senate resumed the consideration of the said resolution; and Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Cameron, at 4 o'clock and 25 minutes p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; a After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and The Senate adjourned.

FRIDAY, January 15, 1875. Link to Annals.

Mr. Allison presented a petition of citizens of McGregor, Iowa, praying for the passage law repealing the tax on friction-matches; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Kelly presented a memorial of the legislature of Oregon, praying aid in the construction of the Portland, Dalles and slat Lake Railroad

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

Mr. Clayton presented the petition of Charles W. Preddy, of Monticello, Arkansas, praying the re-imbursement of certain public moneys stolen from the post-office at Monticello, and repaid by him; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Bogy presented a petitio of manufactures of friction-matches, praying for the passage of a law repealing the tax on matches; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Robertson presented a petition of citizens of Charleston, South Carolina, praying to be re-imbursed for losses sustained by deposits made in the Freedman's Saving-Bank; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Clayton Presented the petition of John J. Murphy, guardian, praying that a pension be granted to the minor heirs of Isaac N. Murphy, a soldier in the First Regiment of Arkansas Infantry Volunteers, during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, presented a memorial of citizens of the Chickasaw Nation, remonstrating against the organization of a territorial government for the Indian Territory.

Ordered , That at lie on the table and be printed.

Mr. alcorn presented the petition of Mrs. Hannah Waters, of Horn Island, Mississippi Sound, praying payment for certain beef-cattle and 0119 119 swine taken from her during the rebellion and used for the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Clayton presented the petition of L. C. Obarr, late commissary-sergeant, First Regiment of Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers, praying to be allowed a bounty; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Spencer presented a petition of Victoria C. Woodhull, Tennie C. Claflin, and James H. Blood, praying indemnity for false imprisonment by orders of a United States court; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Robertson presented a resolution of the legislature of South Carolina in favor of an appropriation to cover the amounts of deposits in the Freedman's Savings Bank and Trust Company, of which the depositors were deprived by the failure of said bank; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Robertson presented a memorial of citizens of South Carolina, praying tire the passage of the House bill 3656, to incorporate the Eastern and Western Transportation Company; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard.

Mr. Morton presented the petition of William Cash, praying compensation for the use and occupancy of certain property at Memphis, Tennessee, taken possession of by order of the military authorities in 1863, and for the loss of the same by fire; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Boreman presented additional papers in relation to the claim of Frederick A. Holden, praying compensation for property destroyed in Ceredo, Wayne County, West Virginia; which, with his petition and papers on the files of the Senate, were referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of citizens of Blair County, Pennsylvania, praying that the application of the Texas Pacific Railroad Company for the guarantee of the payment of interest on their bonds by the Government may be granted; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Mr. Boutwell presented the petition of Mrs. D. Jay Browne, praying compensation for services rendered by her late husband as agent of the Patent-Office; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Allison presented a letter of the Secretary of the Interior, addressed to the chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, in relation to a sale of a portion of the Fond da Lac Indian reservation, in the, State of Minnesota; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allison presented a letter of the Secretary of the Interior, addressed to the chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, in relation to the removal of the Pawnee Indians from the State of Nebraska to the Indian Territory, and the sale of their lands in said State; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Conkling,

Ordered , That John Graham have leave to withdraw from the, files of the Senate his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

Ordered , That the papers in relation to the claim of Lucy C. Field, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they this day presented to the President of the United States the following enrolled bills: 0120 120

S. 743. An act to remove the political disabilities of Dabney H. Maury, of Virginia.

S. 744. An act to remove the political disabilities of Charles M. Fauntleroy, of Virginia.

S. 924. All act donating condemned cannon to the city of Masillon, Ohio, for monumental purposes.

S. 1068. An act to remove the limitation restricting the circulation of banking associations issuing notes payable in gold.

Mr. Davis, from the Committee on Appropriations, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3823) making appropriations for fortifications and other works of defense, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876 reported it with an amendment.

Mr. Kelly, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 940) granting six hundred and forty acres of land to the widow and heirs of James Sinclair, reported it with an amendment, and submitted a report (No. 528) thereon.

Mr. Oglesby, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2674) granting a pension to John W. Wright, now at the National Military Asylum near Dayton, Ohio, reported it without amendment.

On motion by Mr. Oglesby,

Ordered , That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Brinton Lewis and the memorial of Frank W. Jones.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 4324) to authorize the change of the name of the Second National Bank of Jamestown, New York, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, (H. R. 4213 and H. R. 4214,) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills:

H. R. 4213. An act to provide for compensating the officers of the Government in observing the transit of Venus.

H. R. 4214. An act declaratory of the act entitled “An act to amend the customs-revenue laws, and to repeal moieties,” approved June 22, 1874.

The Vice-President signed the two enrolled bills (H. R. 4213 and H. R. 4214) last reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1132) to establish a branch mint of the United States at Omaha, in the State of Nebraska; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Clayton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads, and ordered to be printed:

S. 1133. A bill for the relief of Charles W. Preddy.

S. 1134. A bill to establish certain post-routes in the State of Arkansas.

Mr. Howe asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring 0121 121 in a bill (S. 1135) for relief of Francisco V. De Coster, of Litchfield Meeker County, Minnesota; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1136) for the sale of timber-land in the Territories; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed:

S. 1137. A bill for the relief of Rosa O. Gantt.

S. 1138. A bill for the relief of Henry C. Preuss, administrator of Constantia Reeves.

Mr. Alcorn asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1139) for the relief of William D. Bibb, of Mississippi; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Morton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1140) for the relief of Lucy C. Field; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1141) to amend an act entitled “An act for the government of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes,” approved June 20, 1874; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allison asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1142) to provide for the sale of the Pawnee Indian lands in Nebraska; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allison asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1143) to provide for the sale of a portion of the Fond du Lac Indian reservation, in Minnesota.and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Edmunds asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1144) to prevent cruelty to animals in the District of Columbia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hager asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1145) to provide for the sale of desert-lands in Lassen County, California; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

The bill (H. R. 4324) this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. West submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Interior be directed to transmit to the Senate a statement of all lands listed to the State of Louisiana 0122 122 under the swamp-land act of Congress, of March 2, 1849, in township 12 south, ranges 11 and 12 east, southeastern district of Louisiana, east of the Mississippi River; and that he accompany that statement with the documentary and other evidence upon which such lands have been declared swamp and overflowed under the act aforesaid.

On motion by Mr. Scott, and by unanimous consent, the vote postponing indefinitely the bill (H. R. 1616) granting a pension to John G. Parr, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, was reconsidered; and,

On motion by Mr. Scott,

Ordered, That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Schurz that the Senate reconsider its vote postponing indefinitely the bill (H. R. 3716) granting a pension to Elizabeth B. Dyer,

It was determined in the affirmative.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (H. R. 2190) to amend the act entitled “An act granting pensions to certain soldiers and sailors of the war of 1812, and the widows of deceased sailors,” approved February 14, 1871, and to restore to the pension-rolls those persons whose names were stricken therefrom in consequence of disloyalty; and,

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Kelly,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 331) providing for the construction of the Portland, Dalles and Salt Lake Railroad and Telegraph, and for the performance of all Government service free of charge; and,

After debate,

Ordered, That the further consideration of the said bill be postponed to to-morrow.

The Presiding Officer (Mr. Ingalls in the chair) announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the resolution submitted by Mr. Schurz to inquire what legislation is necessary to secure to the people of Louisiana their right of self-government under the Constitution; and

The Senate resumed the consideration of the said resolution; and

Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Ordered, That the Senate take a recess this day from half past 4 o'clock to half past 7 oclock p. m.

On motion by Mr. Sherman at 4 o'clock and 20 minutes p. m.,

Tile Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business and

After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and

The hour fixed by the order of the Senate for a recess having arrived,

The Senate took a recess until half past 7 o'clock p. m.

AT HALF PAST 7 O'CLOCK P. M.

On motion by Mr. Merrimon that the Senate adjourn,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 14

Nays 0

On motion by Mr. Merrimon,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

0123 123

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Allison, Clayton, Cooper, Edmunds, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, McCreery, Merrimon, Ransom, Scott, Sprague, Thurman, Wadleigh, Windom.

So the motion was agreed to; and The Senate adjourned.

SATURDAY, January 16, 1875. Link to Annals.

Mr. Hitchcock presented a petition of the Free Young Mens Benevolent Association of Washington, District of Columbia, praying for the passage of a law granting authority to sell certain cemetery-grounds in Washington, and that the proceeds may be applied to the expense of providing and maintaining a new place of burial provided by the said association; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of William Royal, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an invalid pensioner, praying to be rated in the second class of pensioners; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Joseph H. Kavanagh, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in invalid pensioner, praying to be rated in the second class of pensioners; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions

Mr. Schurz presented a petition of citizens of Saint Louis, Missouri, praying for the passage of a law defining a gross of friction-matches and providing for uniform packages of the same; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Cameron presented petitions praying for such legislation as will promote the efficiency of the Marine Hospital Service, as follows:

Petition of merchants, ship-owners, and shippers of Norfolk, Virginia.

Petition of American merchant-seamen of Norfolk, Virginia.

Petition of American merchant-seaman of New York

Ordered, That they be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of citizens of Arkansas, soldiers in the late war, approving the action of General P. H. Sheridan in regard to the Louisiana troubles.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, presented a petition of citizens of Washington District of Columbia, praying for such legislation as will compel the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company to remove obstructions caused by them to the streets and avenues in the north and northeastern parts of the city; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Pratt, From the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1O83) granting the right of way for a railroad and telegraph line to the Puyallup Valley Coal Company, and for other purposes, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1146) to authorize the issuance of a patent for a quarter-section of land in the State of Michigan; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Anthony submitted the following order; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Ordered, That during the remainder of this session, after the call for resolutions shall have passed, business on the calendar shall, during the 0124 124 morning hour, be called for by committees in the order in which they stand in the list of committees, and so from day to day; but no committee shall have more than one day in succession.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Lloyd, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed, without amendment, the bill of the Senate (S. 439) to provide for the payment of D. B. Allen & Company for services in carrying the United States mails.

It has passed the following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 565. An act for the relief of Peters and Reed, naval contractors at the Norfolk navy-yard in the year 1860.

H. R. 1317. An act to enable Ann Jennette Hathaway, executrix of the last will and testament of Joshua Hathaway, deceased, to make application to the Commissioner of Patents for the extension of letters patent for improved device for converting reciprocating into rotary motion.

H. R. 4202. An act to enable Mrs. Christiana L. Williams, administratrix of the estate of C. W. Williams, deceased, to make application to the Commissioner of Patents for an extension of letters-patent for improvements in canal locks and gates.

H. R. 4335. An act authorizing John Hazletine to make application to the Commissioner of Patents for the extension of his patent for a new and useful water-wheel.

The Vice-President announced that the business of the morning hour had been concluded, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the resolution submitted by Mr. Schurz to inquire what legislation is necessary to secure to the people of Louisiana their right of self-government under the Constitution; and The Senate resumed the consideration of the said resolution; and, Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Bayard, at 5 o'clock p. m., that the Senate adjourn,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 17

Nays 16

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Bayard, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Gordon, Hager, Johnston, McCreery, Merrimon, Pease, Ransom, Saulsbury, Schurz, Sprague, Stevenson, Thurman.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Boutwell, Clayton, Cragin, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Gilbert Howe, Ingalls, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Scott, Sherman, Windom.

So the motion was agreed to, and The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, January 18, 1875. Link to Annals.

The bills received from the House of Representatives for concurrence on Saturday last were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Ordered, That the bill H. R. 565 be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs; and that the bills H. R. 1317, H. R. 4202, and H. R. 4335 be referred to the Committee on Patents.

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The Vice-President laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Treasury, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of Juue 11, 1874, information in relation to the necessity of establishing an assay-office at Portland, Oregon, and for the removal or abolition of the assay-office at Boise City, Idaho; which was referred to the Committee on Finance and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer presented the petition of James E. Slaughter, of Alabama, praying for the removal of his political disabilities; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Edward B. Rollins, a soldier in the war of 1812, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Fenton presented the petition of Samuel Strong, praying that the board of audit for the District of Columbia be required to settle all claims as provided by an act for the government of the District of Columbia and for other purposes, approved June 20, 1874; was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Flanagan presented the petition of Joseph F. Minter, of Texas, praying for the removal of his political disabilities; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Flanagan presented the petition of John Withers, of Texas, praying for the removal of his political disabilities; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Flanagan presented the petition of William Kearney, of Texas, praying for the removal of his political disabilities; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Davis presented the petition of D. B: Conrad, of Virginia, praying for the removal of his political disabilities; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, presented the petition of Hiram Sawtelle, guardian of the orphan child of Nathaniel G. Clark, late of Company E, Third Regiment of Maine Volunteers, praying that the said child may be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, presented the petition of G. W. Stidham and John R. Moore, Creek delegates, praying for the payment of certain moneys arising from the sales of undivided Creek reserves by the Government; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying that a pension be granted to Moses Shepherd for services rendered the Government in the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Smith County, Kansas, late volunteer soldiers in the late war, praying for the passage of a law for the equalization of bounties to soldiers and sailors; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Morton presented the petition of Jesse J. Brown, praying protection and encouragement to the manufacturers of polished plate glass; which was referred to the Committee on Finance and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Schurz present the petition of Anton Tschudi, late a musician in Company A, Eighteenth Regiment of United States Infantry, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Edward D. Barker, late collector of internal revenue for the third division of the Territory of Dakota, praying to be relieved from liability for the loss of public moneys alleged 0126 126 to have been stolen from him at Bismarck, in that Territory; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Conkling presented a memorial of citizens of Washington, D. C., remonstrating against allowing the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company to establish a depot on the south side of Massachusetts avenue, in that city; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Scott presented three petitions of citizens of Pennsylvania, praying the passage of the bill authorizing the issue of 3.65 convertible bonds; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the resolution of the legislature of California in favor of the appointment of a commission to adjust losses sustained by A. P. Jackson and others, and that it be referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of the legislature of Arkansas for re-imbursement of moneys expended in military operations in 1868 and 1869, and that it be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the following memorials:

Memorial of the legislature of Kansas, in favor of granting to all United States courts of districts bordering on the Indian Territory concurrent jurisdiction with the western district of Arkansas.

Memorial of the State central committee of the republican party of South Carolina, in reply to certain allegations contained in a memorial of a so-called tax-payers convention of that State.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the memorial of Courtland Parker, reported a bill (S. 1147) for the relief of Courtland Parker as administrator of George W. Anderson, deceased; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented the petition of Daniel Smith, late of Company G, Twenty-first Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented the petition of W. E. Wysham, praying the removal of his political disabilities; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 1103) relating to the approval of bills in the Territory of Utah, and that it be referred to the Committee on Territories.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, from the Committee on Appropriations, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3911) making appropriations for the consular and diplomatic service of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Edmunds, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them severally without amendment, and that they ought not to pass, viz:

S. 696. A bill referring to the United States Court of Claims, for adjudication and determination, a claim for the past and future use of an invention 0127 127 and letters-patent thereon, and now in general use by the Post-Office Department, in the postal service of the United States of America.

S. 1013. A bill explanatory of the act entitled “An act making appropriations for the support of the Army for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1875, and for other purposes,” approved June 16, 1874.

H. R. 2875. An act authorizing the use of certain evidence.

H. R. 3622. An act to amend the act to establish the judicial courts of the United States, approved September 24, 1789, in relation to bonds of clerks of the courts of the United States.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered, That the further consideration of the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 114S) to remove the political disabilities of James E. Slaughter, of Mobile, Alabama; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1149) declaring the meaning of act approved March 9, 1868, relative to a patent for induction apparatus and circuit breakers; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Patents, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Morton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1150) to establish a mint for the coinage of gold and silver at Indianapolis, in the State of Indiana; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Davis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1151) to remove the political disabilities of D. B. Conrad, of Virginia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Logan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1152) to authorize the construction of a bridge across the Mississippi River at or near the Grand Chain; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commenced, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1153) amendatory of the act approved March 3, 1873, entitled “An act authorizing the construction of a bridge across the Mississippi River at Saint Louis, in the State of Missouri; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Norwood, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition and papers of William Williams, submitted a report, (No. 529,) accompanied by a bill (S. 1154) granting a pension to William Williams; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Sargent submitted the following resolution for consideration which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved, That during the present session it shall be in order at any time to move a recess, and, pending an appropriation bill, to move to confine on debate amendments thereto to five minutes by any Senator on the pending motion, and such motions shall be decided without debate, and no amendment to any such bill making legislative provisions other than such as directly relate to the appropriations contained in the bill shall be received.

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Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, asked, and by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1155) removing the political disabilities of W. E. Wysham; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, submitted the following resolution for consideration which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved, That during the present session it shall be in order at any time to move a recess, and, pending an appropriation bill, to move to confine debate on amendments thereto to five minutes by any Senator on the pending motion, and such motions shall be decided without debate.

Mr. Hamlin submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Claims be directed to inquire into an alleged loss by robbery of Edward D. Barker, late deputy collector of internal revenue in the Territory of Dakota, and to report by bill or otherwise.

Mr. Alcorn submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Patents be instructed to inquire whether the patent No. 31252, granted to J. J. McComb of Liverpool, England, on the 29th of January, 1861, for improved cotton-bale tie, has been extended by the Commissioner of Patents; and, if so, upon what notice; and whether any further legislation is necessary to provide for giving to those interested in opposing the extension of patents sufficient notice of the application for such extension.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 432) to amend the act entitled “An act to provide for the redemption of the three-per-cent, temporary-loan certificates, and for an increase of national-bank notes,” approved July 12, 1874; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Ordered, That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the following bills; and no amendment being made, they were severally reported to the Senate:

S. 71. A bill to authorize the organization of national banks without circulation.

S. 147. A bill authorizing national banks that have decided to reduce their capital stock to withdraw a portion of bonds upon retiring their own circulating.notes or depositing lawful money of the United States in the proportion provided by law.

S. 124. A bill providing for the resumption of specie payments and for free banking.

S. 408. A bill to provide for the refunding of internal-revenue taxes improperly assessed and collected.

H. R. 1955. An act for the relief of John Henderson, of New Orleans.

S. 653. A bill to relieve E. Boyd Pendleton, late collector of internal revenue of the fifth district of Virginia.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Ordered, That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The bill (S. 958) for the relief of J. E. D. Couzins, of Saint Louis, was 0129 129 read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, and by unanimous consent, the vote postponing indefinitely the bill (H. R. 2355) granting a pension to Ann R. Voorhees was reconsidered; And, On motion by Mr. Hamilton of Texas,

Ordered, That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Pensions.

A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary:

Mr. President: The President of the United States approved and signed, the 15th instant, the following acts:

S. 743. An act to remove the political disabilities of Dabney H. Maury, of Virginia.

S. 744. An act to remove the political disabilities of Charles M. Fauntleroy, of Virginia.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

On motion by Mr. Oglesby,

Ordered, That E. B. Clemson have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers. The Vice-President announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its last adjournment, viz, the resolution submitted by Mr. Schurz to inquire what legislation is necessary to secure to the people of Louisiana their right of self-government under the Constitution.

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Maine, that the Senate postpone the further consideration of the said resolution, and proceed to the consideration of the bill (H. R. 3818) making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes,

It was determined in the affirmative; and The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and the amendments reported by the Committee on Appropriations having been agreed to in part, and in part disagreed to,

On motion by Mr. Boutwell to amend the amendment reported on pages 24, 25, and 26 by striking out from line 575 to line 625, inclusive;

Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Edmunds, at 4 o'clock and 30 minutes p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and

After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 19, 1875. Link to Annals.

Mr. Morton presented additional papers in relation to the application of William Cash for compensation for the use of his property in Kentucky by United States troops in 1862 ; which were referred to the Committee on Claims.

0130 130

Mr. Allison presented several petitions of citizens of Iowa, praying for the passage of a law granting aid in the construction of the Hennepin Canal, in that State; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the legisture of Dakota Territory, praying aid in the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the legislature of Dakota Territory, praying for the establishment of a mail-route from Lake Kampeska, the terminus of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, by James River to Ashmore, on the Missouri River; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Cragin presented the petition of Captain Alexander C. Rhind, of the United States Navy, praying to be restored to his proper position on the Naval Register, next below Captain A. K. Hughes; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Allison presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying for a sufficient appropriation for the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Harvey presented several petitions of citizens of Colorado, praying for the passage of the House bill No. 3281, providing that lands granted to any railroad company which remain unpatented by neglect or refusal of said company, shall be subject to taxation the same as other lands belonging to individuals; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Cragin presented the petition of Levi P. Wright and Dennis O'Neal & Co., praying an amendment to the act of June 20, 1874, for the government of the District of Columbia, so that they may receive pay for sweeping the streets, avenues, and alleys of Washington, District of Columbia, out of any money in the city treasury not otherwise appropriated, the same as other ordinary municipal expenses are now paid; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented a memorial of citizens of Michigan, remonstrating against the ratification of the reciprocity treaty with Canada; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Ingalls presented a memorial of the heirs of John M. Hockaday, praying compensation for property taken possession of by the Mormons in Utah Territory; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, presented a communication from the officers of the National Association for the relief of destitute colored women, transmitting the eleventh annual report of said association, and praying for an appropriation of $10,000 for their use for the current year; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Alcorn presented resolutions of the State Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, of Mississippi, in favor of making Pascagoula a port of entry, and for an appropriation for the improvement of that harbor; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Allison presented a letter from the Acting Secretary of the Interior to the chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, communicating a letter from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs reporting the Amount of expenses incurred in negotiating the treaty with the Ute Indians, under the act of April 23, 1874; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allison presented a letter from the Acting Secretary of the In 0131 131 to the chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, transmitting a communication from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, giving an estimate of an appropriation required for the education and civilization of the Indians of the Central Superintendency; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allison presented a letter from the Acting Secretary of the Interior to the chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, transmitting a report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, giving an estimate of the amount of the appropriation required to pay the amount due James W. Terrill, as disbursing agent for paying the North Carolina Cherokee Indians, under the act of June 29, 1848; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright presented a letter of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, addressed to himself, in relation to the bill (H. R. 3628) for the relief of owners and purchasers of lands sold for direct taxes in the insurrectionary States, and for other purposes; which was ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Kelly,

Ordered , That the Committee on Military Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Francis J. Comstock, and that it be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Sherman, from the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the bill (H. R. 3572) to amend existing customs and internal-revenue laws, and for other purposes, submitted the following report:

The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the amendments to the bill (H. R. 3572) “to amend existing customs and internal-revenue laws, and for other purposes,” having met, after full and free conference, have agreed to recommend to their respective Houses as follows:

That the House recede from its disagreement to the amendments of the Senate numbered 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, and 36; and agree to the same.

That the Senate recede from its amendments numbered 1, 15, and 16.

That the House recede from its disagreement to the fifth amendment of the Senate, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: Insert in lieu of the words proposed to be stricken out the words: Provided also, That there shall be an allowance of five per cent., and no more, on all effervescing wines, liquors, cordials, and distilled spirits in bottles, to be deducted from the invoice quantity in lieu of breakage; and the Senate agree to the same.

That the Senate recede from its sixth amendment, and agree to the clause proposed to be stricken out with an amendment as follows: Strike out “ten” and insert eight; and the House agree to the same.

That the Senate recede from its thirtieth amendment, and agree to the section proposed to be stricken out with an amendment as follows: Strike out all of section 23 after “States,” in line 17, page 14, and insert in lieu thereof the words when such persons are designated or acting as officers or deputies or persons having the custody or disposition of any public money; and the House agree to the same.

That the House recede from its disagreement to the thirty-third amendment of the Senate, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: In lieu of “23” (the number of the section) insert 24; and the Senate agree to the same.

That the House recede from its disagreement to the thirty-fourth amendment of the Senate, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: In lieu of “24” (the number of the section) insert 25; and the Senate agree to the same.

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That the House recede from its disagreement to the thirty-fifth amendment of the Senate, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: In lieu of “25” (the number of the section) insert 26; and the Senate agree to the same.

They further recommend that in section 7, page 5, line 21, after the word “returned,” the word empty be inserted; that in section 7, page 5, line 17, “1874” be stricken out and in lieu thereof 1875 inserted; that in section 14, page 9, line 17, “1874” be stricken out and 1875 inserted in lieu thereof.

JOHN SHERMAN,

FREDK. T. FRELINGHUYSEN, Managers on the part of the Senate.

HORACE MAYNARD,

HENRY H. STARKWEATHER, Managers on the part of the House.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report; and,

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Resolved , That the Senate agree thereto.

Ordered , That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Spencer, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 979) for the relief of First Lieut. Henry Jackson, Seventh Cavalry, United States Army, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 530) thereon.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3628) for the relief of owners and purchasers of lands sold for direct taxes in insurrectionary States, and for other purposes, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1063) to amend and re-enact section 44 of an act to reduce internal taxes, approved June 6, 1872, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

On motion by Mr. Stevenson,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 2109) for the protection of the United States customhouse in the city of Louisville, Kentucky; and,

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont,

Ordered , That the said bill be referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 4443. An act in regard to the visit of His Majesty the King of the Hawaiian Islands.

H. R. 4444. An act to amend an act entitled “An act for the government of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes,” approved June 20, 1874.

H. R. 4445. An act to incorporate the trustees of the Louise Home, and for other purposes.

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H. R. 4447. An act to amend the act entitled “An act to incorporate the Masonic Mutual Relief Association of the District of Columbia,” approved March 3, 1869.

H. R. 4448. An act making an appropriation for the new school-building in the city of Georgetown, District of Columbia.

H. R. 4449. An act to amend an act entitled “An act to revive, with amendments, an act to incorporate the Medical Society of the District of Columbia,” approved July 7, 1838.

The President of the United States approved and signed, the 18th instant, the act (H. R. 3819) making appropriations for the naval service for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, (S. 439,) I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Kelly reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the bill (S. 439) to provide for the payment of D. B. Allen & Company for services in carrying the United States mails.

Mr. Kelly, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 995) for the construction of a military wagon-road from Sidney, Nebraska, to the posts at the Red Cloud and Spotted-Tail agencies, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 532) thereon.

Mr. Kelly, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 622) for the relief of John J. Shepheard, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Kelly,

Ordered , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary: Mr. President: The President of the United States approved and signed, this day, the following acts:

S. 924. An act donating condemned cannon to the city of Massillon, Ohio, for monumental purposes.

S. 1068. An act to remove the limitation restricting the circulation of banking associations issuing notes payable in gold.

Ordered , That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Howe, from the Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the memorial of Joseph H. Colton, submitted a report (No. 531) thereon, accompanied by a bill (S. 1156) for the relief of Joseph H. Colton; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Logan, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the amendment of the House of Representatives to the bill of the Senate (S. 588) approving the action taken by the Secretary of War, under the act approved July 15, 1870, reported it with a recommendation that the Senate disagree thereto.

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendment of the House of Representatives to the said bill; and,

On motion by Mr. Logan,

Resolved , That the Senate disagree thereto and ask a conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses thereon.

0134 134

Ordered , That the conferees on the part of the Senate be appointed by the Vice-President; and

The Vice-President appointed Mr. Logan, Mr. Wadleigh, and Mr. Ransom.

Ordered , That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1157) to authorize persons unjustly deprived of their property in Utah Territory prior to 1860 to bring suit therefor in the courts; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamlin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1158) to incorporate the Corcoran Square Market Company; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1159) to amend the fourteenth section of the act to establish the judicial courts of the United States, approved September 24, 1789; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Morton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Printing: Resolved , That three thousand additional copies of the report of the Committee on Privileges and Elections in regard to the amendment of the Constitution in respect to the election of President and Vice-President be printed for the use of the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution yesterday submitted by Mr. Morrill, of Maine, to limit debate on amendments to appropriation bills; and

After debate,

The resolution was agreed to as follows: Resolved , That during the present session it shall be in order at any time to move a recess, and, pending an appropriation bill, to move to confine debate on amendments thereto to five minutes by any Senator on the pending motion, and such motion shall be decided without debate.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1160) relative to the steamers Philo Parsons and Queen Island; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Oglesby asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1161) in relation to school-lands; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee. on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (H. R. 3818) making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes; and,

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

Ordered , That debate on amendments thereto be limited to five minutes by any Senator on the pending motion.

The pending question being on the amendment proposed by Mr. Boutwell to the amendment reported by the Committee on Appropriations 0135 135 on pages 24, 25, and 26 of the bill, viz: Strike out of the said reported amendment the following words:

“That there shall be established in and attached to the Department of the Treasury a bureau, to be denominated the Bureau of Commerce and Statistics; and the President of the United States shall, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoint a chief of the said Bureau, who shall be styled Commissioner of Commerce and Statistics, and whose duty it shall be to gather, collate, and annually report to Congress, statistics and facts relating to commerce with foreign nations and among the several States, the railroad systems of this and other countries, the construction and operation of railroads, the actual cost of such construction and operation of railroads, the actual cost of transporting freights and passengers on railroads, and on canals, rivers and other navigable waters of the United States, the charges imposed for such transportation of freight and passengers, and the tonnage transported; and the Commissioner of said Bureau shall be paid for his services at the rate of three thousand five hundred dollars per annum; and the Bureau of Statistics in the Treasury Department is hereby transferred to, and made a part of, the Bureau of Commerce and Statistics created by this act; and all the duties now by law performed in the said Bureau of Statistics are hereby transferred to the Bureau of Commerce and Statistics, and made a part of the duties of the said Commissioner; and the officer now in charge of the Bureau of Statistics, together with the several clerks, messengers, and laborers employed in the said Bureau of Statistics, are hereby placed under the direction and supervision of the Commissioner of Commerce and Statistics; and the reports now by law required to be prepared and published monthly in the said Bureau of Statistics shall hereafter be prepared and published quarterly under the direction of the said Commissioner; and the accounts and returns in relation to tonnage, and to the registration, enrollment, and licensing of vessels, now required by law to be made by collectors and other officers of the customs to the Register of the Treasury, shall hereafter be made to the Commissioner of Commerce and Statistics; and all the duties now by law devolving upon the Register of the Treasury in relation to attesting marine documents and issuing the same to collectors and other officers of the customs, and to preparing annual statements of the tonnage of the United States, are hereby transferred to the Bureau of Commerce and Statistics, and made a part of the duties of the said Commissioner; and the several clerks and messengers now employed in the office of the Register of the Treasury upon the duties herein mentioned are hereby placed under the direction and supervision of the said Commissioner; and for the purpose of carrying this provision into effect, there is hereby appropriated, for the fiscal year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-six, the following sums, namely:”

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 29

Nays 21

On motion by Mr. Windom,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Anthony, Bayard, Boreman, Boutwell, Cooper, Cragin, Dennis, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hager, Hamilton of Texas, Hamlin, Hitchcock, Howe, Johnston, McCreery, Merrimon, Morrill of Vermont, Schurz, Scott, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson, Washburn.

Those who voted in the negative are,

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Messrs. Allison, Bogy, Clayton, Davis, Dorsey, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Ingalls, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pratt, Sargent, Tipton, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

So the amendment to the amendment was agreed to.

The said reported amendment having been further amended on the motion of Mr. Morrill of Maine, Mr. Sargent, Mr. Edmunds, and Mr. Windom, was agreed to.

The amendments reported by the Committee on Appropriations having been further agreed to in part,

On the question to agree to the amendment reported on pages 79 and 80, viz: Strike out section 2 of the bill, as follows:

“ Sec. 2. That the circuit court of the United States in and for the district of Iowa shall be held at the times and places now provided by law for holding the United States district court in and for said district; but the circuit judge shall not be required to sit in said court except at Des Moines. Causes removed from any court of the State of Iowa into the circuit court of the United States within said district shall be removed to the nearest circuit court, unless the parties thereto shall otherwise agree: Provided , That all appeals or writs of error allowed by law from the district court to the circuit court for Iowa shall be taken to the circuit court at Des Moines, to be heard by said court when held by one or more circuit judges: And provided further , That the judge of the district court for said district of Iowa may in his discretion order that the same jurors be summoned to serve in the circuit and district courts when held at the same time and place, and at a place other than Des Moines;”

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 20

Nays 24

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Bayard, Bogy, Davis, Edmunds, Fenton, Gordon, Hamilton of Texas, Johnston, Kelly, Merrimon, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Norwood, Ransom, Robertson, Sargent, Scott, Sprague, Stevenson, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Boreman, Cameron, Clayton, Conkling, Cooper, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Gilbert, Harvey, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, Mitchell, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pease, Pratt, Sherman, Spencer, Wadleigh, Washburn.

So the amendment was not agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Cameron, at 4 o'clock and 20 minutes p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, January 20, 1875. Link to Annals.

The bills yesterday received from the House of Representatives for concurrence were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Ordered , That the bill H. R. 4443 be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations; that the bills H. R. 4444, H. R. 4445 H. R. 4447, H. 0137 137 R. 4448, and H. R. 4449 be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of Joseph C. Irwin and William Phillips, praying compensation for eighty cavalry horses furnished the United States at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1871 and 1872; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a memorial of the conservative members of the legislature of Louisiana, giving a statement of the revolutionary proceedings in the hall of the house of representatives, at New Orleans, January 4, 1875; which was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West presented a communication from Hon. Michael Hahn, speaker of the Louisiana house of representatives, transmitting a statement of the revolutionary proceedings which transpired in the hall of that house, at New Orleans, January 4, 1875; which was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Thurman presented a resolution of the legislature of Ohio, protesting against the action of the United States military authorities in the expulsion of certain members of the Louisiana legislature; which was read.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed.

Mr. Hamlin presented a memorial of citizens of the District of Columbia, praying that the authorities of the District be directed to transfer to the Southern Maryland Railroad Company the subscription made to the Piedmont and Potomac Railroad Company; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Cragin presented the memorial of the stockholders and officers of the Washington Market Company, in favor of such legislation as will relieve said company from present pecuniary embarrassment; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Clayton,

Ordered , That the Committee on Military Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of Captain H. S. Hawkins, Sixth United States Infantry.

Mr. Goldthwaite, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of James L. Baldwin, submitted an adverse report (No. 533) thereon.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the Committee on Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the resolution of the legislature of California, in relation to the claim of A. B. Gilbert to certain lands in the “Sutter grant,” so called; and that it be referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims.

Mr. Anthony, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the resolution yesterday submitted by Mr. Morton to print three thousand copies of the report of the Committee on Privileges and Elections, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States in regard to the election of President and Vice-President, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said resolution; and

Resolved , That the Senate agree thereto.

Mr. Clayton, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 117) for the relief of Samuel Houston, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

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On motion by Mr. Clayton,

Ordered , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the Committee on Military Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of J. M. Irwin, and that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

The Vice-President signed the enrolled bill (S. 439) last reported to have been examined and it was delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States. Mr. Wadleigh, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2703) for the relief of Ingalls B. Andrews, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Clayton, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them severally without amendment, and that they ought not to pass:

S. 969. A bill for the relief of Ferdinand Monti, a wagon-master in the Mexican war.

S. 1020. A bill for the relief of John Fletcher.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills (S. 969 and S. 1020) as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were severally reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Wadleigh, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 694) to compensate Colonel D. R. Haggard for six months service as colonel of the Fifth Kentucky United States Cavalry Volunteers, reported it with an amendment.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1105) to amend the act entitled “An act for the relief of savings institutions having no capital stock, and doing business solely for the benefit of depositors,” approved June 22, 1874, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

Mr. Wadleigh, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 835) for relief and re-appointment of Captain Thomas B. Hunt, assistant quartermaster in the United States Army, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bills (S. 1105 and S. 835) as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That the said bills be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Logan, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them without amendment:

S. 1107. A bill for the relief of C. H. Frederick, late a lieutenant-colonel in the Ninth Missouri Infantry.

S. 1135. A bill for the relief of Francisco V. De Coster, of Litchfield, Meeker County, Minnesota.

Mr. Edmunds, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (S. 1076) to facilitate the disposition of cases in the Supreme Court of the United States, and for other purposes, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Logan, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 3477) for the relief of Nelson Tiffany, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 534) thereon.

Mr. Logan, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom were referred the following bills, reported them severally without amendment:

S. 1050. A bill to fix the date of entry into the military service of 0139 139 Colonel and Brevet Major-General Benjamin H. Grierson, United States Army, and to correct his record on the Army Register.

S. 1079. A bill for the relief of William M. Kendall, of Plymouth, in the State of Indiana.

Mr. Logan, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the joint resolution (H. R. 101) construing the joint resolution entitled “Joint resolution amendatory of joint resolution for the relief of certain officers of the Army, approved July 26, 1866,” approved July 11, 1870, reported it with an amendment.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk.

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed, without amendment, the bill of the Senate (S. 1009) to enable the Commissioner of Agriculture to make a special distribution of seeds.

It has passed the following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 4163. An act to provide an appropriation for continuing the construction of the post-office and custom-house at Saint Louis, Missouri.

H. R. 4450. An act to incorporate the Potomac and Mount Pleasant Railroad Company, and for other purposes.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on the Judiciary, submitted a report (No. 535) to accompany the bill (S. 1147) for the relief of Courtland Parker as administrator of George W. Anderson, deceased.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that they this day presented to the President of the United States the enrolled bill (S. 439) to provide for the payment of D. B. Allen and Company for services in carrying the United States mails.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1162) for the relief of Mrs. Susannah P. Swoope, assignee of the heirs of William Irvin, deceased; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Johnston asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1163) for the relief of Mrs. Ann P. Denick, widow of W. S. Denick, deceased; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1164) to adjust the claim of the owners of lands within the limits of the Klamath Indian reservation, in the State of Oregon; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Clayton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1165) to protect each State of the Union against invasion, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1166) granting the right of way over the public lands for the construction of a wagon-road in Salt Lake County, Utah Territory; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Alcorn asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1167) for the relief of Robertson Topp and W. L. Vance; 0140 140 which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1168) regulating contracts for services in rejected and contested pension-claims; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Anthony asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1169) to aid the American Printing House for the Blind and University for the Blind in providing suitable buildings; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamlin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1170) to aid in the construction of the Southern Maryland Railroad, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed.

A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary: Mr. President: The act (S. 433) for the relief of Mrs. Susan A. Shelby, having been received by the President of the United States January 7, 1875, and not having been returned to the Senate, wherein it originated, within ten days, (Sundays excepted,) as prescribed by the Constitution, has become a law without his approval.

Ordered , That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Johnston asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1171) to authorize the construction of a bridge across the Mississippi at Memphis, Tennessee; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Logan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 1172) to authorize the payment of prize-money to the captors of the steamboat New Era Number Five and cargo; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

The bills last received from the House of Representatives for concurrence were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Ordered , That the bill H. R. 4163 be referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds; and that the bill H. R. 4450 be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

On motion by Mr. Spencer,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 3593) to constitute Patchogue, on the south side of Long Island, in the State of New York, a port of delivery; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

Ordered , That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

On motion by Mr. Spencer,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 2541) giving consent of the United States to the erection of a bridge across the Arkansas River at Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and the 0141 141 amendments reported by the Committee on Commerce having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate.

On the question to concur in the amendments made in Committee of the Whole,

The Vice-President announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the bill of the House (H. R. 3818) making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes; and

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the said bill; and

The bill having been further amended on the motion of Mr. Morrill, of Maine, and the motion of Mr. Sargent, from the Committee on Appropriations,

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, to amend the bill by striking out in line 1753, page 72, the words “two thousand two hundred,” and inserting in lieu thereof eighteen hundred ,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 27

Nays 11

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Bayard, Bogy, Boutwell, Cooper, Cragin, Dennis, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Goldthwaite, Hager, Hamilton of Texas, Hitchcock, Johnston, Kelly, McCreery, Merrimon, Morrill of Vermont, Norwood, Pratt, Robertson, Schurz, Stevenson, Tipton, Wadleigh, Washburn, Wright.

Thoso who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison. Conkling, Dorsey, Flanagan, Gilbert, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morton, Patterson, Sargent, Windom.

So the amendment was agreed to.

The bill having been further amended on the motion of Mr. Ransom, the motion of Mr. Anthony, the motion of Mr. Robertson, the motion of Mr. Ingalls, and the motion of Mr. West, it was reported to the Senate.

On the question to concur in the following amendment made in Committee of the Whole, viz, strike out in lines 1481 and 1482 the words “principal clerk, two thousand dollars,”

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 22

Nays 16

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the Senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Bayard, Bogy, Boutwell, Conkling, Davis, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Johnston, McCreery, Merrimon, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Norwood, Patterson, Robertson, Sargent, Sherman, Stevenson, Washburn, West, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Cragin, Dorsey, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Hager, Hamilton of Texas, Hitchcock, Logan, Mitchell, Morton, Pratt, Schurz, Spencer, Tipton, Windom.

So the amendment was concurred in.

The residue of the amendments made in Committee of the Whole having been concurred in,

On motion by Mr. Wright to amend the bill by striking out section 2 thereof,

0142 142

It was determined in the affirmative; and,

No further amendment being proposed to the bill,

Ordered , That the amendments be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill as amended was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendments.

On motion by Mr. Johnston that the Senate reconsider its vote postponing indefinitely the bill (S. 1063) to amend and re-enact section 44 of an act to reduce internal taxes, approved June 6, 1872,

It was determined in the affirmative.

On motion by Mr. Sprague,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 1760) to secure homesteads to actual settlers on the public domain; and,

On motion by Mr. Sprague,

Ordered , That the said bill be recommitted to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Davis,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 3823) making appropriations for fortifications and other works of defense for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1876; and the amendment reported by the Committee on Appropriations having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered , That the amendment be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill as amended was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House, of Representatives in the amendment.

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Maine,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 3911) making appropriations for the consular and diplomatic service of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1876, and for other purposes; and the amendments reported by the Committee on Appropriations having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate and the amendments were concurred in.

Ordered , That the amendments be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill as amended was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

Ordered , That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendments.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

The joint resolution reported from the Committee on Privileges and Elections May 28, 1874, (S. 16) proposing an amendment to the Constitution prescribing the manner of electing the President and Vice-President of the United States, was read the second time and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, at 3 o'clock and 10 minutes p. m.,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and

After the consideration of executive business the doors were opened, and

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, January 21, 1875. Link to Annals.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his secretary:

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

In my annual message of December 1, 1873, while inviting general attention to all the recommendations made by the Secretary of War, your special consideration was invited to “the importance of preparing for war in time of peace by providing proper armament for our sea-coast defenses. Proper armament is of vastly more importance than fortifications. The latter can be supplied very speedily for temporary purposes when needed; the former cannot.”

These views gain increased strength and pertinence as the years roll by, and I have now again the honor to call special attention to the condition of the “armament of our fortifications” and the absolute necessity for immediate provision by Congress for the procurement of heavy cannon. The large expenditures required to supply the number of guns for our forts is the strongest argument that can be adduced for a liberal annual appropriation for their gradual accumulation. In time of war such preparations cannot be made; cannon cannot be purchased in open market, nor manufactured at short notice; they must be the product of years of experience and labor.

I herewith inclose copies of a report of the Chief of Ordnance and of a board of ordnance officers on the trial of an eight-inch rifle converted from a ten-inch smooth-bore, which shows very conclusively an economical means of utilizing these useless smooth-bores and making them into eight-inch rifles capable of piercing seven inches of iron. The twelve hundred and ninety-four ten-inch Rodman guns should, in my opinion, be so utilized, and the appropriation requested by the Chief of Ordnance of $250,000 to commence these conversions is urgently recommended.

While convinced of the economy and necessity of these conversions, the determination of the best and most economical method of providing guns of still larger caliber should no longer be delayed. The experience of other nations, based on the new conditions of defense brought prominently forward by the introduction of iron-clads into every navy afloat, demands heavier metal and rifle-guns of not less than twelve inches in caliber. These enormous masses, hurling a shot of seven hundred pounds, can alone meet many of the requirements of the national defenses. They must be provided, and experiments on a large scale can alone give the data necessary for the determination of the question. A suitable proving-ground, with all the facilities and conveniences referred to by the Chief of Ordnance, with a liberal annual appropriation, is an undoubted necessity. The guns now ready for trial cannot be experimented with without funds, and the estimate of $250,000 for the purpose is deemed reasonable and is strongly recommended.

The constant appeals for legislation on the “armament of fortifications” ought no longer to be disregarded, if Congress desires in peace to prepare the important material without which future wars must inevitably lead to disaster.

This subject is submitted with the hope that the consideration it deserves may be given it at the present session.

U.S. GRANT.

Executive Mansion, January 20, 1875.

0144 144

The message was read.

Ordered , That it be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and be printed.

Mr. Morton presented the petition of James Calhoun, late second lieutenant of Company D, Forty-fifth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, praying to be allowed the difference in pay of a first sergeant and that of a second lieutenant for seven months, from March 7, 1863, to October 17, 1863; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Morton presented the petition of Joseph A. Stilwell, praying that a pension may be allowed to James E. Benham; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Merrimon presented the petition of Thomas H. Coates, of Raleigh, North Carolina, praying a reconsideration and allowance of his claim for property taken for the use of the United States Army; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Dennis presented papers relating to the application of John G. Taylor, late collector of customs at Annapolis, Maryland, to be relieved from liability for moneys paid to John R. Briscoe as surveyor of customs at the port of Nottingham, in the district of Annapolis; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Cameron presented a petition of Anna Lombaert, Susan Hathwell, and Mary Davis, legal heirs of Captain John Arndt, of the revolutionary war, praying that they may be allowed the pension, with landwarrant, which was due the said Captain Arndt; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Robertson presented a petition of business men of Charleston, South Carolina, praying the passage of the House bill to incorporate the Eastern and Western Transportation Company; which was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Mr. Hager presented a petition of citizens of California, praying an amendment of the homestead law so as to enable settlers on the even-numbered sections inside of railroad reservations to enter one hundred and sixty acres of land instead of eighty acres; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Wright presented a petition of citizens of Iowa, members of the bar of Council Bluffs, praying the passage of the House bill giving concurrent jurisdiction to the United States district court of Iowa with the circuit courts of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of John W. Haney, late of Company H, Eleventh Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Alice E. Degroot and Theodore B. B. Degroot, administrators of the estate of William H. Degroot, deceased, praying payment of the claim of the deceased allowed by the Secretary of Warr for the construction of the Washington aqueduct; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of citizens of the District of Columbia, praying for the passage of a law to incorporate the Stockbridge Agricultural, Manufacturing, and Commercial Company of the District of Columbia; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Ann Toliver, submitted an adverse report (No. 539) thereon.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred 0145 145 the petition of Rosa Ward, submitted an adverse report (No. 540) thereon.

On motion by Mr. Spencer,

Ordered , That the Committee on Commerce be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of Duff Green, giving his views on finance, and that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Cragin,

Ordered , That the Committee on Naval Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of citizens of Philadelphia and New. Jersey, praying that a landing may be granted to the Red Bank Ferry Company at the foot of Broad street.

On motion by Mr. Cragin,

Ordered , That the Committee on Naval Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of Robert L. May.

On motion by Mr. Cragin,

Ordered , That the Committee oll Naval Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Mrs. M. J. Cost