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JOURNAL OF THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, BEING THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FORTY-THIRD CONGRESS; BEGUN AND HELD AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON DECEMBER 1, 1873, IN THE NINETY-EIGHTH YEAR OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES.

LC

WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

1873.

0002
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES.

The First Session of the Forty-third Congress commenced this day, conformably to the Constitution of the United States, and the Senate assembled in its chamber at the city of Washington.

MONDAY, December 1, 1873. 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,

Charles Sumner.

From the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Messrs. Henry B. Anthony,

William Sprague.

From the State of Connecticut.

Messrs. William A. Buckingham,

Orris S. Ferry.

From the State of Vermont.

Messrs. George F. Edmunds,

Justin S. Morrill.

From the State of New York.

Messrs. Roscoe Conkling,

Reuben E. Fenton.

From the State of New Jersey.

Messrs. Frederick T. Frelinghuysen,

John P. Stockton.

From the State of Pennsylvania.

Messrs. Simon Cameron,

John Scott.

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From the State of Delaware.

Mr. Eli Saulsbury.

From the State of Maryland.

Mr. George R. Dennis.

From the State of Virginia.

Messrs. John W. Johnston,

John F. Lewis.

From the State of North Carolina.

Messrs. Augustus S. Merrimon,

Matthew W. Ransom.

From the State of South Carolina.

Mr. John J. Patterson.

From the State of Kentucky.

Messrs. Thomas C. McCreery,

John W. Stevenson.

From the State of Tennessee.

Messrs. William G. Brownlow,

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.

Messrs. Oliver P. Morton,

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.

0004 5

From the State of Missouri.

Messrs. Lewis V. Bogy,

Carl Schurz.

From the State of Mississippi.

Messrs. James L. Alcorn,

Adelbert Ames.

From the State of Arkansas.

Messrs. Powell Clayton

Stephen W. Dorsey.

From the State of Michigan.

Messrs. Zachariah Chandler,

Thomas W. Ferry.

From the State of Florida.

Mr. Abijah Gilbert.

From the State of Texas.

Mr. Morgan C. Hamilton.

From the State of Iowa.

Messrs. William B. Allison,

George G. Wright.

From the State of Wisconsin.

Messrs. Matt. H. Carpenter,

Timothy O. Howe.

From the State of California.

Mr. 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.

Mr. John J. Ingalls.

From the State of West Virginia.

Messrs. Arthur I. Boreman,

Henry G. Davis.

From the State of Nebraska.

Mr. Thomas W. Tipton.

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

Mr. Ingalls presented the credentials of Robert Crozier, appointed a Senator by the governor of the State of Kansas, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Alexander Caldwell.

The credentials were read, and the oaths prescribed by law were administered to Mr. Crozier, and he took his seat in the Senate.

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

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. Anthony and Mr. Thurman.

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

Mr. Sargent presented a telegram addressed to him from Eugene Casserly, stating that he had communicated to the governor of California his resignation as a Senator from that State.

The Vice-President presented a letter from J. P. Newman, resigning the office of Chaplain to the Senate.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the annual report of the Congressional Printer, showing the condition of the public printing, binding, &c., for the year ending December 1, 1873.

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

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 1, 1873.

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

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, 1872, to June 30, 1873.

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

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

S. 1. A bill supplementary to an act entitled “An act to protect all citizens of the United States in their civil rights, and to furnish the means for their vindication,” passed April 9, 1866.

S. 2. A bill to secure equal rights in the public schools of Washington and Georgetown.

S. 3. A bill to authorize compound-interest notes as a substitute for legal-tender notes.

S. 4. A bill to protect persons against inveigling from abroad, kidnapping, forcible constraint, or involuntary service.

0006 7

S. 5. A bill to provide for the adjustment and satisfaction of claims of American citizens for spoliations committed by the French prior to the 31st day of July, 1801.

S. 1. Joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution providing for the election of President by a direct vote of the people, and abolishing the office of Vice-President.

S. 2. Joint resolution proposing an amendment of the Constitution, confining the President to a single term of six years.

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 6) relating to certain moneys appropriated to members of Congress; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Edmunds asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 7) creating a commission to adjust the compensation of the several claimants for damages for depredations by rebel cruisers, to be discharged out of the indemnity fund awarded by the tribunal of arbitration at Geneva to be paid by Great Britain to the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright 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. 8. A bill changing the times for holding certain district courts of the United States for the State of Iowa.

S. 9. A bill to repeal so much of the act of March 3, 1873, as increases the salaries therein named.

Mr. Logan 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, and ordered to be printed:

S. 10. A bill to repeal an act entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States.”

S. 11. A bill to establish a branch mint of the United States at Chicago, in the State of Illinois.

Mr. Morton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 12) to repeal the sections of the bankrupt law of 1867, and acts amendatory thereof, which provide for involuntary bankruptcy; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Fenton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 13) to regulate the service in the collection of customs at the various ports of entry in the United States, and the disposition of fines, penalties, and forfeitures incurred under the laws relating to customs, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 14) in relation to bounties; 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. 15) establishing the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates in Congress, and for other purposes; 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 severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed:

S. 16. A bill supplementary to an act entitled “An act to promote the 0007 8 development of the mining resources of the United States,” approved May 10, 1872.

S. 17. A bill relating to swamp-lands in the State of California.

S. 18. A bill relating to grazing-lands in the State of California.

S. 19. A bill to dedicate the public agricultural lands in the State of California to homestead and pre-emption purposes.

S. 20. A bill explanatory of an act entitled “An act to reduce the expenses of the survey and sale of the public lands in the United States.”

S. 21. A bill for the relief of aged or infirm pre-emption settlers.

S. 22. A bill for the sale of timber-lands in the States of California and Oregon, and Washington Territory.

S. 23. A bill relating to the entry of homesteads and pre-emptions in California.

S. 24. A bill to amend an act entitled “An act to amend an act to reduce duties on imports, and to reduce internal taxes, and for other purposes,” approved March 30, 1873.

S. 25. A bill to establish certain post-routes.

Mr. Windom asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. 3) proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing for an election of United States Senators by the people; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved , That the Committee on Commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of the appointment by the United States of a commission to act with a similar commission to be appointed by the State of California, to examine and report upon the condition of the harbor of San Francisco; what causes, if any, are permanently injuring said harbor; what means should be used to protect the harbor from injury, and whether the national interest requires that the United States Government should require the construction of a sea-wall in said harbor, and aid the State of California in its construction.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved , That the Committee on Finance be requested to consider the expediency of reporting a bill providing for free banking, and for the resumption of specie payments, to take effect on the first day of January, A. D. 1875.

Mr. Sumner submitted the following resolutions for consideration; which were ordered to be printed:

Whereas by international law and existing custom war is recognized as a form of trial for the determination of differences between nations; and Whereas for generations good men have protested against the irrational character of this arbitrament, where force instead of justice prevails, and have anxiously sought for a substitute in the nature of a judicial tribunal, all of which was expressed by Franklin in his exclamation, “When will mankind be convinced that all wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous, and agree to settle their differences by arbitration?” and Whereas war once prevailed in the determination of differences between individuals, between cities, between counties, and between provinces, being recognized in all these cases as the arbiter of justice, but at last yielded to a judicial tribunal, and now, in the progress of civilization, the time has come for the extension of this humane principle 0008 9 to nations, so that their differences may be taken from the arbitrament of war, and, in conformity with these examples, submitted to a judicial tribunal; and Whereas arbitration has been formally recognized as a substitute for war in the determination of differences between nations, being especially recommended by the Congress of Paris, where were assembled the representatives of England, France, Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sardinia, and Turkey, and afterward adopted by the United States in formal treaty with Great Britain for the determination of differences arising from depredations of British cruisers, and also from opposing claims with regard to the San Juan boundary; and Whereas it becomes important to consider and settle the true character of this beneficent tribunal, thus commended and adopted, so that its authority and completeness as a substitute for war may not be impaired, but strengthened and upheld, to the end that civilization may be advanced and war be limited in its sphere: Therefore,

(1.) Resolved, That in the determination of international differences arbitration should become a substitute for war in reality as in name, and, therefore, co-extensive with war in jurisdiction, so that any question or grievance which might be the occasion of war or of misunderstanding between nations should be considered by this tribunal.

(2.) Resolved, That the United States, having at heart the cause of peace everywhere, and hoping to help its permanent establishment between nations, hereby recommend the adoption of arbitration as a just and practical method for the determination of international differences, to be maintained sincerely and in good faith, so that war may cease to be regarded as a proper form of trial between nations.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved , That the Committee on Finance be instructed to consider the expediency of providing for a national system of banking and currency, in lieu of the present one, which shall embody the substantial features following, to wit:

First. Banking to be open and free to all, individuals and associations, without limitation of capital.

Secondly. The maximum currency circulation to be eight hunded millions of dollars, exclusive of fractional, and to be issued and authenticated solely by the Government, of uniform character, with “United States currency” imprinted on its face, made lawful money and a legal tender for all public and private dues, except duties on imports and interest on the public debt, and convertible on demand into Government bonds bearing interest at 3 65/100 per centum per annum in currency.

Thirdly. The Government to issue bonds stamped “Currency bonds,” of denominations of $100 and multiples, bearing interest at the rate of 3 65/100 per centum per annum, convertible into currency on demand, and to be exempt from taxation by Federal, State, municipal, and local authority.

Fourthly. Substitution of United States currency for national currency, to be done at the convenience of the Government, without diminishing the volume of current circulation, and the bonds held for the security of the national currency to be adjusted with the banks by purchase or surrender. Substitution of United States currency for other existing forms in bringing about uniformity of currency, to likewise be done without lessening the current circulation.

Fifthly. For immediate relief to existing monetary stringency, the forty-four million Treasury reserve to be issued without delay, in the purchase 0009 10 of Government bonds bearing the higher rates of interest, and, as fast as practicable, additional purchases of like bonds to be made with United States currency, until the maximum circulation be reached.

Sixthly. Preparatory to withdrawal of the fractional currency, the Secretary of the Treasury required to make public designation of a period after which to begin the redemption, in silver, of denominations of twenty-five cents and under; also a second period designated at which to commence like redemption of the remaining fractional currency then in circulation, and all, when so redeemed, to be destroyed.

And that the committee report at as early a day as practicable by bill or otherwise.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

The Senate took a recess until 1 o'clock and 15 minutes p. m.

After which,

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, December 2, 1873. Link to Annals.

Mr. John B. Gordon from the State of Georgia, Mr. Phineas W. Hitchcock from the State of Nebraska, and Mr. Thomas J. Robertson from the State of South Carolina, attended.

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 assembled; and that James G. Blaine, one of the Representatives from the State of Maine, has been chosen Speaker, and that the House is now 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 each House has assembled, and that Congress is ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make; and it has appointed Mr. James A. Garfield, Mr. E. Rockwood Hoar, and Mr. Samuel S. Cox the committee on its part.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a 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 1, 1873.

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

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of March 26, 1873, information relative to the construction of the pneumatic tube between the Capitol and the Government Printing-Office.

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

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.

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

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented a memorial of the Walnut Grove Mining Company, praying indemnity for losses sustained on account of depredations by Apache Indians from 1865 to 1869.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Dennis presented the memorial of M. C. Mordecai & Company, 0010 11 praying compensation for services rendered in carrying the mails between Charleston and Havana in 1860.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Logan presented the petition of Capt. Louis C. Sartori, praying to be placed upon the active list of the Navy as commodore.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

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, and ordered to be printed:

S. 26. A bill in relation to mineral lands.

S. 27. A bill to organize the Territory of Oklahoma.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 28) to set apart a certain portion of the island of Mackinac, in the Straits of Mackinac, within the State of Michigan, as a national park; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 29) to authorize the Secretary of War to ascertain the amount of expense incurred by the territorial authorities of Dakota for arms, equipments, military stores, supplies, and all other expenses of the volunteer force of the Indian war of 1862; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 30) to provide for free banking, to secure an elastic currency, to appreciate national obligations, and to reach specie payments without commercial embarrassment; 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. 31) to restore Capt. Louis C. Sartori to his original position on the Navy Register; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 32) obviating the necessity of issuing patents for certain private land-claims in the State of Missouri, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Alcorn 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. 33. A bill granting the right of way to the Birmingham and Saint Louis Railroad Company through the public domain, and for other purposes.

S. 34. A bill to extend the provisions of an act approved March 3, 1871, entitled “An act to provide for the collection of debts due from southern railroads, and for other purposes.”

Mr. Gordon 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. 35. A bill granting aid to the Atlantic and Great Western Canal Company.

S. 36. A bill to amend an act entitled “An act to reduce internal taxation, and to amend an act entitled ‘An act to provide internal revenue to support the Government, to pay interest on the public debt, and for other purposes,’” approved July 13, 1866.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to 0011 12 bring in the following bills; which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed:

S. 37. A bill for the relief of persons for damages sustained by reason of Indian depredations.

S. 38. A bill to vest the power of establishing post-roads in the Postmaster-General.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 39) to amend an act entitled “An act to revise, consolidate, and amend the statutes relating to the Post-Office Department;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

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

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to inform the Senate as to the amount expended by the United States for the various public works of the Government in each State and Territory, from June 30, 1865, to June 30, 1873, together with the expenditures of the United States in aid of the construction of canals, railroads, and wagon-roads, from 1789 to 1873.

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

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to communicate to the Senate what efforts have been made by him to take possession of the Louisville and Portland Canal, and all correspondence with the trustees of that canal.

On motion by Mr. Sumner that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the bill (S. 1) supplementary to an act entitled “An act to protect all citizens of the United States in their civil rights, and to furnish the means for their vindication,” passed April 9, 1866;

After debate,

It was determined in the negative.

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.

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

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

Mr. Anthony, from the joint committee appointed to wait on 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 message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Babcock, his Secretary:

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

The year that has passed since the submission of my last message to Congress has—especially during the latter part of it—been an eventful one to the country. In the midst of great national prosperity a financial crisis has occurred that has brought low fortunes of gigantic proportions; political partisanship has almost ceased to exist, especially in the agricultural regions; and finally, the capture upon the high seas of a vessel bearing our flag has for a time threatened the most serious consequences, 0012 13 and has agitated the public mind from one end of the country to the other. But this, happily, now is in the course of satisfactory adjustment, honorable to both nations concerned.

The relations of the United States, however, with most of the other powers continue to be friendly and cordial. With France, Germany, Russia, Italy, and the minor European powers; with Brazil and most of the South American republics, and with Japan, nothing has occurred during the year to demand special notice. The correspondence between the Department of State and various diplomatic representatives in or from those countries is transmitted herewith.

In executing the will of Congress, as expressed in its joint resolution of the 14th of February last, and in accordance with the provisions of the resolution, a number of “practical artisans,” of “scientific men,” and of “honorary commissioners” were authorized to attend the exposition at Vienna as commissioners on the part of the United States. It is believed that we have obtained the object which Congress had in view when it passed the joint resolution, “in order to enable the people of the United States to participate in the advantages of the international exhibition of the products of agriculture, manufactures, and the fine arts to be held at Vienna.” I take pleasure in adding that the American exhibitors have received a gratifying number of diplomas and of medals.

During the exposition a conference was held at Vienna for the purpose of consultation on the systems prevailing in different countries for the protection of inventions. I authorized a representative from the Patent-Office to be present at Vienna at the time when this conference was to take place, in order to aid, as far as he might, in securing any possible additional protection to American inventors in Europe. The report of this agent will be laid before Congress.

It is my pleasant duty to announce to Congress that the Emperor of China, on attaining his majority, received the diplomatic representatives of the western powers in person. An account of these ceremonies, and of the interesting discussions which preceded them, will be found in the documents transmitted herewith. The accompanying papers show that some advance, although slight, has been made during the past year toward the suppression of the infamous Chinese cooly-trade. I recommend Congress to inquire whether additional legislation be not needed on this subject.

The money awarded to the United States by the tribunal of arbitration at Geneva was paid by Her Majesty's government a few days in advance of the time when it would have become payable according to the terms of the treaty. In compliance with the provisions of the act of March 3, 1873, it was at once paid into the Treasury, and used to redeem, so far as it might, the public debt of the United States; and the amount so redeemed was invested in a five per cent. registered bond of the United States for fifteen million five hundred thousand dollars, which is now held by the Secretary of State, subject to the future disposition of Congress.

I renew my recommendations, made at the opening of the last session of Congress, that a commission be created for the purpose of auditing and determining the amounts of the several “direct losses growing out of the destruction of vessels and their cargoes” by the Alabama, the Florida, or the Shenandoah, after leaving Melbourne, for which the sufferers have received no equivalent or compensation, and of ascertaining the names of the persons entitled to receive compensation for the same, making the computations upon the basis indicated by the tribunal of 0013 14 arbitration at Geneva; and that payment of such losses be authorized to an extent not to exceed the awards of the tribunal at Geneva.

By an act approved on the 14th day of February last, Congress made provision for completing, jointly with an officer or commissioner to be named by Her Britannic Majesty, the determination of so much of the boundary-line between the territory of the United States and the possessions of Great Britain as was left uncompleted by the commissioners appointed under the act of Congress of August 11, 1856. Under the provisions of this act the northwest water-boundary of the United States has been determined and marked in accordance with the award of the Emperor of Germany. A protocol and a copy of the map upon which the line was thus marked are contained in the papers submitted herewith.

I also transmit a copy of the report of the commissioner for marking the northern boundary between the United States and the British possessions west of the Lake of the Woods, of the operations of the commission during the past season. Surveys have been made to a point four hundred and ninety-seven miles west of the Lake of the Woods, leaving about three hundred and fifty miles to be surveyed, the fieldwork of which can be completed during the next season.

The mixed commission organized under the provisions of the treaty of Washington for settling and determining the claims of citizens of either power against the other arising out of acts committed against their persons or property during the period between April 13, 1861, and April 9, 1865, made its final award on the 25th day of September last. It was awarded that the Government of the United States should pay to the government of Her Britannic Majesty, within twelve months from the date of the award, the sum of $1,929,819 in gold. The commission disallowed or dismissed all other claims of British subjects against the United States. The amount of the claims presented by the British government, but disallowed or dismissed, is understood to be about $93,000,000. It also disallowed all the claims of citizens of the United States against Great Britain which were referred to it.

I recommend the early passage of an act appropriating the amount necessary to pay this award against the United States.

I have caused to be communicated to the government of the King of Italy the thanks of this Government for the eminent services rendered by Count Corti as the third commissioner on this commission. With dignity, learning, and impartiality he discharged duties requiring great labor and constant patience, to the satisfaction, I believe, of both governments. I recommend legislation to create a special court, to consist of three judges, who shall be empowered to hear and determine all claims of aliens upon the United States arising out of acts committed against their persons or property during the insurrection. The recent reference under the treaty of Washington was confined to claims of British subjects arising during the period named in the treaty; but it is understood that there are other British claims of a similar nature, arising after the 9th of April, 1865, and it is known that other claims of a like nature are advanced by citizens or subjects of other powers. It is desirable to have these claims also examined and disposed of.

Official information being received from the Dutch government of a state of war between the King of the Netherlands and the Sultan of Acheen, the officers of the United States who were near the seat of the war were instructed to observe an impartial neutrality. It is believed that they have done so.

The joint commission under the convention with Mexico of 1868 0014 15 having again been legally prolonged, has resumed its business, which, it is hoped, may be brought to an early conclusion. The distinguished representative of Her Britannic Majesty at Washington has kindly consented, with the approval of his government, to assume the arduous and responsible duties of umpire in this commission, and to lend the weight of his character and name to such decisions as may not receive the acquiescence of both the arbitrators appointed by the respective governments.

The commissioners appointed pursuant to the authority of Congress to examine into the nature and extent of the forays by trespassers from that country upon the herds of Texas, have made a report, which will be submitted for your consideration.

The Venezuelan government has been apprised of the sense of Congress in regard to the awards of the joint commission under the convention of 25th April, 1866, as expressed in the act of the 25th of February last.

It is apprehended that that government does not realize the character of its obligations under that convention. As there is reason to believe, however, that its hesitancy in recognizing them springs in part at least from real difficulty in discharging them in connection with its obligations to other governments, the expediency of further forbearance on our part is believed to be worthy of your consideration.

The Ottoman government and that of Egypt have latterly shown a disposition to relieve foreign consuls of the judicial powers which heretofore they have exercised in the Turkish dominions, by organizing other tribunals. As Congress, however, has by law provided for the discharge of judicial functions by consuls of the United States in that quarter under the treaty of 1830, I have not felt at liberty formally to accept the proposed change without the assent of Congress, whose decision upon the subject, at as early a period as may be convenient, is earnestly requested.

I transmit herewith for the consideration and determination of Congress an application of the republic of Santo Domingo to this Government to exercise a protectorate over that republic.

Since the adjournment of Congress the following treaties with foreign powers have been proclaimed: A naturalization convention with Denmark; a convention with Mexico for renewing the claim commission; a convention of friendship, commerce, and extradition with the Orange Free State, and a naturalization convention with Ecuador.

I renew the recommendation made in my message of December, 1870, that Congress authorize the Postmaster-General to issue all commissions to officials appointed through his Department.

I invite the earnest attention of Congress to the existing laws of the United States respecting expatriation and the election of nationality by individuals. Many citizens of the United States reside permanently abroad with their families. Under the provisions of the act approved February 10, 1855, the children of such persons are to be deemed and taken to be citizens of the United States, but the rights of citizenship are not to descend to persons whose fathers never resided in the United States.

It thus happens that persons who have never resided within the United States have been enabled to put forward a pretension to the protection of the United States against the claim to military service of the government under whose protection they were born and have been reared. In some cases even naturalized citizens of the United States have returned to the land of their birth, with intent to remain there, 0015 16 and their children, the issue of a marriage contracted there after their return, and who have never been in the United States, have laid claim to our protection, when the lapse of many years had imposed upon them the duty of military service to the only government which had ever known them personally.

Until the year 1868 it was left embarrassed by conflicting opinions of courts and of jurists to determine how far the doctrine of perpetual allegiance derived from our former colonial relations with Great Britain was applicable to American citizens. Congress then wisely swept these doubts away by enacting that “any declaration, instruction, opinion, order, or decision of any officer of this Government which denies, restricts, impairs, or questions the right of expatriation, is inconsistent with the fundamental principles of this Government.” But Congress did not indicate in that statute, nor has it since done so, what acts are to be deemed to work expatriation. For my own guidance in determining such questions, I required (under the provisions of the Constitution) the opinion in writing of the principal officer in each of the Executive Departments upon certain questions relating to this subject. The result satisfies me that further legislation has become necessary. I therefore commend the subject to the careful consideration of Congress, and I transmit herewith copies of the several opinions of the principal officers of the executive department, together with other correspondence and pertinent information on the same subject.

The United States, who led the way in the overthrow of the feudal doctrine of perpetual allegiance, are among the last to indicate how their own citizens may elect another nationality. The papers submitted herewith indicate what is necessary to place us on a par with other leading nations in liberality of legislation on this international question. We have already in our treaties assented to the principles which would need to be embodied in laws intended to accomplish such results. We have agreed that citizens of the United States may cease to be citizens, and may voluntarily render allegiance to other powers. We have agreed that residence in a foreign land, without intent to return, shall of itself work expatriation. We have agreed in some instances upon the length of time necessary for such continued residence to work a presumption of such intent. I invite Congress now to mark out and define when and how expatriation can be accomplished; to regulate by law the condition of American women marrying foreigners; to fix the status of children born in a foreign country of American parents residing more or less permanently abroad, and to make rules for determining such other kindred points as may seem best to Congress.

In compliance with the request of Congress I transmitted to the American minister at Madrid, with instructions to present it to the Spanish government, the joint resolution approved on the 3d of March last, tendering to the people of Spain, in the name and the behalf of the American people, the congratulations of Congress upon the efforts to consolidate in Spain the principles of universal liberty in a republican form of government.

The existence of this new republic was inaugurated by striking the fetters from the slaves in Porto Rico. This beneficent measure was followed by the release of several thousand persons illegally held as slaves in Cuba. Next, the captain-general of that colony was deprived of the power to set aside the orders of his superiors at Madrid, which had pertained to the office since 1825. The sequestered estates of American citizens, which had been the cause of long and fruitless correspondence, were ordered to be restored to their owners. All these liberal steps 0016 17 were taken in the face of a violent opposition directed by the reactionary slaveholders of Havana, who are vainly striving to stay the march of ideas which has terminated slavery in Christendom, Cuba only excepted. Unhappily, however, this baneful influence has thus far succeeded in defeating the efforts of all liberal-minded men in Spain to abolish slavery in Cuba, and in preventing the promised reform in that island. The struggle for political supremacy continues there.

The pro-slavery and aristocratic party in Cuba is gradually arraigning itself in more and more open hostility and defiance of the home government, while it still maintains a political connection with the republic in the peninsula; and although usurping and defying the authority of the home government, whenever such usurpation or defiance tends in the direction of oppression or of the maintenance of abuses, it is still a power in Madrid, and is recognized by the government. Thus an element more dangerous to continued colonial relations between Cuba and Spain than that which inspired the insurrection at Yara— an element opposed to granting any relief from misrule and abuse, with no aspirations after freedom, commanding no sympathies in generous breasts, aiming to rivet still stronger the shackles of slavery and oppression—has seized many of the emblems of power in Cuba, and, under professions of loyalty to the mother country, is exhausting the resources of the island, and is doing acts which are at variance with those principles of justice, of liberality, and of right, which give nobility of character to a republic. In the interests of humanity, of civilization, and of progress, it is to be hoped that this evil influence may be soon averted.

The steamer Virginius was on the 26th day of September, 1870, duly registered at the port of New York as a part of the commercial marine of the United States. On the 4th of October, 1870, having received the certificate of her register in the usual legal form, she sailed from the port of New York, and has not since been within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. On the 31st day of October last, while sailing under the flag of the United States, on the high seas, she was forcibly seized by the Spanish gun-boat Tornado, and was carried into the port of Santiago de Cuba, where fifty-three of her passengers and crew were inhumanly, and, so far at least as relates to those who were citizens of the United States, without due process of law, put to death.

It is a well-established principle, asserted by the United States from the beginning of their national independence, recognized by Great Britain and other maritime powers, and stated by the Senate in a resolution passed unanimously on the 16th of June, 1858, that “American vessels on the high seas in time of peace, bearing the American flag, remain under the jurisdiction of the country to which they belong; and therefore any visitation, molestation, or detention of such vessel by force, or by the exhibition of force, on the part of a foreign power, is in derogation of the sovereignty of the United States.”

In accordance with this principle the restoration of the Virginius, and the surrender of the survivors of her passengers and crew, and a due reparation to the flag, and the punishment ot the authorities who had been guilty of the illegal acts of violence, were demanded. The Spanish government has recognized the justice of the demand, and has arranged for the immediate delivery of the vessel, and for the surrender of the survivors of the passengers and crew, and for a saltue to the flag, and for proceedings looking to the punishment of those who may be proved to have been guilty of illegal acts of violence toward citizens of 0017 18 the United States, and also toward indemnifying those who may be shown to be entitled to indemnity. A copy of a protocol of a conference between the Secretary of State and the Spanish minister, in which the terms of this arrangement were agreed to, is transmitted herewith.

The correspondence on this subject with the legation of the United States in Madrid was conducted in cipher and by cable, and needs the verification of the actual text of the correspondence. It has seemed to me to be due to the importance of the case not to submit this correspondence until the accurate text can be received by mail. It is expected shortly, and will be submitted when received.

In taking leave of this subject for the present, I wish to renew the expression of my conviction, that the existence of African slavery in Cuba is a principal cause of the lamentable condition of the island. I do not doubt that Congress shares with me the hope that it will soon be made to disappear, and that peace and prosperity may follow its abolition.

The embargoing of American estates in Cuba; cruelty to American citizens detected in no act of hostility to the Spanish government; the murdering of prisoners taken with arms in their hands; and, finally, the capture upon the high seas of a vessel sailing under the United States flag and bearing a United States registry, have culminated in an outburst of indignation that has seemed for a time to threaten war. Pending negotiations between the United States and the government of Spain on the subject of this capture, I have authorized the Secretary of the Navy to put our Navy on a war footing, to the extent, at least, of the entire annual appropriation for that branch of the service, trusting to Congress and the public opinion of the American people to justify my action.

Assuming from the action of the last Congress, in appointing a “Committee on Privileges and Elections,” to prepare and report to this Congress a constitutional amendment to provide a better method of electing the President and Vice-President of the United States, and also from the necessity of such an amendment, that there will be submitted to the State legislatures, for ratification, such an improvement in our Constitution, I suggest two others for your consideration:

First. To authorize the Executive to approve of so much of any measure passing the two Houses of Congress as his judgment may dictate, without approving the whole, the disapproved portion, or portions, to be subjected to the same rules as now, to wit, to be referred back to the House in which the measure, or measures, originated, and if passed by a two-thirds vote of the two Houses, then to become a law without the approval of the President. I would add to this a provision that there should be no legislation by Congress during the last twenty-four hours of its sitting, except upon vetoes, in order to give the Executive an opportunity to examine and approve or disapprove bills understandingly.

Second. To provide, by amendment, that when an extra session of Congress is convened by Executive proclamation, legislation during the continuance of such extra session shall be confined to such subjects as the Executive may bring before it, from time to time, in writing.

The advantages to be gained by these two amendments are too obvious for me to comment upon them. One session in each year is provided for by the Constitution, in which there are no restrictions as to the subjects of legislation by Congress. If more are required, it is always in the power of Congress, during their term of office, to provide for sessions at any time. The first of these amendments would protect the public against the many abuses, and waste of public moneys, which 0018 19 creep into appropriation bills, and other important measures passing during the expiring hours of Congress, to which, otherwise, due consideration cannot be given.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.

The receipts of the Government from all sources for the last fiscal year were $333,738,204, and expenditures on all accounts $290,345,245, thus showing an excess of receipts over expenditures of $43,392,959. But it is not probable that this favorable exhibit will be shown for the present fiscal year. Indeed, it is very doubtful whether, except with great economy on the part of Congress in making appropriations, and the same economy in administering the various departments of Government, the revenues will not fall short of meeting actual expenses, including interest on the public debt.

I commend to Congress such economy, and point out two sources where, it seems to me, it might commence, to wit, in the appropriations for public buildings in the many cities where work has not yet been commenced; in the appropriations for river and harbor improvement in those localities where the improvements are of but little benefit to general commerce, and for fortifications.

There is a still more fruitful source of expenditure, which I will point out later in this message. I refer to the easy method of manufacturing claims for losses incurred in suppressing the late rebellion.

I would not be understood here as opposing the erection of good, substantial, and even ornamental buildings by the Government wherever such buildings are needed. In fact, I approve of the Government owning its own buildings, in all sections of the country, and hope the day is not far distant when it will not only possess them, but will erect in the capital suitable residences for all persons who now receive commutation for quarters or rent at Government expense, and for the Cabinet, thus setting an example to the States which may induce them to erect buildings for their Senators. But I would have this work conducted at a time when the revenues of the country would abundantly justify it.

The revenues have materially fallen off for the first five months of the present fiscal year from what they were expected to produce, owing to the general panic now prevailing, which commenced about the middle of September last. The full effect of this disaster, if it should not prove a “blessing in disguise,” is yet to be demonstrated. In either event it is your duty to heed the lesson, and to provide by wise and well-considered legislation, as far as it lies in your power, against its recurrence, and to take advantage of all benefits that may have accrued.

My own judgment is that, however much individuals may have suffered, one long step has been taken toward specie payments; that we can never have permanent prosperity until a specie basis is reached; and that a specie basis cannot be reached and maintained until our exports, exclusive of gold, pay for our imports, interest due abroad, and other specie obligations, or so nearly so as to leave an appreciable accumulation of the precious metals in the country from the products of our mines.

The development of the mines of precious metals during the past year, and the prospective development of them for years to come, are gratifying in their results. Could but one-half of the gold extracted from the mines be retained at home our advance toward specie payments would be rapid.

To increase our exports, sufficient currency is required to keep all the 0019 20 industries of the country employed. Without this, national as well as individual bankruptcy must ensue. Undue inflation, on the other hand, while it might give temporary relief, would only lead to inflation of prices, the impossibility of competing in our own markets for the products of home skill and labor, and repeated renewals of present experiences. Elasticity to our circulating medium, therefore, and just enough of it to transact the legitimate business of the country, and to keep all industries employed, is what is most to be desired. The exact medium is specie, the recognized medium of exchange the world over. That obtained, we shall have a currency of an exact degree of elasticity. If there be too much of it for the legitimate purposes of trade and commerce, it will flow out of the country. If too little, the reverse will result. To hold what we have and to appreciate our currency to that standard, is the problem deserving of the most serious consideration of Congress.

The experience of the present panic has proven that the currency of the country, based as it is upon the credit of the country, is the best that has ever been devised. Usually in times of such trials, currency has become worthless, or so much depreciated in value as to inflate the values of all the necessaries of life as compared with the currency. Every one holding it has been anxious to dispose of it on any terms. Now we witness the reverse. Holders of currency hoard it as they did gold in former experiences of a like nature.

It is patent to the most casual observer that much more currency, or money, is required to transact the legitimate trade of the country during the fall and winter months, when the vast crops are being removed, than during the balance of the year. With our present system the amount in the country remains the same throughout the entire year, resulting in an accumulation of all the surplus capital of the country in a few centers when not employed in the moving of crops, tempted there by the offer of interest on call loans. Interest being paid, this surplus capital must earn this interest paid with a profit. Being subject to “call,” it cannot be loaned, only in part at best, to the merchant or manufacturer for a fixed term. Hence, no matter how much currency there might be in the country, it would be absorbed, prices keeping pace with the volume, and panics, stringency, and disasters would ever be recurring with the autumn. Elasticity in our monetary system, therefore, is the object to be attained first, and next to that, as far as possible, a prevention of the use of other people's money in stock and other species of speculation. To prevent the latter it seems to me that one great step would be taken by prohibiting the national banks from paying interest on deposits, by requiring them to hold their reserves in their own vaults, and by forcing them into resumption, though it would only be in legal-tender notes. For this purpose I would suggest the establishment of clearing-houses for your consideration.

To secure the former many plans have been suggested, most, if not all, of which look to me more like inflation on the one hand, or compelling the Government, on the other, to pay interest, without corresponding benefits, upon the surplus funds of the country during the seasons when otherwise unemployed.

I submit for your consideration whether this difficulty might not be overcome by authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue, at any time, to national banks of issue, any amount of their own notes below a fixed percentage of their issue, say forty per cent., upon the banks depositing with the Treasurer of the United States an amount of Government bonds equal to the amount of notes demanded, the banks to 0020 21 forfeit to the Government, say four per cent. of the interest accruing on the bonds so pledged during the time they remain with the Treasurer, as security for the increased circulation, the bonds so pledged to be redeemable by the banks at their pleasure, either in whole or in part, by returning their own bills for cancellation to an amount equal to the face of the bonds withdrawn. I would further suggest for your consideration the propriety of authorizing national banks to diminish their standing issue at pleasure, by returning for cancellation their own bills and withdrawing so many United States bonds as are pledged for the bills returned.

In view of the great actual contraction that has taken place in the currency, and the comparative contraction continuously going on, due to the increase of population, increase of manufactories, and all the industries, I do not believe there is too much of it now for the dullest period of the year. Indeed, if clearing-houses should be established, thus forcing redemption, it is a question for your consideration whether banking should not be made free, retaining all the safeguards now required to secure bill-holders. In any modification of the present laws regulating national banks, as a further step toward preparing for resumption of specie payments, I invite your attention to a consideration of the propriety of exacting from them the retention, as a part of their reserve, either the whole or a part of the gold interest accruing upon the bonds pledged as security for their issue. I have not reflected enough on the bearing this might have in producing a scarcity of coin with which to pay duties on imports to give it my positive recommendation. But your attention is invited to the subject.

During the last four years the currency has been contracted, directly, by the withdrawal of three per cent. certificates, compound-interest notes, and “seven-thirty” bonds outstanding on the 4th of March, 1869, all of which took the place of legal tenders in the bank reserves to the extent of sixty-three million dollars.

During the same period there has been a much larger comparative contraction of the currency. The population of the country has largely increased. More than twenty-five thousand miles of railroad have been built, requiring the active use of capital to operate them. Millions of acres of land have been opened to cultivation, requiring capital to move the products. Manufactories have multiplied beyond all precedent in the same period of time, requiring capital weekly for the payment of wages and for the purchase of material; and probably the largest of all comparative contraction arises from the organizing of free labor in the South. Now every laborer there receives his wages, and, for want of savings-banks, the greater part of such wages is carried in the pocket or hoarded until required for use.

These suggestions are thrown out for your consideration, without any recommendation that they shall be adopted literally, but hoping that the best method may be arrived at to secure such an elasticity of the currency as will keep employed all the industries of the country, and prevent such an inflation as will put off indefinitely the resumption of specie payments, an object so devoutly to be wished for by all, and by none more earnestly than the class of people most directly interested—those who “earn their bread by the sweat of their brow.” The decisions of Congress on this subject will have the hearty support of the Executive.

In previous messages I have called attention to the decline in American ship-building, and recommended such legislation as would secure to us our proportion of the carrying-trade. Stimulated by high rates and abundance of freight, the progress for the last year in ship-building 0021 22 has been very satisfactory. There has been an increase of about three per cent. in the amount transported in American vessels over the amount of last year. With the reduced cost of material which has taken place, it may reasonably be hoped that this progress will be maintained, and even increased. However, as we pay about $80,000,000 per annum to foreign vessels for the transportation to a market of our surplus products, thus increasing the balance of trade against us to this amount, the subject is one worthy of your serious consideration.

“Cheap transportation” is a subject that has attracted the attention of both producers and consumers for the past few years, and has contributed to, if it has not been the direct cause of, the recent panic and stringency.

As Congress, at its last session, appointed a special committee to investigate this whole subject during the vacation, and report at this session, I have nothing to recommend until their report is read.

There is one work, however, of a national character, in which the greater portion of the East and the West, the North and the South, are equally interested, to which I will invite your attention.

The State of New York has a canal connecting Lake Erie with tide-water on the Hudson River. The State of Illinois has a similar work connecting Lake Michigan with navigable water on the Illinois River, thus making water-communication inland, between the East and the West and South. These great artificial water-courses are the property of the States through which they pass, and pay toll to those States. Would it not be wise statesmanship to pledge these States that if they will open these canals for the passage of large vessels the General Government will look after and keep in navigable condition the great public highways with which they connect, to wit, the overslaugh on the Hudson, the Saint Clair Flats, and the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers? This would be a national work; one of great value to the producers of the West and South in giving them cheap transportation for their produce to the sea-board and a market; and to the consumers in the East in giving them cheaper food, particularly of those articles of food which do not find a foreign market, and the prices of which, therefore, are not regulated by foreign demands. The advantages of such a work are too obvious for argument. I submit the subject to you, therefore, without further comment.

In attempting to regain our lost commerce and carrying-trade, I have heretofore called attention to the states south of us offering a field where much might be accomplished. To further this object I suggest that a small appropriation be made, accompanied with authority for the Secretary of the Navy to fit out a naval vessel to ascend the Amazon River to the mouth of the Madeira; thence to explore that river and its tributaries into Bolivia, and to report to Congress at its next session, or as soon as practicable, the accessibility of the country by water, its resources, and the population so reached. Such an exploration would cost but little; it can do no harm, and may result in establishing a trade of value to both nations.

In further connection with the Treasury Department I would recommend a revision and codification of the tariff laws, and the opening of more mints for coining money, with authority to coin for such nations as may apply.

WAR DEPARTMENT.

The attention of Congress is invited to the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary of War herewith accompanying.

0022 23

The apparent great cost of supporting the Army is fully explained by this report, and I hope will receive your attention.

While inviting your general attention to all the recommendations made by the Secretary of War, there are two which I would especially invite you to consider: First, 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. The second is the necessity of re-opening promotion in the staff corps of the Army. Particularly is this necessity felt in the Medical, Pay, and Ordnance Departments.

At this time it is necessary to employ “contract-surgeons” to supply the necessary medical attendance required by the Army.

With the present force of the Pay Department it is now difficult to make the payments to troops provided for by law. Long delays in payments are productive of desertions and other demoralization, and the law prohibits the payment of troops by other than regular Army paymasters.

There are now sixteen vacancies in the Ordnance Department, thus leaving that branch of the service without sufficient officers to conduct the business of the different arsenals on a large scale if ever required.

NAVY DEPARTMENT.

During the past year our Navy has been depleted by the sale of some vessels no longer fit for naval service, and by the condemnation of others not yet disposed of. This, however, has been more than compensated for by the repair of six of the old wooden ships, and by the building of eight new sloops of war, authorized by the last Congress. The building of these latter has occurred at a doubly fortunate time. They are about being completed at a time when they may possibly be much needed, and the work upon them has not only given direct employment to thousands of men, but has no doubt been the means of keeping open establishments for other work at a time of great financial distress.

Since the commencement of the last month, however, the distressing occurrences which have taken place in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, almost on our very sea-board, while they illustrate most forcibly the necessity always existing that a nation situated like ours should maintain in a state of possible efficiency a navy adequate to its responsibilities, has at the same time demanded that all the effective force we really have shall be put in immediate readiness for warlike service. This has been and is being done promptly and effectively, and I am assured that all the available ships and every authorized man of the American Navy will be ready for whatever action is required for the safety of our citizens or the maintenance of our honor. This, of course, will require the expenditure in a short time of some of the appropriations which were calculated to extend through the fiscal year, but Congress will, I doubt not, understand and appreciate the emergency, and will provide adequately, not only for the present preparation, but for the future maintenance of our naval force. The Secretly of the Navy has, during the past year, been quietly putting some of our most effective monitors in condition for service, and thus the exigency finds us in a much better condition for work than we could possibly have been without his action.

POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT.

A complete exhibit is presented, in the accompanying report of the Postmaster-General, of the operations of the Post-Office Department 0023 24 during the year. The ordinary postal revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1873, amounted to $22,996,741.57, and the expenditures of all kinds to $29,084,945.67. The increase of revenues over 1872 was $1,081,315.20, and the increase of expenditures $2,426,753.36.

Independent of the payments made from special appropriations for mail-steamship lines, the amount drawn from the general Treasury to meet deficiencies was $5,265,475. The constant and rapid extension of our postal service, particularly upon railways, and the improved facilities for the collection, transmission, distribution, and delivery of the mails, which are constantly being provided, account for the increased expenditures of this popular branch of the public service.

The total number of post-offices in operation on June 30, 1873, was 33,244, a net increase of 1,381 over the number reported the preceding year. The number of presidential offices was 1,363, an increase of 163 during the year. The total length of railroad mail-routes at the close of the year was 63,457 miles, an increase of 5,546 miles over the year 1872. Fifty-nine railway post-office lines were in operation June 30, 1873, extending over 14,866 miles of railroad-routes, and performing an aggregate service of 34,925 miles daily.

The number of letters exchanged with foreign countries was 27,459,185, an increase of 3,096,685 over the previous year, and the postage thereon amounted to $2,021,310.86. The total weight of correspondence exchanged in the mails with European countries exceeded 912 tons, an increase of 92 tons over the previous year. The total cost of the United States ocean-steamship service, including $725,000 paid from special appropriations to subsidized lines of mail-steamers, was $1,047,271.35.

New or additional postal conventions have been concluded with Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Canada, Newfoundland, and Japan reducing postage rates on correspondence exchanged with those countries; and further efforts have been made to conclude a satisfactory postal convention with France, but without success.

I invite the favorable consideration of Congress to the suggestions and recommendations of the Postmaster-General for an extension of the free-delivery system in all cities having a population of not less than ten thousand; for the prepayment of postage on newspapers and other printed matter of the second class; for a uniform postage and limit of weight on miscellaneous matter; for adjusting the compensation of all postmasters not appointed by the President, by the old method of commissions on the actual receipts of the office, instead of the present mode of fixing the salary in advance upon special returns; and especially do I urge favorable action by Congress on the important recommendations of the Postmaster-General for the establishment of United States postal savings depositories.

Your attention is also again called to a consideration of the question of postal telegraphs, and the arguments adduced in support thereof, in the hope that you may take such action in connection therewith as in your judgment will most contribute to the best interests of the country.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

Affairs in Utah require your early and special attention. The Supreme Court of the United States, in the case of Clinton vs. Englebrecht, decided that the United States marshal of that Territory could not lawfully summon jurors for the district courts; and those courts hold that the territorial marshal cannot lawfully perform that duty, because he is elected by the legislative assembly and not appointed as provided for 0024 25 in the act organizing the Territory. All proceedings at law are practically abolished by these decisions, and there have been but few or no jury trials in the district courts of that Territory since the last session of Congress. Property is left without protection by the courts, and crimes go unpunished. To prevent anarchy there, it is absolutely necessary that Congress provide the courts with some mode of obtaining jurors, and I recommend legislation to that end; and also that the probate courts of the Territory, now assuming to issue writs of injunction and habeas corpus , and to try criminal cases and questions as to landtitles, be denied all jurisdiction not possessed ordinarily by courts of that description.

I have become impressed with the belief that the act approved March 2, 1867, entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States,” is productive of more evil than good at this time. Many considerations might be urged for its total repeal, but, if this is not considered advisable, I think it will not be seriously questioned that those portions of said act providing for what is called involuntary bankruptcy operate to increase the financial embarrassments of the country. Careful and prudent men very often become involved in debt in the transaction of their business, and though they may possess ample property, if it could be made available for that purpose, to meet all their liabilities, yet, on account of the extraordinary scarcity of money, they may be unable to meet all their pecuniary obligations as they become due, in consequence of which they are liable to be prostrated in their business by proceedings in bankruptcy at the instance of unrelenting creditors. People are now so easily alarmed as to monetary matters that the mere filing of a petition in bankruptcy by an unfriendly creditor will necessarily embarrass, and oftentimes accomplish the financial ruin of a responsible business man. Those who otherwise might make lawful and just arrangements to relieve themselves from difficulties produced by the present stringency in money, are prevented by their constant exposure to attack and disappointment by proceedings against them in bankruptcy, and, beside, the law is made use of in many cases by obdurate creditors to frighten or force debtors into a compliance with their wishes and into acts of injustice to other creditors and to themselves. I recommend that so much of said act as provides for involuntary bankruptcy on account of the suspension of payment be repealed.

Your careful attention is invited to the subject of claims against the Government, and to the facilities afforded by existing laws for their prosecution. Each of the Departments of State, Treasury, and War have demands for many millions of dollars upon their files, and they are rapidly accumulating. To these may be added those now pending before Congress, the Court of Claims, and the southern claims commission, making in the aggregate an immense sum. Most of these grow out of the rebellion, and are intended to indemnify persons on both sides for their losses during the war; and not a few of them are fabricated and supported by false testimony. Projects are on foot, it is believed, to induce Congress to provide for new classes of claims, and to revive old ones through the repeal or modification of the statute of limitations, by which they are now barred. I presume these schemes, if proposed, will be received with little favor by Congress, and I recommend that persons having claims against the United States, cognizable by any tribunal or department thereof, be required to present them at an early day, and that legislation be directed as far as practicable to the defeat of unfounded and unjust demands upon the Government; and I would suggest, 0025 26 as a means of preventing fraud, that witnesses be called upon to appear in person to testify before those tribunals having said claims before them for adjudication. Probably the largest saving to the national Treasury can be secured by timely legislation on these subjects of any of the economic measures that will be proposed.

You will be advised of the operations of the Department of Justice by the report of the Attorney-General, and I invite your attention to the amendments of existing laws suggested by him, with the view of reducing the expenses of that Department.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.

The policy inaugurated toward the Indians at the beginning of the last administration has been steadily pursued, and, I believe, with beneficial results. It will be continued with only such modifications as time and experience may demonstrate as necessary.

With the encroachment of civilization upon the Indian reservations and hunting-grounds, disturbances have taken place between the Indians and whites during the past year, and probably will continue to do so until each race appreciates that the other has rights which must be respected.

The policy has been to collect the Indians, as rapidly as possible, on reservations—and as far as practicable within what is known as the Indian Territory—and to teach them the arts of civilization and self-support. Where found off their reservations, and endangering the peace and safety of the whites, they have been punished, and will continue to be for like offenses.

The Indian Territory south of Kansas and west of Arkansas is sufficient in area and agricultural resources to support all the Indians east of the Rocky Mountains. In time, no doubt, all of them, except a few who may select to make their homes among white people, will be collected there. As a preparatory step for this consummation, I am now satisfied that a territorial form of government should be given them, which will secure the treaty rights of the original settlers, and protect their homesteads from alienation for a period of twenty years.

The operations of the Patent-Office are growing to such a magnitude, and the accumulation of material is becoming so great, that the necessity f more room is becoming more obvious day by day. I respectfully invite your attention to the reports of the Secretary of the Interior and Commissioner of Patents on this subject.

The business of the General Land-Office exhibits a material increase in all its branches during the last fiscal year. During that time there were disposed of, out of the public lands, 13,030,606 acres, being an amount greater by 1,165,631 acres than was disposed of during the preceding year. Of the amount disposed of 1,626,266 acres were sold for cash; 214,940 acres were located with military land-warrants; 3,793,612 acres were taken for homesteads; 653,446 acres were located with agricultural-college scrip; 6,083,536 acres were certified by railroads; 76,576 acres were granted to wagon-roads; 238,548 acres were approved to States as swamp-lands; 138,681 acres were certified for agricultural colleges, common schools, universities, and seminaries; 190,775 acres were approved to States for internal improvements; and 14,222 acres were located with Indian scrip. The cash receipts during the same time were $3,408,515.50, being $190,415.50 in excess of the receipts of the previous year. During the year 30,488,132 acres of public land were surveyed, an increase over the amount surveyed the previous year of 0026 27 1,037,193 acres, and, added to the area previously surveyed, aggregates 616,554,895 acres which have been surveyed, leaving 1,218,443,505 acres of the public land still unsurveyed.

The increased and steadily increasing facilities for reaching our unoccupied public domain, and for the transportation of surplus products, enlarge the available field for desirable homestead locations, thus stimulating settlement and extending year by year in a gradually increasing ratio the area of occupation and cultivation.

The expressed desire of the representatives of a large colony of citizens of Russia to emigrate to this country, as is understood, with the consent of their government, if certain concessions can be made to enable them to settle in a compact colony, is of great interest, as going to show the light in which our institutions are regarded by an industrious, intelligent, and wealthy people, desirous of enjoying civil and religious liberty; and the acquisition of so large an immigration of citizens of a superior class would, without doubt, be of substantial benefit to the country. I invite attention to the suggestion of the Secretary of the Interior in this behalf.

There was paid during the last fiscal year for pensions, including the expense of disbursement, $29,185,289.62, being an amount less by $984,050.98 than was expended for the same purpose the preceding year. Although this statement of expenditures would indicate a material reduction in amount compared with the preceding year, it is believed that the changes in the pension-laws at the last session of Congress will absorb that amount the current year. At the close of the last fiscal year there were on the pension-rolls 99,804 invalid military pensioners and 112,088 widows, orphans, and dependent relatives of deceased soldiers, making a total of that class of 211,892; 18,266 survivors of the war of and 5,053 widows of soldiers of that war pensioned under the act of Congress of February 14, 1871, making a total of that class of 23,319; 1,430 invalid Navy pensioners, and 1,770 widows, orphans, and dependent relatives of deceased officers, sailors, and marines of the Navy, making a total of Navy pensioners of 3,200, and a grand total of pensioners of all classes of 238,411, showing a net increase during the last fiscal year of 6,182. During the last year the names of 16,405 pensioners were added to the rolls, and 10,223 names were dropped therefrom for various causes.

The system adopted for the detection of frauds against the Government in the matter of pensions has been productive of satisfactory results, but legislation is needed to provide, if possible, against the perpetration of such frauds in future.

The evidently increasing interest in the cause of education is a most encouraging feature in the general progress and prosperity of the country, and the Bureau of Education is earnest in its efforts to give proper direction to the new appliances and increased facilities which are being offered to aid the educators of the country in their great work.

The ninth census has been completed, the report thereof published and distributed, and the working force of the bureau disbanded. The Secretary of the Interior renews his recommendation for a census to be taken in 1875, to which subject the attention of Congress is invited. The original suggestion in that behalf has met with the general approval of the country, and even if it be not deemed advisable at present to provide for a regular quinquennial census, a census taken in 1875, the report of which could be completed and published before the one hundredth anniversary of our national independence, would be especially interesting and valuable, as showing the progress of the country during 0027 28 the first century of our national existence. It is believed, however, that a regular census every five years would be of substantial benefit to the country, inasmuch as our growth hitherto has been so rapid that the results of the decennial census are necessarily unreliable as a basis of estimates for the latter years of a decennial period.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Under the very efficient management of the governor and the board of public works of this District, the city of Washington is rapidly assuming the appearance of a capital of which the nation may well be proud. From being a most unsightly place three years ago, disagreeable to pass through in summer in consequence of the dust arising from unpaved streets, and almost impassable in the winter from the mud, it is now one of the most sightly cities in the country, and can boast of being the best paved.

The work has been done systematically, the plans, grades, location of sewers, water and gas mains being determined upon before the work was commenced, thus securing permanency when completed. I question whether so much has ever been accomplished before in any American city for the same expenditures. The Government having large reservations in the city, and the nation at large having an interest in their capital, I recommend a liberal policy toward the District of Columbia, and that the Government should bear its just share of the expense of these improvements. Every citizen visiting the capital feels a pride in its growing beauty, and that he too is part owner in the investments made here.

I would suggest to Congress the propriety of promoting the establishment in this District of an institution of learning, or university of the highest class, by the donation of lands. There is no place better suited for such an institution than the national capital. There is no other place in which every Citizen is so directly interested.

CIVIL-SERVICE REFORM.

In three successive messages to Congress I have called attention to the subject of “civil-service reform.”

Action has been taken so far as to authorize the appointment of a board to devise rules governing methods of making appointments and promotions, but there never has been any action making these rules, or any rules, binding, or even entitled to observance where persons desire the appointment of a friend, or the removal of an official who may be disagreeable to them.

To have any rules effective they must have the acquiescence of Congress as well as of the Executive. I commend, therefore, the subject to your attention, and suggest that a special committee of Congress might confer with the civil-service board during the present session for the purpose of devising such rules as can be maintained, and which will secure the services of honest and capable officials, and which will also protect them in a degree of independence while in office.

Proper rules will protect Congress, as well as the Executive, from much needless persecution, and will prove of great value to the public at large.

I would recommend for your favorable consideration the passage of an enabling act for the admission of Colorado as a State in the Union.

0028 29

It possesses all the elements of a prosperous State, agricultural and mineral, and, I believe, has a population now to justify such admission. In connection with this I would also recommend the encouragement of a canal for purposes of irrigation from the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains to the Missouri River. As a rule, I am opposed to further donations of public lands for internal improvements, owned and controlled by private corporations, but in this instance I would make an exception. Between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains there is an arid belt of public land from three hundred to five hundred miles in width, perfectly valueless for the occupation of man, for the want of sufficient rain to secure the growth of any product. An irrigating-canal would make productive a belt, as wide as the supply of water could be made to spread over, across this entire country, and would secure a cordon of settlements, connecting the present population of the mountain and mining regions with that of the older States. All the land reclaimed would be clear gain. If alternate sections are retained by the Government, I would suggest that the retained sections be thrown open to entry under the homestead laws, or sold to actual settlers for a very low price.

I renew my previous recommendation to Congress for general amnesty. The number engaged in the late rebellion yet laboring under disabilities is very small, but enough to keep up a constant irritation.

No possible danger can accrue to the Government by restoring them to eligibility to hold office.

I suggest for your consideration the enactment of a law to better secure the civil rights which freedom should secure, but has not effectually secured, to the enfranchised slave.

U. S. GRANT.

Executive Mansion, December 1, 1873.

The message was read.

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

On motion by Mr. Conkling,

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 3, 1873. Link to Annals.

Mr. William T. Hamilton, from the State of Maryland, attended.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate the annual report of the Attorney-General of the operations of the Department of Justice for the year ending June 30, 1873.

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

Mr. Boutwell presented the petition of William Thwing, praying a return of duties paid in August, 1862, on a cargo of nitrate of soda.

Ordered That it lie on the table.

Mr. Lewis presented a petition of F. W. E. Johnson, Samuel Ruth, and Samuel M. Carter, praying compensation for secret services rendred the Army during the late war.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying the establishment of a mail route from Russell to Rook's Centre, in that State.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

0029 30

Mr. Lewis presented the petition of George Brunk, praying compensation for horses taken for the use of the Army during the late war.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Caleb A. Lamb, praying an increase of pension.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented the petition of Nathaniel G. Smith, postmaster at Flemington, New Jersey, praying to be relieved from liability for the loss of postage-stamps stolen by burglars.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Pratt presented papers in relation to the application of Mrs. Margaret E. Alexander for a pension.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

On motion by Mr. Buckingham,

Ordered , That Worcester Willey have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers.

Mr. Logan presented a petition of William H. Akins and Jacob D. Felthousen, praying an extension of letters-patent for improvements in sewing-machines.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Sherman presented the petition of Samuel Wilson, praying to be allowed a pension.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Ramsey presented a petition of citizens of Maryland, praying that prepayment of postage be required on all mailable matter.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Sargent presented a petition of A. S. Rosenbaum & Company, praying reimbursement of the cost of tax-stamps on certain tobacco burned at sea on the steamer Bienville.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, presented the petition of George W. Clark, praying satisfaction of the judgment in the case of McLeod vs. Callicott, rendered in the circuit court of the United States for the district of South Carolina.

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

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, presented the petition of Alexander McLeod, praying compensation for certain cotton seized by authority of the United States.

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

Mr. Stevenson presented a petition of citizens of Kentucky, praying the prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors in the Territories of the United States.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Morton presented the petition of Susan Vance, praying compensation for property destroyed by United States troops, and for services rendered by Morgan Vance during the late war.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Stevenson presented the petition of John Milton Best, praying compensation for property taken and destroyed by United States troops at Paducah, Kentucky, during the late war.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

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 herewith transmit to Congress a report, dated the 2d instant, with accompanying papers, received from the Secretary of State, in compliance 0030 31 with the requirements of the sixteenth and eighteenth sections of the act entitled “An act to regulate the diplomatic and consular systems of the United States,” approved August 18, 1856.

U. S. GRANT.

Washington, December 2, 1873.

The message was read.

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

Mr. Logan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 40) for the relief of Andrew Dillman, of Illinois; 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 the following bills; which were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed:

S. 41. A bill granting a pension to Margaret E. Alexander, widow of Edwin A. Alexander, deceased, late a private in Company K, Eighth Regiment of Indiana Cavalry, known as the Thirty-ninth Indiana Regiment.

S. 42. A bill granting a pension to Caleb A. Lamb, late a musician in Company E of the Forty-sixth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

Mr. Fenton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 43) to provide for the better protection of the northern and northwestern frontier, and to facilitate commerce and diminish the expense of the exchanges between States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 44) to establish the Territory of Pembina, and to provide a temporary government therefor; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell 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. 45. A bill granting the right of way through the public lands to the Canyonville and Galesville Road Company in the State of Oregon.

S. 46. A bill for the construction of a custom-house and bonded warehouse at Portland, Oregon.

Mr. Frelinghuysen asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 47) in aid of the execution of the laws in the Territory of Utah, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Lewis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 48) for the relief of loyal citizens of Loudoun County, Virginia, therein named; 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. 49. A bill to authorize the construction of a fire-proof building at Nebraska City, Nebraska.

S. 50. A bill to authorize the appointment of a captain of scouts.

Mr. Sherman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 51) to provide for the redemption of the loan of 1858; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Davis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring 0031 32 in a bill (S. 52) to provide for a building suitable for a post-office, for the accommodation of the revenue officers, and the United States courts and their officers, in the city of Charleston, West Virginia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Pratt submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved , That the Committee on the Judiciary be directed to inquire whether Congress, under the powers conferred upon it by the Constitution to regulate commerce among the several States, to establish post-roads, or any other powers conferred, has authority, without the consent of the States affected, to create corporations to construct railroads or canals penetrating two or more States; and, also, whether it has power to regulate by law, without such consent, the rates of compensation for the carriage of persons and property over existing railroads, chartered by States, which by consolidation have continuous lines running into or through two or more States.

Mr. Mitchell submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the Committee on Indian Affairs be, and are hereby, instructed to inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to provide for ascertaining losses sustained by reason of Indian hostilities.

Mr. Mitchell submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved , That in view of our rapidly increasing commerce with Asia and the islands of the Pacific, and the growing coasting trade of the Pacific sea-board now fast developing into importance, and of the further fact that from San Francisco, California, to Sitka, Alaska, a distance of over twelve hundred miles, such coast is comparatively without shelter for vessels in distress, the Committee on Commerce be, and they are hereby, instructed to inquire into the expediency of constructing a marine harbor of refuge on said coast at Port Orford, in the State of Oregon.

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him on the 1st instant, requesting the Committee on Finance to consider the expediency of reporting a bill providing for free banking, and for the resumption of specie payments, to take effect on the 1st day of January, A. D. 1875; and After debate,

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont,

Ordered , That the said resolution lie on the table.

On motion by Mr. Ferry, of Michigan,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him on the 1st instant, instructing the Committee on Finance to consider the expediency of providing for a new national system of banking and currency, fixing the maximum currency circulation at eight hundred millions of dollars, by notes designated as “United States currency,” convertible on demand into Government bonds bearing interest at 3 65/100 per centum per annum, to be issued for that purpose, the substitution of United States currency for national currency, the immediate issue of the forty-four million Treasury-reserve by the purchase of Government bonds, and the designation of a period for the resumption of specie payments; when,

On motion by Mr. Wright,

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

0032 33
THURSDAY, December 4, 1873. Link to Annals.

The Vice-President appointed Mr. Edmunds a director of the Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, as required by the second section of the act of July 27, 1868.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented resolutions of the Board of Trade of Baltimore, in favor of the resumption of specie payments, and against any further inflation of the currency.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Spencer presented the petition of W. A. Saylor, praying the return of certain taxes collected upon cotton in the years 1867 and 1868.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Sumner presented twenty-five petitions of citizens of the United States, praying the passage of the bill known as Mr. Sumner's supplementary civil-rights bill.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Ruth Ellen Greland, praying to be allowed a pension.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Pratt presented a petition of citizens of Indiana, praying that a pension be granted to James Dolan.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating reports of the surveyor-general of New Mexico on the private land-claims of Bartolome Marquez and Juan Luis Ortiz.

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

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 53) for the relief of Mary E. Purnell; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Boreman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 54) to complete a water-highway from tide-water on the James River to the Ohio River at the mouth of the Kanawha; 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. 55) to authorize the construction of a public building at Topeka, Kansas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 56) for the relief of George Wright; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ramsey presented the petition of George Wright, praying compensation for the use of his patent linchpin by the Government.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Stevenson asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 57) for the removal of all political disabilities; 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. 58) in aid of the execution of the laws in Utah, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed. 3 s

0033 34

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

Resolved , That the Secretary of War be directed to transmit to the Senate all the information in his possession in relation to the Government property at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, including the sale thereof.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 51) to provide for the redemption of the loan of 1858; 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.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution submitted by Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, on the 1st instant, instructing the Committee on Finance to consider the expediency of providing for a new national system of banking and currency, fixing the maximum currency circulation at eight hundred millions of dollars, by notes designated as “United States currency,” convertible on demand into Government bonds bearing interest at 3 65/100 per centum per annum, to be issued for that purpose, the substitution of United States currency for national currency, the immediate issue of the forty-four million Treasury-reserve by the purchase of Government bonds, and the designation of a period for the resumption of specie payments; and After debate,

On motion by Mr. Ferry, of Michigan,

Ordered , That the said resolution lie on the table.

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

Resolved , That the thirty-fourth rule of the Senate be amended by adding two members to each of the following standing committees: on Foreign Relations; on Claims; on Education and Labor.

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

Resolved , That the thirty-fourth rule of the Senate be amended by inserting after the Committee on Education and Labor the words “a Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, to consist of seven members.”

On motion by Mr. Anthony,

Ordered , That the Senate now proceed to the appointment of the standing and other committees of the Senate.

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. Sumner, Mr. Hamilton of Maryland, and Mr. Saulsbury.

On Foreign Relations. —Mr. Cameron, chairman; Mr. Morton, Mr. Hamlin, 0034 35 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. Ames, Mr. Sargent, Mr. Allison, 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. Stockton.

On Agriculture. —Mr. Frelingbuysen, chairman; Mr. Robertson, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Dennis, 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. Hamilton of Maryland.

On Public Lands. —Mr. Sprague, chairman; Mr. Windom, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Oglesby, Mr. Wadleigh, 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. Ferry of Connecticut, Mr. Oglesby, Mr. Ingalls, Mr. Patterson, 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. Boutwell, Mr. Davis, 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. Johnston.

On Patents. —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. McCreery.

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. Kelly.

On Mines and Mining. —Mr. Hamlin, chairman; Mr. Chandler, Mr. Sargent, Mr. Crozier, Mr. Tipton, and Mr. Goldthwaite.

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

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

On Civil Service and Retrenchment. —Mr. Wright, chairman; Mr. Boutwell, 0035 36 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. Ames, chairman; and Mr. Clayton.

On motion by Mr. Anthony, and by unanimous consent,

Ordered , That the Select Committees on the Revision of the Rules, on the Levees of the Mississippi River, and on Transportation Routes to the Sea-board be continued for the present session; and,

On motion by Mr. Anthony,

Ordered , That the following select committees be appointed for the present session:

On the Revision of the Rules. —Mr. Ferry of Michigan, chairman; Mr. Hamlin and Mr. Merrimon.

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

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

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of soldiers in the war of 1812, praying to be allowed pensions; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of D. B. Allen & Co., praying compensation for transportation of the mails from New York to San Francisco; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post Roads.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of George Henry Preble, praying to be restored to his position as a commodore on the active list of the Navy; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Cameron presented the petition of William M. Cooper, praying compensation for subsistence furnished the Army and for services rendered the Government during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Alcorn presented the petition of Richard J. Murray, praying an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sprague presented the petition of Frederic Francis Baury, praying to be appointed a lieutenant in the United States Navy, and placed on the retired list in consequence of wounds received in the line of duty; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Carpenter,

Ordered , That William C. Brashears have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

Ordered , That the credentials of P. B. S. Pinchback and W. L. McMillan, claiming seats as Senators from the State of Louisiana, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

On motion by Morton,

Ordered , That so much of the President's message as relates to the amendments to the Constitution of the United States be referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

On motion by Mr. Cooper,

0036 37

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Cowan and Dickinson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Frelinghuysen,

Ordered , That the memorial of George W. Anderson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered , That the petition of mechanics and laborers employed by the Government on Dix Island, in the State of Maine, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

Ordered , That the petition of Joseph R. Curtis, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Carpenter,

Ordered , That the papers relating to the claim of P. O'Donnell, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 59) granting relief to Eva, Etta, Henry and Guy Carleton, heirs of Gen. James H. Carleton, deceased; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Carpenter asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 60) for the relief of P. O'Donnell; 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. Sherman,

Ordered , That the bills and joint resolutions heretofore introduced, and all petitions, memorials, and other communications heretofore presented to the Senate, 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 Post-Offices and Post-Roads, viz:

The petition of M. C. Mordecai and Company;

The petition of citizens of Maryland, relative to the prepayment of postage;

The petition of citizens of Kansas, for the establishment of a certain mail route; and The petition of Nathaniel G. Smith.

The following to the Committee on Claims:

The petition of Susan P. Vance;

The petition of F. W. E. Lohman, Samuel Ruth, and Samuel M. Carter;

The petition of George Brunk;

The petition of the Walnut Grove Gold-Mining Company; and The petition of John Milton Best.

The following to the Committee on Finance:

The petition of W. A. Saylor;

The petition of A. S. Rosenbaum and Company;

The memorial of the Board of Trade of the city of Baltimore; and The petition of William Thwing.

The following to the Committee on Pensions:

The petition of Caleb A. Lamb;

The petition of Ruth Ellen Greland;

The petition of Samuel Wilson;

The petition in behalf of James Dolan; and The papers relating to the application of Margaret E. Alexander for a pension.

0037 38

The following to the Committee on Patents:

The petition of William H. Aikins and Jacob D. Felthousen.

The following to the Committee on the Judiciary:

The petition of citizens of Kentucky, for the prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors in the Territories.

The following to the Committee on Naval Affairs:

The petition of Louis C. Sartori.

Under the said order, bills numbered S. 4, S. 6, S. 7, S. 8, S. 10, S. 12, S. 15, S. 34, S. 47, S. 57, and S. 58, were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bills numbered S. 17, S. 18, S. 19, S. 20, S. 21, S. 22, S. 23, S. 33, and S. 45, were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Bills numbered S. 11, S. 24, and S. 36, were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill numbered S. 2 was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Bill numbered S. 5 was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Bills numbered S. 25, S. 38, and S. 39, were referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Bill numbered S. 35 was referred to the Committee on Railroads.

Bill numbered S. 40 was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Bill numbered S. 31 was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Bills numbered S. 48, S. 53, and S. 56, were referred to the Committee on Claims.

Bills numbered S. 27 and S. 44 were referred to the Committee on Territories.

Bills numbered S. 41 and S. 42 were referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Bills numbered S. 13, S. 43, and S. 46, were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Bills numbered S. 14, S. 28, S. 29, and S. 50, were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Bills numbered S. 16 and S. 26 were referred to the Committee on Mines and Mining.

Bills numbered S. 49, S. 52, and S. 55, were referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

Bill numbered S. 32 was referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims.

Bill numbered S. 37 was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Bill numbered S. 54 was referred to the Select Committee on Transportation Routes to the Sea-board.

Joint resolutions numbered S. 2 and S. 3 were referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

On motion by Mr. Boutwell,

Ordered , That the papers relating to the application of William Thwing for an American registry to the ship Alhambra, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Anthony,

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

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.

0038 39
MONDAY, December 8, 1873. Link to Annals.

Mr. Thomas F. Bayard, from the State of Delaware, Mr. Simon B. Conover, from the State of Florida, Mr. George Goldthwaite, from the State of Alabama, and Mr. Thomas M. Norwood, from the State of Georgia, attended.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating a report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, relative to the sale of Kansas Indian lands in the State of Kansas; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs and ordered to be printed.

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, 1872.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

The Vice-President presented the petition of W. C. Williams, praying that certain money paid by him for a substitute in the Army be refunded; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Chandler presented the following memorial and resolutions; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce:

Memorial of Anton Sontag, praying the establishment of a line of steamers between the United States and certain ports in Europe.

Resolution of the legislature of Michigan, in favor of the construction of the Niagara ship-canal.

Resolution of the legislature of Michigan, in favor of an appropriation for the survey of a route for a ship-canal across the State of Michigan.

Mr. Chandler presented the petition of Calvin Chipman, praying arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Wright presented the petition of Charles S. Movers and Jane A. Movers,praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Wright presented the petition of J. C. Denny, praying compensation for extra services rendered during the late war as a telegraph-operator in the Army; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Scott presented a memorial of a committee of Belgians, resident in New York, remonstrating against the ratification of any treaty of extradition with Belgium, classing bankruptcy as a crime; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, presented a petition of citizens of Maryland, praying compensation to George Hering and F. M. Gramlich, for property taken by United States troops during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying the passage of the bill known as Mr. Sumner's supplementary civil rights bill.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of Sarah Brooks, praying compensation for injuries inflicted by the Pawnee Indians in the State of Kansas in 1868; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying the establishment of an additional land-district in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Lewis presented the petition of Joseph Segar, praying to be allowed 0039 40 pay as a Senator from Virginia, in 1863; which was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

Mr. Anthony presented a petition of citizens of Rhode Island, praying the passage of the bill known as Mr. Sumner's supplementary civil-rights bill.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Logan presented the petition of Leonora Marshall, praying to be allowed a share of the pension due Thomas Hoyt at the time of his death for services in the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Alcorn presented the petition of Julia A. Nutt, administratrix of Haller Nutt, deceased, praying compensation for quartermaster's stores taken for the use of the Army during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Scott presented the following petitions; which were referred to the Committee on Claims:

Petition of James Glover, praying compensation for property destroyed by United States troops in Louisiana during the late war.

Petition of J. M. Coolbroth, praying compensation for damages sustained in the destruction of the brig B. F. Martin by the steamer Union, in 1861.

Mr. Conkling presented a memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of New York, in favor of the resumption of specie payments; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. West presented the following petitions; which were referred to the Committee on Claims:

Petition of Edward H. Wilson, praying payment of certain money realized on cotton seized and sold by the United States.

Petition of A. J. Sypher, praying compensation for the use of property by the authorities of the United States at Memphis, Tennessee, during the late war.

Petition of Samuel Jamison, praying compensation for the use and occupation of property by the authorities of the United States at New Orleans, during the late war.

Petition of James Rainey and others, praying compensation for the use, by the United States, of the property known as the Southern Cotton-Press, in the city of New Orleans, during the late war.

Petition of Louisa H. Hasell, praying compensation for the use of property by the United States authorities, at Summerville, South Carolina, during the late war.

Petition of Henry Ware, praying compensation for cotton seized by the United States authorities at Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1865.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Calvin Hess, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Edward Marshall, praying an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Celia Tweed, praying to be allowed a pension; which, with the petition and papers on the files of the Senate, was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Boutwell presented the petition of John W. Marsh, praying a re-issue of his patent for improvements in sewing-machines; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Mitchell presented a petition of citizens of Oregon, praying an appropriation for the improvement of the Wallamette River; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Johnston presented the petition of Susan Dayton Anderson, ad 0040 41 ministratrix of Joseph Wheaton, deceased, praying compensation for services rendered by the said Wheaton as an officer in the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, presented the petition of Henry Inman, praying to be restored to his former rank as a captain in the Army; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Sargent presented the petition of James H. Carleton, praying compensation to his children for property destroyed by United States forces, at Albuquerque, New Mexico; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Wright presented a petition of workmen and employés engaged in the construction of the United States court-house at Des Moines, Iowa, praying compensation for extra services rendered between June 25, 1868, and July 25, 1869; which was referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

Mr. Cooper presented the petition of the Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, praying compensation for property taken for the use of the Army, at Nashville, Tennessee, during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of De Witt C. Chipman, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Samuel Davis, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Henry C. Smith, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Davis,

Ordered , That the papers in case of the Wildey Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, of Jefferson County, West Virginia, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the petitions and papers, on the files of the Senate, in the following cases, be referred to the Committee on Claims:

The petition and papers of Hiram Prather.

The petition and papers of Julius Frank.

The petition and papers of Joseph Nock.

The petition and papers of James L. Baldwin.

The petition and papers of George E. Payne.

The petition and papers in the case of Andrew Johnson.

On motion by Mr. Alcorn,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Susan A. Shelby, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Clayton,

Ordered , That the papers relating to the claim of Captain Samuel Houston, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Clayton,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Isaac A. Morris, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Spencer,

Ordered , That the petition of E. J. Woolum, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

On motion by Mr. Spencer,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Benjamin Cooley and 0041 42 James W. Boswell, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

On motion by Mr. Ramsey,

Ordered , That the following petitions and papers, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims:

The petition and papers of Matthew Wright.

The petition and papers of Clement Wetle.

The petition of Dennis Sullivan.

The petition and papers of Frank C. Darling.

The petition and papers of Antoinette Darling.

On motion by Mr. Ramsey,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Lizzie M. Mitchell, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Elizabeth F. Thompson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Merrimon presented resolutions of the legislature of North Carolina in favor of certain modifications of the internal-revenue laws; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Stevenson,

Ordered , That the memorial of T. T. Garrard and others, for compensation for the destruction of salt-works near Manchester, Kentucky, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Morton presented papers in relation to the claim of Christian Stawitz for arrears of pay; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered , That the vacancy on the Committee on Mines and Mining be filled by the Vice-President.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the petition of William and John Henegan, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Anthony,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Samuel Capron, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Stevenson asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 61) providing for busts, in marble, of the late Chief Justice Roger B. Taney and of the late Chief Justice Salmon Portland Chase, to be placed in the Supreme-Court room of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Library, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Windom asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 62) to incorporate the Southern Transcontinental Railroad Company, and to grant the right of way through the public lands to the same; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Brownlow asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 63) for the relief of Perez Dickinson, surviving partner of Cowan & Dickinson, of Knoxville, Tennessee; 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. Brownlow,

Ordered , That the papers relating to the claim of Cowan & Dickinson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Morton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 64) for the relief of Christian Stawitz, late first lieutenant 0042 43 One Hundred and Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamlin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 65) to authorize the President to appoint George Henry Preble, now a captain in the Navy, to his original position on the Navy Register, and promote him to the rank of commodore on the active list; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Pratt 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. 66. A bill for the relief of Samuel S. Potter.

S. 67. A bill for the relief of Charles G. Berry, of Indiana.

S. 68. A bill for the relief of Hiram Prather, late lieutenant colonel of the Sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

S. 69. A bill for the relief of William H. Vesey.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 70) to establish a national university; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sherman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 71) to authorize the organization of national banks without circulation; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sherman presented a letter of the Comptroller of the Currency, addressed to the chairman of the Committee on Finance of the Senate, on the subject of the foregoing bill; which was 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. 72) to amend an act entitled “An act to restrict the jurisdiction of the Court of Claims, and to provide for the payment of certain demands for quartermaster's stores and subsistence supplies furnished to the Army of the United States;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 73) in relation to the United States courts in the State 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. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 74) for the relief of Henry Millward; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 75) for the relief of J. B. Cornell and others; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ames asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 76) for the relief of General J. B. Kinsman; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Alcorn asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring 0043 44 in a bill (S. 77) for the relief of Martha A. Booth; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 78) supplementary to an act entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States,” approved March 2, 1867; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 79) referring the claim of J. Snowden & Son to the Court of Claims; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott presented a statement of J. Snowden & Son, showing the cost of construction of certain monitors for the United States Navy; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 80) authorizing the administrator of Mrs. Sarah A. R. Lord, deceased, to bring suit in the Court of Claims; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 81) for the relief of the heirs of Andrew White; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Scott,

Ordered , That the papers in relation to the claim of the heirs of Andrew White, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 82) for the relief of Margaret E. West; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of citizens of Pennsylvania, praying an appropriation in aid of Mrs. Margaret E. West, widow of Brig. Gen. Robert M. West, in lieu of pension, to accompany the foregoing bill; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 83) granting a pension to Josiah Brinard; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott presented affidavits of Christian S. Carmach and Gerritt S. Nichols, in support of the claim of Josiah Brinard for pension; which were referred to the Committee on Pensions, to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Fenton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 84) for the relief of the legal representatives of Christian B. Morrison, 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. Fenton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 85) explanatory of an act entitled “An act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage,” approved March 2, 1799, and also of an act entitled “An act to prevent and punish fraud upon the 0044 45 revenue, to provide for more certain and speedy collection of claims in favor of the United States, and for other purposes,” approved March 3, 1863; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 86) to amend an act entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout 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. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 87) to facilitate the execution of, and to protect, certain public works of improvement at the mouth of the Mississippi River; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 88) for the better organization of the district courts of the United States within the State 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 asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 89) in relation to the lines of telegraph connecting the Capitol with the various Departments of the Government; 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. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 90) for the relief of John W. Hickey, of the State 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. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 91) for the relief of Mrs. Louisa H. Hasell; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Carpenter asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 92) relating to the several courts in the Territory of Dakota; 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. 93) to provide for permanent and cheap transportation of persons and freight between the cities of New York 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. Logan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 94) for the relief of Isaac H. Allen; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 95) for the relief of the heirs of Colonel Francis Taylor and Dr. Charles Taylor; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the papers in relation to the claim of the heirs of Colonel Francis Taylor and Dr. Charles Taylor, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, to accompany the foregoing bill.

0045 46

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 96) to amend an act entitled “An act to authorize the reissue of land-warrants in certain cases, and for other purposes,” approved June 23, 1860; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 97) for the benefit of occupying claimants; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 98) to authorize the construction of a fire-proof building in Keokuk, Iowa; 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. Boreman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 99) for the relief of Peter Nodine, of West Virginia; 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. 100) for the relief of Lieutenant Alonzo N. Richards; 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. 101) for the relief of Albert Towle, postmaster of Beatrice, Nebraska; 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. 102) for the relief of Edward Gallaher; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Lewis 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 the District of Columbia, and ordered to be printed:

S. 103. A bill to incorporate the Capitol, North O Street and South Washington Railway Company.

S. 104. A bill restoring to the marshal of the District of Columbia the exclusive supervision of the jail in said District.

Mr. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 105) extending the time for the selection of swamp and overflowed lands in Oregon, under the act of Congress approved March 12, 1860; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 106) for the relief of the legal representatives of Chauncey M. Lockwood; 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. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 107) to purchase six hundred and forty acres of land in the Territory of Idaho, for the Nez Percé Indian reservation; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring 0046 47 in a bill (S. 108) to relinquish the interest of the United States in certain lands to the city and county of San Francisco, in the State of California; which was read the first and 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 a bill (S. 109) to re-organize the clerical force of the General Land-Office; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cooper asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 110) for the relief of the East Tennessee University; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous 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 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. 111. A bill for the relief of the book-agents of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

S. 112. A bill for the relief of James H. Willis, of Greeneville, Tennessee.

Mr. Davis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 113) for the relief of the trustees of Wildey Lodge, Independent Order of Odd-Fellows; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Crozier asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 114) to authorize the erection of a public building at Leavenworth, Kansas; 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. Crozier asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 115) to incorporate the Eastern and Western Transportation Company; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Select Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 116) authorizing proceedings to be initiated in the United States circuit court for the district of Kansas, to determine title to Osage ceded lands; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

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

Mr. Clayton asked, and by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 117) for the relief of Samuel Houston; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent presented the report of the Committee on Claims of the Senate, at the third session, Forty-second Congress, upon the claim of the heirs of General James H. Carleton; which was referred to the Committee on Claims to accompany the bill (S. 59) for their relief.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on Public Lands be directed to inquire into the expediency of repealing sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of an act entitled “An act to appropriate the sales of the public lands and to grant pre-emption rights,” approved September 4, 1841, and also section 0047 48 8 of an act entitled “An act to secure homesteads to settlers on the public domain,” approved May 20, 1862, and of providing by law that no portion of the public domain shall hereafter be alienated except to actual settlers and bona-fide residents.

Mr. Clayton submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Whereas, under the provisions of the Constitution of the United States, the power is vested in Congress “to regulate commerce among the several States,” and “to establish post-offices and post-roads;” and

Whereas the ability to conduct commercial transactions among the several States, and the power to convey with cheapness, regularity, and dispatch, the United States mails, depend to a very great extent upon the means of transportation afforded by railroads; and

Whereas, under existing laws, lines of railroad projected in or through two or more States cannot be constructed or operated without the authority of said States, obtained either under general laws or by special enactment, thus leaving it in the power of a single State to shut out and prevent railroads from entering or passing through its territory from other States, no matter how manifestly the interests of commerce among the States may suffer thereby; and

Whereas it is believed by many persons that by reason of the exclusive privileges granted to railroad corporations by the legislatures of some of the States, and by reason of combinations entered into by such corporations with each other, for the purpose of monopolizing the carrying-trade, some of the said corporations and combinations have become so powerful as to enable them to control the legislatures of the States to the extent of preventing the organization of rival and competing corporations, whereby competition, which is the very life of commerce, is stifled, and the growth of the productive interests of the country and the efficiency of the United States mail-service are retarded; and

Whereas it is the duty of Congress to provide for the people cheap, frequent, and convenient mail-facilities, and it is also its duty, so far as the power in it lies, not only to protect the commercial and productive interests of the country from the evil effects of monopolies, but to provide an easy and ready way by which the great carrying-trade of the country, conducted by the means of railroads, may be thrown open to full and free competition: Therefore,

Resolved , That the Committee on Railroads be instructed to consider the expediency of reporting a bill providing for a general system of railroad incorporation, whereby persons may, by complying with the necessary requirements, become bodies corporate and politic for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and operating railroads for public use and for the transportation of the United States mails; said bill to contain provisions reserving to Congress the right to make such laws and regulations for the safety and comfort of passengers as may be deemed necessary from time to time.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on Finance is directed to inquire whether the fifth, sixth, and seventh sections of the act approved July 12, 1870, regulating the disposition of balances of unexpended appropriations, has been duly observed and executed, and whether any further provisions of law are required to secure the covering into the Treasury of balances of unexpended appropriations.

0048 49

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

Resolved , That the memorial of Francis W. Sykes, claiming to be Senator-elect from the State of Alabama, with accompanying documents, be referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections, with power to send for persons and papers.

On motion by Mr. Anthony that the Senate proceed to the election of Chaplain,

It was determined in the affirmative; and

On motion by Mr. Anthony,

Resolved , That Rev. Byron Sunderland be, and he is hereby, chosen Chaplain of the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Anthony that the Senate proceed to the election of an Executive Clerk,

It was determined in the affirmative; and

On motion by Mr. Anthony,

Resolved , That James R. Young be, and he is hereby, chosen Executive Clerk of Senate.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 9) to repeal so much of the act of March 3, 1873, as increases the salaries therein named; and

After debate,

Ordered , That the said bill be referred to the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

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 9, 1873. Link to Annals.

The Vice-President appointed Mr. Alcorn to fill the vacancy existing on the Committee on Mines and Mining.

The Vice-President laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of the Treasury, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 2d instant, certain information relative to the Louisville and Portland Canal; which was referred to the Select Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard.

The Vice-President presented resolutions adopted at a mass meeting of workingmen of Philadelphia, on the subject of the finances of the country; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Frederick Francis Baury, praying to be commissioned a lieutenant in the Navy, and placed on the retired list, in consequence of wounds received in the line of duty; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Wright presented the petition of Miriam Ward, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of citizens of Greensburgh, Pennsylvania, praying an increase of pension to Samuel B. Lauffer; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Robertson presented the following resolutions; which were referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds:

Resolution of the legislature of South Carolina, in favor of an appropriation for rebuilding the west wing of the citidel of Charleston, burned while in possession of the United States. 4 s

0049 50

Resolution of the legislature of South Carolina, requesting, for the use of the militia of that State, the citadel of Charleston, now in the possession of the United States.

Mr. Wright presented the following petitions; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs:

Petition of A. J. Smith, praying compensation for services rendered as a surgeon in the Army during the late war.

Petition of Daniel Ivens, late hospital-steward of the Thirty-sixth Iowa Volunteers, praying compensation for services rendered as an assistant surgeon during the war.

Petition of John Pilmer, praying that the charge of desertion may be removed from him and that he be allowed bounty and arrears of pay.

Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut, presented a petition of Silas Hurd, Ezra C. Blackman, and others, praying compensation for damages done their fishing place at Huntington, Connecticut, by the United States authorities in improving the river near that place; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Buckingham presented the memorial of A. G. Batchelder and Alsie F. Thompson, praying the extension of a patent for an improvement in car-brakes; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Sumner presented the petition of James H. Causten, praying indemnity for spoliations committed by the French prior to 1801; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Davis presented the petition of George W. Jackson, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Thurman presented the memorial of William Trevitt, praying compensation for services rendered as consul at Valparaiso in 1859; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Clayton presented the petition of Angeline Logan, praying compensation for services rendered in a Federal hospital at Van Buren, Arkansas, during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Conover presented the petition of Commodore Edward Middleton, praying compensation for property taken by United States troops in South Carolina during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Anthony presented the memorial of Commander R. F. R. Lewis, praying restoration to his original position on the Navy list; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Sumner presented two petitions of citizens of the United States, praying the passage of the bill known as Mr. Sumner's supplementary civil rights bill.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Hannah W. Vreeland, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Ames presented a petition of Wm. M. Compton, J. M. Stone, and W. C. McAlexander, praying to be relieved from liability as sureties on the bond of R. B. Emory; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying that prepayment of postage be required on all matter transmitted through the mails; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Anthony presented the petition of Amelia Ferguson, praying to 0050 51 be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Robertson presented a resolution of the legislature of South Carolina, in favor of certain amendments to the national currency act of June 3, 1864; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Cooper presented a memorial of the Pharmaceutical Association of Tennessee, praying relief from the operations of the internal-revenue laws as applied to druggists; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Kelly presented a petition of citizens of Oregon, praying that homesteads be granted to soldiers in the late war without the requirement of settlement and cultivation; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

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

Mr. Ramsey presented a petition of citizens of Minnesota, praying that prepayment of postage be required on all mail-matter; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Wright presented resolutions adopted at a meeting of citizens of Van Buren County, Iowa, in favor of granting lands to honorably-discharged soldiers and sailors who served ninety days in the late war; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Carpenter presented two petitions of citizens of Colorado, praying an investigation of the manner in which patents to lands have been issued in Bent County in that Territory; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland,

Ordered , That the memorial of Edward H. Calvert, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Bogy,

Ordered , That the memorial of Antonio Pelletier, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Thomas M. Redd, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Logan,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Robert M. and Stephen A. Douglas, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Logan,

Ordered , That the papers relating to the claim of W. W. Elliott, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the petition of Sallie E. Herrick, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Allison,

Ordered , That the papers relating to the claim of Charles J. Hanson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Cooper,

Ordered , That the memorial of Robert Lowry, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

0051 52

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland,

Ordered , That the petition of Nathaniel Heard, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Bogy,

Ordered , That Thomas B. Wallace have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the petition of Hiram W. Love, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Cooper,

Ordered , That the memorial of Rev. H. V. Brown, pastor of St. Peter's and St. Paul's Catholic Church at Chattanooga, Tennessee, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Brownlow,

Ordered , That the petition of Alexander Kennedy, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Thurman,

Ordered , That the petition of Benjamin D. Lakin, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Bogy,

Ordered , That the petition of Chauncey M. Lockwood, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

On motion by Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut,

Ordered , That the memorial of Charles Pratt, and others, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

Ordered , That Madame A. Don Bernard have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate her petition and papers.

Mr. Sumner asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 118) explanatory of the ninth section of the act of July 13, 1866, concerning deposits in savings-banks; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sumner asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 119) for the better security of property in patterns for metal castings; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Patents, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Schurz asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 120) to confirm certain land-titles in the State of Missouri; 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. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 121) granting a pension to Catharine Ferry; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 122) for the relief of Rollin White; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Patents, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 123) to provide for the transmission of correspondence by telegraph; 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.

0052 53

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, agreeably to notice, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 124) providing for the resumption of specie payments and for free banking; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 125) authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase a site and construct thereon a building to be used as a court-house, post-office, and revenue-office, at Austin, Texas; 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. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 126) to provide for the payment of bounty to the Fourth Regiment Iowa Infantry Volunteers; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ames asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 127) for the relief of J. M. Stone, William M. Compton, and W. C. McAlexander; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Morrrill, of Maine, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 128) for the relief of T. C. Callicot, late special Treasury agent at Charleston, South Carolina, and George W. Clark and Alexander McLeod, of South Carolina; 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. 129) concerning and authorizing the Saint Louis Railroad Company to extend and construct their railroad into the District of Columbia, and through the States of West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, to the city of Saint Louis, in the State of Missouri, and a branch road from any point they may elect on the main line of their road in the State of Indiana, to the city of Chicago, in the State of Illinois; 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. Johnston asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 130) to remove the disabilities of Thomas S. Bocock, E. J. Harvie, and Daniel Trigg, all of Virginia, and of John H. Reagan, of Texas; 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. 131) for the relief of John P. Kelsey; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Alcorn asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 132) to provide for the construction of levees on the Mississippi River; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Select Committee on the Levees of the Mississippi River, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Norwood asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 133) for the relief of Thomas Henderman, jr., of Georgia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

0053 54

Mr. Frelinghuysen asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 134) for the relief of Daniel S. Mershon, jr.; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 135) relating to certain public lands bordering on Lake Pontchartrain, in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West presented a letter of the mayor of the city of New Orleans, addressed to J. R. West, Senator from the State of Louisiana, relating to the title to lands redeemed from Lake Pontchartrain; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands, to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Pratt 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 the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed:

S. 136. A bill to repeal the second section of an act entitled “An act to amend an act to establish the judicial courts of the United States, approved September 24, 1789,” approved February 5, 1867.

S. 137. A bill relating to the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the United States in certain cases.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 138) making provision for arming and equipping the whole body of the militia of the United States, 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. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 139) for the relief of James De Long, late United States consul at Aux Cayes, Hayti; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Buckingham,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 30) to provide for free banking, to secure an elastic currency, to appreciate national obligations, and to reach specie payments without commercial embarrassment; and

After debate,

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

Mr. Morton submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Treasury be instructed to report to the Senate the amount of imports from the provinces composing the Dominion of Canada to the United States for the years 1871 and 1872, and the amount of the exports to the same provinces from the United States for the same years, and the amount of exports and imports between the United States and the same provinces for the two years preceding the termination of the reciprocity treaty.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on Public Lands be directed to inquire into the expediency of so amending the act of March 3, 1873, “to encourage the growth of timber on western prairies,” as to require, first, the applicant for the benefits of the act to break and cultivate the requisite number of acres by the end of the first year, and to have the same planted in trees under proper cultivation at the expiration of three years 0054 55 from the day of entry; and, secondly, to permit any legal subdivisions of the public domain less than a quarter-section to be entered under the provisions of said act; and, thirdly, to extend the provisions of the act to tracts of 160 acres composed of legal subdivisions, if contiguous, though taken from different sections, defined by the survey and plats.

Mr. Carpenter 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 the twenty-fifth section of the judiciary act, so called, of 1789, is repealed by section 2 of chapter 28 of the laws of 1867; and, if so, whether any and what legislation is required upon the subject; and to report by bill or otherwise.

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

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to communicate to the Senate a statement of the several amounts paid to collectors, naval officers, and surveyors of customs, and detectives engaged in that service, on account of distributive shares of fines, penalties, and forfeitures for ten years ending June 30, 1872.

On motion by Mr. Conkling, at 1 o'clock and 5 minutes p. m.,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, December 10, 1873. Link to Annals.

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. 223. An act changing the times for holding certain district courts of the United States for the State of Iowa.

H. R. 470. An act relating to the limitation of steam-pressure of vessels used exclusively for towing and carrying freight on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

H. R. 472. An act granting general amnesty and prescribing an oath of office.

H. R. 474. An act to establish a post-ronte from the village of L'Anse, in the county of Houghton and State of Michigan, to Huro Bay in said county and State.

H. R. 478. An act to provide for the redemption of the loan of 1858.

Mr. Fenton presented the petition of John Young, praying an extension of his patent for an improvement in washing and wringing machines; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying the passage of the bill known as Mr. Sumner's supplementary civil rights bill.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Fenton presented a memorial of certain insurance companies of New York, praying a rehearing of the claim for the loss of the bark Caldera, and payment for the same out of the Chinese indemnity fund; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Fenton presented the petition of Louis Volkhausen, praying to be allowed bounty as a veteran volunteer; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Petitions, praying the appointment of a commission of inquiry into the traffic in intoxicating liquors, were presented as follows:

By Mr. Fenton: A petition of the Society of Friends, of New York, and a petition of the New York State Temperance Society.

0055 56

By Mr. Cameron: A petition of the Alleghany County Temperance Alliance.

By Mr. Howe: A petition of the order of Good Templars of Wisconsin.

By Mr. Morrill, of Maine: A petition of the Supreme Council of Templars of Honor and Temperance of the United States.

By Mr. Sherman: A petition of the National Division of Sons of Temperance.

By Mr. Cragin: A petition of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars of New Hampshire.

By Mr. Frelinghuysen: A petition of the New Jersey State Temperance Alliance.

By Mr. Logan: A petition of citizens of Illinois.

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

By Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland: A petition of the Library Association of the Society of Friends, of Baltimore.

By Mr. Sumner: A petition of the National Organization of Good Templars.

By Mr. Conkling: A petition of the National Temperance Society.

By Mr. Scott: A petition of officers of the Young Men's Christian Association of Philadelphia.

By Mr. Windom: A petition of citizens of Minnesota.

By Mr. Thurman: A petition of Sons of Temperance of Ohio.

By Mr. Johnston: A petition of Sons of Temperance of Virginia.

By Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut: A petition of the Temple of Honor and Tenperance of the State of Connecticut.

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

Mr. Wright presented a petition of soldiers in the late war, praying the equalization of bounties; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Wadleigh presented the petition of Benjamin Blanchard, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Wadleigh presented the petition of Jacob K. Marshall, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Conkling presented the memorial of Rudolf Eickmeyer, praying an extension of his patent on sewing-machines for stitching linings in hats; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Barbara A. Nock, praying arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Wright presented the petition of Wells C. McCook, praying payment of the amount due him for military services at the time of his dismissal from the Army; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Anthony presented additional papers in relation to the application of Frederic Francis Baury to be commissioned a lieutenant in the Navy; which were referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Logan presented a petition of citizens of Illinois, praying the establishment of a branch mint at Chicago; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Fenton,

Ordered , That the following memorials on the files of the Senate be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims:

The memorial of the heirs of Hugh Montgomery.

0056 57

The memorial of the heirs of Joshua Chamberlain.

On motion by Mr. Fenton,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Woodhouse, Southmayed, and Rudd, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Boreman,

Ordered , That the petition of James V. Boughner, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Morton presented additional papers in relation to the case of Henry C. Smith; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Alcorn,

Ordered , That the memorial of Wade Hopkins, heir of Col. David Hopkins, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Boutwell,

Ordered , That the petition of P. W. Whitcomb, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pratt.

Ordered , That the petition of T. Worthington, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, reported the following resolution:

Resolved , That it is the duty of Congress during its present session to adopt definite measures to redeem the pledge made in the act approved March 18, 1869, entitled “An act to strengthen the public credit,” as follows: “And the United States also pledges its faith to make provision at the earliest practicable period for the redemption of the United States notes in coin;” and the Committee on Finance is directed to report to the Senate, at as early a day as practicable, such measures as will not only redeem this pledge of the public faith, but will also furnish a currency of uniform value, always redeemable in gold or its equivalent, and so adjusted as to meet the changing wants of trade and commerce.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said resolution; and

On motion by Mr. Morton,

Ordered , That the further consideration of the said resolution be postponed to and made the special order for Monday next at one o'clock.

Mr. Bayard submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Whereas a just regard for the interests of every class of the community demands that the national basis of finance shall consist of a currency of uniform standard and intrinsic value: Therefore,

Resolved , That the Committtee on Finance be, and they are hereby, instructed to report to the Senate measures which will secure at the earliest practicable day a return to specie payments.

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 71) to authorize the organization of national banks without circulation, reported it without amendment.

The bills H. R. 223, H. R. 474, and H. R. 478, 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. 223 be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary; that the bill H. R. 474 be referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads; and that the bill H. R. 478 be referred to the Committee on Finance.

The bill (H. R. 472) granting general amnesty and prescribing an oath of office was read and passed to a second reading.

0057 58

The bill (H. R. 470) relating to the limitation of steam-pressure of vessels used exclusively for towing and carrying freight on the Mississippi River and its tributaries, 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 bill 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.

Mr. Anthony asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 140) to amend the act of Congress to expedite and regulate the printing of public documents, approved June 25, 1864; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Printing, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 141) for the relief of certain contractors for the construction of vessels of war and steam-machinery; 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 leave to bring in a bill (S. 142) for the relief of Nathaniel McKay; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Fenton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 143) for the relief of Norman Wiard; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Davis, agreeably to notice, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 144) providing for the free transmission by mail of newspapers and periodicals; 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. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 145) to amend an act entitled “An act to encourage the growth of timber on western prairies;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Crozier asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 146) to repeal an act to promote the development of the mining resources of the United States; 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. Morton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 147) authorizing national banks that have decided to reduce their capital stocks, to withdraw a proportion of bonds upon retiring their own circulating notes or depositing lawful money of the United States in the proportion provided by law; 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 a bill (S. 148) for the relief of Elias C. Boudinot; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 149) for the relief of certain settlers on the Fort Randall 0058 59 military reservation; 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. 150) to authorize the issue of United States notes held as Treasury reserve; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. 4) proposing an amendment to the Constitution providing that the United States shall never make anything but gold and silver a legal tender in the payment of debts; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads be instructed to consider the expediency of providing a further convenience in correspondence known as the “letter-writer,” with a one-cent stamp, being a new article of stationery adapted for a letter, circular, and newspaper-wrapper.

Mr. Gordon submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to report for the information of the Senate:

First. The number of bales of cotton seized under orders from the Department after the close of the war, from whom taken, by whom taken, by whom and when sold and where sold, and at what price, and what disposition was made of the proceeds, and when and how much of the same went into the Treasury, and what disposition was made of the proceeds before being paid into the Treasury.

Second. That he report a list of the claims filed before him under the act of March, 1872, showing the name of each claimant, and how much cotton claimed was alleged to have been taken from each, and when.

Third, That he state the amount of expenses deducted from the proceeds of the sales of the cotton, and whether the same were allowed by the Department, and in whose favor.

On motion by Mr. Cameron,

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 11, 1873. Link to Annals.

The Vice-President being absent, the Secretary called the Senate to order.

On motion by Mr. Anthony.

The Senate proceeded to elect 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 forty-eight, of which the Honorable Matthew H. Carpenter received thirty-two, and the Honorable Allen G. Thurman sixteen;

Whereupon,

Mr. Carpenter, having received a majority, was declared duly elected; and he thereupon took the chair.

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

Resolved , That the Secretary wait upon 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.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter of the chief clerk of the War Department, communicating information relative to the claim of Henry S. Welles for compensation for removing obstructions from the harbor of Savannah, Georgia; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce and ordered to be printed.

Petitions praying the appointment of a commission to inquire into the traffic in intoxicating liquors, were presented as follows:

By Mr. Conkling: A petition of the Grand Temple of Honor and Temperance of the State of New York.

By Mr. Anthony: A petition of the Rhode Island State Temperance Union.

By Mr. Sumner: A petition of citizens of Worcester, Massachusetts.

By Mr. Boutwell: A petition of citizens of Southbridge, Massachusetts.

By Mr. Saulsbury: A petition of the Wilmington Delaware Friends' First Day School Association.

By Mr. Buckingham: A petition of the officers of the Young Men's Christian Association of New York City.

By Mr. Howe: A petition of the officers of the State Temperance Union of Minnesota.

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

Mr. Boutwell presented the petition of Edward Jarvis, praying compensation for services in preparing the census report of 1850; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Clayton presented the memorial of Silas I. Field, praying to be relieved from liability as a surety on the bond of John G. Halliburton, late United States marshal for the eastern district of Arkansas; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented a petition of citizens of Mason and Oceana Counties, Michigan, praying that the Government land in the Indian reserve in said counties be subject to entry under the provisions of the homestead act; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Anthony presented a petition of members of the Veteran Association of Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, praying that a certain gun used by that battery during the war, and now in the possession of the United States, may be delivered to them to be placed in the custody of the State of Rhode Island; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Hitchcock,

Ordered , That the petition of MaCondray & Co., Thomas St. F. S. Hathaway, and others, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Hitchcock,

Ordered , That the petition of John P. Thomas, administrator of the estate of Robert S. Thomas, and the petition of the Milwaukee and Rock River Canal Company, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Dennis presented the petition of Francis A. Gibbons, praying 0060 61 compensation for oats furnished the Army in 1863; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of Israel Ober, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hitchcock presented the petition of Eugene Smith, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hitchcock presented a memorial of the Irrigation Convention, recently held at Denver, Colorado, praying that one-half of the arid lands, not mineral, within the Territories of the United States, or the proceeds thereof, be devoted to the construction of irrigating canals; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Windom, from the Select Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard, reported the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved , That the Select Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard be authorized to sit, at such places as they may designate, during the holiday recess, in case one shall be ordered; and to investigate and report upon the subject of transportation between the interior and the seaboard; that they have power to employ a clerk and stenographer, and to send for persons and papers; and that the actual and necessary expenses attending such investigation be paid out of the contingent fund of the Senate, upon vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee.

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

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

H. R. 480. An act to provide for enlistments in the Navy.

H. R. 16. Joint resolution providing for a change in the name and title of the agent and consul-general of the United States at Alexandria.

The bill 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. 480) be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs; and that the joint resolution (H. R. 16) be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Chandler, from the Committee on Commerce, reported a bill (S.151) in relation to the consul-general of the United States at Alexandria, Egypt; which was read and passed to a second reading.

On motion by Mr. Spencer,

Ordered , That the Committee on Commerce be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 43) to provide for the better protection of the northern and northwestern frontier, and to facilitate commerce and diminish the expense of the exchanges between States; and that it be referred to the Select Committee on Transportation-Routes to the Seaboard.

On motion by Mr. Spencer,

Ordered , That the Committee on Commerce be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 46) for the construction of a customhouse and bonded warehouse at Portland, Oregon; and that it be referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, from the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 474) to establish a post-route from the village of L'Anse, in the county of Houghton, and State of Michigan, to Huron Bay, in said county and State, reported it without amendment.

0061 62

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 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. Bayard, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the petition of William Thwing, submitted an adverse report (No. 2) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said report; and, in concurrence therewith,

Resolved , That the prayer of the petitioner be not granted.

Mr. Clayton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 152) extending the time for the selection of swamp and overflowed lands in Arkansas under the act of Congress approved March 12, 1860; 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. 153) for the relief of Silas I. Field, and others of Little Rock, Arkansas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 154) to amend an act for the relief of certain tribes of Indians in the Northern superintendency, approved June 10, 1872; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Gordon asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 155) to amend the act of March 3, 1873, in relation to the transmission of periodicals, magazines, and newspapers through the United States mails; 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. Windom asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 156) for the relief of Joseph Nock; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Wright 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. 157. A bill for the relief of Joseph Nock.

S. 158. A bill for the relief of Thomas Hughes.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 159) in relation to the practice in the 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. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 160) to authorize the payment of duties on imports to be made partly in legal-tender notes and national bank notes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Howe asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring 0062 63 in a bill (S. 161) to provide for the appointment of a commission on the subject of the alcoholic liquor traffic; 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. 162) confirming the grant to certain lands in the State of Alabama; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 163) for the extension of time to the Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad Company for the completion of its roads; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 164) amending and construing an act approved March 2, 1867, entitled “An act to amend an act for the removal of causes in certain cases from the State courts approved July 27, 1866;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Crozier asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 165) for the relief of the settlers on the Osage ceded lands; 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 a bill (S. 166) to incorporate the Twelfth Street and South Washington Railway 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. West submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved by the Senate ( the House of Representatives concurring ,) That when the two Houses adjourn on Friday, the 19th instant, they adjourn to meet again on Tuesday, the 6th day of January next, at 12 o'clock noon.

Mr. Buckingham submitted the following resolution; which was 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 widow of John M. Morris, deceased, late executive clerk of the Senate, $150 for his funeral expenses, and a further allowance equal to two months of his annual pay.

Mr. Davis submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Senate be, and he is hereby, directed to furnish the Senate all information in his office relating to the fixing of the salaries of Senators and Representatives in Congress from the formation of the Government; in what cases provisions for salaries were made retroactive; how long a time in each case was covered by retroactive provisions; the names of Senators who drew their pay under such provisions; the amounts drawn by them respectively, with the dates of payment; the names of Senators who covered into the Treasury amounts due them under such retroactive provisions, and the date of such action; also a comparative statement of the total compensation and allowance of Senators under the acts of July 28, 1856, and of March 3, 1873, respectively.

0063 64

Mr. Gordon submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Whereas the abolition of the franking privilege was intended to economize the expenditures of the Government; and whereas its abolition prevents the general distribution to the people of improved field and garden seeds, thus defeating in a measure the benefits which otherwise would accrue to the agriculture of the country from the establishment of the Agricultural Bureau, and also discourages the distribution of public documents which afford important information, and are an educator to the people; and whereas, to compensate the people for these losses, there should be important reduction of the expenditures in the postal service of the Government: Therefore,

Resolved , That the Postmaster-General be requested to report, for the information of the Senate:

First, what amount of expense, if any, has been saved to Government by the abolition of the franking privilege.

Second, how many employés in the mail service, if any, have been discharged; and how much less, if anything, is charged by the railroads or other carriers for the mails since the abolition of the franking privilege.

Third how much less appropriation will be required for the postal service by reason of the abolition of said privilege.

On motion by Mr. Sumner,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 3) to authorize compound-interest notes as a substitute for the legal-tender notes; and

After debate,

Ordered , That the said bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Johnston,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 130) to remove the disabilities of Thomas S. Bocock, E. J. Harvie, and Daniel Trigg, of Virginia, and John H. Reagan, of Texas; 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 , ( two-thirds of the Senate concurring, ) 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. Anthony,

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

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 71) to authorize the organization of national banks without circulation; and

The bill having been amended on the motion of Mr. Morton,

After debate,

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

On motion by Mr. Wright,

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

0064 65
MONDAY, December 15, 1873. Link to Annals.

Mr. Boutwell presented the petition of William Mason, praying compensation for damages sustained by the abrogation of his contract for the manufacture of muskets of the Springfield pattern; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Boutwell presented the petition of Julius A. Pickering, praying an extension of his patent for an improvement in attaching straps to boot-legs; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Crozier presented two petitions of citizens of Kansas, praying the establishment of an additional land-district in that State; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Schurz presented the petition of John Baptiste Hortiz, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of Pennsylvania, praying that Congress take measures to co.operate with other governments in the establishment of a high court of nations for the settlement of international difficulties by arbitration; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of Willard Davis, late collector of internal revenue second district of Kentucky, praying re-imbursement of extra expenses incurred in the collection of the revenue in said district during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Scott presented the petition of Mary D. Loud, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Scott presented the petition of J. Snowden & Son, praying the passage of an act allowing them to bring action in the Court of Claims to recover losses on a contract for building certain monitors; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Fenton presented the petition of George Smith, praying to be allowed bounty for services in the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Robertson presented the petition of Mary A. Holmes, praying compensation for cotton destroyed by United States troops in Perry County, Alabama, in October, 1865; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying the passage of the bill known as Mr. Sumner's supplementary civil rights bill.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of Massachusetts, praying that prepayment of postage be required on all mailable matter: which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Stevenson presented the petition of Rosa Vertner Jeffrey, praying compensation for the use of her property by United States troops at Lexington, Kentucky, during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of citizens of the United States engaged in business as druggists and chemists, praying the repeal of so much of the internal-revenue laws as relates to the stamp.tax on medicines; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Wright presented a petition of soldiers in the late war, praying to be allowed bounty and one hundred and sixty acres of land; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands. 5 s

0065 66

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Mary Durang, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of J. H. Stine, guardian of the minor children of Joseph Jenkins, deceased, praying arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Chandler presented a memorial of citizens of Michigan, praying legislation to carry into effect the financial plan proposed by Hon. T. W. Ferry; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Conover presented the petition of Commodore Edward Middleton, praying to be advanced to his proper grade on the retired list of the Navy; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of John James Flournoy, praying that the Cuban difficulties may reach a satisfactory solution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Anthony presented the petition of Captain William W. Low, praying to be allowed the difference of pay between master and lieutenant in the Navy from September 14, 1855, to January 16, 1858; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Johnston presented the petition of William B. Isaacs & Company, praying that certain moneys belonging to the Bank of Virginia and the Farmers' Bank of Virginia, seized by the United States authorities and covered into the Treasury may be restored; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the chief clerk of the War Department, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of December 4, 1873, information in relation to the sale of the Government property at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.

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

Mr. Conkling presented a petition of sundry citizens of New York, praying to be indemnified out of the Geneva award for property destroyed on the high seas by confederate cruisers during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Conkling presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying the passage of a supplementary civil rights bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented the petition of Henry Lull, praying an extension of his patent for an improvement in shutter-hinges; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

Mr. Windom presented the petition of Basil Moreland, praying indemnity for certain lands and improvements thereon, of which he was deprived by virtue of a treaty with the Winnebago Indians; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Logan presented a memorial of citizens of the United States, praying the abolition of the institution of polygamy in the Territory of Utah; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Spencer,

Ordered , That the petition of Mary E. Purnell, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Cooper,

Ordered , That the petition of James and Emma Cameron and the memorial of Nancy J. Turk, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the petition of A. S. Rosenbaum & Company, submitted an adverse report (No. 3) thereon.

Mr. Morton, from the Committee on Privileges and Elections, to whom 0066 67 were referred the credentials of P. B. S. Pinchback and W. L. McMillen, claiming seats in the Senate as Senators from Louisiana, reported that the committee was evenly divided upon the question as to whether Mr. Pinchback is, upon his credentials, entitled to be sworn in as a member, and asked to be discharged from the further consideration of the subject and to refer the whole matter to the determination of the Senate.

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 478) to provide for the redemption of the loan of 1858, reported it with amendments.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; 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 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. Stevenson,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of J. Milton Best, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut, on his own motion, was excused from further service as a member of the Committee on Pensions.

Ordered , That the vacancy on said committee be filled by the President pro tempore.

Mr. Scott presented additional papers in relation to the claim of the administrator of Mrs. Sarah A. R. Lord; which, together with the petition and papers on the files of the Senate, were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 167) to provide for the further endowment and support of national colleges for the advancement of general scientific and industrial education, and to establish an educational fund and apply the proceeds of a portion of the public lands to the support of public education; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Conover asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 168) authorizing the Secretary of War to convey certain lands, known as the Fort Brooke military reservation, to the trustees of the Florida Agricultural College; which was 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. 169) for the relief of Marcus Otterbourg, late consul of the United States at the city of Mexico, and minister to the republic of Mexico; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Anthony asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 170) for the relief of certain officers of the Navy who were dropped, furloughed, or retired under the act of February 28, 1855; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Anthony asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring 0067 68 in a bill (S. 171) for the relief of the legatees of Asbury Dickins, deceased; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses of the Senate, and ordered to be printed.

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. 130) to remove the disabilities of Thomas S. Bocock, E. J. Harvie, and Daniel Trigg, of Virginia, and John H. Reagan, of Texas.

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

H. R. 481. An act making appropriations for extraordinary expenses of the naval service.

H. R. 482. An act to correct the enrollment of an act entitled “An act for the relief of P. W. Standefer.”

H. R. 483. An act to authorize the cancellation of an export bond for a portion of the distilled spirits of John S. Miller, on board of bonded cars of the United States.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, (H. R. 470,) I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Ames reported, from the committee, that they had examined and found duly enrolled the bill (H. R. 470) relating to the limitation of steam-pressure of vessels used exclusively for towing and carrying freight on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

The President pro tempore signed the enrolled bill (H. R. 470) last reported to have been examined, and it was delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

The bills (H. R. 481, H. R. 482, and H. R. 483) 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. 481 be referred to the Committee on Appropriations; that the bill H. R. 482 be referred to the Committee on Enrolled Bills; and that the bill H. R. 483 be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 172) granting a pension to Michael McGrayel, late a captain of Company E, Ninety-third Regiment Indiana Infantry; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Pensions, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 173) for the relief of Willard Davis; 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. 174) for the relief of certain settlers upon homesteads and pre-emption lands; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamlin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S 175) relating to leave of absence granted to diplomatic and consular officers of the United States; 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 0068 69 in a bill (S. 176) to promote the establishment of public marine schools; 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. 177) relating to the public lands in the State of California; 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. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 178) to provide for the construction of the Fort Saint Philip Canal, and its maintenance as a national highway; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Select Committee on the Levees of the Mississippi River, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 179) for the relief of the heirs of Robert Isherwood, deceased; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Clayton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 180) to repeal section six of act of March 3, 1865, and section two of act of March 26, 1867, imposing tax of ten per cent. upon circulation of bank notes; 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. 181) for the relief of William S. White, of Oregon; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 182) to disapprove an act of the territorial legislature of Dakota, approved May 2, 1862, entitled “An act to provide for proceedings for the collection of demands against boats and vessels;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Territories, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 183) to provide for a survey and estimates for the improvement of the Cascades and the Dalles of the Columbia River, in the State of Oregon and Washington Territory; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

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

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 184) relating to certain brevet appointments; 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. 185) for the relief of M. S. Hellman; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Windom asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 186) for the relief of Basil Moreland, of Mankato, Minnesota; 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. 187) for the relief of Silas H. Hodges; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Patents, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to 0069 70 bring in a bill (S. 188) to authorize the issue of patents to lands in cases of private land-claims; 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 a bill (S. 189) authorizing the Citizens' National Bank of Hagerstown, Maryland, to change its location; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 190) amending and supplementary to the act entitled “An act to further the administration of justice;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Anthony submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Select Committee on the Revision of the Rules:

Resolved , That the resolution adopted by the Senate on the 4th of May, 1864, directing the reporter, in making up the proceedings of the Senate for publication, to put in a separate list the names of absentees in each call of the yeas and nays, be rescinded.

Mr. Morton submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved , That the credentials of P. B. S. Pinchback for a seat in the Senate of the United States for six years, commencing on the 4th of March, 1873, being in regular form, he is entitled under the law and in conformity with the usages of the Senate to be sworn in as a member; and that whatever grounds of contest there may be as to his right to a seat should be made thereafter.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on Public Printing be instructed to inquire into the numbers and the distribution of public documents, bills, or reports printed by the Congressional Printer, and to report what changes, if any, are necessary.

On motion by Mr. Gordon,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him the 11th instant, calling upon the Postmaster-General for certain information relative to the abolition of the franking privilege; and having been amended on the motion of Mr. Gordon, the resolution, as amended, was agreed to, as follows:

Whereas the abolition of the franking privilege was intended to economize the expenditures of the Government; and

Whereas its abolition prevents the general distribution to the people of improved field and garden seeds, thus defeating in a measure the benefits which otherwise would accrue to the agriculture of the country from the establishment of the Agricultural Department; and also discourages the distribution of public documents, which afford important information and are an educator of the people; and

Whereas, to compensate the people for these losses, there should be an important reduction of the expenditures in the postal service of the Government: Therefore,

Resolved , That the Postmaster-General be requested to report, for the information of the Senate,

1. What amount of expense, if any, has been saved to the Government by the abolition of the franking privilege; and that he state specifically and fully the items in which expense has been saved, and the amount 0070 71 so saved in each and every particular, separating in his report the particulars in which expense has been saved and the amounts so saved by the abolition of the privilege as it relates to members of Congress, heads of Departments, and all other formerly free mail matter.

2. How many employés in the postal service have been discharged, and how much less is charged by railroads and other carriers of the mail since the abolition of said privilege, and whether any additional clerks and additional expense have been added to the Department in the care, sale, &c., of postage-stamps, and the amount of clear profit arising by reason of the additional sale of stamps.

3. The amount of revenue derived from each class of mailable matter, respectively and specifically as to letter postage, and postage upon books, newspapers, and pamphlets, and as to registered letters and the money-order business, and the gross amount, avoirdupois, of each class transported through the mails.

4. Whether it has been the practice of the Departments, or either of them, since appropriations have been made for official stamps, to send documents or packages, heretofore sent by mail, by express; if orders have been issued by any Department to its subordinates to send such matter to the Department by express and not by mail, and out of what appropriation payment for such expressage has been made.

5. Whether the Postmaster-General construes the law as authorizing the free transmission of mail matter by or to the Post-Office Department.

6. How much less appropriation will be required for the postal service now than prior to the abolition of such privilege.

On motion by Mr. Clayton,

Ordered , That Patrick Sullivan have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut,

Ordered , That the reports and evidence taken during the last session of the Forty-second Congress, in relation to affairs in the State of Louisiana, be taken from the files and laid before the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Stevenson,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of J. Milton Best, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

The President pro tempore announced that the hour of 1 o'clock had arrived, and called up the special order for this time, viz, the resolution, reported from the Committee on Finance, declaring it to be the duty of Congress, at the present session, to adopt definite measures to redeem the pledge made in the act of March 16, 1869, for the earliest practicable redemption of the United States notes in coin; and An amendment having been proposed by Mr. Ferry, of Michigan,

Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

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 16, 1873. Link to Annals.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its 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 0071 72 on Friday, the 19th instant, they adjourn to meet again on Tuesday, the 6th day of January next, at 12 o'clock noon.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, having signed two enrolled bills, (S. 130 and H. R. 474,) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Sherman presented a petition of citizens of Ohio, praying an amendment to the postal laws requiring prepayment of postage on all mailable matter; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented the petition of Esther M. Shubrick, praying that the pension of fifty dollars per month allowed her by act of Congress in 1849, may be restored to her; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Oglesby presented a petition of citizens of Peoria, Illinois, praying that a uniform rate of compensation of one thousand dollars per annum may be granted letter-carriers; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. West presented sundry petitions of citizens of Louisiana, praying that the government of Louisiana, shown to have been elected November 4, 1872, may be recognized as the true and legal government of that State.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Allison presented the petition of C. B. Dean, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Bogy presented the memorial of the International Steamship Company, renewing proposals for the construction of iron-ship-building yards, and the manufacture of iron for ship-building purposes; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Logan,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Jearum Atkins, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Hitchcock presented a petition of citizens of Omaha, Nebraska, praying the establishment of a branch mint at that place; which was referred to the Committee on Mines and Mining.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, presented a petition of citizens of Texas, praying Government aid in the improvement of Red Fish Bar, in Galveston Bay; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Brownlow,

Ordered , That the petition of Oliver Powers, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of West Virginia, praying the passage of the supplementary civil rights bill.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

On motion by Mr. Ramsey,

Ordered , That the petition of Anna W. Osborne, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Allison presented a petition of the heirs of John Rice Jones, praying the confirmation to them of certain land-claims in the State of Illinois; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land-Claims.

Mr. Hitchcock presented the petition of Enos Lowe, praying pay for services as receiver of the land-office at Council Bluffs, Iowa; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented the petition of the heirs of George Catlin, praying the purchase by Congress of the collection of paintings 0072 73 known as “Catlin's Indian Collection;” which was referred to the Committee on the Library.

Mr. Howe presented the annual report of the Librarian of Congress, exhibiting the progress of the Library for the year ending December 1, 1873.

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.

Mr. Chandler presented a petition of soldiers in the late war, praying the passage of an act granting to each soldier one hundred and sixty acres of land; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Seth Driggs, praying that some action be taken for the settlement of his claim against the government of New Granada for the loss of the ship Good Return and cargo, captured on the high seas; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Wright presented one hundred and seven petitions of citizens of the United States, praying the repeal of the bankrupt law; which were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Mitchell presented a petition of soldiers in the Mexican war, praying to be placed on the same footing with soldiers of the war of 1812; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the Committee on Public Lands be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of soldiers in the late war, and that it be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Scott,

Ordered , That the Committee on Finance be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of W. A. Saylor, and that it be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Sherman presented papers in relation to the claim of Patrick Eagin, administrator of the estate of William Donnelly, deceased, for compensation for cotton seized by the United States authorities; which were referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. West,

Ordered , That the papers in relation to the sale of the Brazos Santiago military railroad, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Chandler presented a letter of the Secretary of the Treasury, addressed to the chairman of the Committee on Commerce, relative to the enrollment and license of certain vessels; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, to accompany Senate bill No. 191.

On motion by Mr. Robertson,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Prince Coit, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Johnston,

Ordered , That Benjamin S. Ewell have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate the memorial and papers in the case of the William and Mary College, of Virginia.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, from the Committee on Appropriations, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 481) making appropriations for extraordinary expenses of the naval service, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Pratt presented a joint resolution of the legislature of Indiana in favor of restoring the names of certain soldiers therein named to the Army rolls.

0073 74

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

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

S. 130. An act to remove the disabilities of Thomas S. Bocock, E. J. Harvie, and Daniel Trigg, of Virginia, and John H. Reagan, of Texas.

H. R. 474. An act to establish a post-route from the village of L'Anse, in the county of Houghton and State of Michigan, to Huron Bay, in said county and State.

The President pro tempore signed the enrolled bills (S. 130 and H. R. 474) 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. Ramsey,

Ordered , That John R. Bond, Mrs. Mary Abert Johnson, and Charles E. Mix have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate their several petitions and papers.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

Ordered , That the Committee on Finance be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 160) to authorize the payment of duties on imports to be made partly in legal-tender notes and national bank notes.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 36) to amend the act entitled “An act to reduce internal taxation, and to amend the act entitled ‘An act to provide internal revenue to support the Government, to pay interest on the public debt, and for other purposes,’” approved July 13, 1866, 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. Morrill, of Vermont,

Ordered , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont,

Ordered , That the Committee on Finance be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 180) to repeal section six of the act of March 3, 1865, and section two of the act of March 26, 1867, imposing a tax of ten per cent. on the circulation of bank notes.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 24) to amend the act entitled “An act to amend the act entitled ‘An act to reduce duties on imports, and to reduce internal taxes, and for other purposes,’” approved March 3, 1873, 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. Morrill, of Vermont, from the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, to whom was referred the bill (S. 89) in relation to the lines of telegraph connecting the Capitol with the various Departments of the Government, 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.

0074 75

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. Chandler asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 191) to amend the act entitled “An act relating to the enrollment and license of certain vessels;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 192) for the relief of Siloma Deck; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Ramsey,

Ordered , That the papers relating to the claim of Siloma Deck, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Stevenson asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 193) for the benefit of Uriah Porter; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Anthony asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 194) in relation to the monument erected to the memory of the Chevalier de Ternay; 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 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. Sherman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 195) for the relief of Patrick Eagin; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 196) canceling the sale of the Brazos Santiago military railroad; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 197) to establish an iron-ship-building yard on the waters falling into the Atlantic, and an iron-ship-building yard on the Mississippi or one of its tributaries, and to afford facilities to 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. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 198) for the relief of Fanny A. Thompson; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 199) relating to the circuit courts of the United States 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. 200) for the relief of Enos Lowe, late receiver of public moneys at Council Bluffs, Iowa; which was read the first and second 0075 76 times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Crozier asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 201) to create an additional land-district in the State of Kansas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 202) to remove the legal and political disabilities of William Steele, of Bexar County, Texas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

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

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 203) to facilitate assorting and redeeming national banknote currency, and to authorize the issue of circulating notes to the amount of ninety-two per cent. in lieu of the ninety per cent. now authorized by law; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Stevenson presented letters of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in relation to decisions of the Treasury Department concerning the distillery of Uriah Porter, in Kentucky; which were referred to the Committee on Finance, to accompany the bill S. 193.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 792) to repeal an act entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States,” approved March 2, 1867, and all laws and parts of laws amendatory thereto, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill (H. R. 792) this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read and passed to a second reading.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution yesterday submitted by him, declaring P. B. S. Pinchback entitled, on his credentials, as a Senator from Louisiana, to his seat in the Senate; and Pending debate thereon,

The President pro tempore announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz., the resolution reported from the Committee on Finance, declaring it to be the duty of Congress, at the present session, to adopt definite measures to redeem the pledge made in the act of March 16, 1869, for the earliest practicable redemption of the United States notes in coin.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

The further consideration of the unfinished business was postponed to to-morrow.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution declaring P. B. S. Pinchback entitled to a seat in the Senate from the State of Louisiana.

After debate,

Ordered , That the said resolution lie on the table.

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution reported from the Committee on Finance, declaring it the duty of Congress, at the 0076 77 present session, to adopt definite measures for the redemption of United States notes in coin.

On motion by Mr. Lewis,

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 17, 1873. Link to Annals.

Mr. Scott presented a memorial of the Philadelphia Board of Trade, praying certain amendments to the bankrupt-law; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, presented the memorial of William J. McDonald, praying compensation for damage done to his property in consequence of an act of Congress changing the grade of the streets upon which his property is located; which was referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

Mr. Lewis presented a petition of citizens of South Washington, praying protection against certain nuisances created and maintained by the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Company; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Wright presented the petition of Charlotte D. Crocker, praying an increase of pension; which, together with the papers on the files of the Senate, was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Wright presented a petition of a committee appointed by the Washington City Central Temperance Society, praying an appropriation for the construction of a hospital for inebriates; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Windom presented a petition of citizens of Minnesota, praying an extension of time of payment for their lands on the Fort Ridgley reservation in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Mitchell presented a memorial of citizens of Oregon, remonstrating against the repeal of the act of June 7, 1872, providing for the appointment of shipping-commissioners; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Edmunds presented the petition of Rufus Mead, United States consul at San Juan del Sur, praying compensation for services as minister near the government of Nicaragua; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Louise Von Puchelstein, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Spencer presented additional papers in relation to the claim of John P. Kelsey; which were referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying a repayment to them of $1.25 per acre for land entered by them at $2.50 per acre, said land, at the time of entry, being within the limits of a grant to a railroad, the line of which was afterward changed; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered , That Ana M. Roblas y Robaldo have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate her petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

0077 78

Ordered , That the petition of Nathaniel J. Beachley, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

Ordered , That the memorial of Gallus Kirchner, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Pratt presented a joint resolution of the legislature of Indiana, praying an appropriation for the completion of the improvement of the harbor at Michigan City; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Anthony, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the motion to print additional copies of the annual report of the Librarian of Congress, reported in favor of printing the same; and

The report was agreed to.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, from the Select Committee on the Revision of the Rules, to whom was referred the resolution to rescind the resolution of May 4, 1864, directing the publication, in a separate list, of the names of absentees in each call of the yeas and nays, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Antoinette Darling, submitted an adverse report (No. 4) thereon.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said report; and, in concurrence therewith,

Resolved , That the prayer of the petitioner be not granted.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Frank C. Darling, submitted an adverse report (No. 5) thereon.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said report; and, in concurrence therewith,

Resolved , That the prayer of the petitioner be not granted.

Mr. Boreman, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of F. W. E. Lohman, Samuel Ruth, and S. M. Carter, reported adversely thereon.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, to consider the said report; and, in concurrence therewith,

Resolved , That the prayer of the petitioner be rejected.

Mr. Cragin, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 480) to provide for enlistments in the Navy, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 59) granting relief to Eva, Etta, Henry, and Guy Carleton, children of General James H. Carleton, deceased, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Ames, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 482) to correct the enrollment of an act entitled “An act for the relief of P. W. Standefer,” 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. Dennis, from the Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent 0078 79 Expenses of the Senate, to whom was referred the resolution to pay to the widow of John M. Morris, late executive clerk of the Senate, one hundred and fifty dollars, and to further allowance equal to two months of his annual pay, 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.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the resolution of the legislature of Indiana, in favor of the restoration of certain soldiers to the Army rolls, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating, in further compliance with the resolution of the Senate of March 26, 1873, additional information relative to the construction of the pneumatic tube between the Capitol and Government Printing-Office.

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

On motion by Mr. Sprague,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Hannah L. Lloyd, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Logan,

Ordered, That Robert Tillson & Company have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate their petition and papers.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has agreed to the amendments of the Senate to the bill of the House (H. R. 478) to provide for the redemption of the loan of 1858.

The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 614) to so amend the laws relative to internal revenue as to allow distillery-ware-houses to be continued in use after changes have occurred in the management of the business, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

Mr. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 204) for the relief of Robert Bent and Jack Smith; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 204) for the relief of Robert Bent and Jack Smith; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 205) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to discharge certain obligations of the United States to the creditors of the Upper and Lower Bands of Sioux Indians; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 206) to provide for the publication of certain maps of survey of the Upper Mississippi and the Minnesota Rivers; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 207) for the relief of C. E. Rogers; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Davis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring 0079 80 in a bill (S. 208) to re-imburse the State of West Virginia for losses incurred by reason of the destruction of its bridges, court-houses, school-houses, churches, turnpike-roads, and other public property by Federal troops during the late war; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Lewis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 209) supplementary to an act entitled “An act to authorize the Washington City and Point Lookout Railroad to extend a railroad into and within the District of Columbia,” approved January 22, 1873; 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. Johnston asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 210) to return to William B. Isaacs & Company, of Richmond, Virginia, certain coin covered into the Treasury of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 211) to amend the charter of the Columbia Railway Company of the District of Columbia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 212) authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to use, for the removal of the Kickapoos, and other Indians on the borders of Texas and Mexico, to the Indian Territory, and for their support after such removal, the unexpended balance of appropriations made for the above purpose by acts approved July 15, 1870, and March 3, 1871; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Frelinghuysen asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 213) providing for the printing of the annual reports of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the year 1872 and for the year 1873; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 214) for the relief of Robert Coles; 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 asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 215) in relation to the printing of the biennial register commonly called the Blue Book; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Printing.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on Finance be directed to report whether more efficient provisions of law are not required to restrain the national banks from charging, reserving, and taking a higher rate of interest than is allowed by law to be taken.

Mr. Wright 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 expediency of so amending the existing pension laws as to provide that the allowance or monthly pension granted to soldiers who 0080 81 have lost an arm above the elbow shall be the same as that now allowed to soldiers who have lost a leg above the knee, and report by bill or otherwise.

Mr. Sumner 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 reducing the national expenditure by abolishing the office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue and other offices under him, and forthwith providing by law for the collection of all internal taxes by the sale and use of stamps, the presence of stamps on articles being evidence that they had paid the tax, and the absence of stamps that they had not paid the tax, and taxed articles without stamps being seizable by any officer and forfeitable in any United States court, the law to be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury; and the committee shall consider the extent of saving and economy by such change.

The bill (H. R. 614) 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.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

The bill (H. R. 792) to repeal the act entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States,” approved March 2, 1867, and all laws and parts of laws amendatory thereto, was read the second time and considered as in Committee of the Whole.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds, to refer the bill to the Committee on the Judiciary,

Pending debate,

The President, pro tempore announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the resolution reported from the Committee on Finance, declaring it to be the duty of Congress, at the present session, to adopt definite measures to redeem the pledge made in the act of March 16, 1869, for the earliest practicable redemption of the United States notes in coin; and

After debate,

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

On motion by Mr. Crozier,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 165) for the relief of the settlers of the Osage ceded lands; and

After debate,

Ordered , That the said bill be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Crozier,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole the bill (S. 116) authorizing proceedings to be instituted in the United States circuit court for the district of Kansas to determine title to Osage ceded lands.

Ordered , That the said bill be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Windom that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the following resolution of the House of Representatives:

Resolved , ( the Senate concurring ,) That when the two Houses adjourn on Friday, the 19th instant, they adjourn to meet again on Tuesday, the 6th day of January next, at 12 o'clock noon;

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative; and 6 S

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The resolution being under consideration,

On motion by Mr. Edmunds, that the further consideration of the said resolution be postponed indefinitely,

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 37

Nays 27

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. Allison, Ames, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Conover, Cragin, Crozier, Dorsey, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Hamilton of Texas, Hamlin, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Sumner, Thurman, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Anthony, Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Clayton, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Goldthwaite, Hamilton of Maryland, Hitchcock, Johnston, Kelly, Lewis, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Ramsey, Ransom, Robertson, Saulsbury, Stevenson, Stock- ton, Tipton.

So it was

Ordered , That the further consideration of the said resolution be postponed indefinitely.

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, (H. R. 478,) I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of its President.

Mr. Ames reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the bill (H. R. 478) to provide for the redemption of the loan of 1858.

The President pro tempore signed the enrolled bill (H. R.. 478) 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. Edmunds,

The Senate resumed the consideration of the bill (H. R. 792) to repeal the act entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States,” approved March 2, 1867, and all laws and parts of laws amendatory thereto; and

The question recurring, Shall the bill be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary?

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative.

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Maine,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 481) making appropriations for extraordinary expenses of the naval service; and

The bill having been amended on the motion of Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, it 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.

On the question, Shall the bill pass?

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 46

Nays 7

0082 83

On motion by Mr. Bogy,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Allison, Ames, Anthony, Bayard, Boreman, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Clayton, Conkling, Cragin, Crozier, Dennis, Dorsey, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Gordon, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Johnston, Lewis, Logan, Merrimon, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Norwood, Oglesby, Ramsey, Ransom, Sargent, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Stockton, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Bogy, Cooper, Goldthwaite, Hamilton of Maryland, Kelly, McCreery, Stevenson.

So it was

Resolved , That the bill pass.

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

On motion by Mr. Davis,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him the 11th instant, calling upon the Secretary of the Senate for all information in his office relative to the fixing of the salaries of Senators and Representatives in Congress; and

Resolved , That the Senate agree thereto.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds, at 5 o'clock p. m.,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, December 18, 1873. Link to Annals.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, presented a petition of officers of the National Association for the care of destitute colored women and children, praying an appropriation for the relief of that institution; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Scott presented the petition of Mrs. Jane McMurray, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Oglesby presented a memorial of the Society of Surgeons and Physicians of Chicago, praying the passage of the bill to increase the efficiency of the medical department of the Army; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Merrimon presented a resolution of the legislature of North Carolina, in favor of refunding the tax collected on cotton in the years 1865, 1866, 1867, and 1868; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Conkling presented two memorials of citizens of New York, remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law and praying for certain amendments to the same; which were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Buckingham presented a memorial of the American Indian Aid Association, remonstrating against the organization of the territorial government of Oklahoma; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying the equalization of bounties and a grant of one hundred and sixty acres of land each to all soldiers in the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Lewis,

0083 84

Ordered , That the petition of William N. Berkeley, the petition and papers of T. P. Pendleton, and the papers in relation to the claim of James R. D. Morrison, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Ramsey,

Ordered , That the papers in relation to the publication of the maps of the survey of the Upper Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Printing.

On motion by Mr. Ramsey,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of C. E. Rogers, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of March 11, 1873, information as to the expediency of dedicating, for the purposes of a public park, so much of the island of Mackinac as is now owned by the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Summer presented the petition of Margaret G. Meade, administratrix of the estate of Richard W. Meade, praying compensation for supplies furnished the government of Spain, the liability for which was assumed by the United States, at the time of the cession of Florida, under the treaty of 1819; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented a petition of citizens of Michigan, praying an amendment to the postal laws requiring the prepayment of postage on all mailable matter; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

On motion by Mr. Buckingham,

Ordered , That the Committee on Territories be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 27) to carry out certain Indian treaties of 1866, and to organize the Territory of Oklahoma, and that it be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Richard J. Murray, submitted an adverse report (No. 6) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report; and in concurrence therewith,

Resolved , That the prayer of the petitioner be not granted.

Mr. Anthony, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the bill (S. 215) in relation to the printing of the Biennial Register, commonly called the Blue Book, 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 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. Chandler, from the Committee on Commerce, reported a bill (S. 216) to change. the name of the pleasure-yacht Fearless; 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.

0084 85

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. Boutwell, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the bill (S. 191) to amend the act entitled “An act relating to the enrollment and license of certain vessels,” 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 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. Chandler, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the joint resolution (H. R. 16) providing for a change in the name and title of the agent and consul-general of the United States at Alexandria, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, 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 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. Dennis,

Ordered , That the Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses of the Senate be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 171) for the benefit of the legatees of Asbury Dickins, deceased, and that it be referred to the Committee on Claims.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 793) to establish the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill (H. R. 793) last received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment.

Mr. Tipton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 217) granting a pension to Julia A. Smith; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 218) to enable the Secretary of the Interior to make final settlement with the Pottawatomie Indians of Michigan and Indiana, under treaty stipulations existing with them; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Ames asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 219) for the relief of Newton Knight and others, citizens of Mississippi, therein named; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

0085 86

Mr. Ames asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 220) to authorize the appointment of a major in the artillery of the Army of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 221) to fund the sum due the Prairie Band of Pottawatomie Band of Indians under the provisions of the treaty of February 27, 1867, and to transfer and fund any sum which may be found due from the Citizens' Band of Pottawatomies to the Prairie Band, according to an agreement entered into between said bands July 18, 1873, and to use both principal and interest for the civilization of said 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. Buckingham presented a letter of the Secretary of the Interior, addressed to the chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate, accompanied by a copy of an agreement between the Prairie Band and Citizen Class of Pottawatomie Indians, together with the draught of a bill providing for the investment of certain funds due the Prairie Band of Pottawatomies; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, to accompany the bill (S. 221.)

Mr. Chandler asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 222) to extend the provisions of an act entitled “An act to provide compensation for the services of James Witherell, Ross Wilkins, and Solomon Sibley in adjusting titles to land in Michigan;” 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. 223) for the relief of the Mission of Saint James; 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. Lewis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 224) to incorporate the Washington City Inebriate Asylum in 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. Bogy asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 225) for the relief of the estates of Abel Gilbert and William Gerrish, late co-partners under the style of Gilbert & Gerrish; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Bogy presented the petition of B. W. Gilbert and Isaac Watts, administrators of the estates of Abel Gilbert and William Gerrish, deceased, praying indemnity for loss on account of an alleged violation of a contract between the said deceased and the Government for the delivery of grain to the Army in 1859; which was referred to the Committee on Claims, to accompany the bill (S. 225.)

Mr. Carpenter asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 226) to provide for printing for the Supreme Court which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Howe 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 expediency and justice of placing all surviving soldiers of the 0086 87 war of 1812 who have been honorably discharged, upon the pension-roll, irrespective of the duration of their service.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on the Judiciary be, and it hereby is, instructed to inquire into the state of the law respecting the discharge from prison of persons committed thereto by the courts of the United States, and into the expediency of providing for furnishing to such persons the means of temporary subsistence.

Mr. Hitchcock submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved , That on and after Monday next the hour of daily meeting of the Senate be 10 o'clock a. m.; and that the Senate take a recess daily from 5½ to 7 o'clock.

On motion by Mr. Gordon,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him on the 10th instant, requesting the Secretary of the Treasury to inform the Senate as to certain cotton seized under orders of the Treasury Department since the close of the war; and

Mr. Gordon having modified his said resolution, the same was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to report, for the information of the Senate, so far as such information has not already been communicated to either House of Congress—

1st. The number of bales of cotton seized under orders from the Department after the close of the war; from whom taken; by whom taken; by whom and when sold, and where sold, and at what price; and what disposition was made of the proceeds, and when and how much of the same went into the Treasury; and what disposition was made of the proceeds before being paid into the Treasury.

2d. That he report a list of the claims filed before him under the act of March, 1872, showing the name of each claimant, and how much cotton claimed was alleged to have been taken from each, and when.

3d. That he state the amount of expenses deducted from the proceeds of the sales of the cotton, and whether the same were allowed by the Department, and in whose favor.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution reported from the Committee on Finance, declaring it to be the duty of Congress at the present session to adopt definite measures to redeem the pledge made in the act of March 16, 1869, for the earliest practicable redemption of the United States notes in coin; and

After debate,

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

On motion by Mr. Conover that the Senate reconsider its vote of yesterday, postponing indefinitely the resolution of the House of Representatives providing for a recess of Congress from the 19th instant to the 6th January next,

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

On motion by Mr. Conkling,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business; and

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

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 795) making an appropriation to pay the salaries of the official 0087 88 reporters of the proceedings and debates of the House, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

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

Resolved , ( the Senate concurring ,) That when the two Houses adjourn on Friday, the 19th instant, they shall stand adjourned until Monday, the 5th of January next.

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

Resolved by the Home of Representatives , ( the Senate concurring ,) That the Congressional Printer be instructed to furnish to each Senator, and to each Member of and Delegate in the House of Representatives, twenty- four copies of the Congressional Record, or of any such other like official report of the debates in Congress as may be hereafter authorized by law, either daily, as originally published, or in the revised form, without binding, or in bound volumes, or part in each form, as each Member and Delegate may elect.

The House of Representatives has agreed to the amendment of the Senate to the bill of the House (H. R. 481) making appropriations for extraordinary expenses of the naval service.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills, (H. R. 481 and H. R. 482,) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

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

H. R. 481. An act making appropriations for extraordinary expenses of the naval service.

H. R. 482. An act to correct the enrollment of an act entitled “An act for the relief of P. W. Standefer”

The President pro tempore signed the two enrolled bills (H. R. 481 and H. R. 482) last 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. 795) last received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read and passed to a second reading.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate the following resolution of the House of Representatives:

Resolved , ( the Senate concurring ,) That when the two Houses adjourn on Friday, the 19th instant, they shall stand adjourned until Monday, the 5th of January next.

The resolution having been read,

Mr. Edmunds objected to its consideration this day, and made the point of order that, being objected to, under the 26th rule of the Senate the resolution must lie over one day for consideration.

The President pro tempore overruled the point of order raised by Mr. Edmunds, on the ground that the 26th rule applied only to resolutions of the Senate; but that in the present case, being a resolution of the House of Representatives sent to the Senate for its concurrence, and having been laid before the Senate by the Chair, it was for the Senate to make of it what disposition it thought proper.

On motion by Mr. Sherman, at 5 o'clock and 15 minutes p. m., that the Senate adjourn,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 22

Nays 27

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,

0088 89

Messrs. Ames, Boutwell, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Cragin, Crozier, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Hitchcock, Howe, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Pratt, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Thurman, West, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Dorsey, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Ingalls, Johnston, Kelly, Lewis, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Ramsey, Ransom. Saulsbury, Stevenson, Stockton, Wadleigh, Windom.

So the motion to adjourn was not agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Scott, to refer the said resolution to the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment.

On motion by Mr. Spencer, at 5 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m., that the Senate adjourn;

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 21

Nays 23

On motion by Mr. Chandler,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Ames, Boatwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Cragin, Crozier, Edmunds, Gilbert, Hitchcock, Howe, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Pratt, Sargent, Scott, Spencer, Thurman, West.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Dorsey, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Ingalls, Johnston, Lewis, McCreery, Merrimon, Ramsey, Saulsbury, Stockton, Wadleigh, Windom.

So the motion to adjourn was not agreed to.

The question recurring on the motion of Mr. Scott, to refer the resolution to the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment.

After debate,

On motion by Mr. West, at 6 o'clock p. m., that the Senate adjourn,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 21

Nays 19

On motion by Mr. West,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Ames, Boatwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Cragin, Crozier, Edmunds, Gilbert, Hitchcock, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morton, Sargent, Scott, Spencer, Thurman, Wadleigh, West.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Ingalis, Johnston, Lewis, Merrimon, Ramsey, Saulsbury, Stockton.

So the motion was agreed to, and

The Senate adjourned.

FRIDAY, December 19, 1873. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore asked the indulgence of the Senate to reverse a decision yesterday made by the Chair, overruling the question of order raised by a Senator who objected to the consideration of the resolution of the House of Representatives in relation to a recess of the two Houses, and to state the reasons for reversing that decision.

0089 90

The President pro tempore then, after stating his reasons, reversed his ruling upon the question of order, and decided that the objection raised by Mr. Edmunds, to proceeding to the consideration of the resolution upon the day of its reception from the House, was in order, and that under that objection the resolution had to lie over.

Mr. Robertson presented a petition of citizens of South Carolina, praying that national banks may be exempted from taxation; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Scott presented a memorial of the Radical Club, of Philadelphia, remonstrating against the imposition of any duty on tea and coffee; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Logan presented a petition of members of the class graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1869, praying assignment to their proper rank in the Navy; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. West presented the petition of Caroline L. Hoey, praying compensation for property taken and destroyed by the United States Army during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Thomas H. Phillipson, praying arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Samuel Wilson, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Schurz presented the petition of Joseph San Roman, administrator of the estate of James B. Armstrong, deceased, praying an appropriation for the satisfaction of a judgment rendered in favor of the decedent in the Court of Claims; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Tipton presented additional papers in relation to the claim of Charles Lanman; which, together with his petition and papers on the files of the Senate, were referred to the Committee on the Library.

Mr. Sumner presented a memorial of the national convention of colored persons assembled at Washington, praying to be protected in their civil rights.

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

Mr. Sumner presented a memorial of members of the Universal Peace Union, praying that measures be taken for a general disarmament throughout the world, and the substitution of arbitration in the settlement of international difficulties; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Cragin presented the petition of Joseph Council, praying compensation for raising and repairing the steamer St. Patrick, sunk in Mobile Harbor during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Hitchcock,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Elisha Basse, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Conkling,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of William McCarrick, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Mary A. Daniel, praying that an increase of pension be granted to John T. Daniel; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Conkling presented a memorial of citizens of New York, remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law, and praying certain amendments to the same; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

0090 91

Mr. Conkling presented a memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of New York, praying that measures be taken for the establishment of an international commission to take into consideration the subject of collisions at sea; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of W. H. Ward, praying compensation for the use of his patent for a bullet-machine; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Conkling presented a petition of members of the class graduating from the Naval Academy in 1869, praying to be assigned to their proper rank in the Navy; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Scott,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Madeira and Cabada, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Hitchcock,

Ordered , That the papers relative to the appointment of a captain of scouts, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Hitchcock presented the petition of A. V. Richards, praying compensation for services rendered as lieutenant and signal-officer in the Army in 1864; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter from the Secretary of War, recommending an appropriation for the employment of a telegraph-operator at the War Department.

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

On motion by Mr. Fenton,

Ordered , That the Committee on Finance be discharged from the further consideration of the resolution of the legislature of North Carolina in relation to refunding the cotton-tax.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating information in relation to a contract entered into for the treatment of patients in the Providence Hospital; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Hitchcock,

Ordered , That the papers in relation to the transfer of the Fort Kearney military reservation to the State of Nebraska, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Hitchcock,

Ordered , That the petition of Albert Towle, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Ingalls, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Calvin Chipman, submitted an adverse report (No. 7) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report, and in concurrence therewith,

Resolved , That the prayer of the petitioner be not granted.

Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 614) to so amend the laws relative to internal revenue as to allow distillery warehouses to be continued in use after changes have occurred in the management of the business, 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.

0091 92

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved , That it pass.

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

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 793) to establish the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Anthony, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the bill (S. 140) to amend the act of Congress to expedite and regulate the printing of public documents, approved June 25, 1864, 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. Sherman, 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.

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 asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 227) relating to settlers upon Osage trust-lands; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 228) for the relief of Bigler, Young & Company; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 229) authorizing corrections to be made in errors in prizelists; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Conover asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 230) to established certain post-roads in the State of Florida; 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. Morton submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved , That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed that in any bill they may report in regard to the bankrupt law, whether for its repeal or amendment thereto, such repeal or such amendments as relate to the acts, causes, or conditions by virtue of which any person may be thrown into involuntary bankruptcy, shall be made retroactive, to date back and to take effect at a period not later than the 1st of December, 1873.

Mr. Clayton submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved , That the Select Committee on the Levees of the Mississippi River be authorized to sit at such places as they may designate during the holiday recess, and to investigate and report upon the subject of the levees; and that the actual and necessary expenses attending such investigation be paid out of the contingent fund of the Senate, upon vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee.

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Maine,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Anna Ella Carroll, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

0092 93

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered , That Peter Campbell have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Scott,

Ordered, That the memorial and papers of Bigler, Young & Company, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

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. 34. A bill authorizing the Second National Bank of Havana, New York, to change its name.

H. R. 418. A bill to authorize the First National Bank of Saint Anthony, Minnesota, to change its location and name.

H. R. 798. An act to establish certain post-routes.

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

Resolved by the House of Representwtives, (the Senate concurring,) That there be printed of the annual report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for the years 1872 and 1873, 255,000 copies of each; 180,000 of each of which shall be for the use of the House, 50,000 of each shall be for the use of the Senate, and 25,000 of each shall be for distribution by the Commissioner of Agriculture.

The President of the United States approved and signed, the 16th instant, an act (H. R. 478) to provide for the redemption of the loan of 1858.

The bill (H. R. 798) this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

The following bills this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole, and no amendment being made they were severally reported to the Senate, viz:

H. R. 34. A bill authorizing the Second National Bank of Havana, New York, to change its name.

H. R. 418. A bill to authorize the First National Bank of Saint Anthony, Minnesota, to change its location and name.

Ordered , That the bills severally pass to a third reading.

The said bills were severally read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved , That they pass.

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

The resolution of the House of Representatives providing for copies of the record of proceedings and debates of Congress to be furnished to Senators. Members, and Delegates of the present Congress, was read and referred to the Committee on Printing.

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

The morning hour having expired,

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution reported by Mr. Sherman from the Committee on Finance, declaring it the duty of Congress at the present session to adopt measures to redeem the pledge 0093 94 made in the act of March 16, 1869, for the earliest practicable redemption of the United States notes in coin.

On motion by Mr. Lewis to postpone the present and all prior orders, and that the Senate proceed to the consideration of the resolution of the House of Representatives, yesterday received for concurrence, providing for an adjournment of the two Houses from this day until the 5th January next;

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 33

Nays 29

On motion by Mr. Morton,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Allison, Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Cameron, Clayton, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Hitchcock, Ingalls, Johnston, Kelley, Lewis, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Ramsey, Ransom, Robertson, Schurz, Stevenson, Stockton, Tipton, Wadleigh, Windom.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Ames, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Cragin, Crozier, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Hamlin, Howe, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Sumner, Thurman, West, Wright.

So the motion was agreed to; and

The Senate proceeded to consider the said resolution; and

On the question to agree thereto,

On motion by Mr. Ingalls to amend the resolution by striking out “Friday the 19th,” and in lieu thereof inserting Monday the 22d,

It was determined in the negative.

On the question to agree to the said resolution,

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 32

Nays 27

On motion by Mr. Morton,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Alcorn, Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Boutwell, Cameron. Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Ingalls, Johnston, Kelly, Lewis, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Ramsey, Ransom, Robertson, Saulsbury, Schurz, Stockton, Tipton, Windom.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Ames, Brownlow, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Cragin, Crozier, Ferry of Michigan, Gilbert, Hamlin, Hitchcook, Howe, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Sumner, West.

So the resolution was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved , (the Senate concurring,) That when the two Houses adjourn on Friday the 19th instant, they shall stand adjourned until Monday the 5th of January next.

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

0094 95

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. 131. A bill for the relief of John Colter;

H. R. 826. A bill for the relief of Elias C. Boudinot;

H. R. 14. A joint resolution giving the consent of Congress to the acceptance by Edward Young of a present from the Emperor of Russia.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled joint resolution, (H. R. 16,) I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of its President.

The bills and joint resolutions last received from the House of Represesentatives for concurrence were severally read the first and second times by unanimous consent.

Ordered , That the bill (H. R. 131) be referred to the Committee on Finance; that the bill (H. R. 826) be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and that the joint resolution (H. R. 14) be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Ames reported from the committee that they had examined and found only enrolled the joint resolution (H. R. 16) providing for a change in the name and title of the agent and consul-general of the United States at Alexandria.

The President pro tempore signed the enrolled joint resolution (H. R. 16) 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. Sherman,

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, January 5, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. J. W. Flanagan from the State of Texas, and Mr. William M. Stewart from the State of Nevada attended.

Petitions praying the repeal of the bankrupt law were presented as follows:

By Mr. Conkling: Three petitions of citizens of New York.

By Mr. Fenton: A petition of citizens of New York.

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

Memorials remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law, and praying certain modifications of the same, were presented as follows:

By Mr. Chandler: Two memorials of citizens of Michigan.

By Mr. Allison: A memorial of citizens of Dubuque, Iowa.

By Mr. Cameron: A memorial of the Mercantile Association of Philadelphia.

By Mr. Boutwell: A memorial of citizens of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

By Mr. Morrill, of Maine: A memorial of citizens of Portland, Maine.

By Mr. Conkling: The memorial of Audley W. Gazzam, and two memorials of citizens of New York.

By Mr. Pratt: A memorial of citizens of Indiana.

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

Mr. Chandler presented the petition of Samuel Spaulding, praying to 0095 96 be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt presented a petition of citizens of Indiana, praying that the name of Thomas Crawford be restored to the pension-rolls; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Crozier presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying the establishment of an additional land-district in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Buckingham presented the petition of Frederick B. Didier, praying indemnity for spoliations committed by the French prior to 1801; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Kelly presented a petition of citizens of Oregon and Washington Territory, soldiers in the Mexican War, praying to be allowed pensions; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of citizens of Pennsylvania, praying that measures be taken for the settlement of international disputes by arbitration; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Merrimon presented a petition of citizens of Chatham and Osage Counties, North Carolina, praying the transfer of said counties from the western to the eastern judicial district of that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Sargent presented a memorial of members of the eight-hour league of San Francisco, remonstrating against the repeal of the eight-hour law; which was referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

Mr. Sumner presented the petition of Abraham Lansing, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

The President pro tempore presented a report of the Secretary of the Senate, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of December 17, 1873, information in relation to the salaries of Senators and Representatives in Congress.

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

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying certain amendments to the laws relating to the growth of timber on the western prairies; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of David Braden, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Flanagan presented a petition of citizens of Texas, praying the removal of the Federal court from Tyler to Jefferson, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Cameron presented the petition of Clement A. Finley, praying to be placed on an equality in point of pay with colonels of twenty years' service in the Army; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Davis,

Ordered , That the petition for the relief of members of the German Evangelical Church at Martinsburgh, West Virginia, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. McCreery presented the petition of G. B. Tyler and E. B. Luckett, praying the return of certain moneys alleged to have been wrongfully collected as a tax on whisky; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Allison presented the petition of James Bremner, praying the repeal of the act exempting church property from taxation in the District 0096 97 of Columbia; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Anthony presented a petition of citizens of Rhode Island, praying the passage of the bill known as Mr. Sumner's supplementary civilrights bill.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Frelinghuyseu presented a petition of citizens of Harlan County, Nebraska, praying certain amendments to the act of March 3, 1873, known as the forest-culture act; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Howe presented the petition of Harvey and Livesey, praying compensation for labor and material in the building of the bridge at Rock Island, Illinois; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Merrimon presented the petition of R. H. Jones, executor of Wesley Jones, deceased, praying the payment of a balance due the said Wesley Jones for services rendered as United States marshal in North Carolina; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Eliza S. Constant, praying indemnity for spoliations committed by the French prior to 1801; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Allison presented the petition of Mary E. Grosvenor, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of James A. Hyde, praying arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Barnet Simonson, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented the petition of Joshua H. Butterworth, praying an extension of his patent for an improvement in bank and safe locks; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

On motion by Mr. Schurz,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Benjamin Fish, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of Kansas, praying such an amendment to the postal laws as will require prepayment of postage on all mailable matter; which was referred to the Committe on Post-Offices and Post Roads.

Mr. Scott presented a petition of citizens of Pennsylvania, praying the appointment of a commission to investigate the traffic in intoxicating liquors; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Thurman presented a petition of citizens of Ohio, praying such an amendment to the postal laws as will require prepayment of postage on all mailable matter; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Pratt presented a memorial of citizens of Indiana, praying an appropriation for the improvement of the harbor of the city of Mount Vernon, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Edmunds, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 792) to repeal an act entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States,” approved March 2, 1867, and all laws and parts of laws amendatory thereto, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Clayton reported from the committee that, December 27, 1873, they presented to the President of the United States the enrolled bill 7 s 0097 98 (S. 130) to remove the disabilities of Thomas S. Bocock, E. J. Harrie, and Daniel Trigg, of Virginia, and John H. Reagan, of Texas.

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 last I gave reason to expect that when the tull and accurate text of the correspondence relating to the steamer Virginius, which had been telegraphed in cipher, should be received, the papers concerning the capture of the vessel, the execution of a part of its passengers and crew, and the restoration of the ship and the survivors would be transmitted to Congress.

In compliance with the expectations then held out, I now transmit the papers and correspondence on that subject.

On the 26th day of September, 1870, the Virginius was registered in the custom-house at New York as the property of a citizen of the United States, he having first made oath, as required by law, that he was “the true and only owner of the said vessel, and that there was no subject or citizen of any foreign prince or state, directly or indirectly, by way of trust, confidence, or otherwise, interested therein.”

Having complied with the requisites of the statute in that behalf, she cleared in the usual way for the port of Curagoa, and on or about the 4th day of October, 1870, sailed for that port. It is not disputed that she made the voyage according to her clearance, nor that, from that day to this, she has not returned within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. It is also understood that she preserved her American papers, and that when within foreign ports she made the practice of putting forth a claim to American nationality, which was recognized by the authorities at such ports.

When, therefore, she left the port of Kingston, in October last, under the flag of the United States, she would appear to have had, as against all powers except the United States, the right to fly that flag, and to claim its protection, as enjoyed by all regularly documented vessels registered as part of our commercial marine.

No state of war existed, conferring upon a maritime power the right to molest and detain upon the high seas a documented vessel; and it cannot be pretended that the Virginius had placed herself without the pale of all law by acts of piracy against the human race.

If her papers were irregular or fraudulent, the offense was one against the laws of the United States, justiciable only in their tribunals.

When, therefore, it became known that the Virginius had been captured on the high seas by a Spanish man-of-war; that the American flag had been hauled down by the captors; that the vessel had been carried to a Spanish port; and that Spanish tribunals were taking jurisdiction over the persons of those found on her, and exercising that jurisdiction upon American citizens, not only in violation of the rules of international law, but in contravention of the provisions of the treaty of 1795, I directed a demand to be made upon Spain for the restoration of the vessel, and for the return of the survivors to the protection of the United States, for a salute to the flag, and for the punishment of the offending parties.

The principles upon which these demands rested could not be seriously questioned, but it was suggested by the Spanish government that there were grave doubts whether the Virginius was entitled to the character given her by her papers; and that therefore it might be proper for the United States, after the surrender of the vessel and the 0098 99 survivors, to dispense with the salute to the flag, should such fact be established to their satisfaction.

This seemed to be reasonable and just. I therefore assented to it, on the assurance that Spain would then declare that no insult to the flag of the United States had been intended.

I also authorized an agreement to be made that, should it be shown to the satisfaction of this Government that the Virginius was improperly bearing the flag, proceedings should be instituted in our courts for the punishment of the offense committed against the United States. On her part Spain undertook to proceed against those who had offended the sovereignty of the United States, or who had violated their treaty rights.

The surrender of the vessel and the survivors to the jurisdiction of the tribunals of the United States was an admission of the principles upon which our demands had been founded. I therefore had no besitation in agreeing to the arrangement finally made between the two Governments—an arrangement which was moderate and just, and calculated to cement the good relations which have so long existed between Spain and the United States.

Under this agreement the Virginius, with the American flag flying, was delivered to the Navy of the United States at Bahia Honda, in the island of Cuba, on the 16th ultimo. She was then in an unseaworthy condition. In the passage to New York she encountered one of the most tempestuous of our winter storms. At the risk of their lives the officers and crew placed in charge of her attempted to keep her afloat. Their efforts were unavailing and she sank off Cape Fear. The prisoners who survived the massacres were surrendered at Santiago de Cuba on the 18th ultimo, and reached the port of New York in safety.

The evidence submitted on the part of Spain to establish the fact that the Virginius at the time of her capture was improperly bearing the flag of the United States is transmitted herewith, together with the opinion of the Attorney-General thereon, and a copy of the note of the Spanish minister, expressing, on behalf of his government, a disclaimer of an intent of indignity to the flag of the United State.

U. S. GRANT.

Executive Mansion, Washington, January 5, 1874.

The message was read.

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

On motion by Mr. Morrill of Maine,

The bill (H. R. 795) making an appropriation to pay the salaries of the official reporters of the proceedings and debates of the House was read the second time and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Allison asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 231) to regulate and facilitate commerce across navigable rivers forming the boundary of States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Chandler asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 232) to regulate the fees received from certain steamvessels sailing coastwise and foreign; 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 bill (S. 233) for the incorporation of the National Washington Home; which was read the first and second times, by ananimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

0099 100

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 234) authorizing the President of the United States to appoint C. W. Cronk a first assistant engineer in the Navy of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unamimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Conkling asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which w6re severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed:

S. 235. A bill to provide for a commission to prepare and report to Congress a bill or bills with reference to the enactment of a general shipping act, and for other purposes.

S. 236. A bill more effectually to provide for the security of life on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam.

Mr. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 237) to change the name of the port of San Pedro, California, to Wilmington; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 238) permitting James McDonald, a warrant-officer of the Navy, to accept a silver medal from the government of Italy; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Clayton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 239) to withhold from sale a portion of the Fort Smith military reservation, in Arkansas, 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. Clayton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 240) to establish certain post-roads in the State of Arkansas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 241) to confirm the title to certain lands on the Fort Kearney military reservation, in Fremont County, 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. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 242) for the relief of Enos Lowe, late receiver of public moneys at Council Bluffs, 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. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 243) for the relief of Charles W. Denton, of Oregon; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and ordered to be printed.

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 27th December last, an act (S. 130) to remove the disabilities of Thomas S. Bocock, E. J. Harvie, and Daniel Trigg, of Virginia; and John H. Reagan, of Texas.

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

0100 101

Mr. Stevenson asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. 5) to supply certain vacancies in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Library.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 718) to amend an act entitled “An act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874, and for other purposes.” approved March 3, 1873, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

Mr. McCreery submitted the following resolution, which was considered, by unananimons consent, and agreed to:

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to furnish to the Senate the papers on file with the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in the case of W. T. Cheatham, distiller in the second district of Kentucky, with an opinion from said Commissioner of Internal Revenue as to the equity of a drawback of $164, alleged to have been improperly and unlawfully collected by the revenue-officers of said district.

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

Resolved , That the Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, of War, of the Navy, of the Interior Department, the Postmaster-General, and the Attorney-General, be requested to furnish to the Senate, with the number of officers and employés in or connected with their respective Departments, (classified so as to designate the name of the office,) who are furnished directly, or otherwise, with official postage-stamps for the purpose of paying postage on official correspondence; and also to state whether or not it is customary, where letters are written to persons not officers or employés of their respective Departments, asking for information, to inclose official stamps for return postage.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on Finance be directed to inquire whether the national banking law should not be so amended as to prohibit the stockholders and officers of a national bank from being concerned in the business of private banking in or near the locality of the national bank, whereby the means of such bank may be employed to produce a greater rate of interest than is allowed by law.

Mr. Wright submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved , That the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment be instructed to inquire into the expediency of providing for a reduction of 10 per cent. on the compensation of all officers whose salaries exceed $1,000, or who are paid more than five dollars per day; said reduction to be either permanent or for such time as the committee may deem advisable.

Mr. Buckingham submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved , That, in order to prevent inflation of the currency, and to meet the necessities of the Government, the Committee on Finance be requested to consider the expediency of reporting a bill to the Senate which shall empower the Secretary of the Treasury to make temporary loans, and which shall authorize national banking associations to use certificates of indebtedness issued for such loans as a part of their reserve; also to provide for the redemption and cancellation of legal-tender 0101 102 notes equal in amount to those which have been, or which may be hereafter, paid out of the $44,000,000 heretofore held by the Secretary.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 793) to establish the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates.

The reported amendments having been amended on motion by Mr. Sherman; and

A further amendment to the reported amendments having been proposed by Mr. Pratt,

After debate,

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

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution, reported by Mr. Sherman, from the Committee on Finance, declaring it the duty of Congress, at the present session, to adopt measures to redeem the pledge made in the act of March 16, 1869, for the earliest practicable redemption of the United States notes in coin; and

Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Wright to postpone the present and all prior orders, and that the Senate resume the consideration of the bill (H. R. 793) to establish the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates,

It was determined in the affirmative; and

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the said bill, (H. R. 793;) and

After further debate,

On motion by Mr. Edmunds, at 4 o'clock and 10 minutes p. m.,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 6, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut, presented a memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of New Haven, Conn., in favor of the resumption of specie payments; which was referred to the Committee bn Finance.

Memorials remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law, and praying certain amendments to the same, were presented as follows:

By Mr. Anthony: A memorial of citizens of Providence, Rhode Island.

By Mr. Hamlin: Four memorials of citizens of Maine.

By Mr. Chandler: A memorial of citizens of Detroit, Michigan.

By Mr. Conkling: Three memorials of citizens of New York.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of citizens of the United States praying compensation out of the Geneva award for damages done by rebel cruisers during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Morton presented the petition of John W. Truitt, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying compensation out of the Geneva award for damages done by rebel cruisers during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Wright presented the petition of W. H. H. Crandall, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Ingalls presented the petition of Anna Hancock, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

0102 103

Mr. Merrimon presented a petition of citizens of Chatham and Orange Counties, North Carolina, praying the transfer of said counties from the western to the eastern judicial district of that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Merrimon presented the petition of John Julius Guthrie, praying the removal of his political disabilities; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Petitions, praying indemnity for spoliations committed by the French prior to 1801, were presented as follows:

By Mr. Sumner: The petition of Augusta H. Chapman.

By Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut: The petition of Frederick B. Didier.

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

Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut, presented the petition of James C. Cope, praying an extension of his patent for an improvement in the manufacture of webbing; which was referred to the Committee on Patents.

On motion by Mr. Merrimon,

Ordered , That the petition of certain citizens of Tennessee, for compensation for services rendered in the Army during the late war, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Sargent presented a memorial of the Mechanics' State Council of California remonstrating against the repeal of the eight-hour law; which was referre to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

Mr. Pratt presented the petition of Sciotha Brashears, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Spencer presented the petition of Samuel C. Cain, praying compensation for certain cotton seized by the authorities of the United States in 1865; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Boreman presented the petition of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church at New Creek, West Virginia, praying compensation for property taken for the use of the Army during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Merrimon presented additional papers in relation to the claim of R. H. Jones, executor of Wesley Jones, late United States marshal in North Carolina; which were referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Cooper presented the petition of A. J. Tynes, praying compensation for property destroyed by United States troops near Nashville, Tennessee, during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Cooper presented the petition of F. E. Stewart, administrator of the estate of Michael S. Stewart, praying compensation for wood furnished the Government during the late war; which was referred to the Committe on Claims.

Mr. Edmunds presented the memorial of Audley W. Gazzand, remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Howe presented the petition of William Rood, late of Company E, Thirty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, praying the removal of the charge of desertion; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Texas,

Ordered , That the memorial of A. M. Wilson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 147) authorizing national banks that have decided to reduce their capital stock to withdraw a proportion of bonds upon retiring their own circulating notes, or depositing lawful money of the United States in the proportion provided by law, reported it with amendments.

0103 104

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 193) for the benefit of Uriah Porter, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 8) thereon.

Mr. Schurz, from the Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the bill (S. 169) for the relief of Marcus Otterbourg, late consul of the United States at the city of Mexico, and minister to the republic of Mexico, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Cameron, from the Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the joint resolution (H. R. 14) giving the consent of Congress to the acceptance by Edward Young of a present from the Emperor of Russia, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimous consent, 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 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.

Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, from the Committee on Finance, who were instructed by resolution of the Senate of December 17, 1873, to inquire into the expediency of reducing the national expenditure by the abolition of the office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue, reported adversely thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report, and,

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont,

Resolved , That the said resolution be postponed indefinitely.

On motion by Mr. Cragin,

Ordered , That the New York and Brooklyn Improvement Company have leave to withdraw their memorial and papers from the files of the Senate.

Mr. Howe 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, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs:

S. 244. A bill for the relief of Charles W. Berry, late private of the Thirty-sixth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers.

S. 245. A bill for the relief of William Rood, late private of the Thirty-sixth Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers.

Mr. Ingalls 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 Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

S. 246. A bill in relation to the fees of registers and receivers of land-offices.

S. 247. A bill in relation to the rights of single women under the pre-emption laws of the United States.

Mr. Clayton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 248) to facilitate the trials of criminal causes in the western judicial district of Arkansas, 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. Clayton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 249) authorizing and directing the Secretary of War to give to George A. Armes, late captain Tenth United States Cavalry, an honorable discharge, to date from the 7th day of June, 1870; which was read the 0104 105 first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Merrimon asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 250) to amend an act entitled “An act to establish a western judicial district of North Carolina,” approved June 4, 1872; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Merrimon asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 251) for the relief of Rufus H. Jones, executor of Wesley Jones, deceased, and late marshal of the United States in the district of North Carolina; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Merrimon asked, and by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 252) to remove the disabilities of John Julius Guthrie, of North Carolina; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 253) to authorize the county commissioners of Thurston County, in Washington Territory, to issue bonds for the purpose of constructing a railroad from Budd's Inlet, Puget Sound, to intersect the North Pacific Railroad at or near Tenino; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent; referred to the Committee on Territories, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Kelly asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 254) to donate the military reservation at Fort Steilacoom to the Territory of Washington, for the use of the insane asylum; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Territories.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 255) to authorize the President of the United States to request the republic of Hayti toindemnify Antonio Pelletier; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Buckingham,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 30) to provide for free banking, to secure an elastic currency, to appreciate national obligations, and to reach specie payments without commercial embarrassment; and,

On motion by Mr. Buckingham,

Ordered , That the said bill be referred to the Committee on Finance.

The bill (H. R. 718) 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 Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Mitchell,

Ordered , That the petition of Mrs. Candace Griswold, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the petition of William H. Manning, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds,

Ordered , That C. H. Forbes have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a joint resolution 0105 106 (H. R. 29) authorizing the Secretary of War to detail medical officers of the Army to inquire into, and report upon, the causes of epidemic cholera, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed three enrolled bills, (H. R. 34, H. R. 418, and H. R. 614,) I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of its President.

The joint resolution (H. R. 29) last received from the House of Representatives for concurrence was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Printing.

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

H. R. 34. An act authorizing the Second National Bank of Havana, New York, to change its name.

H. R. 418. An act to authorize the First National Bank of Saint Anthony, Minnesota, to change its location and name.

H. R. 614. An act to so amend the laws relative to internal revenue as to allow distillery-warehouses to be continued in use after changes have occurred in the management of the business.

The President pro tempore signed the two enrolled bills (H. R. 418 and H. R. 614,) 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 Represeutatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The President of the United States approved and signed, the 31st ultimo, the act (H. R. 481) making appropriations for extraordinary expenses of the naval service; and he approved and signed, the 6th instant, the act (H. R. 474) to establish a post-route from the village of L'Anse, in the county of Houghton, and State of Michigan, to Huron Bay, in said county and State.

The President pro tempore announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the bill (H. R. 793) to establish the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates; and

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

On the question to agree to the amendments reported by the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, viz: Strike out in sections 1, 2, and 3, of the bill the words:

“That from and after the passage of this act the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates shall be at the rate of six thousand dollars per annum, payable monthly, and in addition thereto the actual individual expenses of each Senator, Representative, and Delegate in going to and returning from the seat of Government once in each session, to be certified in writing by each.

“ Sec. 2. That the compensation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be at the rate of two thousand dollars, in addition to his pay as Representative, amounting in all to eight thousand dollars; and that of the Vice-President shall be the same amount, with the same allowance for traveling expenses as hereinbefore provided.

“ Sec. 3. That all laws and parts of laws inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed;”

And in lieu thereof insert:

That so much of the act of March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, entitled “An act making appropriations for legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-four,” as provides for the increase of the compensation 0106 107 of members of Congress and Delegates, and the several officers and employés of either House of Congress, or both, be, and the same is hereby, repealed, and the salaries and compensation of all said persons shall be as fixed by the laws in force at the time of the passage of said act.

Sec. 2. That the compensation of the several heads of Departments shall be each eight thousand dollars annum;

On motion by Mr. Pratt to amend the reported amendments by inserting at the end of line 10, as follows:

Provided, however, That the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-third Congress who have received their compensation since the fourth day of March eighteen hundred and seventy-three, at the rate of seven thousand five hundred dollars per year, in accordance with the act of March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, shall hereafter be paid only such monthly installments as shall, in the aggregate, make their compensation for the whole Congress equal to the sum of five thousand dollars per year, exclusive of mileage allowances;

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Edmunds, at 4 o'clock p. m., that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business,

It was determined in the affirmative;

Whereupon,

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of executive business.

WEDNESDAY, January 7, 1874. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore signed the enrolled bill (H. R. 34) yesterday reported to have been examined, and it was delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

Mr. Sumner presented a memorial of thirty-five thousand citizens of the United States, remonstrating against the introduction of any religious tests into the Constitution of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Memorials remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law, and praying certain amendments to the same, were presented, as follows:

By Mr. Morrill, of Maine: A memorial of citizens of Maine.

By Mr. Bogy: A memorial of merchants of Saint Louis, Missouri.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Dennis presented the petition of Thomas Galloway, praying a correction of his military record; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Conover presented a petition of the Hamilton County Grange, of Florida, praying that the cotton-tax of 1865, '66, '67, and '68 be refunded; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Stevenson presented a petition of Silsam Lodge, No. 108, Good Templars, at Salem, Massachusetts, praying the prohibition of the traffic in intoxicating liquors in the Territories; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Conover presented the memorial of Mrs. Ellen Call Long, praying payment of the claim of the heirs of Richard K. Call, in accordance with the judgment rendered in the United States court for the district of Florida; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Merrimon presented the memorial of Williamson Page, praying compensation for carrying the mails in 1860 and 1861; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Sargent presented a petition of citizens of California, praying that the right of citizens of the United States to vote and hold office may not 0107 108 be abridged on account of sex; which was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

On motion by Mr. Merrimon,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Eliza Shelton and others, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Stevenson,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Anderson and White, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Anthony,

Ordered , That the memorial and papers of Charles F. Sampson and others, owners of the schooner Ada A. Andrews, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Patterson presented resolutions of the legislature of South Carolina, as follows:

Resolution in favor of the passage of the pending supplementary civil-rights bill.

Resolution in favor of the passage of the pending bill to strengthen the credit of the reconstructed States.

Resolution in favor of amending the national currency act.

Resolution in favor of an appropriation for damages done the citadel of Charleston while occupied by the authorities of the United States.

Resolution asking, for the use of the militia of that State, the possession of the citadel of Charleston, now occupied by the authorities of the United States.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered , That the Committee on Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of George Brunk.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of Woodhouse, Southmayd and Judd, reported adversely thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report; and in concurrence therewith

Resolved , That the prayer of the memorialists be not granted.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the Committee on Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 94) for the relief of Isaac H. Allen, and that it be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 128) for the relief of T. C. Callicot, late Treasury agent at Charleston, South Carolina, George W. Clark and Alexander McLeod, of South Carolina, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 9) 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. Wright,

Resolved , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Merrimon, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 56) for the relief of George Wright, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 10) 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,

Resolved , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

Mr. Bogy, from the Committee on Indian AffAirs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 204) for the relief of Robert Bent and Jack Smith, reported it without amendment.

0108 109

Mr. Merrimon asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 256) for the relief of Williamson Page; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Merrimon asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 257) granting pensions to Eliza Shelton, Nancy Shelton, Cerena Metcalf, Nancy King, Patsey J. Shelton, Sarah Metcalf, Cloa Shelton, and Mary Franklin, and their children under the age of sixteen years; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Conover asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 258) to amend an act, entitled “An act for the relief of purchasers of lands sold for direct taxes in the insurrectionary States;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Spencer asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 259) to authorize the proper accounting officers of the Treasury to settle with Henry O. Carey; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Buckingham,

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by him the 5th instant, instructing the Committee on Finance to consider the expediency of reporting a bill to prevent inflation of the currency; and

On motion by Mr. Buckingham,

Resolved , That the Senate agree thereto.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War recommending legislation authorizing the sale of the military reservations at Camp Crittenden and old Camp Grant.

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

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter of the Second Auditor of the Treasury, communicating copies of all accounts received from persons charged with the disbursement or application of funds or goods for the benefit of the Indians, from July 1, 1871, to June 30, 1872; which was referred to the Committee on Printing.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of State communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 5th instant, a list of officers connected with the Department of State who are furnished with official postage-stamps.

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

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Postmaster-General, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 5th instant, a list of officers in or connected with the Post-Office Department who are supplied with official postage-stamps.

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

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

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

H. R. 434. An act making an appropriation for the legislative expenses of Colorado Territory.

H. R. 35. A joint resolution filling existing vacancies in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

The President of the United States approved and signed, the 3d instant, time act (H. R. 482) to correct the enrollment of an act entitled 0109 110 “An act for the relief of P. W. Standefer;” and on the 6th instant he approved and signed the act (H. R. 470) relating to the limitation of steam-pressure of vessels used exclusively for towing and carrying freight on the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

The bill and joint resolution 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. 434) be referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and that the joint resolution (H. R. 35) be referred to the Committee on the Library.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (H. R. 793) to establish the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates; and

On the question to agree to the amendments reported by the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, viz: Strike out, in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the bill, the words:

“That from and after the passage of this act the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates shall be at the rate of six thousand dollars per annum, payable monthly, and in addition thereto the actual individual expenses of each Senator, Representative, and Delegate in going to and returning from the seat of Government once in each session, to be certified in writing by each.

“ Sec. 2. That the compensation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be at the rate of two thousand dollars, in addition to his pay as Representative, amounting in all to eight thousand dollars; and that of the Vice-President shall be the same amount, with the same allowance for traveling expenses as hereinbefore provided.

“ Sec. 3. That all laws and parts of laws inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed.”

And in lieu thereof insert:

That so much of the act of March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, entitled “An act making appropriations for legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-four,” as provides for the increase of the compensation of members of Congress and Delegates and the several officers and employés of either House of Congress, or both, be, and the same is hereby, repealed, and the salaries and compensation of all said persons shall be as fixed by the laws in force at the time of the passage of said act.

Sec. 2. That the compensation of the several heads of Departments shall be each eight thousand dollars per annum.

On motion, by Mr. Pratt, to amend the reported amendments by inserting at the end of line 10, as follows:

Provided, however, That the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-third Congress who have received their compensation since the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, at the rate of seven thousand five hundred dollars per year, in accordance with the act of March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, shall hereafter be paid only such monthly installments as shall, in the aggregate, make their compensation for the whole Congress equal to the sum of five thousand dollars per year, exclusive of mileage allowances.

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Norwood, at 4 o'clock and 25 minutes p. m., that the Senate adjourn,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 27

Nays 29

On motion by Mr. Wright,

0110 111

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Anthony, Bayard, Boreman, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Hitchcock, Kelly, Logan, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Patterson, Ransom, Saulsbury, Stevenson, Sumner.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Bogy, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Cragin, Crozier, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Howe, Ingalls, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Sargent, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Stewart, Thurman, Windom, Wright.

So the motion to adjourn was not agreed to.

The question recurring on the amendment of Mr. Pratt to the reported amendments to the bill (H. R. 793,)

After further debate,

On motion by Mr. Lewis, at 5 o'clock p. m., that the Senate adjourn,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 27

Nays 26

On motion by Mr. Wright,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Anthony, Bayard, Boreman, Clayton, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Hitchcock, Kelly, Lewis, Logan, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Patterson, Ransom, Saulsbury, Schurz, Stevenson, Stewart, Sumner.

Those who voted in the negative are, Messrs. Allison, Bogy, Boutwell, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Conover, Cragin, Crozier, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Howe, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Thurman, Wadleigh, Windom, Wright.

So the motion was agreed to; and

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, January 8, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. Lewis presented the petition of Joseph Segar and Caleb C. Willard, praying compensation for a hotel-building seized by the military authorities of the United States, at Old Point Comfort, during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ramsey presented a petition of citizens of Minnesota, praying the establishment of a post-route from Wadena to Parker's Prairie, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Wright presented additional papers in the case of William and John Hennegan; which were referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Anthony presented the petition of Lucian Sharpe and others, praying that the Secretary of the Treasury be authorized to sell at private sale the old light-station and land at Nayatt's Point; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Sumner presented a memorial of the United Italian Association of New York City, praying the prohibition of the traffic in Italian children; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Chandler presented a petition of citizens of the United States, 0111 112 praying the passage of an act granting pensions to soldiers of the var of 1812 who served less than sixty days; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

Ordered , That the report of the commissioners appointed by the governor of Kansas to audit the claims of citizens of Kansas, for damages done by hostile Indians, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Ingalls.

Ordered , That the papers in relation to the case of the officers of the Fourth and Fifth Indian Regiments, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Scott presented the memorial of Col. S. W. Crawford, praying to be placed upon the retired list of the Army, with the rank of Major-General; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The President pro tempore presented the petition of Benjamin C. Skinner, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Petitions praying the appointment of a commission to investigate the traffic in intoxicating liquors, were presented as follows:

By Mr. Fenton: A petition of the Young Men's Christian Association of Brooklyn, New York.

By Mr. Stevenson: A petition of citizens of Kentucky.

By Mr. Wadleigh: A petition of citizens of New Hampshire.

By Mr. Cameron: A petition of citizens of Philadelphia.

By Mr. Frelinghuysen: A petition of citizens of Newark, New Jersey.

By Mr. Wright: A petition of citizens of Iowa.

By Mr. Buckingham: A petition of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars of Connecticut, and a petition of citizens of New Haven, Connecticut.

By Mr. Boutwell: A petition of citizens of Georgetown, Massachusetts.

By Mr. Kelly: A petition of the State Temperance Alliance of Oregon.

By Mr. Conkling: A petition of clergymen of the Methodist Episcopal Church of New York, and a petition of the Greenpoint Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, New York. By Mr. Scott: A petition of citizens of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

By Mr. Howe: A petition of the Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance of Wisconsin; a petition of the Ladies' Temperance Union of Janesville, Wisconsin, and two petitions of citizens of Wisconsin.

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

The President pro tempore presented the petition of Mrs. Joanna W. Turner, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Scott presented a memorial of the National Board of Trade, praying the establishment of a uniform system of quarantine under national supervision; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Memorials remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law, and praying certain modifications of the same, were presented as follows:

By Mr. Ramsey: A petition of citizens of Minnesota.

By Mr. Morrill of Vermont: A memorial of the Merchants' Association of Philadelphia.

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By Mr. Conkling: Two petitions of citizens of New York.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Conkling presented two memorials of members of the bar of Oneida County, New York, and others, praying the unconditional repeal of the bankrupt law.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Scott presented a memorial of the National Board of Trade, praying a modification of the laws relating to the exportation of distilled spirits; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Schurz,

Ordered , That the memorial of the faculty of the University of Missouri, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Ingalls,

Ordered , That the petition of Jesse Connell and Barrett S. Johnston, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Texas,

Ordered , That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Oliver Powers, and that it be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (S. 82) for the relief of Margaret E. West, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report (No. 11) 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,

Resolved , That the said bill be postponed indefinitely.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Treasury, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 5th instant, a list of all officers connected with the Treasury Department who are furnished with official stamps.

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

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Treasury, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of December 2, 1873, information as to the amounts expended for public works from June 30, 1865, to June 30, 1873; together with the expenditures in aid of the construction of canals, railroads, and wagon-roads from 1789 to 1873.

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

The President pro tempore presented a telegram addressed to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and signed by certain persons claiming to be members of the legal legislature of Louisiana, alleging interference on the part of the Federal authorities in the affairs of that State, and asking the intervention of Congress.

On motion by Mr. Conkling that it lie on the table,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 36

Nays 26

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Anthony, Boreman, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Cameron, Chandler, Clayton, Conkling, Cragin, Crozier, Dorsey, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Hamlin, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, Mitchell Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pratt, 8 s 0113 114 Ramsey, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Sprague, Stewart, Wadleigh, West, Windom.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Bayard, Bogy, Carpenter, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Ferry of Michigan, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Hitchcock, Kelly, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Ransom, Saulsbury, Schurz, Stevenson, Thurman, Tipton, Wright.

So it was

Ordered, That the said paper lie on the table.

The President pro tempore presented a petition of citizens of Louisiana praying for the application and enforcement of section 4 of article 4 of the Constitution of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

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 joint resolution (H. R. 14) 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 joint resolution (H. R. 14) giving the consent of Congress to the acceptance by Edward Young of a present from the Emperor of Russia.

The President pro tempore signed the enrolled joint resolution (H. R. 14) last reported to have been examined, and it was delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

The President pro tempore appointed Mr. Allison a member of the Committee on Pensions in place of Mr. Ferry, of Connecticut, excused.

Mr. Scott asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 260) in regard to the retirement of General Samuel W. Crawford; 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. 261) for the benefit of those purchasing lands from the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Public Lands, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Schurz asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 262) for the relief of the University of the State of Missouri; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Fenton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 263) for the relief of the executors of Benjamin Brittin, deceased; 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. 264) for the relief of the officers of the Fourth and Fifth Indian Regiments; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 265) to establish the Corcoran Park and Zoological Garden, near the Capitol, in the District of Columbia, and to incorporate a society to maintain the same, and a company to construct a street-railroad thereto; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

0114 115

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

Resolved , That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to the Senate any information in his possession relative to the unauthorized occupation or invasion of, or encroachment upon, the Indian Territory, so called, by individuals or bodies of men, in violation of treaty stipulations.

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 compliance with the act of Congress approved March 3, 1873, entitled “An act to authorize inquiries into the causes of steam-boiler explosions,” I directed the Secretaries of the Treasury and Navy Departments to create a commission to conduct the experiments and collect the information contemplated by the act.

Such a commission was created, and I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the results of their labors to the present time.

U. S. GRANT.

Executive Mansion , January 8, 1874.

The message was read.

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

The President pro tempore 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 bill (H. R. 793) to establish the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates; and

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

On the question to agree to the amendments reported by the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, viz: Strike out in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the bill the words:

“That from and after the passage of this act the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates shall be at the rate of six thousand dollars per annum, payable monthly, and in addition thereto the actual individual expenses of each Senator, Representative, and Delegate in going to and returning from the seat of Government once in each session, to be certified in writing by each.

“ Sec. 2. That the compensation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be at the rate of two thousand dollars in addition to his pay as Representative, amounting in all to eight thousand dollars; and that of the Vice-President shall be the same amount, with the same allowance for traveling expenses as hereinbefore provided.

“ Sec. 3. That all laws and parts of laws inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed.”

And in lieu thereof insert:

That so much of the act of March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, entitled “An act making appropriations for legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-four,” as provides for the increase of the compensation of members of Congress and Delegates and the several officers and employés of either House of Congress, or both, be, and the same is hereby, repealed, and the salaries and compensation of all said persons shall be as fixed by the laws in force at the time of the passage of said act.

0115 116

Sec. 2. That the compensation of the several heads of Departments shall be each eight thousand dollars per annum.

On motion by Mr. Pratt to amend the reported amendments by inserting at the end of line 10, as follows:

Provided, however, That the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-third Congress who have received their compensation since the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, at the rate of seven thousand five hundred dollars per year, in accordance with the act of March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, shall hereafter be paid only such monthly installments as shall, in the aggregate, make their compensation for the whole Congress equal to the sum of five thousand dollars per year, exclusive of mileage allowances;

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 14

Nays 45

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. Bogy, Conkling, Cragin, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Hamlin, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Sargent, Schurz, Thurman, Wadleigh, Windom.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Bayard, Boreman, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Cameron, Carpenter, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Crozier, Davis, Dennis, Dorsey, Ferry of Connecticut, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Kelly, Lewis, Logan, McCreery, Merrimon, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Norwood, Ramsey, Ransom, Saulsbury, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Stevenson, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Wright.

So the amendment of Mr. Pratt to the reported amendment was not agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Pratt to amend the reported amendments by inserting at the end of line 10, the words:

Provided, however, That the compensation of the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-third Congress, elected or chosen prior to the 1st day of December , 1873, shall be at the rate of seven thousand five hundred dollars for the year ending March 3, 1874, and shall be at the rate of two thousand five hundred dollars for the year ending March 3, 1875, exclusive of mileage as fixed by law;

After debate,

It was determined in the negative.

An amendment to the reported amendment having been proposed by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont,

Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Ramsey that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 28

Nays 36

On motion by Mr. Wright,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are, Messrs. Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Brownlow, Cameron, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Dorsey, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hitchcock, Kelly, Lewis, McCreery, Norwood, Patterson, Ramsey, Ransom, Saulsbury, Sprague, Stevenson, Stewart, Tipton.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Boutwell, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, 0116 117 Conkling, Cragin, Crozier, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamlin, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, Merrimon, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Sargent, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Thurman, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

So the motion to proceed to the consideration of executive business was not agreed to.

The question recurring on the amendment of Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, to the amendments reported by the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment to the bill (H. R. 793,) viz: After line 10 of the words proposed to be inserted, insert: Provided, That the allowance for mileage hereafter to be paid to each Senator, Representative, and Delegate for going to and returning from the seat of Government once in each session, shall be one-half of the sum allowed and paid prior to the act of March 3, A. D. 1873.

After debate,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 30

Nays 33

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are, Messrs. Anthony, Bogy, Boreman, Buckingham, Cameron, Carpenter, Conkling, Crozier, Davis, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Hamlin, Ingalls, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Norwood, Oglesby, Pratt, Ramsey, Ransom, Saulsbury, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Sumner, Thurman.

Those who voted in the negative, are,

Messrs. Allison, Bayard, Boutwell, Brownlow, Chandler, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Cragin, Dennis, Dorsey, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Hamilton of Maryland, Hitchcock, Howe, Kelly, Lewis, Logan, McCreery, Merrimon, Mitchell, Patterson, Sargent, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson, Tipton, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

So the amendment of Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, to the reported amendments was not agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Cragin to amend the reported amendment by inserting at the end of section 1 of line 9: Provided that mileage shall not be allowed for the first session of the Forty-Third Congress ,

It was determined in the affirmative.

On motion by Mr. Norwood, at 4 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m., that the Senate adjourn.

It was determined in the negative.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, further to amend the reported amendments by striking out the words proposed to be inserted, as amended, as follows:

“That so much of the act of March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, entitled ‘An act making appropriations for legislative, executive, and judical expenses of the Government for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-four,’ as provides for the increase of the compensation of members of Congress and Delegates, and the several officers and employés of either House of Congress, or both, be, and the same is hereby, repealed, and the salaries and compensation of all persons shall be as fixed by the laws in force at the time of the passage of said act: Provided, That mileage shall not be allowed for the first session of the Forty-third Congress.

“ Sec. 2. That the compensation of the several heads of Departments shall be each eight thousand dollars per annum;”

0117 118

And in lieu thereof, inserting:

That so much of the act of March 3, 1873, entitled “An act making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and, judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1874,” as provides for the increase of the salaries of the President, Vice-President, members of Congress, and Delegates, and all other officers therein named, be, and the same is hereby, repealed; and the salaries and compensation of all said officers and clerks, of every name and description, shall be and remain as fixed by the laws in force at the time of the passage of the act the provisions of which are hereby repealed: Provided, That this repeal, so far as it relates to the salary of the President, shall not take effect until the 4th day of March, 1877, on and after which date said repeal as to the salary of said officer shall have full force and effect, and as to all other officers from and after the taking effect of this act: And provided further, That this repeal shall not relate to or affect the salaries of the chief and other justices of the Supreme Court of the United States as now established by law;

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 32

Nays 29

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Allison, Bogy, Boreman, Carpenter, Clayton, Conklin, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Hitchcock, Kelly, Lewis, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Oglesby, Patterson, Pratt, Ramsey, Ransom, Saulsbury, Schurz, Stevenson, Thurman, Windom, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Anthony, Bayard, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Cameron, Conover, Cragin, Crozier, Dorsey, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Hamlin, Howe, Ingalls, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Sprague, Sumner, Tipton, Wadleigh, West.

So the amendment of Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, to the reported amendment, as amended, was agreed to.

A further amendment to the reported amendment having been proposed by Mr. Edmunds,

Pending debate,

On motion by Mr. Frelinghuysen,

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, January 9, 1874. Link to Annals.

Mr. Ingalls presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying certain amendments to the act of March 3, 1873, in relation to the growth of timber on the prairies; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Sarah Parker, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Petitions praying the appointment of a commission to inquire into the effects of the traffic in intoxicating liquors were presented as follows:

By Mr. Anthony: A petition of the Temple of Honor and Temperance, of Providence, Rhode Island.

0118 119

By Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland: A petition of citizens of Maryland.

By Mr. Cragin: A petition of the State Temperance Union of New Hampshire.

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

Mr. Conkling presented a petition of citizens of Oneida County, New York, praying the repeal of the bankrupt law.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Memorials remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law, and praying certain amendments to the same, were presented as follows: By Mr. Anthony: A memorial of the Providence Board of Trade, and a memorial of citizens of Rhode Island.

By Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland: A memorial of citizens of Baltimore, Maryland.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Allison presented the memorial of Peter Mihm, praying compensation for work done on the custom-house at Dubuque, Iowa; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Conkling presented a memorial of the Board of Trade of Buffalo, New York, praying that canal-boats intended for inland commerce only may be exempted from the operation of the act of February 18, 1873, providing for enrolling and licensing vessels for the coasting trade; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Bogy presented the memorial of Durant H. L. Bell, praying compensation for property destroyed by United States troops at Newport, North Carolina, in 1864; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. McCreery,

Ordered , That the petition of John B. Bland, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Lewis,

Ordered , That the heirs of Mrs. Mary A. R. Lee have leave to withdraw her petition from the files of the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Lewis,

Ordered , That the petition of Mrs. Mary D. Anderson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Cragin presented the petition of Charles W. Adams, praying compensation for certain stores sold to the Government for the use of the Army, at Brownsville, Texas, in January, 1861; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of the Walnut Grove Gold-Mining Company, submitted a report (No. 12) thereon; and,

On motion by Mr. Scott,

Ordered , That the memorial be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Boutwell, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 21) for the relief of aged or infirm pre-emption settlers, 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 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.

0119 120

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, from the Committee on Appropriations, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 434) making an appropriation for the legislative expenses 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 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. Anthony,

Ordered , That the letters of the Secretary of the Interior in relation to the pneumatic tube between the Capitol and the Government Printing Office be referred to the Committee on Printing.

On motion by Mr. Thurman,

Ordered , That fifteen hundred additional copies of the bill (H. R. 792) to repeal the act entitled “An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States, approved March 2, 1867, and all laws and parts of laws amendatory thereto,” as reported from the Committee on the Judiciary, be printed for the use of the Senate.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 1039) for the relief of John B. Weber, late colonel of the Eighteenth Regiment Corps d'Afrique, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

Mr. Sargent 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 the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed:

S. 266. A bill for the protection of society in the Territory of Utah.

S. 267. A bill to aid the execution of the laws in the Territory of Utah.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 268) for the relief of the officers and crew of the United States steamer Champion; 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 presented papers in relation to the claims of the officers and crew of the steamer Champion for cotton captured during the late war; which were referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Cragin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bi'l (S. 269) to change the title of certain naval officers; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 215) to exempt George M. Richard, of Pittston, in the State of Pennsylvania, from the payment of eight hundred and eighty-one dollars and twenty-nine cents for postage-stamps stolen from his office while postmaster, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

Mr. Dennis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 270) making provision for arming and equipping the whole 0120 121 body of the militia of the United States, 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. Howe asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 271) for the relief of Frances A. Robinson, administratrix of the estate of John M. Robinson, deceased; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Logan presented the petition of Charles B. Signor, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions. Mr. Logan presented the petition of Lorenzo Brentano, praying that the consulship at Dresden may be made a salaried office; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of Thomas F. Bowler, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 253) for the relief of Thomas Hillhouse, assistant treasurer of the United States in New York City, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The President of the United States approved and signed, the 8th instant, the following acts and joint resolution:

H. R. 418. An act to authorize the First National Bank of Saint Anthony, Minnesota, to change its location and name.

H. R. 614. An act to so amend the laws relative to internal revenue as to allow distillery-warehouses to be continued in use after changes have occurred in the management of the business.

H. R. 16. A joint resolution providing for a change in the name and title of the agent and consul-general of the United States at Alexandria.

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. 215 be referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads; that the bill H. R. 253 be referred to the Committee on Finance; and that the bill H. R. 1039 be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Morton,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 147) authorizing national banks that have decided to reduce their capital stock to withdraw a proportion of bonds upon retiring their own circulating notes, or depositing lawful money of the United States in the proportion provided by law; and

After debate,

Ordered , That the further consideration of the said bill be postponed to to-morrow. On motion by Mr. Lewis that when the Senate adjourns it be to Monday next,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 32

Nays 29

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, Boreman, Brownlow, Cameron, Carpenter, 0121 122 Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Crozier, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton, of Maryland, Hitchcock, Kelly, Lewis, McCreery, Norwood, Patterson, Ramsey, Saulsbury, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson, Sunmer, Thurman, Tipton.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Boutwell, Buckingham, Chandler, Conkling, Cragin, Edmunds, Ferry of Connecticut, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Hamilton of Texas, Hamlin, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, Merrimon, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont. Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Sargent, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Wadleigh, Wright.

So it was

Ordered , That when the Senate adjourns it be to Monday next. The President pro tempore announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its adjournment yesterday, viz, the bill (H. R. 793) to establish the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates; and

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

On the question to agree to the amendment of Mr. Edmunds to the amendment reported by the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, as amended on the motion of Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, viz: After “repealed” in line 16 of the words proposed to be inserted, insert:

And the reduction of salaries herein provided for shall take effect as of the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, and the accounting officers of the Treasury shall compute the same accordingly, and shall make ratable monthly deductions from said salaries at the rate necessary to effectuate this provision within nine months next hereafter;

After debate,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 20

Nays 39

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. Bogy, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Cragin, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Ramsey, Sargent, Schurz, Sherman, Thurman, Wadleigh, Windom.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Bayard, Boreman, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Clayton, Cooper, Crozier, Davis, Dennis, Dorsey, Ferry of Connecticut, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Howe, Ingalls, Kelly, Lewis, Logan, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Patterson, Ransom, Saulsbury, Scott, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson, Sumner, West, Wright.

So the amendment of Mr. Edmunds to the reported amendments, as amended, was not agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Boreman further to amend the reported amendment, as amended on the motion of Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, by inserting, after line 27 of the words proposed to be inserted, And provided further, That after the date last mentioned the salary of the President shall be thirty-five thousand dollars per annum;

It was determined in the negative.

On motion by Mr. Clayton that the bill be recommitted to the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, with instructions to report a bill looking to a general reduction of all salaries, both civil and military, so far as the same can be lawfully done, said reduction to be so apportioned 0122 123 as to equalize, as near as may be, the salaries of all officers in accordance with the nature and amount of the service to be rendered,

After debate,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 19

Nays 41

On motion by Mr. Clayton,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Bogy, Cameron, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Dorsey, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Kelly, Lewis, Merrimon, Norwood, Patterson, Spencer, Stevenson, Tipton.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Boreman, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Carpenter, Conkling, Cragin, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Connecticut, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Hamlin, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, McCreery, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Ransom, Sargent, Saulsbury, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Sprague, Sumner, Thurman, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

So the motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, with instructions, was not agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin to amend the bill by striking out, in line five, of the words proposed to be stricken out by the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, “six thousand,” and in lieu thereof inserting five thousand five hundred.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds to amend the proposed amendment by striking out “five hundreds”

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 31

Nays 28

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. Allison, Bogy, Buckingham, Carpenter, Conkling, Cragin, Crozier, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Hamilton of Maryland, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, McCreery, Mitchell, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Saulsbury, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Stevenson, Thurman, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Boreman, Boutwell, Brownlow, Cameron, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Dorsey, Ferry of Connecticut, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Hamilton of Texas, Hamlin, Hitchcock, Kelly, Lewis, Merrimon, Morrill of Maine, Norwood, Patterson, Ransom, Sargent, Spencer, Sprague, Tipton.

So the amendment to the amendment was agreed to, and On the question to agree to the amendment of Mr. Hamlin, as amended,

It was determined in the affirmative.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds further to amend the bill by striking out, in lines 6 and 7, of the words proposed to be stricken out by the committee, “actual individual expenses of each Senator, Representative, and Delegate,” and in lieu thereof inserting mileage allowed by law prior to the passage of the act of March 3, 1873;

On motion by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, to amend the amendment by inserting before “actual” the words one-half ,

Pending debate,

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On motion by Mr. Lewis, at 3 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m., that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 28

Nays 30

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, Boreman, Brownlow, Cameron, Clayton, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Dorsey, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Kelly, Lewis. McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Patterson, Ramsey, Ransom, Sargent, Saulsbury, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson. Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Boutwell, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Cragin, Crozier, Edmunds, Ferry of Connecticut, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Hamlin, Howe, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Sumner, Thurman, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

So the motion to proceed to the consideration of executive business was not agreed to.

The question recurring on the amendment of Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, to the amendment of Mr. Edmunds,

After further debate,

It was determined in the negative.

The amendment of Mr. Edmunds having been amended on the motion of Mr. Cragin,

On the question to agree thereto, as follows:

Strike out in lines 6 and 7 of the bill “actual individual expenses of each Senator, Representative, and Delegate in going to and returning from the seat of Government once in each session, to be certified by each in writing,” and in lieu thereof insert mileage allowed by law prior to the passage of the act of March 3, 1873, in going to and returning from the seat of Government once in each session, to be certified in writing by each, provided that mileage shall not be allowed or paid to Senators, Representatives, or Delegates for the first session of the Forty-third Congress;

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 35

Nays 25

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Clayton, Cooper, Cragin, Dorsey, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Goldthwaite, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamilton of Texas, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Kelly, Logan, McCreery, Merrimon, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morton, Ramsey, Sargent, Sprague, Thurman, West, Windom, Wright,

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Boutwell, Brownlow, Cameron, Conkling, Conover, Crozier, Davis, Dennis, Ferry of Connecticut, Frelinghuysen, Gordon, Hamlin, Morrill of Vermont, Norwood, Oglesby, Patterson, Pratt, Ransom, Saulsbury, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Stevenson, Sumner, Wadleigh.

So the amendment of Mr. Edmunds, as amended, was agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Merrimon further to amend the bill by inserting after the word “mileage” the words and allowances ,

It was determined in the affirmative.

A further amendment to the bill having been proposed by Mr. Gordon, 0124 125 and an amendment to the amendment having been proposed by Mr. Edmunds,

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Sargent, at 4 o'clock and 35 minutes p. m., that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 31

Nays 29

On motion by Mr. Wright,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Brownlow, Clayton, Conover, Cooper, Davis, Dennis, Dorsey, Ferry of Connecticut, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Hitchcock, Kelly, Lewis, McCreery, Merrimon, Mitchell, Norwood, Patterson, Ransom, Sargent, Saulsbury, Spencer, Sprague, Stevenson, Tipton.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Boutwell, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Cragin, Crozier, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Hamilton of Texas, Hamlin, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Sumner, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

So the motion was agreed to; whereupon

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, January 12, 1874. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Attorney-General, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 5th instant, a list of officers of the Department of Justice who are furnished with official postage stamps.

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

Mr. Merrimon presented the petition of C. G. Barbee, praying compensation for services rendered in carrying the mails in North Carolina in 1861; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Chandler presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying the extension of the postal money-order system to all post-offices; which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Petitions praying the appointment of a commission to inquire into the effects of the traffic in intoxicating liquors were presented, as follows:

By Mr. Chandler: Five petitions of citizens of Michigan, and a petition of citizens of Trempeleau County, Wisconsin.

By Mr. Pratt: A petition of citizens of Indiana.

By Mr. Kelly: A petition of citizens of Oregon.

By Mr. Sargent: A petition of the grand division of the Sons of Temperance of California.

By Mr. Sherman: A petition of citizens of Ohio.

By Mr. Dennis: A petition of citizens of Baltimore, Maryland.

By Mr. Edmunds: A petition of citizens of Vermont.

By Mr. Norwood: A petition of Good Templars of Georgia.

By Mr. Scott: Two petitions of citizens of Pennsylvania.

By Mr. Conkling: Two petitions of citizens of New York.

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By Mr. Logan: A petition of citizens of Chicago, Illinois.

By Mr. Boutwell: Four petitions of citizens of Massachusetts.

By Mr. Fenton: Two petitions of citizens of New York.

By Mr. Morton: A petition of citizens of Indiana.

By Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland: A petition of citizens of Baltimore, Maryland.

By Mr. Frelinghuysen: Two petitions of citizens of New Jersey.

By Mr. Buckingham: A petition of citizens of Connecticut.

By Mr. Conover: Two petitions of citizens of Florida.

By Mr. Morrill, of Maine: A petition of citizens of Maine.

By Mr. Morrill, of Vermont: A petition of citizens of Woodstock, Vermont.

By Mr. Sumner: Six petitions of citizens of Massachusetts.

By Mr. Howe: A petition of citizens of Hartford, Wisconsin.

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

Mr. Logan presented a petition of citizens of Chicago, Illinois, praying the repeal of the act fixing a tax of ten per cent. on the circulation of national banks; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Conkling presented the petition of Phebe Riker, praying arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of War, communicating, in obedience to law, a statement of expenditures at the Springfield armory for the year ending June 30, 1873; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented the petition of E. Mellach, late a paymaster in the Navy, praying to be relieved from responsibility for an alleged embezzlement of the public funds; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented a memorial of a committee of the American Institute of Homeopathy, praying an extension of the signal-service in order to obtain information for the benefit of the public health; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. Frelinghuysen presented a memorial of the Farmers' Club of the American Institute, praying certain amendments to the forest-laws; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

Mr. Ramsey presented a petition of citizens of the United States, praying the establishment of a system of education on board of the vessels of the Navy; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Ramsey presented a memorial of the Federal Council of International Workingmen's Association of North America, praying the establishment of banks in connection with the post-offices; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Memorials remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law, and praying certain amendments to the same, were presented, as follows:

By Mr. Sumner: A memorial of merchants of Boston, Massachusetts.

By Mr. Conkling: A memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of New York.

By Mr. Frelinghuysen: A memorial of citizens of Pennsylvania.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

Mr. Conkling presented a memorial of citizens of the United States, praying the passage of the bill known as Mr. Sumner's supplementary civil-rights bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Conkling presented resolutions adopted at a meeting of citizens of Utica, New York, in favor of the repeal of the bankrupt law.

Ordered , That they lie on the table.

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Mr. Scott presented a memorial of the National Board of Trade, suggesting certain amendments to the bankrupt law, and praying the appointment of a commission to revise the same; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of the legislature or Arkansas, in favor of an appropriation for the improvement of the Petit Jean River, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Commmerce.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of the legislature of Arkansas, in favor of the removal of the raft in Red River; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of the legislature of Arkansas, in favor of the passage of a supplementary civil rights bill.

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

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of the legislature of Arkansas, in favor of a further donation of lands in aid of agricultural colleges; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of the legislature of Arkansas, in favor of an increase of mail-service on route No. 7509 in that State, which was referred to the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of the legislature of Arkansas, in favor of the adjustment of the claim of the Southern Methodist Publishing House of Nashville, Tennessee, for the use of their property during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Memorials praying the appropriation of the Chinese indemnity fund for the education of Chinese in the Pacific States were presented, as follows:

By Mr. Buckingham: A memorial of citizens of Connecticut.

By Mr. Ferry, of Michigan: A memorial of citizens of Michigan.

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

Mr. West presented a paper purporting to be a joint resolution of the legislature of Louisiana, expressive of confidence in Hon. P. B. S. Pinchback, claiming a seat in the Senate as a Senator from that State.

Ordered , That it lie on the table.

Mr. Bayard presented the memorial of the heirs of General A. Henderson, United States Marine Corps, praying to be allowed the difference of pay between colonel and brigadier-general from January 1, 1846, to January 6, 1851; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Sargent presented the memorial of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, praying the enactment of a law granting to women the right of suffrage; which was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections.

Mr. West presented the memorial of Angela Dauzat, praying compensation for certain cotton seized by United States forces on the Red River in 1864; which was referred to the Committee on Claims. Mr. Bogy presented the petition of Matthew Woodruff, late of Company G, Twenty-first Missouri Infantry, praying an honorable discharge from the Army, and to be allowed bounty and back pay; whih was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Bogy presented the petition of James Bordeau and Clement Lamour, praying compensation for property taken from them by Sioux Indians in Wyoming Territory in 1865; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Bogy presented the memorial of William H. Moore & Co., praying compensation for damages inflicted by depredations of the Cheyenne Indians in 1869; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

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Mr. Flanagan presented the memorial of Simon Celaya, praying compensation for rent of buildings at Brownsville, Texas, by the military authorities of the United States during the late war; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Joshua Herrick, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Oglesby presented the petition of the Saint Clair Pharmaceutical Association of Southern Illinois, praying the repeal of the thirteenth section of the act of July 13, 1866, imposing a stamp-tax on medicines sold at retail; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Anthony presented the petition of Grace B. Peck, widow of Captain Elisha Peck, United States Navy, praying to be allowed the difference of pay between commander and captain on the retired list of the Navy, from September 14, 1855, to February 19, 1863; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the petition and papers of James P. Gillespie, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Buckingham presented papers relating to the claim of James L. Day for compensation for carrying the mails between New Orleans and Mobile in 1861; which were referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Buckingham presented papers in relation to the proposed change in the manner of paying annuities to the various Indian tribes; which were referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Bogy,

Ordered , That Anthony S. Robinson have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate his petition and papers.

Mr. Chandler, from the Committee on Commerce, reported a bill (S. 272) for the relief of Bishop and Company, bankers of Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands; which was read and passed to a se ond reading.

Mr. Howe, from the Joint Committee on the Library, to whom was referred the joint resolution (H. R. 35) filling existing vacancies in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, reported it without amendment.

On motion by Mr. Saulsbury,

Ordered , That the Committee on Revolutionary Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the claim of the heirs of Hugh Montgomery, and that the petitioners have leave to withdraw their petition and papers.

Mr. Ramsey, from the Committee on Post-Offices and Post-Roads, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 798) to establish certain post-routes, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Sherman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 273) for the relief of Butler, Miller & Co., and Hawkes, Miller & Co., of Ohio; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Hitchcock asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 274) amendatory of the pre-emption and homestead laws; 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 asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 275) for the relief of Grace B. Peck; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

0128 129

Mr. Wright asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 276) relating to the several courts in the Territory of Dakota; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 277) making an appropriation of seven hundred and ninety-two dollars and forty-six cents, due the late James L. Day, of Connecticut, for transporting the mails over post-route No. 8151; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 278) to provide for the manner of paying annuities to Indian tribes under treaty stipulations or legal enactments; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Frelinghuysen asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 279) for the relief of Stephen H. Myers, of Bound Brook, New Jersey; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on laims.

Mr. Frelinghuysen presented the papers relating to the claim of Stephen H. Myers, owner of barge “Swan;” which were referred to the Committee on Claims, to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 280) granting a pension to Thomas Reilly, late a private in Company H, Second Regiment United States Cavalry; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Pratt asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 281) ceding to the several States, within whose limits they respectively lie, the beds of unsurveyed lakes and other bodies of water; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Conover 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, and referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds.

S. 282. A bill to provide for building a United States court-house and other public buildings at Tallahassee, Florida.

S. 283. A bill to provide for building a United States custom-house and other public buildings at Jacksonville, Florida.

S. 284. A bill to provide for repairing the custom-house at Key West, Florida.

Mr. Fenton asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 285) to provide for the permanent location of the records and offices, of the United States attorneys and marshals, and of the records and clerks' offices of the circuit and 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. Sargent asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 286) fixing the pay of civil engineers in the United States 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. Merrimon asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to 0129 130 bring in a bill (S. 287) for the relief of C. S. Barbee; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ingalls asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 288) in reference to the carrying freight and passengers on the Union Pacific Railroad and its branches; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 289) to locate and establish an assay-office at Portland, Oregon; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Mitchell presented the correspondence between himself and the Director of the Mint in relation to the establishment of an assay-office at Portland, Oregon; which were referred to the Committee on Finance, to accompany the foregoing bill, and ordered to be printed.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on Foreign Relations be instructed to inquire into the expediency of advancing the rank of the minister resident to the court of Sweden and Norway to a mission of the first class.

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

Resolved , That the Committee on Public Lands be instructed to inquire whether the circumstances attending the proposed immigration to this country of a colony of Mennonites of South Russia and Prussia would not justify, in their case, the sale of a tract of land larger than is allowed by the homestead law to be sold in one body; and that the committee be further instructed to inquire into the expediency of reporting such amendments to the land-laws as will facilitate the objects had in view by the colonists aforesaid, who propose to settle in this country.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 1038) for the relief of the estates of Abel Gilbert and William Gerrish, late co-partners in business under the style of Gilbert and Gerrish, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill (H. R. 434) I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of its President.

The bill (H. R. 1038) last received from the House of Representatives for concurrence was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Clayton reported from the Committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the bill (H. R. 434) making an appropriation for the legislative expenses of Colorado Territory.

The President pro tempore signed the enrolled bill (H. R. 434) last reported to have been examined, and it was delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

The President pro tempore announced that the morning hour had expired, and called up the unfinished business of the Senate at its last adjournment. viz: the bill (H. R. 793) to establish the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates; and

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

The question recurring on the amendment of Mr. Edmunds to the amendment of Mr. Gordon, viz: to insert at the end of section 1 of the bill a proviso;

Mr. Gordon, by unanimous consent, having modified his said amendment to read as follows, viz: at the end of section 1 of the bill insert:

Provided, That from and after this date the salaries of all commissioned officers of the Army and of the Navy whose salaries have been increased since the war, and whose pay and allowances aggregate $3,500 or more, and between that sum and $5,000, shall be, and the same are hereby, reduced 10 per cent.: Provided further, That the pay, including all allowances except mileage as now fixed by law, of brigadier-general, of Paymaster-General, of Surgeon-General, of Inspector-General, of Quartermaster-General, of Commissary-General, of Adjutant-General, and of a commodore of the Navy, shall not exceed during peace the sum of $5,000 per annum: Provided further, That the pay, including all allowances except mileage as now fixed by law, of major-general and of rear-admiral of the Navy during peace shall not exceed $6,000 per annum: Provided further, That the pay, including all allowances, except mileage as now fixed by law, of a Lieutenant-General of the Army or of a Vice-Admiral of the Navy shall not exceed during peace the sum of $7,000 per annum: Provided further, That the pay, including all allowances, of the General of the Army and of an Admiral of the Navy shall not during peace exceed $10,000 per annum: Provided further, That the salary of the President of the United States shall be $25,000 per annum after the 3d day of March , 1877, and that the appropriations made for the expenses of the Presidential Mansion shall be, for each of the years 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876, less than the average amount so appropriated for each of the four years preceding the 4th day of March , 1873, by the sum of $25,000;

On motion by Mr. Edmunds to amend the proposed amendment by striking out the following:

“ Provided further , That after this date the salaries of all commissioned officers or the Army and of the Navy whose salaries have been increased since the war, and whose pay and allowances aggregate $3,500 or more, and between that sum and $5,000, shall be, and the same are hereby, reduced 10 per cent.: Provided further , That the pay, including all allowances except mileage as now fixed by law, of brigadier-general, of Paymaster-General, of Surgeon-General, of Inspector-General, of Quartermaster-General, of Commissary-General, of Adjutant-General, and of a commodore in the Navy, shall not exceed during peace the sum of $5,000 per annum: Provided further , That the pay, including all allowances except mileage as now fixed by law, of major-general and of rear-admiral of the Navy during peace shall not exceed $6,000: Provided further , That the pay, including all allowances except mileage as now fixed by law, of a Lieutenant-General of the Army or of a Vice-Admiral of the Navy shall not exceed during peace the sum of $7,500 per annum: Provided further , That the pay, including all allowances, of the General of the Army or of an Admiral of the Navy shall not, during peace, exceed $10,000 per annum;”

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 29

Nays 21

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,

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Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Boreman, Boutwell, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkliug, Crozier, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Hamlin, Howe, Ingalls, Lewis, Logan, Mitchell, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Pratt, Ramsey, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, West, Windom, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative, are,

Messrs. Bayard, Bogy, Brownlow, Cameron, Clayton, Davis, Flanagan, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Kelly, McCreery, Merrimon, Norwood, Patterson, Robertson, Sargent, Stevenson, Stockton, Sumner, Tipton.

So the amendment of Mr. Edmunds to the amendment of Mr. Gordon was agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds that the bill be now reported to the Senate,

It was determined in the affirmative. Whereupon,

The bill was reported to the Senate.

On the question to agree to the amendment of Mr. Gordon, as amended,

On motion by Mr. Merrimon further to amend the amendment by striking out in lines 1, 2, and 3, “the salary of the President of the United States shall be twenty-five thousand dollars per annum after the 3d day of March, 1877, and that,”

After debate,

It was determined in the negative.

On motion by Mr. Robertson further to amend the amendment proposed by Mr. Gordon, by striking out in lines 1 to 8, the following:

“ And that the appropriations made for the expenses of the Presidential Mansion, shall be for each of the years 1873, 1874, 1875, and 1876, less than the average amounts so appropriated for each of the four years preceding the 4th day of March, 1873, by the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars;”

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 47

Nays 9

On motion by Mr. Gordon,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Bayard, Boutwell, Buckingham, Cameron, Carpenter, Chandler, Clayton, Conkling, Conover, Crozier, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamlin, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Lewis, Logan, Mc-Creery, Mitchell, Monill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pratt, Ramsey, Robertson, Sargent, Saulsbury, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Stevenson, Stockton, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Bogy, Brownlow, Davis, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Merrimon, Norwood, Sprague, Tipton.

So the amendment of Mr. Robertson to the amendment of Mr. Gordon was agreed to.

On the question to agree to the amendment of Mr. Gordon, as amended, viz:

At the end of section 1 of the bill insert: Provided, That the salary of the President of the United States shall be twenty-five thousand dollars per annum after the third day of March , 1877;

After debate,

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It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 18

Nays 40

On motion by Mr. Gordon,

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

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Allison, Bogy, Clayton, Davis, Dennis, Fenton, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Kelly, McCreery, Norwood, Oglesby, Saulsbury, Schurz, Stevenson, Tipton, Wadleigh.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Anthony, Bayard, Boreman, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Cameron, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Conover, Crozier, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Hamlin, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Johnston, Logan, Merrimon, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Patterson, Pratt, Ramsey, Robertson, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Stockton, West, Windom, Wright.

So the amendment of Mr. Gordon, as amended, was not agreed to.

The question recurring on the amendment reported by the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, as amended on the motion of Mr. Hamilton of Maryland,

On motion by Mr. Conkling further to amend the reported amendment by striking out the words proposed to be inserted as amended on the motion of Mr. Hamilton of Maryland, to wit:

“That so much of the act of March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, entitled ‘An act making appropriations for legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-four,’ as provides for the increase of the salaries of the President, Vice-President, members of Congress, and Delegates, and all other officers therein named, be, and the same is herely, repealed; and the salaries and compensation of all said officers, and clerks of every name and description, shall be and remain as fixed by the laws in force at the time of the passage of the act, the provisions of which are hereby repealed: Provided , That this repeal, so far as it relates to the salary of the President, shall not take effect until the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-seven, on and after which date said repeal, as to the salary of said officer, shall have full force and effect, and as to all other officers from and after the taking effect of this act: And provided further , That this repeal shall not relate to, or affect the salaries of, the Chief and other justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, as now established by law;”

And in lieu thereof inserting:

That so much of the act of March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, entitled “An act making appropriations for legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy-four,” as provides for the increase of the compensation of public officers and employees, whether Delegates, members of Congress or others, except the President of the United States and the justices of the Supreme Court, be, and the same is hereby, repealed; and the salaries, compensation, and allowances of all said persons, except as aforesaid, shall be as fixed by the laws in force at the time of the passage of said act: Provided, That mileage shall not be allowed for the first session of the Forty third Congress; that all moneys appropriated as compensation to the members of the Forty-second Congress, in excess of the mileage and allowances fixed by law at the commencement of said Congress, and which shall not have been drawn by the members of said Congress respectively, or which, having been drawn, have been returned in any form to the United States, are hereby 0133 134 covered into the Treasury of the United States, and are declared to be the moneys of the United States absolutely, the same as if they had never been appropriated as aforesaid;

After debate,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 37

Nays 14

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland,

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, Buckingham, Cameron, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Conover, Crozier, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, McCreery, Merrimon, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pratt, Ramsey, Robertson, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Stockton, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Bogy, Brownlow, Clayton, Fenton, Flanagan, Gilbert, Goldthwaite, Gordon, Kelly, Lewis, Norwood, Schurz, Sprague, Tipton.

So the amendment of Mr. Conkling to the reported amendment was agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds further to amend the reported amendment by inserting after line 13 the following:

And the reduction of salaries herein provided for shall take effect as of the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, and the accounting officers of the Treasury shall compute the same accordingly, and shall make ratable monthly reductions from said salaries at the rate necessary to effectuate this provision within nine months next hereafter;

It was determined in the negative.

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, further to amend the amendment reported by the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, by inserting after line 9 of the words proposed to be stricken out, as follows:

Provided, That from and after the 4th day of March , 1877, the compensation of the President of the United States shall be the same as that provided by law before the passage of the act aforesaid of March 3, 1873, entitled “An act making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1874;

After debate,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 16

Nays 43

On motion by Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland,

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

Messrs. Bogy, Clayton, Cooper, Davis, Fenton, Gordon, Hamilton of Maryland, Kelly, McCreery, Norwood, Oglesby, Saulsbury, Schurz Stevenson, Tipton, Wadleigh.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Allison, Anthony, Bayard, Boreman, Boutwell, Brownlow, Buckingham, Carpenter, Chandler, Conkling, Conover, Crozier, Dorsey, Edmunds, Ferry of Michigan, Flanagan, Frelinghuysen, Gilbert, Goldthwaine, Hamlin, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Lewi, Logan, Merrimon, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine. Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Patterson, Pratt, Ramsey, Robertson, Sargent, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Sprague, Stockton, West, Windom, Wright.

So the amendment of Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, to the reported amendment was not agreed to.

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On motion by Mr. Anthony further to amend the reported amendment by inserting at the end thereof the following:

Provided, That the provisions of this act shall not be construed to reduce the salaries now provided by law for the Vice-President of the United States, for the Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, of War, of the Navy. of the Interior, and of the Attorney-General, and Postmaster-General, or of any of the employes of the Senate or of the House of Representatives; or of any of the officers named in the third section of the act approved March 3, 1873, entitled “An act making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1874, and for other purposes;”

It was determined in the negative.

On the question to agree to the amendment reported by the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, as amended, viz: strike out sections 1, 2, and 3 of the bill, as amended, in the following words:

“That from and after the passage of this act the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates shall be at the rate of five thousand dollars per annum, payable monthly, and in addition thereto the mileage and other allowances allowed by law prior to the passage of the act of March, 3, 1873, in going to and returning from the seat of Government once in each session, to be certified in writing by each: Provided , That mileage shall not be allowed or paid to Senators, Representatives, or Delegates for the first session of the Forty-third Congress.

“ Section 2. That the compensation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be at the rate of two thousand dollars in addition to his pay as Representative, amounting in all to eight thousand dollars; and that of the Vice-President shall be the same amount, with the same allowance for traveling expenses as hereinbefore provided.

“SECTION 3. That all laws and parts of laws inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed;”

And in lieu thereof insert:

That so much of the act of March 3, 1873, entitled “An act making appropriations for the legislative, executive, and judicial expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1864,” as provides for the increase of the compensation of public officers and employés, whether members of Congress, Delegates, or others, (except the President of the United States and the justices of the Supreme Court,) be, and the same is hereby, repealed; and the salaries, compensation, and allowances of all of said persons (except as aforesaid) shall be as fixed by the laws in force at the time of the passage of said act: Provided, That mileage shall not be allowed for the first session of the Forty-first Congress; that all moneys appropriated as compensation to the members of the Forty-second Congress in excess of the mileage and allowances fixed by law at the commencement of said Conqress and which shall not have been drawn by the members of said Congress respectively, or which, having been drawn, have been returned in any form to the United States, are hereby covered into the Treasury of the United States and are declared to be the moneys of the United States absolutely, the same as if they had never been appropriated as aforesaid;

It was determined in the affirmative.

On motion by Mr. Conkling further to amend the bill by striking out section 4, as follows:

“That the Secretary of the Treasury is required to cover into the Treasury all sums that may remain undrawn, or which have been received as increased compensation under the provisions of said act approved March third, eighteen hundred and seventy-three, and which shall have or may come into his possession by the return thereof,”

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It was determined in the affirmative.

No further amendment being proposed to the bill,

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

The bill, as amended, was read the third time; and,

On the question shall the bill pass?

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 50

Nays 8

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. Allison, Anthony, Bayard, Bogy, Boreman, Boutwell, Buckingham, Cameron, Carpenter, Chandler, Clayton, Conkling, Crozier, Davis, Dorsey, Edmunds, Fenton, Ferry of Michigan, Frelinghuysen, Goldthwaite, Hamilton of Maryland, Hamlin, Hitchcock, Howe, Ingalls, Logan, McCreery, Merrimon, Mitchell, Morrill of Maine, Morrill of Vermont, Morton, Oglesby, Patterson, Pratt, Ramsey, Robertson, Sargent, Saulsbury, Schurz, Scott, Sherman, Spencer, Stevenson, Stockton, Sumner, Wadleigh, West, Windom, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Brownlow, Conover, Flanagan, Gordon, Lewis, Norwood, Sprague, Tipton.

So it was

Resolved , That the bill pass, and that the title be amended to read “An act repealing the increase of salaries of members of Congress and other officers.”

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

On motion by Mr. Sherman,

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution reported by Mr. Sherman from the Committee on Finance, declaring it to be the duty of Congress, at the present session, to adopt definite measures to redeem the pledge made in the act of March 16, 1869, for the earliest practicable redemption of the United States notes in coin.

On motion by Mr. Edmunds that the Senate proceed to the consideration of executive business,

On motion by Mr. Sargent, at 4 o'clock and 40 minutes p. m.,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 13, 1874. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore presented five petitions of citizens of Colorado, praying an investigation of the patents to certain lands alleged to have been fraudulently issued in that State; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Navy, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 5th instant, a list of officers connected with the Navy Department who are furnished with official postage-stamps.

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

Mr. Mitchell presented a letter of the Secretary of War addressed to him, communicating information in relation to the military reservation at Fort Stevens, Oregon; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Chandler presented two petitions of citizens of Michigan, praying the equalization of bounties and a grant of lands to soldiers in the late war; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

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Mr. Chandler presented the petition of Robert Halsey, praying certain amendments to the mining act of May 10, 1872; which was referred to the Committee on Mines and Mining.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of the trustees of Cane Hill College, Arkansas, praying an appropriation for the benefit of that institution; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Mitchell presented a petition of citizens of Southeastern Oregon, praying compensation for property destroyed by Modoc Indians during the late difficulties with that tribe; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, presented a petition of citizens of Michigan, praying the appropriation of the Chinese indemnity fund to the education of Chinese in the Pacific States; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of January 5. 1874, a list of all officers connected with the War Department who are supplied with official postage-stamps.

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

Mr. Scott presented the petition of William Wheeler Hubbell, praying compensation for the use in the naval service of his patent for an explosive shell and fuse; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Conkling presented a memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of New York, praying the passage of an act requiring the use of electric lights by steamers at sea; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Hitchcock presented the memorial of Benjamin Holladay, praying to be indemnified for losses sustained by Indian depredations while carrying the overland mails from 1860 to 1866; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

The President pro tempore presented a petition of De Lorma Brooks, praying an amendment to the Constitution abolishing the present judicial system of the United States, and substituting arbitration by persons chosen and paid by the parties litigant; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

The President pro tempore presented a petition of citizens of Wisconsin, praying the appointment of a commission to inquire into the effects of the traffic in intoxicating liquors; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Conkling presented a resolution of the Chamber of Commerce of New York, in favor of the adoption of the Monitor life-saving raft for the use of steamships carrying passengers; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Pratt presented a memorial of workingmen of Philadelphia, praying certain amendments to the laws relating to national banks and the currency; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Mitchell presented a memorial of citizens of Oregon, praying an appropriation for the removal of obstructions in the Willamette River in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Allison,

Ordered , That the papers relating to the claim of Susan Currier, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Chandler,

Ordered , That the petition of Benjamin H. Shepard, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

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On motion by Mr. Flanagan,

Ordered , That the petition of L. D. Evans, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

On motion by Mr. Wright,

Ordered , That the petition of H. W. Read, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Ramsey presented a petition of citizens of Minnesota, praying the improvement of Red River of the North and the establishment of a land-office at Chahinkapa; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of the legislature of Arkansas, asking to be reimbursed for moneys expended in military operations to preserve the peace in that State in 1868 and 1869; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Clayton presented memorials of the legislature of Arkansas, as follows:

Memorial in favor of the disposal of a portion of the Fort Smith military reservation in that State, and the dedication of another portion thereof to the city of Fort Smith, for the benefit of common schools.

Memorial in favor of the equalization of bounties.

Ordered , That they be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of the legislature of Arkansas, in favor of refunding the cottou-tax collected in 1865, 1866, and 1867; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Clayton presented memorials of the legislature of Arkansas, as follows:

Memorial in relation to what is known as the “graduation act” for the sale of public lands to actual settlers, and asking legislation to perfect the titles in the present owners.

Memorial in favor of the sale of a portion of the Hot Spring reservation in that State to actual settlers.

Memorial in favor of a resurvey of the line dividing that State and the Indian Territory.

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

On motion by Mr. Scott,

Ordered , That the claimants in the case relating to the reimbursement of citizens of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, for expenditures to prevent injury to the navigation of the Ohio River by the Parkers-burgh bridge have leave to withdraw from the files of the Senate their petitions and papers.

Mr. Clayton presented additional papers in relation to the case of George A. Armes; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Morrill, of Maine, from the Committee on Appropriations, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 795) making an appropriation to pay the salaries of the official reporters of the proceedings and debates of the House, reported it with amendments.

The Senate proceeded, by unanimouns consent, to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole; 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, and that the title be amended to read “An act 0138 139 making appropriations to pay for reporting the debates and proceedings in Congress.”

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

The President pro tempore appointed Mr. Sargent to fill the vacancy in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution on the part of the Senate.

Mr. Flanagan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 290) changing the present boundaries of the eastern and western judicial districts of Texas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Flanagan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 291) to create a port of delivery at Jefferson, Texas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Brownlow asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 292) for the relief of the trustees of the Tennessee Hospital for the Insane at Nashville, Tennessee; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Claims, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Brownlow presented papers in relation to the claim of the Tennessee Hospital for the Insane, for damage done to property during the late war; which were referred to the Committee on Claims, to accompany the foregoing bill.

Mr. Crozier asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 293) authorizing the sale of a portion of the Fort Leaven-worth military reservation to the Kansas Agricultural and Mechanical Association, for fair-grounds; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Dennis asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 294) for the relief of Thomas Galloway, late captain Company C, First Regiment Maryland Cavalry; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Boreman asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 295) for the relief of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church at New Creek, West Virginia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 296) to establish a reservation for certain Indians in the Territory of Montana; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Buckingham presented a letter from the Secretary of the Interior relating to the establishment of a reservation for certain Indians in Montana Territory; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, to accompany the foregoing bill, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 297) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to use certain unexpended balances of appropriations remaining on the books of the Indian Office June 30, 1873; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, and ordered to be printed.

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Mr. Buckingham presented a letter of the Secretary of the Interior to the chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, in relation to the use of the unexpended balance of appropriations for the Indian service for the year ending June 30, 1873; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, to accompany the foregoing bill, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Buckingham asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 298) to increase the pension of Harriett DeWitt Mitchell, invalid daughter of the late General O. M. Mitchell; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Ramsey asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 299) to establish the Bismarck land-district in the Territory of Dakota; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Sumner asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 300) providing for a bust of the late Chief-Justice Chase, to be placed in the room of the Supreme Court; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on the Library, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Frelinghuysen asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 301) to secure the resumption of specie payments without contracting the currency; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, referred to the Committee on Finance, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamlin submitted the following resolution; which was read, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed:

Resolved by the Senate , ( the House of Representatives concurring ,) That a committee of four members, two of whom shall be members of the House and two of the Senate, shall be appointed, who shall inquire into the condition of the Navy of the United States, its adaptability to the necessities of the country, the method of enlisting for the Navy, the system pursued at the dock-yards, and report what changes, improvements, and suggestions are necessary to bring it to the highest state of efficiency; and that the report of said committee shall be presented to this Congress at the opening of the second session.

Resolved , That the Joint Committee to inquire into the state of the Navy can have associated with them two officers of the Navy, either from the active or retired list, not below the rank of commander, to be selected by the Secretary of the Navy, and may request as secretary a captain or commander from the active list of the Navy.

Mr. Gordon submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was ordered to be printed:

Resolved , That the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment be, and it is hereby, instructed to report a bill to reduce, as far as the same may be reduced with due regard to economy and with reference to the salaries of civil officers, and as far as may be consistent with the efficiency of the service, the salaries of all officers of the Army and Navy whose salaries and allowances exceed $5,000 per annum.

On motion by Mr. Stevenson,

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the joint resolution (H. R. 35) filling existing vacancies in the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution; and, no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered , That it pass to a third reading.

The said joint resolution was read the third time.

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Resolved , That it pass.

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

The President pro tempore announced that the business of the morning hour having been concluded, the Senate would now resume the consideration of the resolution reported by Mr. Sherman from the Committee on Finance, declaring it to be the duty of Congress, at the present session, to adopt definite measures to redeem the pledge made in the act of March 16, 1869, for the earliest practicable redemption of the United States notes in coin; and

The Senate resumed the consideration of the said resolution; and

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, having modified the amendment proposed by him on the 15th of December last, Pending debate,

Ordered , That the further consideration of the said resolution be postponed to to–morrow.

The following message was received from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPherson, its Clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed the following resolution:

Resolved , That this House has heard with deep regret the death of Hon. James Brooks, a member of this House from the city of New York.

Resolved, That as a testimony of respect to the memory of this distinguished statesman, the officers and members of this House will wear the usual badge of mourning for the space of thirty days.

Resolved , That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted by the Clerk to the family of the deceased.

It has also passed the following resolutions:

Resolved , That this House has heard with deep regret the announcement of the death of Hon. Wilder D. Foster, late a member of this House from the State of Michigan.

Resolved , That as a testimony of respect for the memory of the deceased, the members and officers of this House wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.

Resolved, That the Clerk of this House transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to the widow of the deceased.

Resolved , That as a further mark of respect this House do now adjourn.

The resolutions of the House of Representatives on the death of the Hon. James Brooks having been read, Mr. Fenton, after addressing the Senate, submitted the following resolutions; which were considered, by unanimous consent, and unanimously agreed to:

Resolved , That the Senate receives with sincere regret the announcement of the death of Hon. James Brooks, late a member of the House of Representatives from the State of New York, and tenders to the family and relatives of the deceased the assurance of sympathy with them under the bereavement they have been called to sustain.

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Senate be directed to transmit to the family of Mr. Brooks a certified copy of the foregoing resolution.

Resolved , That in further token of respect for the memory of the deceased the Senate do now adjourn.

The resolutions of the House of Representatives on the death of Wilder D. Foster having been read,

Mr. Ferry, of Michigan, after addressing the Senate, submitted the following resolutions; which were considered, by unanimous consent, and unanimously agreed to:

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Resolved , That the Senate has received with sincere regret the announcement of the death of Hon. Wilder D. Foster, late a member of the House of Representatives from the State of Michigan, and that it tenders to the family of the deceased the assurance of its sympathy under the bereavement they have been called to sustain.

Resolved , That the Secretary of the Senate be directed to transmit to the family of Mr. Foster a certified copy of the foregoing resolution.

Resolved , That as a further mark of respect for the memory of Mr. Foster the Senate do now adjourn.

Whereupon,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, January 14, 1874. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate,a report of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating, in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of January 5, 1874, a list of officers connected with the Department of the Interior who are supplied with official postagestamps.

Ordered , That it lie on the table and be printed. Mr. Conkling presented a memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of New York, praying that the Secretary of the Navy be authorized to detail certain naval vessels for the use of nautical schools at the port of New York; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Pratt presented a memorial of the Women's Suffrage Association of Indiana, remonstrating against the passage of any bill limiting suffrage in the Territories to male citizens; which was referred to the Committee on Territories.

Mr. Hamilton, of Texas, presented the petition of A. J. and M. S. Cotten, praying indemnity for spoliations committed by the French prior to 1801; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Mitchell presented a petition of citizens of Oregon, praying a grant of lands for the construction of a wagon-road from Roseburgh, in that State, to the California line; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. West presented the petition of Mary C. Haile, praying to be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions. Mr. Conkling presented additional papers to accompany the memorial of the Board ot Trade of Buffalo, New York, in relation to the enrolling and licensing of canal–boats; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Wadleigh presented a petition of citizens of New Hampshire, praying the establishment of a post–route from Antrim to North Branch, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Post–Offices and Post–Roads.

Mr. Wadleigh presented a petition of citizens of New Hampshire, praying the establishment of a post–route from Brookline, in that State, to Townsend, Massachusetts; which was referred to the Committee on Post–Offices and Post–Roads.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Elisha E. Rice, late commercial agent at Hakodadi, Japan, praying payment for property sold to the United States Government at that place in 1871; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered , That the Committee on Mines and Mining be discharged from the further consideration ot the petition of citizens of Omaha, Nebraska

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praying the establishment of a branch mint in that city, and that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Boutwell, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of George Hering, submitted an adverse report (No. 17) thereon.

Mr. Boutwell, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Mrs. Caroline L. Hoey, submitted an adverse report (No. 18) thereon.

Mr. Boutwell, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of M. C. Mordecai & Co., submitted an adverse report (No. 19) thereon.

Mr. Boutwell, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of W. C. Williams, submitted an adverse report (No. 20) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the reports Nos. 17, 18, 19 and 20, and in concurrence therewith,

Resolved , That the prayers of the several petitioners be not granted.

Mr. Davis, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Julius P. Frank, submitted an adverse report (No. 15) thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report, and in concurrence therewith,

Resolved , That the prayer of the petitioner be not granted. On motion by Mr. Scott,

Ordered , That the Committee on Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of A. J. Sypher.

Mr. Scott, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas F. Bowler, reported adversely thereon.

On motion by Mr. Ramsey,

Ordered , That the Committee on Post–Offices and Post–Roads be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of the legislature of Arkansas for an increase of mail–service on route No. 7509, and that the Secretary be directed to transmit the same to the PostmasterGeneral.

Mr. Mitchell, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Dr. Edward Jarvis, submitted a report, (No. 13,) accompanied by a bill (S. 302) for the relief of Dr. Edward Jarvis; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 69) for the relief of William H. Vesey, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 14) thereon.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 68) for the relief of Hiram Prather, late lieutenant–colonel of the Sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, reported it without amendment, and submitted a report (No. 16) thereon.

Mr. Sargent, from the Committee on Mines and Mining, to whom was referred the bill (S. 16) supplemental to the act entitled “An act to Promote the development of the mining resources of the United States,” approved May 10, 1873, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Sargent, from the Committee on Mines and Mining, to whom was referred the bill (S. 177) relating to the public lands in the State of California, reported it with amendments.

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

On motion by Mr. Sargent,

Ordered , That it be recommitted to the Committee on Mines and Mining.

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Mr. Wright, from the Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 1038) for the relief of the estates of Abel Gilbert and William Gerrish, late co–partners in business under the style of Gilbert and Gerrish, 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.

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

Mr. President: The House of Representatives has passed a bill (H. R. 854) relating to circuit and district courts of the United States, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate.

Mr. Hamlin asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 303) for the relief of Elisha E. Rice; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. West asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 304) relative to the Metropolitan Police of 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. Logan asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 305) for the relief of Albert Von Steinhausen, late major Sixty–eighth Regiment New York Infantry Volunteers; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous con