Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 December 1877 — FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. [ARTICLE]

FORTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.

Monday, Dec. 3.—Senate.—The extra session met at 10 o’clock, and after a session of an hour and a half adjourned. The regular session of the Senate began at noon, the President’s message and the various department reports were read, and an adjournment was voted till Thursday, Dec. 6. House.— Nothing was done In the House beyond hearing the message and accompanying documents read. Tuesday, Dec. 4.—Senate.— Not in session. House. —Bills were Introduced and referred as follows: By Mr. Townsend (0.), to aid vessels wrecked or disabled in waters contiguous to the United Btates or Canada; by Mr. Dibrell, levying a tax on incomo ; by Mr. Baker (Ind.), a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the constitution prohibiting the payment of any claims for damage growing out of the taking, use, or destruction of property during the Rebellion ; by Mr. Hartzcll, to substitute greenbacks for the issue of national banking associations, and to pay the full amount for all bonds deposited by them in the treasury in accordance with the terms of the contract expressed on the face of said bonds, the bonds so redeemed to l)e canceled; by Mr. Hubbeli, diriding Michigan into three judicial districts; by Mr. Ellsworth, providing for general amnesty.... Mr. Frye, from the Judiciary Committee, reported l ack the bill prescribing an oath of office which eliminates from the statutes the law which prescribes the taking of the iron-clad oath. Passed. Also, a bill repealing Bec. 820 of the Revised Statutes, which provides for the disqualification of any juror who has without duress or coercion taken up arms in defense of any Insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or who has given aid or comfort thereto. Passed. Wednesday, Deo. 6.— Senate. —There was no session of the Senate. House.— The House spent considerable time m wrangling over the Jurisdiction between the Commerce and Railroad Committees on the subject of the respective control of the two committees over river and harbor bills. The matter was settled by reference to the Committee on Rules.. .Mr. Townshend, of Illinois, introduced a bill to repeal the existing statutes for the renewal of patents, and declaring it unlawful hereafter for the Commissioner of Patents to renew or extend any patent or design whatever. The bill was passed.. .Mr. Harrison, of Illinois, introduced a bill to provide for an income tax. It proposes to levy upon the incomes of all United Btates citizens which may be over SI,OOO and under $2,000 annually a tax of 1 per cent.; over $2,000 and under $3,000, 1% per cent., and graduating the scale up to and including $23,000. Over $23,000 and under $35,000, a tax of 3 per cent.; over $35,000 and under $50,000, 4 per cent., and 5 per cent; on all incomes in excess of $50,000. Thursday, Dec. 6.—Senate.— A number of petitions were presented and referred. ...A resolution was intAxluced by Mr. Burnside, and adopted, asking the President to transmit to the Senate the correspondence had with our Ministers to France England and Germany in regard to the FrancoPrussian war.... Mr. Ferry presented a petition of citizens of ' Michigan in favor of the passage es a bill to authorize the coinage of the standard silver dollar.. The silver men achieved a decided victory in the Senate, and developed an unexpected strength. Mr. Allison’ who has charge of the House Silver bill, moved to make it the special order for Monday. Dec. 10. Mr. Morrill moved to postpone the matter to Jan. 11. This was rejected by the onesided vote of 17 yeas to 40 nays. The motion of Mr. Allison was then agreed to by 41 yeas to 18 nays There was a lengthy debate, in executive session, upon the question of the relative rights of the President and Senate in the matter of official appointments. The President renominated the New York Custom House officers who fell by reason of the expiration of the extra seeelon. A large number of other nominations were sent in. John B. Hawley, of Illinois, was confirmed as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. House. —ln the House the only business of importance was the threefold report from the Elec«,T!!w2S D ?? 1 l tt £J 5n the Colorado case-one to entitled to the seat, rightful claimant, and »>y Mr. Oox, of Ohio, claiming that lß ß*l ‘lootlon. and remanding the the pW 0 of Colorado..?.The FOBt-Boute bill was passed,.. .Mr. Joyce wanted to introduce a resolution censuring the Snaniardn for their barbarities in Cuba, Friday, Dee. 7.-—Senate.—The House bill tot tin relief ot tbe sufferers by the wrack of the

gon, delivered • long speech in rapport of hi* bill to extend the time for the completion of the Northern Pacific railroad. House. —The proceeding* tn the House were exceedingly dull. Mr. Stephen* introduced a bill amendatory of the act incorporating the Texas Pacific Railroad Company; Mr. Cox, of New York, offered a bill to reorganize the life-saving service, and Mr. Wood, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, reported a concurrent resolution for the adjournment of Congress for the Christmas holidays, from the ISth of December until -Jan. 10, which was passed.