Jan. 1—Ten years ago the cloud of civil war settled densely over the country, and threatened its destruction. To-day that tornado has been passed by nearly six years, and its ruins are almost buried under the new and more thrifty growth of all interests and industries even in the South.” 20—H. R. Revels, of Miss., is chosen the first colored Senator who ever represented a State in Congress.” 23—The U. S. steamer Oneida sunk by collision with another vessel on the coast of Japan. 176 lives lost.Feb. 22—Hon. Anson Burlingame, head of the Chinese embassy to the powers of Christendom, died at St. Petersburg, Russia.Mar. 28—Gen. G. H. Thomas dies in San Francisco, Cal.” 30—The Sec. of State proclaims the ratification of the 15th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution by three-fourths of the States.June 15—Death of Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, at Baltimore, Md.July 12—Death of Admiral Dahlgren, at Washington, D. C.” 20—Death of M. Prevost Paradol, French Minister at Washington.Aug. 14—Death of Admiral Farragut, at Portsmouth, N. H.Sept. 7—Recognition of the French Republic by the U. S. government.Oct. 12—Death of Gen. R. E. Lee, formerly of the Confederate army.
Jan. 1—Ten years ago the cloud of civil war settled densely over the country, and threatened its destruction. To-day that tornado has been passed by nearly six years, and its ruins are almost buried under the new and more thrifty growth of all interests and industries even in the South.
” 20—H. R. Revels, of Miss., is chosen the first colored Senator who ever represented a State in Congress.
” 23—The U. S. steamer Oneida sunk by collision with another vessel on the coast of Japan. 176 lives lost.
Feb. 22—Hon. Anson Burlingame, head of the Chinese embassy to the powers of Christendom, died at St. Petersburg, Russia.
Mar. 28—Gen. G. H. Thomas dies in San Francisco, Cal.
” 30—The Sec. of State proclaims the ratification of the 15th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution by three-fourths of the States.
June 15—Death of Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, at Baltimore, Md.
July 12—Death of Admiral Dahlgren, at Washington, D. C.
” 20—Death of M. Prevost Paradol, French Minister at Washington.
Aug. 14—Death of Admiral Farragut, at Portsmouth, N. H.
Sept. 7—Recognition of the French Republic by the U. S. government.
Oct. 12—Death of Gen. R. E. Lee, formerly of the Confederate army.
Great changes have been taking place in Europe. The Emperor, Napoleon III. taken prisoner by the Germans, his government was set aside by the people of France who founded a Republic.
Jan. 1—At this time the German army, under the lead of the King of Prussia (about this time made Emperor of Germany), is besieging Paris, the capital of France.” 17—The San Domingo Commission sail from New York.” 28—Paris capitulates to the Germans, which ends the Franco-Prussian war, terms of peace being soon arranged.Feb. 12—Alice Carey, the authoress, died at New York.” 16—An important Japanese mission to the U. S. and other governments arrives at San Francisco.Mar. 1—The Germans make a triumphal entry into Paris.” 20—British House of Commons votes $265,000 for the relief of Paris.Apr. 20—A Bill against the Kuklux, a secret organization of Southern conspirators and murderers, passed in Congress.May 1—The Legal Tender Act declared Constitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court.” 31—The French government does not imitate our clemency to prisoners taken in rebellion. The soldiers of the Commune are slaughtered by thousands, by order of the Court Martial of the government army.June 18—An earthquake on Long and Staten Islands, N. Y.” 20—The first Atlantic Cable of 1865, which soon broke and became useless, is recovered and worked.July 5—Earthquake at Visalia, Cal.” 12—Irish Catholic riot in New York; 51 killed, 30 wounded.” 30—Steamer Westfield explodes, killing near 100 people.Sept. 17—The Mont Cenis Tunnel, opening a passage for a railroad 7⅗ths miles long through the Alps from France to Italy, inaugurated. It had been many years building.Oct. 2—Brigham Young, the head of the Mormons in Utah, arrested for bigamy.” 8—A fire nearly consumes Chicago, destroying-property worth $200,000,000 and many lives. Fires rage in the forests of Wisconsin and Michigan. Much property, some towns, and many persons are burned.” 17—South Carolina placed under martial law.$2,050,000 received in aid of the people of Chicago.Nov. 15—Cholera appears on vessels at New York.” 18—The Grand Duke Alexis, of Russia, arrives at New York. He travels through the country for some months.Dec. 9—Commissioners of the English and U. S. governments meet in Washington to settle the difficulties between the two governments arising from the spoliations of the Alabama.” 16—Catacazy, the Russian Minister, called home at the request of our government.” 29—Investigation of abuses in the New York city government commences. W. M. Tweed surrenders to the sheriff.
Jan. 1—At this time the German army, under the lead of the King of Prussia (about this time made Emperor of Germany), is besieging Paris, the capital of France.
” 17—The San Domingo Commission sail from New York.
” 28—Paris capitulates to the Germans, which ends the Franco-Prussian war, terms of peace being soon arranged.
Feb. 12—Alice Carey, the authoress, died at New York.
” 16—An important Japanese mission to the U. S. and other governments arrives at San Francisco.
Mar. 1—The Germans make a triumphal entry into Paris.
” 20—British House of Commons votes $265,000 for the relief of Paris.
Apr. 20—A Bill against the Kuklux, a secret organization of Southern conspirators and murderers, passed in Congress.
May 1—The Legal Tender Act declared Constitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court.
” 31—The French government does not imitate our clemency to prisoners taken in rebellion. The soldiers of the Commune are slaughtered by thousands, by order of the Court Martial of the government army.
June 18—An earthquake on Long and Staten Islands, N. Y.
” 20—The first Atlantic Cable of 1865, which soon broke and became useless, is recovered and worked.
July 5—Earthquake at Visalia, Cal.
” 12—Irish Catholic riot in New York; 51 killed, 30 wounded.
” 30—Steamer Westfield explodes, killing near 100 people.
Sept. 17—The Mont Cenis Tunnel, opening a passage for a railroad 7⅗ths miles long through the Alps from France to Italy, inaugurated. It had been many years building.
Oct. 2—Brigham Young, the head of the Mormons in Utah, arrested for bigamy.
” 8—A fire nearly consumes Chicago, destroying-property worth $200,000,000 and many lives. Fires rage in the forests of Wisconsin and Michigan. Much property, some towns, and many persons are burned.
” 17—South Carolina placed under martial law.
$2,050,000 received in aid of the people of Chicago.
Nov. 15—Cholera appears on vessels at New York.
” 18—The Grand Duke Alexis, of Russia, arrives at New York. He travels through the country for some months.
Dec. 9—Commissioners of the English and U. S. governments meet in Washington to settle the difficulties between the two governments arising from the spoliations of the Alabama.
” 16—Catacazy, the Russian Minister, called home at the request of our government.
” 29—Investigation of abuses in the New York city government commences. W. M. Tweed surrenders to the sheriff.
Jan. 2—Brigham Young arrested on a charge of murder.Mar. 7—Trial and conviction of Kuklux prisoners in Ala.; 3 sentenced to imprisonment for 20 years.Apr. 1—The colored people celebrate the adoption of 15th Amendment.May 3—Horace Greeley nominated for President by a convention at Cincinnati, O.” 22—The General Amnesty Bill signed by the President.” 30—Graves of the Union soldiers decorated throughout the country.June 6—Grant and Wilson nominated for President and Vice-President.” 26—Trial of Stokes for the murder of Fisk begun. After several trials he was condemned to imprisonment for murder.July 24—Spotted-Tail and other western Indians visit Washington.Aug. 16—Yellow Fever appears at New York.Sept. 2—Father Hyacinthe, a liberal French Catholic priest, marries an American lady.” 14—The arbitrators of the Alabama Claims, to whom the case had been submitted, and who had been two months sitting at Geneva, Switzerland,announced their award. The United States was to receive $15,500,000 in gold.Oct. 14—Wm. H. Seward, one of our most distinguished statesmen, is this day buried at Auburn, N. Y.” 25—About this time the Horse disease commences, and spreads rapidly over the whole country.Nov. 5—In the presidential election on this day President Grant is re-elected.” 9—A great fire in Boston, Mass. Loss $75,000,000 in buildings and merchandise. Insurance $50,000,000.In this month and December following storms of extreme severity caused great loss of life and property. An overflow of the river Po, in Italy, rendered 40,000 persons homeless. In the Baltic Sea 80 vessels were wrecked, some islands were inundated, and all their inhabitants drowned. It was not less severe on the coasts of England and Ireland.” 29—Horace Greeley, recent candidate for President of the U. S., died, aged 62 years.Dec. 11—The King of the Sandwich Islands, Kamehameha V., died, leaving no heir.” 12—The actor, Edwin Forrest, dies, at Philadelphia.” 17—Edward A. Pollard, editor and author, died.Important investigations of abuses in New York city and in the conduct of the Pacific Railway are made this winter, and many healthy reforms inaugurated. The order of Patrons of Husbandry becomes popular among agriculturists, and spreads rapidly, through the coming year.
Jan. 2—Brigham Young arrested on a charge of murder.
Mar. 7—Trial and conviction of Kuklux prisoners in Ala.; 3 sentenced to imprisonment for 20 years.
Apr. 1—The colored people celebrate the adoption of 15th Amendment.
May 3—Horace Greeley nominated for President by a convention at Cincinnati, O.
” 22—The General Amnesty Bill signed by the President.
” 30—Graves of the Union soldiers decorated throughout the country.
June 6—Grant and Wilson nominated for President and Vice-President.
” 26—Trial of Stokes for the murder of Fisk begun. After several trials he was condemned to imprisonment for murder.
July 24—Spotted-Tail and other western Indians visit Washington.
Aug. 16—Yellow Fever appears at New York.
Sept. 2—Father Hyacinthe, a liberal French Catholic priest, marries an American lady.
” 14—The arbitrators of the Alabama Claims, to whom the case had been submitted, and who had been two months sitting at Geneva, Switzerland,announced their award. The United States was to receive $15,500,000 in gold.
Oct. 14—Wm. H. Seward, one of our most distinguished statesmen, is this day buried at Auburn, N. Y.
” 25—About this time the Horse disease commences, and spreads rapidly over the whole country.
Nov. 5—In the presidential election on this day President Grant is re-elected.
” 9—A great fire in Boston, Mass. Loss $75,000,000 in buildings and merchandise. Insurance $50,000,000.
In this month and December following storms of extreme severity caused great loss of life and property. An overflow of the river Po, in Italy, rendered 40,000 persons homeless. In the Baltic Sea 80 vessels were wrecked, some islands were inundated, and all their inhabitants drowned. It was not less severe on the coasts of England and Ireland.
” 29—Horace Greeley, recent candidate for President of the U. S., died, aged 62 years.
Dec. 11—The King of the Sandwich Islands, Kamehameha V., died, leaving no heir.
” 12—The actor, Edwin Forrest, dies, at Philadelphia.
” 17—Edward A. Pollard, editor and author, died.
Important investigations of abuses in New York city and in the conduct of the Pacific Railway are made this winter, and many healthy reforms inaugurated. The order of Patrons of Husbandry becomes popular among agriculturists, and spreads rapidly, through the coming year.
Jan. 7, 8, 9—A dreadful snow storm occurs in Minnesota, by which 70 lives are lost.” 9—The ex-Emperor Napoleon III. dies at Chiselhurst, in England, aged 64 years.” 31—At Chicago, Ill., Joel A. Matteson, ex-governor of Illinois, died.Feb. 1—M. F. Maury, formerly distinguished in the U. S. Naval service, dies at Lexington, Va.” 9—J. W. Geary, ex-Governor of Penn., died at Harrisburg.” 15—Steamer Henry A. Jones burned in Galveston Bay, Texas. 21 lives lost.Mar. 3—Congress enacted a law increasing their pay, that of the President, and various officers of the government. It extended over the whole previous term of the 42d Congress, commencing March 4th, 1871. This law was very offensive to the mass of the people.” 4—The wreck of the Alaska mail steamer, Geo. S. Wright, is reported at Portland, Oregon. All on board, 23 persons, perished.” 16—The Boston steamer, Grace Irving, foundered. 8 lives lost.” 17—Great fire at Lawrenceburg, Ky.” 19—San Salvador, Central America, destroyed by an earthquake. Property destroyed estimated at from $12,000,000 to $20,000,000; and 500 lives lost.Apr. 1—Steamer Atlantic wrecked near Halifax, N. S. 535 lives lost.May 5—James Orr, American Minister to Russia, died, at St. Petersburg, aged 51.” 4—An iron bridge at Dixon, Ill., crowded with people witnessing a baptism, fell, killing and drowning 100 persons.” 7—Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the U. S., died in New York, aged 65.” 8—Hon. Oakes Ames, M. C., died at North Easton, Mass., aged 69.John Stuart Mill, a celebrated English philosopher and author, died at Avignon, France.” 30—A second great fire in Boston, Mass.June 28—Hon. Horace F. Clark, prominent in railway enterprises, died in New York.” 27—Hiram Powers, the distinguished American sculptor, died in Florence, Italy.” 29—Jesse R. Grant, father of the President, died.July 4—Severe storm, very destructive to crops in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Missouri. 20 persons drowned in Green Lake, Wisconsin.Aug. 2—Great fire at Portland, Oregon. Loss $1,500,000.” 24—A storm of unprecedented severity raged on the coast of British America, and, at the same time, on the coast of Mexico. More than 100 vessels were destroyed in and near the gulf of St. Lawrence. Some populous islands were quite laid waste. 176 sailing vessels and 12 steamers were lost in the Gulf of Mexico.Sept. 15—The propeller Ironsides foundered in Lake Michigan. 31 lives lost.The Patrons of Husbandry organize about this time at the rate of near 1,000 granges a month.In this month commenced a most serious financial panic at New York, that spread over the whole country.Oct. 26—J. C. Heenan, the prize fighter, died on the Union Pacific R. R.Nov. 6—Gen. Sickles, U. S. Minister to Spain, telegraphs to Washington the capture of the Virginius by the Cubans.” 8—Stephen R. Mallory, former Sec. of the Confederate Navy, died, aged 63.” 19—John P. Hale, of N. H., a statesman of some celebrity, died.” 22—The steamship Ville du Havre run into and sunk by the Loch Earn in mid ocean. 226 lives lost.” 27—Richard Yates, ex-U. S. Senator and ex-Governor of Illinois, died at St. Louis, aged 55.Dec. 1—The 43rd Congress assembles for its first session.” 14—Louis Agassiz, a distinguished naturalist and man of science, died at Cambridge, Mass.
Jan. 7, 8, 9—A dreadful snow storm occurs in Minnesota, by which 70 lives are lost.
” 9—The ex-Emperor Napoleon III. dies at Chiselhurst, in England, aged 64 years.
” 31—At Chicago, Ill., Joel A. Matteson, ex-governor of Illinois, died.
Feb. 1—M. F. Maury, formerly distinguished in the U. S. Naval service, dies at Lexington, Va.
” 9—J. W. Geary, ex-Governor of Penn., died at Harrisburg.
” 15—Steamer Henry A. Jones burned in Galveston Bay, Texas. 21 lives lost.
Mar. 3—Congress enacted a law increasing their pay, that of the President, and various officers of the government. It extended over the whole previous term of the 42d Congress, commencing March 4th, 1871. This law was very offensive to the mass of the people.
” 4—The wreck of the Alaska mail steamer, Geo. S. Wright, is reported at Portland, Oregon. All on board, 23 persons, perished.
” 16—The Boston steamer, Grace Irving, foundered. 8 lives lost.
” 17—Great fire at Lawrenceburg, Ky.
” 19—San Salvador, Central America, destroyed by an earthquake. Property destroyed estimated at from $12,000,000 to $20,000,000; and 500 lives lost.
Apr. 1—Steamer Atlantic wrecked near Halifax, N. S. 535 lives lost.
May 5—James Orr, American Minister to Russia, died, at St. Petersburg, aged 51.
” 4—An iron bridge at Dixon, Ill., crowded with people witnessing a baptism, fell, killing and drowning 100 persons.
” 7—Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the U. S., died in New York, aged 65.
” 8—Hon. Oakes Ames, M. C., died at North Easton, Mass., aged 69.
John Stuart Mill, a celebrated English philosopher and author, died at Avignon, France.
” 30—A second great fire in Boston, Mass.
June 28—Hon. Horace F. Clark, prominent in railway enterprises, died in New York.
” 27—Hiram Powers, the distinguished American sculptor, died in Florence, Italy.
” 29—Jesse R. Grant, father of the President, died.
July 4—Severe storm, very destructive to crops in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Missouri. 20 persons drowned in Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Aug. 2—Great fire at Portland, Oregon. Loss $1,500,000.
” 24—A storm of unprecedented severity raged on the coast of British America, and, at the same time, on the coast of Mexico. More than 100 vessels were destroyed in and near the gulf of St. Lawrence. Some populous islands were quite laid waste. 176 sailing vessels and 12 steamers were lost in the Gulf of Mexico.
Sept. 15—The propeller Ironsides foundered in Lake Michigan. 31 lives lost.
The Patrons of Husbandry organize about this time at the rate of near 1,000 granges a month.
In this month commenced a most serious financial panic at New York, that spread over the whole country.
Oct. 26—J. C. Heenan, the prize fighter, died on the Union Pacific R. R.
Nov. 6—Gen. Sickles, U. S. Minister to Spain, telegraphs to Washington the capture of the Virginius by the Cubans.
” 8—Stephen R. Mallory, former Sec. of the Confederate Navy, died, aged 63.
” 19—John P. Hale, of N. H., a statesman of some celebrity, died.
” 22—The steamship Ville du Havre run into and sunk by the Loch Earn in mid ocean. 226 lives lost.
” 27—Richard Yates, ex-U. S. Senator and ex-Governor of Illinois, died at St. Louis, aged 55.
Dec. 1—The 43rd Congress assembles for its first session.
” 14—Louis Agassiz, a distinguished naturalist and man of science, died at Cambridge, Mass.
Jan.—The U. S. government narrowly escaped a war with Spain on account of the taking of the Virginius by Cuban authorities. That vessel was sailing under the American flag which was violated by its capture. 54 men were shot as pirates, some of them American citizens. The Spanish government disavowed the act, and gave up the vessel, Dec. 16th, 1873. It was so much damaged as to sink while on the way to the United States.” 2—A Revolution in Spain overthrows the government of Señor Castelar.” 5—The President sends a message to Congress concerning the Spanish difficulty, now substantially settled.” 8—U. S. Senate repeals the bill of March 3rd, 1873, increasing the pay of members of Congress.” 9—Hon. Caleb Cushing nominated Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court.” 14—Nomination of Caleb Cushing recalled.” 17—Death of the Siamese twins.” 19—Morrison R. Waite, of Ohio, was nominated by the President as Chief Justice and confirmed afterward by the Senate.” 27—Reliable intelligence of the death of David Livingstone, the African explorer, reaches England.Feb. 4—The seventh annual meeting of the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry occurs in St. Louis, Mo. 8,000 subordinate granges have been added during the year. The Executive Committee state that farmers had saved $8,000,000 during the year by their co-operative system.Mar. 8—Ex-President Fillmore died, in Buffalo, N. Y.” 11—Death of Hon. Charles Sumner, a distinguished statesman and Senator from Mass., in Washington. He was born in Boston, Mass., Jan. 6th, 1811, and was 63 years old. He was of a patriotic race which originated in the county of Kent, England. His grandfather was a Major distinguished for valor in the Revolutionary army. Charles Sumner graduated from Harvard College in 1830, was admitted to the bar in 1834, and became highly distinguished as a lawyer. He succeeded Daniel Webster in the U. S. Senate in 1851, in which he remained till his death, being always conspicuous as one of the foremost leaders in public affairs.” 24—A bill increasing the currency to $400,000,000 passed in the U. S. House of Representatives by 168 to 77.Apr. 1—The U. S. debt officially stated to be $2,152,690,728.62. Decrease of debt during March, 1874, $2,189,338.46.” 14—The Senate bill increasing the currency passes the House of Representatives. Many protests from different parts of the country are presented against it as injurious to the credit and interests ofthe country. The discussion of this measure has occupied much of the time of Congress for some months.” 18—The funeral of Livingstone, the lamented African explorer, takes place in London, England, where his remains had arrived. He was interred in Westminster Abbey, as a mark of distinguished honor.” 17—Gov. Wm. B. Washburn is elected by the Mass. Legislature to represent the State in the U. S. Senate, made vacant by the death of Charles Sumner.” 22—President Grant vetoes the Currency Bill increasing the issues of paper money, which defeats the measure, its friends in Congress not being numerous enough to pass it over the veto.” 24—The Congressional committee on Transportation, after long and careful investigation, advised governmentoversightof Railroads, but against governmentownership.” 28—Congress voted $90,000 in aid of sufferers by the inundation of the lower Mississippi.May 7—$100,000 were added to the above sum for the same purpose.” 19—The system of payments to informers in customs revenue cases, repealed. That system appeared to have been very grossly abused.” ”—The conflict in Arkansas ended in the retreat of Brooks and the reinstatement of Gov. Baxter.” ”—The New York Legislature passed a Compulsory Education Bill, which became a law in that state.June 1—Mr. Richardson, Secretary of the Treasury, resigned. Gen. Benj. H. Bristow of Ky., was appointed to succeed him.” ”—The number of subordinate Granges of the Patrons of Husbandry is 19,492. The number of Patrons who are voters is estimated at 1,000,000.” 23—Congress adjourned. The sums appropriated at this session for carrying on the government amounted to $189,784,346.25. The largest item was for the Post Office Department—over $41,000,000.” 24—Postmaster-General, John A. J. Creswell resigned, and Hon. Marshall Jewell was appointed in his place.” 25—Telegraphic communication between the United States and Brazil introduced by congratulatory messages between the Emperor of Brazil and the President of the U. S.July 8—Message of Gov. Davis of Minnesota to the Sec. of War, announcing the entire destruction of crops in many counties of that state by grasshoppers.” 14—Another great fire in Chicago. Loss over $4,000,000.Gen Custer, commanding an exploring expedition in the Black Hills of Dacotah, reported discoveries of rich gold mines there.” 27—An International Congress for mitigating the sufferings of warby means of an International Code of Laws, convened at Brussels, in Belgium.Aug. 19—A riot between whites and blacks in Kentucky, resulted in several murders of blacks. The Gov. called out the militia to restore order.Sept. 2—400 Mormons sail from England for this country en route to Utah.” 5—Gen. Sherman orders Military head quarters of the U. S. Army removed from Washington to St. Louis, Mo.” 5—The one hundredth anniversary of the first meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, celebrated.” 7—Great fire at Meiningen, Germany. Loss in buildings alone, $3,000,000.” 13—Guizot, a celebrated French author and statesman, died, aged 87.” 14—The white League, a secret organization opposed to the enfranchisement of the colored people, produced a conflict in New Orleans. 17 were killed and 32 wounded in a street fight, and the State government completely overthrown.” 16—President Grant interfered by proclamation and the government” 18—was surrendered to the regular authorities, under protest.Oct. 13—Elections held in 6 states returned 12 democratic Congressmen more than the previous number.Nov. 3—Elections in 23 states give a strong democratic gain, indicating a reaction against the government. A sense of the necessity of reform in various ways, and of greater purity and integrity of administration was wide spread. It had caused, in part, the rapid growth of the Patrons of Husbandry, and was again expressed by political reaction. It was a significant rebuke to those in power. A typhoon, or hurricane at Hong Kong, China, Sept. 22-23, destroyed 30,000 lives and $50,000,000 of property.Europe is making great political improvements. In France, during the last three years, out of 184 elections to fill vacancies in the National Assembly, 152 have been republican—only 32 monarchists, and in Russia the government has decided to enforce compulsory education.Dec. 1—The number of Granges in the United States is 21,472.” 7—The last session of the forty-third Congress commenced. The President’s Message strongly recommends early resumption of specie payments.” 12—Kalakaua, King of the Sandwich Islands, reached Washington on a visit. He was received by the President on the 15th and by Congress on the 18th.” 21—Disturbances at Vicksburg, Miss., called out a proclamation from the President.” 28—Gerrit Smith, a distinguished abolitionist and philanthropist, died in New York, aged 78.
Jan.—The U. S. government narrowly escaped a war with Spain on account of the taking of the Virginius by Cuban authorities. That vessel was sailing under the American flag which was violated by its capture. 54 men were shot as pirates, some of them American citizens. The Spanish government disavowed the act, and gave up the vessel, Dec. 16th, 1873. It was so much damaged as to sink while on the way to the United States.
” 2—A Revolution in Spain overthrows the government of Señor Castelar.
” 5—The President sends a message to Congress concerning the Spanish difficulty, now substantially settled.
” 8—U. S. Senate repeals the bill of March 3rd, 1873, increasing the pay of members of Congress.
” 9—Hon. Caleb Cushing nominated Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court.
” 14—Nomination of Caleb Cushing recalled.
” 17—Death of the Siamese twins.
” 19—Morrison R. Waite, of Ohio, was nominated by the President as Chief Justice and confirmed afterward by the Senate.
” 27—Reliable intelligence of the death of David Livingstone, the African explorer, reaches England.
Feb. 4—The seventh annual meeting of the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry occurs in St. Louis, Mo. 8,000 subordinate granges have been added during the year. The Executive Committee state that farmers had saved $8,000,000 during the year by their co-operative system.
Mar. 8—Ex-President Fillmore died, in Buffalo, N. Y.
” 11—Death of Hon. Charles Sumner, a distinguished statesman and Senator from Mass., in Washington. He was born in Boston, Mass., Jan. 6th, 1811, and was 63 years old. He was of a patriotic race which originated in the county of Kent, England. His grandfather was a Major distinguished for valor in the Revolutionary army. Charles Sumner graduated from Harvard College in 1830, was admitted to the bar in 1834, and became highly distinguished as a lawyer. He succeeded Daniel Webster in the U. S. Senate in 1851, in which he remained till his death, being always conspicuous as one of the foremost leaders in public affairs.
” 24—A bill increasing the currency to $400,000,000 passed in the U. S. House of Representatives by 168 to 77.
Apr. 1—The U. S. debt officially stated to be $2,152,690,728.62. Decrease of debt during March, 1874, $2,189,338.46.
” 14—The Senate bill increasing the currency passes the House of Representatives. Many protests from different parts of the country are presented against it as injurious to the credit and interests ofthe country. The discussion of this measure has occupied much of the time of Congress for some months.
” 18—The funeral of Livingstone, the lamented African explorer, takes place in London, England, where his remains had arrived. He was interred in Westminster Abbey, as a mark of distinguished honor.
” 17—Gov. Wm. B. Washburn is elected by the Mass. Legislature to represent the State in the U. S. Senate, made vacant by the death of Charles Sumner.
” 22—President Grant vetoes the Currency Bill increasing the issues of paper money, which defeats the measure, its friends in Congress not being numerous enough to pass it over the veto.
” 24—The Congressional committee on Transportation, after long and careful investigation, advised governmentoversightof Railroads, but against governmentownership.
” 28—Congress voted $90,000 in aid of sufferers by the inundation of the lower Mississippi.
May 7—$100,000 were added to the above sum for the same purpose.
” 19—The system of payments to informers in customs revenue cases, repealed. That system appeared to have been very grossly abused.
” ”—The conflict in Arkansas ended in the retreat of Brooks and the reinstatement of Gov. Baxter.
” ”—The New York Legislature passed a Compulsory Education Bill, which became a law in that state.
June 1—Mr. Richardson, Secretary of the Treasury, resigned. Gen. Benj. H. Bristow of Ky., was appointed to succeed him.
” ”—The number of subordinate Granges of the Patrons of Husbandry is 19,492. The number of Patrons who are voters is estimated at 1,000,000.
” 23—Congress adjourned. The sums appropriated at this session for carrying on the government amounted to $189,784,346.25. The largest item was for the Post Office Department—over $41,000,000.
” 24—Postmaster-General, John A. J. Creswell resigned, and Hon. Marshall Jewell was appointed in his place.
” 25—Telegraphic communication between the United States and Brazil introduced by congratulatory messages between the Emperor of Brazil and the President of the U. S.
July 8—Message of Gov. Davis of Minnesota to the Sec. of War, announcing the entire destruction of crops in many counties of that state by grasshoppers.
” 14—Another great fire in Chicago. Loss over $4,000,000.
Gen Custer, commanding an exploring expedition in the Black Hills of Dacotah, reported discoveries of rich gold mines there.
” 27—An International Congress for mitigating the sufferings of warby means of an International Code of Laws, convened at Brussels, in Belgium.
Aug. 19—A riot between whites and blacks in Kentucky, resulted in several murders of blacks. The Gov. called out the militia to restore order.
Sept. 2—400 Mormons sail from England for this country en route to Utah.
” 5—Gen. Sherman orders Military head quarters of the U. S. Army removed from Washington to St. Louis, Mo.
” 5—The one hundredth anniversary of the first meeting of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, celebrated.
” 7—Great fire at Meiningen, Germany. Loss in buildings alone, $3,000,000.
” 13—Guizot, a celebrated French author and statesman, died, aged 87.
” 14—The white League, a secret organization opposed to the enfranchisement of the colored people, produced a conflict in New Orleans. 17 were killed and 32 wounded in a street fight, and the State government completely overthrown.
” 16—President Grant interfered by proclamation and the government
” 18—was surrendered to the regular authorities, under protest.
Oct. 13—Elections held in 6 states returned 12 democratic Congressmen more than the previous number.
Nov. 3—Elections in 23 states give a strong democratic gain, indicating a reaction against the government. A sense of the necessity of reform in various ways, and of greater purity and integrity of administration was wide spread. It had caused, in part, the rapid growth of the Patrons of Husbandry, and was again expressed by political reaction. It was a significant rebuke to those in power. A typhoon, or hurricane at Hong Kong, China, Sept. 22-23, destroyed 30,000 lives and $50,000,000 of property.
Europe is making great political improvements. In France, during the last three years, out of 184 elections to fill vacancies in the National Assembly, 152 have been republican—only 32 monarchists, and in Russia the government has decided to enforce compulsory education.
Dec. 1—The number of Granges in the United States is 21,472.
” 7—The last session of the forty-third Congress commenced. The President’s Message strongly recommends early resumption of specie payments.
” 12—Kalakaua, King of the Sandwich Islands, reached Washington on a visit. He was received by the President on the 15th and by Congress on the 18th.
” 21—Disturbances at Vicksburg, Miss., called out a proclamation from the President.
” 28—Gerrit Smith, a distinguished abolitionist and philanthropist, died in New York, aged 78.
Jan. 1—Monarchy was restored in Spain. Alphonso XII, son of the ex-queen Isabella, was proclaimed King, and received the support of the army and navy. It was only a few months before that most of the European governments recognized the Spanish Republic.” 4—Gen. Sheridan took command of the Department of the Gulf, at New Orleans. On that day the Legislature of Louisiana was organized, and United States troops, acting under the orders of the speaker and of Gov. Kellogg, ejected several members who, it was alleged, were not entitled to seats. It produced much excitement throughout the country, the opposition denouncing it as an unexampled interference of the Federal Executive with State government. Congress sustained the action of the President, but exerted its influence to quiet the excitement in Louisiana, and a compromise was effected under which it gradually ebbed away.” 12—Toung-tchi, Emperor of China, died, aged 19 years.The emigrants arriving at the port of New York during the year 1874, numbered 149,762; a decided falling off, the arrivals having for some years, amounted to 250,000. The governments of Germany are endeavoring to remove the causes of emigration which threatens to affect their resources seriously.Feb. 3—A proposed reciprocity treaty with Canada, was rejected by the Senate.” 5—The civil rights Bill, adopted by the Senate during the last session, was amended by an omission relating to schools and adopted by the House. It was accepted by the Senate Feb. 27th, and signed by the President, March 1st.” 25—A Republic was definitely recognized in France.Mar. 2—A Bill increasing the Tariff was passed by the Senate.Gen. Lorenzo Thomas of the U. S. army died, aged 71.” 3—A law admitting Colorado as a state was passed.” 4—A law, passed in haste in the last hours of the session, restored the Franking Privilege to members of Congress until Dec. 1, and increased the postage on newspapers and packages for the people. The forty-third Congress came to a close.” 5—The Senate convened in extra session in accordance with a call previously made by the President. G. S. Orth was confirmed U. S. Minister to Austria, and Horace Maynard U. S. Minister to Turkey.” 10—A new treaty with Belgium was ratified.” 18—The Senate ratified the treaty with Hawaii, which renders the interests of the Sandwich Islands substantially identical with those of the United States.” 20—A destructive tornado in Georgia caused great loss of life and property.” 24—The Senate, after officially approving the action of the President in Louisiana, closed its special session.F. E. Spinner, United States Treasurer, resigned, and John C. New, of Ind. was appointed his successor.Apr. 19—The centennial anniversary of the battle of Lexington was celebrated with great interest. This battle was the first decisive step in the War of Independence. Its scenes and their consequences were dwelt on by some of the most distinguished literary Americans, and honored by the presence of the President of the United States and many of its most eminent authorities.” 23—Three Steamers burned at New Orleans, in which fifty lives were lost.” 28—A fire at Oshkosh, Wis., destroyed a square mile of the city. Loss in property over $2,000,000.May 7—A Bill for suppressing religious orders introduced into the German Parliament. It subsequently became a law.The Steamship Schiller was wrecked on the coast of Great Britain. Three hundred and eleven lives were lost.” 10—Centennial anniversary of the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen.” 15—Attorney General Williams resigned and Judge Edwards Pierrepont was appointed his successor.” 17—John C. Breckenridge, formerly Vice President of the United States, and a general in the Confederate army during the Civil War, died, aged 54.” 18—A fearful earthquake in New Granada, South America. The city of Cucuta was completely destroyed; between two and three thousand lives were lost and more than $8,000,000 of property destroyed.” 20—Celebration of the Mecklenburg, N. C., Declaration of Independence, with great enthusiasm.” 30—The Steamer Vicksburg, on a voyage from Canada to England, was wrecked in a field of ice. 80 lives were lost.June 17—Centennial anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill was celebrated with great eclat. Its most interesting feature was the fraternal spirit manifested by the North and South toward each other. Several Southern States were represented by bodies of soldiers.” 30—Business failures since Jan. 1, of this year reported at 3,377, with liabilities amounting in all to $74,940,869.July 8—Gen. Frank P. Blair, Jun., died in St. Louis, aged 54.” 18—Lady Franklin, widow of Sir John Franklin, the unfortunate Arctic Explorer, died in England, aged 70.Great loss of life and property has been caused in France by floods. In two cities alone the damage is estimated at $20,000,000,and in the south of France at $75,000,000. Other parts of Europe have suffered heavily from the same cause.” 23—Isaac Merrit Singer, inventor of the Sewing Machine of that name, died in London, England, aged 64.The most prominent political issue of the time is hard money and currency. A Democratic convention in Md., and a Republican convention in Minn., each, yesterday and to-day, adopted a hard money platform. Ohio and Pa. democratic conventions afterwards declared for paper money.” 31—Ex-President Andrew Johnson died in Tenn., aged 67. He was recently elected U. S. Senator from Tennessee.Aug.—The Gov. of Tenn. appointed Hon. D. M. Key, to fill the vacancy in the Senate caused by Andrew Johnson’s death.” 4—Republican government in France was strengthened by the passage of a Bill constituting a Senate.The census of population in Louisiana, gives 850,390, an increase of over 15 per cent. since 1870. The excess of increase of colored over white population has been 45,668.The census in Wisconsin gives a population of 1,236,090, being an increase of 17⅓ per cent. since 1870.” 26—The Bank of California suspended payment. It has long been the leading bank in the Pacific States.” 27—W. C. Ralston, president of the Bank of California, was drowned while bathing.Sept. 1—Violent disturbances in Mississippi between whites and blacks result in many deaths.” 7—The Governor of Miss. called on the President for federal aid to protect citizens and restore order.
Jan. 1—Monarchy was restored in Spain. Alphonso XII, son of the ex-queen Isabella, was proclaimed King, and received the support of the army and navy. It was only a few months before that most of the European governments recognized the Spanish Republic.
” 4—Gen. Sheridan took command of the Department of the Gulf, at New Orleans. On that day the Legislature of Louisiana was organized, and United States troops, acting under the orders of the speaker and of Gov. Kellogg, ejected several members who, it was alleged, were not entitled to seats. It produced much excitement throughout the country, the opposition denouncing it as an unexampled interference of the Federal Executive with State government. Congress sustained the action of the President, but exerted its influence to quiet the excitement in Louisiana, and a compromise was effected under which it gradually ebbed away.
” 12—Toung-tchi, Emperor of China, died, aged 19 years.
The emigrants arriving at the port of New York during the year 1874, numbered 149,762; a decided falling off, the arrivals having for some years, amounted to 250,000. The governments of Germany are endeavoring to remove the causes of emigration which threatens to affect their resources seriously.
Feb. 3—A proposed reciprocity treaty with Canada, was rejected by the Senate.
” 5—The civil rights Bill, adopted by the Senate during the last session, was amended by an omission relating to schools and adopted by the House. It was accepted by the Senate Feb. 27th, and signed by the President, March 1st.
” 25—A Republic was definitely recognized in France.
Mar. 2—A Bill increasing the Tariff was passed by the Senate.
Gen. Lorenzo Thomas of the U. S. army died, aged 71.
” 3—A law admitting Colorado as a state was passed.
” 4—A law, passed in haste in the last hours of the session, restored the Franking Privilege to members of Congress until Dec. 1, and increased the postage on newspapers and packages for the people. The forty-third Congress came to a close.
” 5—The Senate convened in extra session in accordance with a call previously made by the President. G. S. Orth was confirmed U. S. Minister to Austria, and Horace Maynard U. S. Minister to Turkey.
” 10—A new treaty with Belgium was ratified.
” 18—The Senate ratified the treaty with Hawaii, which renders the interests of the Sandwich Islands substantially identical with those of the United States.
” 20—A destructive tornado in Georgia caused great loss of life and property.
” 24—The Senate, after officially approving the action of the President in Louisiana, closed its special session.
F. E. Spinner, United States Treasurer, resigned, and John C. New, of Ind. was appointed his successor.
Apr. 19—The centennial anniversary of the battle of Lexington was celebrated with great interest. This battle was the first decisive step in the War of Independence. Its scenes and their consequences were dwelt on by some of the most distinguished literary Americans, and honored by the presence of the President of the United States and many of its most eminent authorities.
” 23—Three Steamers burned at New Orleans, in which fifty lives were lost.
” 28—A fire at Oshkosh, Wis., destroyed a square mile of the city. Loss in property over $2,000,000.
May 7—A Bill for suppressing religious orders introduced into the German Parliament. It subsequently became a law.
The Steamship Schiller was wrecked on the coast of Great Britain. Three hundred and eleven lives were lost.
” 10—Centennial anniversary of the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen.
” 15—Attorney General Williams resigned and Judge Edwards Pierrepont was appointed his successor.
” 17—John C. Breckenridge, formerly Vice President of the United States, and a general in the Confederate army during the Civil War, died, aged 54.
” 18—A fearful earthquake in New Granada, South America. The city of Cucuta was completely destroyed; between two and three thousand lives were lost and more than $8,000,000 of property destroyed.
” 20—Celebration of the Mecklenburg, N. C., Declaration of Independence, with great enthusiasm.
” 30—The Steamer Vicksburg, on a voyage from Canada to England, was wrecked in a field of ice. 80 lives were lost.
June 17—Centennial anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill was celebrated with great eclat. Its most interesting feature was the fraternal spirit manifested by the North and South toward each other. Several Southern States were represented by bodies of soldiers.
” 30—Business failures since Jan. 1, of this year reported at 3,377, with liabilities amounting in all to $74,940,869.
July 8—Gen. Frank P. Blair, Jun., died in St. Louis, aged 54.
” 18—Lady Franklin, widow of Sir John Franklin, the unfortunate Arctic Explorer, died in England, aged 70.
Great loss of life and property has been caused in France by floods. In two cities alone the damage is estimated at $20,000,000,and in the south of France at $75,000,000. Other parts of Europe have suffered heavily from the same cause.
” 23—Isaac Merrit Singer, inventor of the Sewing Machine of that name, died in London, England, aged 64.
The most prominent political issue of the time is hard money and currency. A Democratic convention in Md., and a Republican convention in Minn., each, yesterday and to-day, adopted a hard money platform. Ohio and Pa. democratic conventions afterwards declared for paper money.
” 31—Ex-President Andrew Johnson died in Tenn., aged 67. He was recently elected U. S. Senator from Tennessee.
Aug.—The Gov. of Tenn. appointed Hon. D. M. Key, to fill the vacancy in the Senate caused by Andrew Johnson’s death.
” 4—Republican government in France was strengthened by the passage of a Bill constituting a Senate.
The census of population in Louisiana, gives 850,390, an increase of over 15 per cent. since 1870. The excess of increase of colored over white population has been 45,668.
The census in Wisconsin gives a population of 1,236,090, being an increase of 17⅓ per cent. since 1870.
” 26—The Bank of California suspended payment. It has long been the leading bank in the Pacific States.
” 27—W. C. Ralston, president of the Bank of California, was drowned while bathing.
Sept. 1—Violent disturbances in Mississippi between whites and blacks result in many deaths.
” 7—The Governor of Miss. called on the President for federal aid to protect citizens and restore order.
We give in this chapter the Standing Rules and Orders for conducting business in the House of Representatives of the United States, as a proper compend of parliamentary rules for the people of the United States. They are naturally a standard of procedure in all public bodies in this country so far as the circumstances are parallel; they have been carefully compiled and adopted by our highest popular Legislative Body during the course of more than three-quarters of a century, and may therefore be considered thoroughly well adapted to the genius of our people and the character of our institutions; and they were originally based on Jefferson’s Manual, compiled by him for the use, and at the request of the Senate when, as Vice-President of the United States, he became its presiding officer, and was digested by him from the usages of the English Parliament and other Legislative bodies in Europe.
The value of this manual is attested by its use continued to the present day, so far as it is applicable. The Rules of the House are therefore representative of the wisdom of the Old World on this point as well as of the usages of the New.
They deserve to be carefully studied by American citizens above any other body of parliamentary rules for several reasons besides those mentioned above. Hardly any other will be likely to contain so many points of adaptation to popular use; every one should be fairly acquainted with the prevailing usages that he may be ready to act his part well if called on to preside in any public meeting; all who read the reports of congressional doings require such acquaintance with parliamentary usage to fully appreciate many points in such reports, and these Rules are a fine illustration of the spirit of our government and the genius of the American people.
We see, in the most impressive manner, that the utmost pain is taken to make Legislative work orderly, decorous, and as rapid as is consistent with due care that what is done shall be well and carefully done; that no pains are spared,in regulations, that every legislator shall have the means of knowing all that is his special business to know; and we discover that proper care is taken to see that economy and faithfulness are constantly observed by all the officers of the government. If this is not always actually the case there is, at least, no fault in thearrangements, rules and ordersto that effect. All the people should know to what they may properly hold their Representatives accountable, and they will be prepared to judge of the extent of obedience or transgression. The Rules are just and good. Let the people see that they are properly observed.
The House of Representatives has 160 Rules, the Senate 52, and the Joint Rules of the House and Senate, regulating their intercourse with each other, number 22. Whatever of difference exists between them is unimportant after due allowance is made for the different character and constitution of the two bodies. The principles on which they are founded are identical.
1. He shall take the chair every day precisely at the hour to which the House shall have adjourned on the preceding day; shall immediately call the members to order; and, on the appearance of a quorum, shall cause the journal of the preceding day to be read.
2. He shall preserve order and decorum; may speak to points of order in preference to other members, rising from his seat for that purpose; and shall decide questions of order, subject to an appeal to the House by any two members—on which appeal no member shall speak more than once, unless by leave of the House.
3. He shall rise to put a question, but may state it sitting.
4. Questions shall be distinctly put in this form, to wit: “As many as are of opinion that (as the question may be) sayAye;” and after the affirmative voice is expressed, “As many as are of the contrary opinion sayNo.” If the Speaker doubt, or a division be called for, the House shall divide; those in the affirmative of the question shall first rise from their seats, and afterwards those in the negative. If the Speaker still doubt, or a count be required by at least one-fifth of the quorum of the members, the Speaker shall name two members, one from each side, to tell the members in the affirmative and negative—which being reported, he shall rise and state the decision to the House.
5. The Speaker shall examine and correct the journal before it is read.He shall have a general direction of the hall, and the unappropriated rooms in that part of the capitol assigned to the House shall be subject to his order and disposal until the further order of the House. He shall have a right to name any member to perform the duties of the chair, but such substitution shall not extend beyond an adjournment.
6. No person shall be permitted to perform divine service in the chamber occupied by the House of Representatives, unless with the consent of the Speaker.
7. In all cases of ballot by the House, the Speaker shall vote; in other cases he shall not be required to vote, unless the House be equally divided, or unless his vote, if given to the minority, will make the division equal; and in case of such equal division, the question shall be lost.
8. All acts, addresses, and joint resolutions, shall be signed by the Speaker; and all writs, warrants, and subpœnas, issued by order of the House, shall be under his hand and seal, attested by the clerk.
9. In case of any disturbance or disorderly conduct in the galleries or lobby, the Speaker (or Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House,) shall have power to order the same to be cleared.
10. There shall be elected at the commencement of each Congress, to continue in office until their successors are appointed, a clerk, sergeant-at-arms, doorkeeper, and postmaster, each of whom shall take an oath for the true and faithful discharge of the duties of his office, to the best of his knowledge and abilities, and to keep the secrets of the House; and the appointees of the doorkeeper and postmaster shall be subject to the approval of the Speaker; and, in all cases of election by the House of its officers, the vote shall be takenviva voce.
11. In all cases where other than members of the House may be eligible to an office by the election of the House, there shall be a previous nomination.
12. In all other cases of ballot than for committees, a majority of the votes given shall be necessary to an election; and where there shall not be such a majority on the first ballot, the ballots shall be repeated until a majority be obtained. And in all ballotings blanks shall be rejected, and not taken into the count in enumeration of the votes, or reported by the tellers.
13. It shall be the duty of the clerk to make and cause to be printed and delivered to each member at the commencement of every session of Congress, a list of the reports which it is the duty of any officer or department of the government to make to Congress; referring to the act or resolution and page of the volume of the laws or journal in which it may be contained, and placing under the name of each officer the list of reports required to be made, and the time when the report may be expected.
14. It shall be the duty of the clerk of the House at the end of eachsession, to send a printed copy of the journals thereof to the Executive, and to each branch of the Legislature of every State.
15. All questions of order shall be noted by the clerk, with the decision, and put together at the end of the journal of every session.
16. The clerk shall, within thirty days after the close of each session of Congress, cause to be completed the printing and primary distribution to members and delegates, of the Journal of the House, together with an accurate index of the same.
17. There shall be retained in the library of the clerk’s office, for the use of the members there, and not to be withdrawn therefrom, two copies of all the books and printed documents deposited in the library.
18. The clerk shall have preserved for each member of the House an extra copy, in good binding, of all the documents printed by order of either House at each future session of Congress.
19. The clerk shall make a weekly statement of the resolutions and bills (Senate bills inclusive) upon the Speaker’s table accompanied with a brief reference to the orders and proceedings of the House upon each, and the date of such order and proceedings; which statement shall be printed for the use of the members.
20. The clerk shall cause an index to be prepared to the acts passed at every session of Congress, and to be printed and bound with the acts.
21. All contracts, bargains, or agreements, relative to the furnishing any matter or thing or for the performance of any labor for the House of Representatives, shall be made with the clerk, or approved by him, before any allowances shall be made therefor by the Committee of Accounts.
22. It shall be the duty of the sergeant-at-arms to attend the House during its sittings; to aid in the enforcement of order under the direction of the Speaker; to execute the commands of the House from time to time; together with all such process, issued by authority thereof, as shall be directed to him by the Speaker.
23. The symbol of his office (the mace) shall be borne by the sergeant-at-arms when in the execution of his office.
24. The fees of the sergeant-at-arms shall be for every arrest, the sum of two dollars; for each day’s custody and releasement, one dollar; and for traveling expenses for himself or a special messenger, going and returning, one-tenth of a dollar for each mile necessarily and actually traveled by such officer or other person in the execution of such precept or summons.
25. It shall be the duty of the sergeant-at-arms to keep the accounts for the pay and mileage of members, to prepare checks, and, if required to do so, to draw the money on such checks for the members, (the same being previously signed by the Speaker, and endorsed by the member,) and pay over the same to the member entitled thereto.
26. The sergeant-at-arms shall give bond, with surety, to the United States, in a sum not less than five nor more than ten thousand dollars, at the discretion of the Speaker, and with such surety as the Speaker mayapprove, faithfully to account for the money coming into his hands for the pay of members.
27. The doorkeeper shall execute strictly the 134th and 135th rules, relative to the privilege of the hall. And he shall be required, at the commencement and close of each session of Congress, to take an inventory of all the furniture, books, and other public property in the several committee and other rooms under his charge, and shall report the same to the House; which report shall be referred to the Committee on Accounts, who shall determine the amount for which he shall be held liable for missing articles.
28. The postmaster shall superintend the post-office kept in the capitol for the accommodation of the members.
29. No member shall vote on any question in the event of which he is immediately and particularly interested, or in any case where he was not within the bar of the House when the question was put. And when any member shall ask leave to vote, the Speaker shall propound to him the question, “Were you within the bar before the last name on the roll was called?” and if he shall answer in the negative the Speaker shall not further entertain the request of such member to vote: Provided, however, that any member who was absent by leave of the House, may vote at any time before the result is announced.
30. Upon a division and count of the house on any question, no member without the bar shall be counted.
31. Every member who shall be in the house when the question is put, shall give his vote unless the House shall excuse him. All motions to excuse a member from voting, shall be made before the house divides, or before the call of the yeas and nays is commenced; and the question shall then be taken without debate.
32. The name of a member who presents a petition or memorial, or who offers a resolution for the consideration of the House, shall be inserted on the journals.
33. No member shall absent himself from the service of the House unless he have leave, or be sick and unable to attend.
34. Any fifteen members (including the Speaker, if there be one), shall be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members.
35. Upon calls of the House, or in taking the yeas and nays on any question, the names of the members shall be called alphabetically.
36. Upon the call of the House, the names of the members shall be called over by the clerk, and the absentees noted; after which the names of the absentees shall again be called over; the doors shall then be shut, and those for whom no excuse or insufficient excuses are made may, by order of those present, if fifteen in number, be taken into custody as theyappear, or may be sent for and taken into custody, wherever to be found, by special messengers to be appointed for that purpose.
37. When a member shall be discharged from custody, and admitted to his seat, the House shall determine whether such discharge shall be with or without paying fees; and in like manner whether a delinquent member, taken into custody by a special messenger, shall or shall not be liable to defray the expenses of such special messenger.
38. When a motion is made and seconded, it shall be stated by the Speaker; or, being in writing, it shall be handed to the chair and read aloud by the clerk, before debated.
39. Every motion shall be reduced to writing if the Speaker or any member desire it. Every written motion made to the House shall be inserted on the journals, with the name of the member making it, unless it be withdrawn on the same day on which it was submitted.
40. After a motion is stated by the Speaker, or read by the clerk, it shall be deemed to be in the possession of the House, but may be withdrawn at any time before a decision or amendment.
41. When any motion or proposition is made, the question, “Will the House now consider it?” shall not be put unless it is demanded by some member, or is deemed necessary by the Speaker.
42. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received but to adjourn, to lie on the table, for the previous question, to postpone to a certain day, to commit or amend, to postpone indefinitely; which several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are arranged; and no motion to postpone to a certain day, to commit, or postpone indefinitely, being decided, shall be again allowed on the same day, and at the same stage of the bill or proposition.
43. When a resolution shall be offered, or a motion made, to refer any subject, and different committees shall be proposed, the question shall be taken in the following order:
The Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union; the Committee of the Whole House; a Standing Committee; a Select Committee.
44. A motion to adjourn, and a motion to fix the day to which the House shall adjourn, shall be always in order; these motions and the motion to lie on the table, shall be decided without debate.
45. The hour at which every motion to adjourn is made shall be entered on the journal.
46. Any member may call for the division of a question before or after the main question is ordered, which shall be divided if it comprehend propositions in substance so distinct that, one being taken away, a substantive proposition shall remain for the decision of the House. A motion to strike out and insert shall be deemed indivisible; but a motion to strike out being lost, shall preclude neither amendment nor a motion to strike out and insert.
47. Motions and reports may be committed at the pleasure of the House.
48. No motion or proposition on a subject different from that under consideration shall be admitted under color of amendment. No bill or resolution shall, at any time, be amended by annexing thereto, or incorporating therewith, any other bill or resolution pending before the House.
49. When a motion has been once made, and carried in the affirmative or negative, it shall be in order for any member of the majority to move for the reconsideration thereof, on the same or succeeding day; and such motion shall take precedence of all other questions, except a motion to adjourn, and shall not be withdrawn after the said succeeding day without the consent of the House; and thereafter any member may call it up for consideration.
50. In filling up blanks, the largest sum and longest time shall be first put.
51. As soon as the journal is read, and the unfinished business in which the House was engaged at the last preceding adjournment has been disposed of, reports from committees shall be called for and disposed of; in doing which the Speaker shall call upon each standing committee in regular order, and then upon select committees; and if the Speaker shall not get through the call upon the committees before the House passes to other business, he shall resume the next call where he left off, giving preference to the report last under consideration: Provided, That whenever any committee shall have occupied the morning hour on two days, it shall not be in order for such committee to report further until the other committees shall have been called in their turn. On the call for reports from committees on each alternate Monday, which shall commence as soon as the journal is read, all bills reported during the first hour after the journal is read shall be committed, without debate, to the Committee of the Whole, and together with their accompanying reports, printed; and if during the hour all the committees are not called, then, on the next alternate Monday, the Speaker shall commence where such call was suspended: Provided, That no bill reported under the call on alternate Mondays, and committed, shall be again brought before the House by a motion to reconsider.
52. Reports from committees having been presented and disposed of, the Speaker shall call for resolutions from the members of each State and delegate from each Territory, beginning with Maine and the Territory last organized, alternately; and they shall not be debated on the very day of their being presented, nor on any day assigned by the House for the receipt of resolutions, unless where the House shall direct otherwise, but shall lie on the table, to be taken up in the order in which they are presented; and if on any day the whole of the States and Territories shall not be called, the Speaker shall begin on the next day where he left off the previous day: Provided, That no member shall offer more than one resolution, or oneseries of resolutions, all relating to the same subject, until all the States and Territories shall have been called.
53. A proposition requesting information from the President of the United States, or directing it to be furnished by the head of either of the Executive departments, or by the Postmaster General—shall lie on the table one day for consideration, unless otherwise ordered by the unanimous consent of the House, and all such propositions shall be taken up for consideration in the order they were presented, immediately after reports are called for from select committees, and when adopted the clerk shall cause the same to be delivered.
54. After one hour shall have been devoted to reports from committees and resolutions, it shall be in order, pending the consideration or discussion thereof, to entertain a motion that the House do now proceed to dispose of the business on the Speaker’s table, and to the orders of the day—which being decided in the affirmative, the Speaker shall dispose of the business on his table in the following order, viz.: