The Jamesburg Record

The Past Week In Congress.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15.—In the senate the measure known as the free homestead bill was passed by a vote of 35 to 11. A resolution was adopted calling for an inquiry by the judiciary committee as to status of the Union and Central Pacific railroad properties.

In the house the Grout bill, the purpose of which is to subject oleomargarine and other imitation dairy products to the laws of the states into which they are transported, was passed by a vote of 126 to 96.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16.—The senate was not in session yesterday. In the house the free homestead bill, which came back to the house with senate amendments, was referred to the committee on public lands. A number of minor bills on the calendar, including several private pensions, were passed. Mr. Spencer of Massachusetts introduced a bill authorizing this government to make a tender to Spain of a sum not exceeding $200,000,000 for the purchase of the island of Cuba.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19.—In the United States senate Mr. Peffer presented petitions in favor of making congress the final judge of the constitutionality of its own acts. Mr. Chandler introduced a bill to provide for representation at an international monetary conference. The army appropriation bill was passed. The Nicaragua canal bill was taken up, and Mr. Morgan spoke in advocacy of its passage. In executive session the nomination of Secretary Francis was confirmed.

In the house the American Bar association's bill, amending the patent law, was passed. Several minor bills were also passed.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20.—In the senate yesterday the Nicaragua canal bill was under discussion, Mr. Turpie of Indiana speaking against it.

In the house the old soldiers had a field day. Under special order the whole day was devoted to private pension bills, and of the 900 on the calendar 52 were disposed of during the session.