The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1859-12-08
XXXVlth Con.ress-Ist Ses>i on,

between the heavens and the earth.
XXXvlth Congress-lst Session..
WASHINGTON, Dec 5.-The Senate was
called to order at 1:3O by the Vice President
A prayer was then made by d. Gurley.-
Forty eight Senators were present. Jno. c..
Beneych, of New Jersey, and Henry B. Ham
of California, boath appeared and werc,,quali-
fed
SESATE.-The absentees were Mcssrs Ben
iamin, Clay, Cittenrden, Davis, Douglas,
Fitch, Fitzpatric, Hammond, Johnson, Ark,
Polk, Sebastian, Seward, and Toombs.
Mr.. Mason, Va, submitted resolution
which he would call up to morrow for the ap-
pointment of a committee to enquire into the
facts attending the late invasion and seizure
of the arn'ory and arsenal at Harrers Ferry
by band of armed men, and report wheth-
er the same was attended by armed
esistance to the authorities and pub
lie forces of the United States, and the MUIR
der ofany citizens of Virginia, or any troops
sent there to protect public property, wheth-
er such invasion was made under color of
any organization, intended to subvert the
Government of any of the states of the I'm
on-the character and extent of such organ
zation--whether any citizens of the United
States, not present were implicated therein,
or, accessory thereto by contributions of
money, arms, munitions, or otherwise-the
character and extent of the military eq1ip-
ment in the hands or under control of said
armed band-where, how and when the
same was attained and transported to the
place invaded. Also, to report what legisla-
ture, if any is necessary, by the government
for the future preservation of the peace of the
country, and safety of public property
The comittee to have full power to send for
persons and papers.
Mr. Trumbul of ILL.,, gave notice that
when the resolution came up, he should
move to amend it by extending the enquiring
to the seizure of the arsenal at Franklin, No
The customary resolutions were adopted
W Hlu)fiH tiic lIouSS l'il tiic tTcSlueui, tnat
the Senate is ready for business.
Mr.. Gwinn gave notice of Pacific Rail
Road bill. Adjourned. .....
House OF Representatives.
The interest in the orgaization of the
House is, if possible, on the increase. Long
before noon the galleries were density filled.
and crowds were unable to obtain admittance
Notwithstanding the inclemency Of the
weather there is the usual attendance of la
dies. On the floor there were the customa-
ry salutations among the members and 9TH
ers and pleasant excitement prevailed every
where. Mr.. Allen, the Speaker of the last
House, called the House to order at noon.-
The din of voices Immediately ceased, spec
tators were excluded from the floor and the
members took their seats. The roll was
called and 231 members answered to their
names. The absentees were Stallworth and
Landrewn, of Ala, Brown and Adams,
of KY, Hindman and Rust, of Ark, and
Hamilton, of Texas.
On motion or Mr.. Phelps the House agreed
to proceed to the election Of a Speaker, viva
voce.
Mr.. Houston nominated Mr.. Sherman, of
Ohio.
Mr.. Adrian nominated Mr.. Davis, of Ia.
Mr.. Haskin nominated Mr.. Hickman, of Pa.
Mr. Stevens nominated Mr.. Grow, of Pa.
Mr.. Briggs nominated Mr.. Boteleb, of Va.
Numerous voices. - Iunatiaptlxl- Call