Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-12-10
CONGRRssIONAI.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8.
SENATE

1
A number OF petitions were presented aud
refererrsd to appropriate committees. Sew.
eral on the emancipation of slaves ofrebels
were presented and referred to Committee
on Judiciory.
Mr.. Sumner presented a resolution that
all memorials and papers on the files of the
Senate,relOti0g to the recognition of Siberia
and Hayti, be taken from the files and re-
ferred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Agreed to.
Mr.. Clark offered a resolution requesting
the Marshal of the District to inform the
Senate by what authority he keeps slaves Of
the District in jail. He said he had visited
the Jail and found number of slaves of the
District confined for no reason only because
their masters or mistresses sent them there
because they were refractory.
Mr.. Halls resolution directing the iudicis-
~ committee to inquire into the expedieucy
of abolishing the present Supreme Court
and establishing another was taken up. He
said the present Supreme Court had failed.
He believed if the rebels now in arms should
succeed the Supreme Court would decide
that the soldiers now in Virginia were tres
passers and riotOrs.
Mr.. Collamer moved as a substitute, that
all portions OF the Presidents Message rela-
ting to the Judiciary be referred to the Judi
ciary committee.
Mr.. Oollamers amendment was agreed to
and the resolution as amended was adopted.
On motion of Mr.. Chandler the resolution
inquiring into the causes of the disasters to
our army at Bull Run and Balls Bluff, was
taken up. The question was on the substi-
tute offered by Mr.. Grimes, that committee
investigate the cause of all the disasters that
have happened to the Union forces.
Mr.. Chandler said officers of the army
were not liable to impeachment, but one of
our own number has fallen (Bakerl, and no.
body Is to blame. He thought the facts
ought to be known. He wanted the truth
known regarding disasters in Missouri refer
red to by the Senator from Kansas. If Gen.
Fremont is to blame let it be known, but if
not, in Gods name let him be justified, and
let the country know it.
Mr.. Foster thought it best not 10 lnvssti-
gats the subject now under the present cir
cumstances, BE thought Congress had bet
ter not do it. If military officers managed
the army badly, Congress would only make
bad matter worse by interfering. He would
let the military alone in time of war. An
inquiry of this kind would only call men
away from higher duties. At the proper
proper time Congress might make tie in
quirE.
Mr.. Sherman believed an investigation
would be beneficial, especially a general in
quiry into the whole conduct Of the war,
and said he would record his solemn cOnvic-
ton that before the war ceased slavery
would almost, il not entirely, cease to exist,
but the war should be carried on without
any reference to the subject of slavery to
preserve a free country for free meu. Ifhe
could infuse the spirit Of gte people into all
the Departments ofthe Government the war
would soon end.
Mr.. Wilson was glad the resolution would
take Wideifeld. He thought it was time the
proclamations of officers should cease and
the Government have the sole settled policy.
We must remember that we had not the
men Of large military experience; great mis-
takes had been made and were likely to be
made, but he wanted it understood that the
people expected no mistakes would be made,
but that every man will give all he has and
is to the country.
nj LeAAAeAA ooN1A ADA AAo yudao AuQ La D
The resolution was agreed to. Yeas 80,
nays 3-Nessrs. Carlile, Latham and Rice
Absent--Bright, Collamer, FOote, Thompson,
Milley and Wilson.
Adjourned.
The House postponed till Thursday the
consideration of various slavery propositions
in consequence Of Tuesday and Wednesday
being occupied in eulogies on Senator Baker.
Stevens has modified his resolutions in
several important particulars.
Hutchins, of Ohio, introduced bill uncon-
ditionally abolishing slavery in the District
Of Columbia.
Mr.. Gurley introduced a bill to eon6seate
slaves Of rebels and colonize them.
On motion of Mr.. Cox it was resolved that
the Committee on Ways and Means be in
structek to consider the tariff and taxation
with view to equalize the burdens Of the
present war.