The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-12-11

Prseesdisgsee ce"sssss.
wAsuNsrox, Dec. ..
HorsE.-The House was organized at noon
With prayer BY Rev. Mr.. Stockton. -.
The roll of members was then called oy tne
Clerk.
One hundred and fourteen members answer |
Cd 10 their names. including Messrs Sergeant
and Phelps of California, Mr.. Hooper. OF Mas |
sachusetts. Mr. Wilson, of Iowa, and Mr.. Bern |
heizei delegate from Utah, and Mr.. Cradle |
baugh, delegate from Nevada.
Mr. Dawes, of Mass. moved that Mr.. May
nard of Tenn, be sworn in as the member from
the Second District of Tennessee.
MIR. Stevens. of Pa. said that Mr.. Maynard
may have been properly elected, but We all
know the fact that Tennessee was as far as II
could he out of the Union. As there were sew
eral other cases, be thought that the subject
brought forward by Mr.. Dawes should be refer
red to the Committee on Elections.
Mr. Dawes thought this was an exception to
the rule. as Mr.. Maynard was regularly elected
BY large majority at the August election, and
before Tennessee had taken any steps to get
out of the Union. He also possesses the proper
certificate. which qualified HIM a. . member.
Mr. Stevens. of Pa, asked the direct question
whether Mr.. Maynard was elected before the
State attempted to secede, and at the time fixed
by law.
Mr. Dawes replied that he was 30 informed,
and that his election took place under the Law
which had existed for long time.
Mr.. Stevens then withdrew his motion, and
Mr.. Maynard was accordingly sworn in as
member of Congress from Tennessee.
On motion of MIR. Fenton. Of n. u, resolu-
ton was adopted appointing committee to join
such as may be appointed by the Senate, to
wait on the President and inform him that a
quorum of both houses were assembled, and
ready to proceed to business.
Mr. Hickman, of Pa, presented the certificate
of the Provisional Government of North Caro-
lina dated at Hatteras certifying to the election
of Mr.. Foster, as member of Congress from that
State.
Mr.. vallandigham, of Ohio raised q question
of order.
The claim of Mr. Foster was referred at the
extra session to the Committee on Elections
without favorable action.
| Mr.. Hickman replied that this was new
question, different from that of the former cleo
| ton.
The Speaker overruled the point of order
taken by Mr.. Vallandigbam.
Mr.. Stevens, of Pa, said no harm would be
done by referring the certificate, and on his mo
ton the case was referred to the Committee OF
Elections.
Mr.. Watts. delegate from New Mexico, wa
sworn in.
Mr.. Blair, of Va, the successor Of Mr.. Csrlisl.
was also qualified.
Mr.. Richardson, of H., moved that Mr.. Segal
of Va. be also sworn in.
Mr. Dawes desired that this case should be
referred.
Mr.. Richardson earnestly argued that Sega
should be sworn in. The House should not de
ny to the people of AccOmac and Northampton
counties & proper representation, especially q
they had laid down their arms which they bat
taken up against the Federal Government. AL
the forms Of law had been complied with undel
the proc lamation of the Provisional Govern
ment of Virginia.
. Mr. Kellogg, of ILL.,, argued that Mr.. Segal
should lie admitted in accordance with princi
Piles already settled ut the extra session.
Mr.. Dawes desired to do no disrespect by
wishing the question referred he wanted tn,
House to consider the subject in all its bear
ngs. 1t should be ascertained whether THU
gentleman was elected by 10, 20, or 900 votes
in district where 10000 may be cast. He
wanted rule that they could stand BY in { c
. future.
The subject was referred to the Committee on
Elections.
On motion of Mr.. Lovejoy, Of ILL.,, q resolu-
ton was adopted rendering the thanks Of Con-
gress to Capt. Wilkes for his arrest OF the trail
tors. Mason and Slidell.
On motion it was resolved that John W. Reed
member from Missouri, having taken up arms
.'S''' s'.~ .-~~-~, snas the Government of
Missouri he notified Of the fact .
| A resolution unanimously passed, decla-
ring that, as Col COrcOran has been confined
as convicted felon by the rebels, that the
President be requested to similarly confine Jas.
N. Mason. now in custody in Fort Warren,
Mr.. Elliott, of Massachusetts,, offered the fol-
lowing:-
| Resolved, By the House of Representatives of
the United States of America: lst That in
behalf of these States, we do s0lemnly declare
| that the war in which We are no engaged against
the insurgent bodies now in arms against the
Government. has for its object the suppression
| of such rebellion, and the re establishment of
the rightful authority ri the National Constitu-
ton and laws, over the entire extent of our
common country. I'd. That while we disclaim
all power under the Constitution to interfere,
by ordering legislation, with the Constitution
Of the several States, yet the war now existing
must he conducted according to the usages and
rights of military service and, that during its
continuance, the recognized authority of the
maxim that the safety of the State is the high
est right of law, subordinates the right of
property, and dominates over civil relations
Sd, That, therefore. We do hereby declare that
in our judgement. the President Of the United
States, as the Commander Chief Of our army.
and the officers in command under him.
have the perfect right to emancipate all per-
sons held as slaves in any military district in q
state of insurrection against the national Gov
eminent, and we respectfully advise that such
order of emancipation be issued whenever the
same will avail to weaken the power of the reb-
els in arms, or to strengthen the military pow
or of the loyal force. "a
Mr.. Dunn, of Nd, moved to lay the resolu-
tlon on the table, but the motion was disagree
ed tO-yeas Sc against 20.
On motion of Mr.. Stevens, Of Pa, the further
consideration of the resolution was postponed
until tomorrow week, in order that il may be
discussed and amendments submitted. He was
in favor of the proposition, but desired modifi-
catirn.
Mr.. Campbell, Of Pa, gave notice that he
would call up the following resolution on next
Tuesday week.
Resolved, That in legislating to meet the ex-
igencies Of the present rebellion, Congress
should coniscate the property, slaves included,
of all rebels, and protect the property and
rights, under the Constitution and laws. Of all
loyal citizens.
Mr.. Stevens. of Pa, submitted the following
for future consideration:
WHEREAS, Slavery has heen the cause of the
present rebellion in the United States; and
mheyeas. there can be no solid and permanent |
peace and union in this republic 90 long as that
institution exists within it; and rhereas, slaves
are now used by the rebels as an essential |