The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-27
Thirty-Seventh Congress,

WAsHNaToN, Dec. 10.
SENArsy-Mr. Wade presented q petition
from the citizens of Ohio, asking that John
G g: Tss70 be appointed a Lieutenant.
The resolution of the House to adjourn
till the 6tlf January, was taken up with
out coming to any conclusion. Senate adj
journed. ......... .a.,a. .taa
HousE.-The bill to amend the act of
July last, which grants one hundred dollars
bounty to the soldiers at the expiration of
two years and to those sooner honorably
discharged by reason OF wounds and disa>
biities, so as to extend its provisions to
those who entered the service under the first
proclamation of the President and were
similarly disqualified was, after debate, laid
on the table. ,.-
The House resumed the consideration of
the bill providing for the construction of
twenty iron.clad steam gunboats to be built
by contract or otherwise, as the Secretary
of the Navy may deem best for the public
interest -ss
Mr.. Vallandigham offered and advocated
an amendment, that the new gunb0ats shall
be constructed at the navy yards as far as
practicable, or by private contract, after
giving three days notice. slid
Mr.. vallandigham incidentally said in
the course of his remarks, that rather than
yield the principles which we have held for
years, be was prepared to meet the COM
bined hostility of the whole world, and this
he believed to be the sentiment of the en-
tire American people. Mr.. Vallandigham's
amendment was disagreed to and the bill
passed.
Mr.. Coltax from the Committee on Post.
offices, reported bill to promote the eff
ficency of the dead letter Office based on the
recommendations of the Postmaster Gepers
al in his report. The bill was passed.
On motion Of Mr.. Washburne, the cons
mittee on elections were instructed to in
quire and report whether any person hold
ing Office under the United States, and re.
ceiving compensation therefor, is at the
same time holding seat here and receiving
compensation as member of the House.
A resolution was passed directing an in
quiry into the building of the Capitol and
Treasury extension, whether the contract is
being faithfully performed, and whether the
work cannot be done at less expense to the
Government.
Mr.. Colfax reported bill aboishing the
ranking privilege; the consideration of
which was postponed until the second Tues
day in January.
The consular and diplomatic bill was con-
sidered and passed. .e
On motion of MIR. Holman, resolution
was adopted instructing select committee
on contracts to inquire whether the trans
+ ,rtation Of troops by Railroad was by
special contract or otherwise, DC. and cali
ing On the Secretary of War to furnish all
orders relative to the transportation OF
troops and munitions Of war. Adjourned.
81 sa@ WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.
SENATE.--Mr. Trumbull presented pc
tition asking for the removal OF Jesse D.
Bright from the Senate. as- .-l.5
Mr.. Wilson presented q petition for the
estao lishment OF system to exchange pris-
Oners. -.3- :e5.
Also, report from the Military Com
mittee and joint resolution expressing
recognition of the galIantry OF General Ly-
on, and the soldiers under his command at
springfield. M
Mr.. Pomeroy made few remarks in
euogy on the character of Gen. Lyon,
with a sketch of the battle of Springfield,
where the warrior of this war ended his
gallant and well spent lie, and tribute to
the gallantry and bravery OF the soldiers,
Messrs. Dixon and Foster also spoke of
the true worth, gallantry and devotion to
country which characterized General Lyon.
The Resolution pa ed.
Mr.. Sumner reported from the Commit.
tee Cd Foreign Relations the House bill for
the relief of the owners of the British ship
: fe thshire. Laid on the table,
Mi. Trumbull reported back from the
Committee on the Judiciary the bill to
abolish the United States Supreme Court,
and asked to be discharged from the further
consideration of the subject. Whereupon
the Committee was discharged.
Mr. Salsbury's resolution calling on the
Secretary Of War for q copy of the procla-
nation of Gen. Phelps, and by what au
thority it was made was taken up.
Mr.. Trumbull moved TO amend the reso.
luton 50 as to INCLUDE pro9lamations OF all
Generals.
AIr. Wilson said there was no necessity
for sending Tor the proclamation 6erer~
ale were appointed to use the sword and not
the pen; if they could not use the sword
better than the pen, they should be muster
ed cut OF service. The best thing to do
was to make statute that no Generals be
allowed to make any proclama'ions.
HoUsE.-Mr. Bennett, delegate for Col
orado, introduced a resolution which was
adopted, instructing the Committee of Ways
and Means to inquire into the expedi. ncy of
establishing branch mint at Denver.
On motion of Mr.. Grow, the Committee
on Military Affairs were instructed to en~
quire into the expediency OF instructing the
Paymaster General of the army to author
ize Paymasters and Assistant Paymasters
to credit and pay all commissioned officers
and voting their pay and allowances from
the date Of their taking the oath of allegi-
ance.
Mr.. Stevens, from Committee on Ways
and Means, reported bill appropriating
100000 to complete the defenses Of
Washington. The bill passed.
The House then passed the Senate bill