The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-12-28
Congressional.

The United States Senate, on Friday,
Goth Dec, PASSED resolutions recognizing
and applauding the gallantry of General
Lyon and the troops under his command at
the battle of Springfield. The Judiciary
Committee reported back the bill to abolish
the Supreme Courtan asked to be discharged
from its further consideration. They were
discharged Mr.. Wiley, of Virginia, CON
tinucd and concluded his speech on the
resolution offered by him declaring the orr
gin and purpose Of the war. The Senate
adjourned until Monday.
The United States House of Representa-
tivcs passed "A resolution providing for the
transmission of alotmcnts Of pay of volun-
teers to the families and friends, and repeal
ing the law allowing liens to suffers on
soldier pay. Mr.. Wicklffe presented res
outions from the Kentucky Legislature in
relation to extending relicfto the sufferers
from the famine in ireland Mr.. Julian
offered Il resolution, which was passed-yeas
IS, nays 3Y-instructing the judiciary Cons
mttee to report bill to forbid the return of
fugitive slaves, except where the loyalty of
the claimant was satisfactorily proved. Mr..
Lovcioy offered resolution requesting the
Committee on the Judiciary to report bill
confscating the property and liberating the
slaves of those participating in or aiding the
rebellion. The House adjourned over until
Monday.
MoSnAY.
In the Senate, Mr.. Lane, of Indiana, pre-
scented the credentials of Hon. Garrett
Davis, Senator elect from kencky, in place
of Breckenridge, expelled.
Mr.. Sumner Of Massachusetts, presented
petitions from citizens of different parts of
Massachusetts and Michigan, IN favor of
general emancipation if necessary to tcrmi
nate the war.
Mr.. Fessenden. of Maine, from the Com
mittee on Finance, reported tavorably on
the House bill appropriating 81 900, 900 for
gunboats on the western rivers.
Mr.. Grimes inquired if the $1,000. 900
was intended to cover all the expenditure
for steamers purchased. gunboats and NOR
tar-boats, &C., comprising the whole fotilla.
Mr.. Fcssenden explained. that it did, when
the vote was ia ken and the bill passed
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill torbidding
officers of the army and navy, delivering up
fugitive slaves under penalty of dishonorable
dismissal from the service.
The bill to increase the number of Cadets
at West Point being under consideration
Mr.. Fesscndcn, spoke as follows:
Inc point appeared to be now as to whs
should spend the largest amount of money.
Both Congress and the Executive had been
in this category, as if that was matter of
merit. he went on to give instances, and
spoke Of the cavalry arm of the military
service, which, in the first place, it was
said, we did not need and then again it was
declared that we did and now there are no
less than sixty regiments in the service,
costing beyond any other force, which the
military authority now declare they do not
need, and do not know what to do with
Yet he saw these troops continued to
como. and with them horses, and other
horses continued to be bong by the Gov
eminent, which it could not find forage to
feed. He said they were dying here daily
for the want proper shelter and food.
A bill from the House to increase the
duties on tea, coffee and sugar was then
received, and on motion of Mr.. Fesscndcn it
was immediately taken up, 1t was put
through the various stages and at once
passed. The bill goes into operation on the
iisit of January next.
HousE.-1hc House then resumed the
consideration of Mr.. Wilson's resolution:
That the military Committee be instructed
to report bill cnacting an additional Article
of War for the government of the army,
prohibiting any officer from using the forces
under his command in returning fugitive
slaves.
Mr.. NOEL, of Missouri, moved to lay the
resolution on the table. Upon which the
yeas and nays were ordered. Yeas SO, nays
90.
The resolution was then passed.
Mr.. Morrill,, of Vermont, under a suspcn-
sion Of the rules, introduced bill to increase
the duties on tea, sugar, coffee and molasses,
rs follows; ON all teas 20 cents per pound
coffee OF all kinds cents raw sugar, COM
monty called brown sugar, =! cents per
pound white sugar 8 cents per pound
refined or lump cents per pound refined
8 cents per pound molasses six cents per
gallon.
Mr.. Morrill, demanded the passage of the
bill.
Mr.. Vallandgham demanded the yeas
and nays. Agreed to. Yeas II, nays ID
The bill passed.
Mr.. Morehcad, of PENNSYLVANIA, Offended
a resolution that the Committee on the
Judiciary be instructed to report a bill that
any person or persons engaged in the pres
rebellion against the Government of the
United States, shall not hold an office in
any of States. Passed.