The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-07-26
XXXVu Congress--Extra Session.
WASHINGTON. July II,

WASHINGTON, July II.
SENATE.-Mr. Pearce, OF Md, presented
memorial from the Peace Commissioners of
Baltimore, now confined at Fort McHenry.
The memorlalists solemnly declare that
they have always discharged their duties
faithfully and impartially, and in obedience
to the laws and the constitution, and that
all evidence to the contrary is false and
they further declare that the grounds set up
by General Banks for their arrest, had no
foundation in fact, and that Marshal Kane
is a gentlemen of integrity and worth and
that no body of men are less liable to the
charge of unlawful combination than the
police force of Baltimore. The memorial
lists submit that the proclamation by which
they were arrested has no warrant in Law,
and they ask the interposition of Congress.
Mr.. Pearce said the memoralists were
known to him, and he believed them to be
men of the highest integrity and faithful to
the constitution. He did not believe that
any proof could be furnished against them /.
The memorial was referred to the Judi
ciary Committee.
Mr.. Grimes of Iowa, from the Commit
tee on Naval Affairs, introduced bill to
provide for the temporary increase of the
Navy.
MIR. Foot, of Vermont, said that there
was pressing necessity for the passage of
the bill.
The bill passed. 1t authorizes the Sec
rotary of the Navy to purchase or hire such
vessels as may be necessary during the war,
to suppress piracy and render effectual the
blockade. 1t appropriates 100000.
The House resolution regarding adjourn
ment on Friday, was taken up and laid on
the table to give time for consideration.
The bill to provide for the better organi-
cation of the military establishment was
taken up.
Mr.. Wilson offered an amendment to the
Whole bill, comprising nearly all the amend
ments heretofore offered, and further pro-
vidng retiring list for the army
Mr.. Grimes offered an amendment pro-
viding retired list for the navy.
Mr.. Hale spoke against any increase of
salaries, and although he was willing to have
retired list, this was not the time to es-
tablish it.
MIR. Wilson, at some length, advocated
the passage of the bill as amended.
Mr.. Grimes amendment was adopted.
Mr.. Grimes then offered another amend
ment to extend the retiring list to the Ma
rine corps of the Navy. Adopted.
Mr.. Hale moved to strike out all the
portion relating to the retiring list of the
army and navy.
After long discussion the amendment
was disagreed to-yeas II, nays 27.
Mr.. Rice of Minnesota, offered as an
amendment that the Brevet Lieutenant
General be retired, and that there be no re
duction of salary or subsistence. Agreed
to-yeas 20, nays IL.
MIR. Sherman of Ohio, moved to give the
retired list simply pay proper, and no other
allowance or emOluments. This amendment
was adopted.
Mr. Hale moved to amend, so that Off
GERS having the brevet rank would not re-
ceive any increase Of pay. Agreed to.
Mr.. Baker of Oregon moved that Lieu
tenant General Scott be excepted.
Mr. Nesmith said be saw no reason Tor
exceptions.
Mr.. Salisbury said he would vote for it
because be was glad that the great captain
had not resigned and taken part with the
seceders.
Bakers amendment was agreed to, yeas
80, nays 6.
-Breckinridge, Carlisle, johnson,
of Missouri, Nesmth. Pok and Powell
Mr.. Foster, of Connecticut, moved to
strike out the provision relating to the
Superintendent of the Military Academy,
SO as to leave it as it is. Agreed to. Ad-
+ journed.
HoUsE.--Henry May, Of Maryland, ap.
| peared, and was qualified by taking the oath
to support the Constitution.
MIR. Holman, of Indiana, introduced a
resolution authorizing the select committee
heretofore appointed 10 examine into the
| War Department contracts hereafter to be
made, and that the committee have leave to
sit during the recess.
Most OF the time to-day was consumed in
discussing the above resolution of Mr.. Hol-
man.
Mr.. Kellogg, of Illinois, urged his OBJ
! lection to the resolution, on the ground that
there were no specific charges.
MIR. Van Wyck, of New York, said
there were specific charges of fraud by con.
tractors. He understood without doubt,
that within two short months there has
been system of plumber going on which
for audacity and wickedness has never been
surpassed. In this connection he referred
to the excess of pay for beef, hats, &c. He
charged no department with completely, but
he did say that there were men who had
taken advantage of the necessities of the
times, and plunderad the country. Take
the case of the steamboat Cataline-nOt
worth more than $4,000; and yet she was
chartered for $4,000 per month, and $50,-
O00 was to be paid for her in the event Of
her destruction He would tell the House
and the country, that the War Department
desired an examination into this affair.
Mr. Kellogg moved to lay the resolution
Oh the table.
The motion was disagreed to by As
against II.
The resolution was then adopted by yeas