Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Iowa) 1861-1864, 1861-12-12

on Providence, all the more firmly and
earnestly let US proceed in the great
task which events have devolved upon
Us. ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Congressional Proceedings.
The first regular session of the thir-
ty-sevcnth Congress commenced at
Washington on Monday, December
End. The Vice President called the
Senate to order at noon, and about
forty members were present, being a
good working quorum. After the
usual formalities the following notices
were given:
Mr.. Trumbull of Illinois gave notice
that he would introduce bill to.mor-
row to confiscate the property of reb-
els, and give freedom to persons in
Slave States.
Mr.. Wilkinson of Minnesota, gave
notice of bill to abolish the distinc-
ton between regular and volunteer
forces.
In the House. on calling the roll one
hundred and forty members answered
to their names. After the swearing
in Of new members, and disposing Of
several contested cases, including the
admission to seat of Mr.. Maynard of
East Tennessee, the thanks of Con-
gress were rendered by resolution to
Capt. Wilkes for Selling Mason and
Slidell.
Mr.. Colfax offered the following:
WHEREAS, Michael Corcoran was taken pris-
oner at Manassas, and has, after suffering 9TH
| er indignities, been confined by the rebel au-
thorities in the cell OF convicted felon, There
fore.
Resolred. That the President of the United
States be authorized to similarly confine James
NJ. Mason, late of Virginia, and now in custo-
dy at Fort Warren, until Col. CorcOran shall
be treated as the United States treat all prison.
crs taken on the battlefield.
The resolution was unanimously
adopted.
Mr.. Campbell gave notice that he
would call up the following next Tues.
day week:
Resolced, That in legislating to meet the ex.
igencies of the present rebellion, Congress
should confscate the property, slaves included,
OF all rebels, and protect the the property and
rights, under the Constitution and laws, Of ali
loyal citisens.
ar ca---
ing for consideration
WHEaEAs, Slavery has caused the present re.
bellion In the United States and whereas,
there can be no solid and permanent peace and
union in this Republic 20 long as that institu-
ton exists within it and whereas. slaves are
now used by the rebels as an essential means
OF supporting and protracting the war /; and
whereas, by the law of nations, it is right to
liberate the slaves of an enemy, to weaken his
powers therefore
BE enacted By the Senate and House of Renre
sentatires, That the President be requested to
declare free, and direct our Generals and Off
GERS in command to offer freedom to. all slaves
who shall leave their masters and aid in quel-
ling the rebellion.
And be il further enacted, That the United
States pledge the faith of the n...;;;,;, 10 make
Iuii ana iair COMPENSATION to all loyal citizens
VINO are and shall remain active in supporting
the Union for all the loss they may sustain by
virtue of this resolution
Mr.. Stevens gave notice of his in
tentlon to introduce bill to repeal
certain laws creating ports of entry.
Mr.. Odell submitted the following,
which was adopted:
WHEREAS, Col Alfred NJ. Wood. of the 1atb
Regiment New York State Militia. who was
wounded and taken prisoner ut the battle of
Bull Run, has now by the rebel authorities
oeeh ordered to confinement in felon's prs-
on, and by the same order is to be treated ms
a prisoner convicted Of an infamous crime
| therefore,
ResotUed, That the President of the United
States be respectfully requested to order John
Slidell to the same character of prison and
treatment, until Col Wood shall be treated as
the United States have used prisoners taken in
battle. 49,
Mr.. Bernhisel presented the consti.
tuition which was formed by the con-
vention of delegates at Great Salt
Lake City, Utah, in March last, accom-.
panied by q memorial asking Congress
to admit that Territory into the Union
as State on an equal footing with
the original States.
In the Senate, Sd inst, the Presi-
dents Message and accompanying
documents were ordered printed.
Mr.. Grimes offered bill tenderino tho
thanks of Congress to Commodore Du
ioht ana those under his command for
the recent victory at Port ROYAL.
On motion Of Mr.. Foster Il was 70.
solved that the Vice President appoint
two members to fill vacancies in the
Board of Regents of the Smithsonian
Institute caused by the death of Sen.
ator Douglas and the expulsion of
James NJ. Mason.
In the House, Mr.. Maynard present.
ed the credentials of Mr.. Clemens.
representative elect from the Fourth
District OF Tennessee, which were re-
ferred to the committee on elections.
On motion Of Mr.. Washburne the
Presidents Message was referred to
the committee of the whole on the
state OF the Union, and his motion for
printing $4,000 extra copies was re.
ferred to the committee on printing.
A resolution expelling Henry C. Bur-
nett, member of the House from
kentucky, was adopted, and the Ser. |
geant-at-Arms was directed not 10 paw
barnetts salary. which has accrued |
since the close of the extra session.
10 the Senate, 4th inst, a resolution
exPelling John @. Breckinride was
adopted. ayes SO, nays none.
The standing committees were An.
nounned they were the same as at
the last session, with the following
changes On foreign relations, Mr..
Harris in place of Mr.. Baker on pub
nc lands, Mr.. Carlisle in place of Mr..
bingham on Territories. Messrs
romeroy and Carlisle in the place of
Messrs. Baker and Breckinridge.
Mr.. Wilson introdncad In