Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-12-11


HOUSE.-Mr Gurley gave notice of his nten-
ton to introduce bill to confscafe all property
belonging 20 persons in rebellion against the Gov
eminent of the United States, including persons
recognized as slaves, who shall be made free men,
70 provide for their employment during the war,
their subsequent apprenticeship to loyal masters
and their final colonization.
Mr.. Loveoy, from the Committee on Agricul-
ture. reported the homestead bill.
After incidental debate the homestead bill was
referred to the Committee on Public Lands.
Mr.. Upton introduced bill for the restoration
of Alexandria county to the District of Column
bia.
On motion of Mr.. Vallandigham resolution
WAS adopted requesting the President to commu-
nicate to the House, if not incompatible with the
public interest, copies of any communications ad-
dressed TO the Executive by the Governments of
England, Spain and France in regard to the armed
Intervention proposed by them i'm the affairs of
Mexico, and any other information he may have
to communicate.
Mr. Hutchins introduced a joint resolution con
corning the rebellion, the consideration of which
was postponed. Also the following: er
WHEREAS, Ii has been represented that there
are confined in the Government Jail forty five
prisoners who are not charged with crime, but
are represented as being slaves; therefore,
Resolved, That the Committee for the District
of Columbia be instructed TO inquire into the
truth Of said report, and by what authority they
are confined who are the reported owners and
what legislation, if any, is necessary to relieve
them from Imprisonment, and to prevent persons
from being similarly imprisoned hereafter, and TO
report by bill or otherwise. Adopted
Mr.. Pendleton introduced resolution, which
was adopted, nstructng the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs to report what change, if any, is
necessary in the mode of payment of soldisrs who
are held as prisoners of var.
Mr.. Cox introduced tie following, which was
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
WHEREAS, The exchange of prisoners in the
present war has already been practiced indirect
ly. as such exchange would not only increase the
enlistments and vigor of our army but subserve
the highest interests of humanity and as such ex-
change does not involve the recognition of the
rebels as Government; therefore,
Reselped, That the President of the United
States be requested to inaugurate and systcma-
tze measures for the exchange of prisoners in the
present war.
Mr.. Holman introduced preamble reiterating
the sentiments contained in the Crittenden reso-
utions, adopted at the last session. in effect that
the war was forced upon us by the disunionists,
and that the only object in carrying it on by the
United States is to establish obedience 10 the
Constitution and Union, and that when these OBJ
jects are accomplished the war shall cease, &c.
Mr.. Holman's proposition concludes with a res0-
luton reaffirming these sentiments.
On motion of Mr.. Stevens of Pennsylvania it
was laid on the table by a vote of II against IS.
Mr.. Dunn offered resolution instructing the
Committee on Foreign Affairs to inquire into the
practicability and expediency of procuring the
rights and privileges of settlement and citizen
ship on any part OF this continent or ON the ada
cent islands south of the United States for the
habtation of free persons of African descent who
may choose to emigrate thereto from the United
States for the formation of independent colonies
to be protected from foreign nsciestaton. Adopted
Mr.. Lovejoy and Mr.. Conway severally intro
duced propositions questions of slavery, the
consideration of which was postponed.
Mr.. Watts, delegate from New Mexico, intro
duced preamble, concluding with resolution
requesting the Secretary of War to report to the
House what measures have been or ought to be
taken to expose and punish Major Lynde. and
other army officers who may be guilty of treason
or cowardice in surrendering larger and supe-
rior force OF U. s. soldiers TO Texas troops, so
that those who are innocent may be relieved from
blame, &c. Adopted.
Mr.. Hutchins asked leave 20 introduce bill to
abolish slavery in the District of Columbia.
Mr.. Cox objected. Adjourned.