The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1861-12-20
FROM WASHINGTON.
THIRTY-SEVENTH C0NGRESS-FIRST SEES
SION

SENATE.-Messrs. FesSenden and Sumner
presented petitions for the emancipation of the
blacks uGder the war power.
Mr.. Sumner Mass. presented the petition OF
Francis A. Trsadway, setting forth that he had
sometime ago presented a complaint 10 the Su-
pFeme Court against jeff Davis and others, but
was told that they were improper papers. He
afterwards presented the complaint 10 magis-
srateS' court, but TO no effect. The matter was
referred TO the Committee On the Judiciary.
MIR. Foot (Vt.) offered resolution that Waldo
r. johnson, by sympathizing and participating
ID the rebellion against the United States, had
seep guilty OF conduct incompatible with his
-Gs.y asa Seaasor or tie United State, cad
that be therefore be expelled from the Senate
Of the United States. Laid over.
Mr.. Wilson Mass introduced Joint reso-
luton to provide for the payment Of cUmmiS-
sloners appointed TO investigate the claims a.
galnst The Western Military Department. Re-
terEed 10 the Committee on Finance.
MIR. Harlan (iowa) introduced bill to au-
thorize the President TO acquire territory for
the settlement OF persons of African descent.
Referred TO the Committee on Public Lands.
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill fer the reorgan-
lzatioG ofthe Military Department of the army.
Referred 10 the Committee on Military Affairs.
Nj. Hale IN. H. called up the resolution he
offered yesterday, that the Committee CT the
Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the ex-
pendiency o! abolishing the present judicial
system OF the United States, and establishing
another in pursuance OF the Constitution. The
resolution vas agreed to. JansSN
MIR. Nesmlth tOregon) iEsaduced bill to
provide for the protection of overland emI-
grants to California and Oregon. Referred to
the Committee on Territories.
Mr.. Harris IN. " introduced hill relative
TO the sale Of splrituous liquors in the District of
Columbia The bill is designed TO render more
operative the bill passed last summer, and pro-
vides for trial by any Justice of The peace.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr.. Chandler (Mich.) announced the death
OF the Hon. Kingsley S. Bingham, late Senator
from Michigan, and gave brief sketch of the
life OF the late Senator.
Mr.. Clark IN. J.l spoke OF the dead Senator
as conscientious man, whose true merits were
known ony 10 his friends. He was always
true to his country and firm and unwavering in
the discharge OF his duty.
Mr.. Sumner (Mass.) paid tribute TO the
worth and excellence of the deceased Seuaior,
who was always firm for the right and against
oppression and wrong. He was one of those
beautiful natures where God had joined the
milGcst manners to the bravesi mind. He was
always opposed to slavery, and any compromise
with evil. Such nature can be ,llspared at
such an hour as the present though he still
lives by example. Those who knew him here
and the State that loved him well will cherish
his memory with afectionate pride.
The resolution of respect was agreed to and
the Senate adjourned.
HoUsE.--Mr. Roscoe Conkllng IN. ~ Of
ferred resolution, which was adopted, request
ing the Attorney General to report his views
as 10 the means of obtaining retrocesson Of
that portion of Virginia formly belonging TO
the District of Columbia.
Mr.. Potter, (WB.,) from the Committee on
Public Lands reported bill providing home
steads to actual settlers, and providing bounty
for soldiers m lieu of grants of public lands
He explained that the homestead feature VI this
DILL was heretofore passed, but there is an add-
tion that all soldiers, marines and seamen shall
DO entitled to the provisions of this act. /.
contains section giving bounty OF $50 to
the three months volunteers.
The further consideration of the bill was post
poned till Wednesday next.
The House concurred in the resolution from
the Senate, for joint committee TO inquire in
to the conduct OF the present war, with power
to send for persons and papers.
Mr.. Pendleton t0hio) moved that the memo