Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-12-27
WHOLE NUMBER 213.
engaged in the rebellion. Tbs bill then

The House then passed the bill au.
thorizing and requiring the Secretary of
War TO pay the officers and men hereto
fore employed or mustered into service in
the Western, or Missouri Military De-
partment, the pay and bounty as in regu-
lar enlistmens. This bill covers the force
under Gen. Fremont and other command
ing generals.
Mr.. Steele of New Jersey offered
resolution which was adopted, that the
select committee on alleged contract abu-
ses be requested to inquire as to the pol
! icy of aboishing sutlerships, or regulating
the system in accordance with the re-
qurements and protection of the soldiers.
Mr.. Colfax Of Indiana called attention
to a communication from .he Post Office
Department, stating that it had been as
certained that members of Congress fire.
quentIy give envelopes to cover matter
unknown to them, etc. He hoped the
simple statement of facts would correct
abuses, without further legislation. Ad-
journed.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 1861.
SENATE.
Mr.. Sumner presented petition nu-
merously signed for the emancipation of
slaves, with compensation to loyal mas
ters.
Mr.. Wade presented petition from
citizens of Ohio asking that John c.
Fremont be appointed Lieutenant Cen
eral.
Mr.. Willis offered a resolution that
the existing war was forced on the
country by the states in rebellion with
out provocation, and was intended to de-
slroy the Union and Constitution, and
the purpose was to disavow and repudl-
ate. the fundamental principles of the
Republican government. MIR. Willis
spoke in support of his resolution.
Mr.. Wiley in the course of his res
marks, commended the proclamations OF
those Generals who declared tt was not
their intention 70 interfere with legal in
stitutions, aud expressed qualification
that the President in his message re-de-
clared fidelity to the Constitution. He
declared that by no act of his should
slavery be extended, though he believed
it necessary for the present, that the AT
rican race be kept in bondage.
HOUSE.
The bill to amend the act of July last,
which grants 500 bounty TO soldiers at
the expiration OF two years, and to those
sooner honorably discharged by reasons
of wounds and disabilities, so as to ex-
tend its provisions to those who entered
the service under the first proclamation
of the President, and were similarly dis
qualified, was, after debate, tabled.
Mr.. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, from
the committee on Ways and Means, re-
ported bill making appropriations for
the construction, preservation, and re-
pairs of Notifications and works of de-
iense. Referred to the committee of the
whole on the state OF the Union.
The House resumed the consideration
of the bill providing for the construction
of twenty iron-clad steam gunboats by
contract or otherwise, as the secretary
of the Navy may deem best for the pub
lie interest.
Mr.. Valaudigham of Ohio, offered
and advocated an amendment providing
they shall be constructed in the navy
yards as far as practicable, or by private
contract after giving ten days notice for
proposals published in papers in Boston,
New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Mr.. Sedgwick, Of New York, in ex-
PLANTATION, said those vessels are to be
built on a plan entirely different from
those already constructed the details
and specifications he would deem it i'm
prudent to disclose, even if he had the
means. The plan was well considered
by committee of naval officers.
Mr.. Valandigham incidentally said,
in the course of his remarks, that rather
than yield the principle we have held for
years, he was prepared to meet the
combined hostility of the whole world,
and this, he believed, was the sentiment
of the entire American people.
Mr.. Sedgwick did not believe a for
eign war was pending, but if so, he
trusted the question should be met in
proper spirit. There was no insult of
which Great Britain could complain to
Justify war. The vessels now propos-
ID 10 be constructed, were not for service
,broad, but at home to put down the re-
,ellion.
Mr.. Vallandigham's amendment was
to, and the bill passed.
IL