The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-12-18

WASHINGTON, Dec 1l.-SESATE. -. Mr..
Sumner presented petition for the emancl.
patio Of slayeS--those of rebels without
compensation, and those of Union men to
be paid for
Mr.. Wilson offered a resolution that the
Committee on Military Affairs be instructed
to inquire and report to the Senate what re-
duction may be made in the expenses of the
army. Adopted.
Mr.. Chandler offered resolution instruct
ing the Military Committee to inquire into
the expediencv of appointing a joint commit
tee of the two houses of Congress. who shall
have power to retire any improper officers OF
the Army and Navy Agreed to.
Mr.. Morrill, introduced Joint resolution
for the confscation of the property of rebels,
and for the satisfaction Of claims of loyal
men.
Mr.. Harris introduced bill establishing
a new military and mail route to Baltimore,
which was referred to the Military Com.
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill to increase
the humber of Cadets at West Point. Re-
ferrcd to Military Committee
Mr.. Nesmth announced the death of his
late colleague, Edward Dickinson Baker, U.
S. Senator from Oregon, paid brief and
feeling tribute to his worth and offered the
usual resolutions of re pect to his memory.
Mr.. McDougall followed, RETIRING to the
decease of TIVE distinguished Senators,
Messrs. Douglas and Baker Messrs Brown
ing and Conan followed. Mr. Latham closed
with most beautiful eloquent and touch.
ing eulogy on the deceased, when the SEN
ate adjourned
HousE.-On motion Of Mr.. Holman it was
Resolved, That the Committee on Public
Lands should report what railway compa-
MES had received donations OF lands on con-
ditions Of transporting troops and munitions
of war free of charge, and whether the Gov
eminent has the unqualified right of such
transportation.
Mr.. Lovejoy offered a resolution instruct
ing the Committee on Foreign Affairs 10 re-
port bill establishing diplomatic relations
between the United States and Hayli and
Liberia. The resolution lies over
| Mr. Blair, of Missouri, offered a resolution
declaring,t just to recognize the eminent
and patriotic services of the late Gen. Lyon,
and rendering the thanks of Congress to the
brave officers and soldiers under his COM
mand, who sustained the honor of the flag
and achieved victory at Springfield, Mo-,
and in order to commemorate the event each
regiment engaged on that occasion bear on
its colors the word Springfield, in letters OF
gold, and that these resolutions be read at
the he I'd Of the itferent regiments Of the
army of the United States. Blair believed
the Government had taken no notice at all
Of the death of General Lyon, and hence the
propricty Of the passage of the resolution
He knew the man well one never lived who
cared for his country and less for himself
The resolution was adopted.
Mr.. Lansing's preamble and resolutions
offered on Monday came up.
Mr.. Stevens, OF Penn said if the passage
Of the resolution is to have goode feet, es
pecaly in the West, the sooner it is passed
the better. The allegation Of Gen IIaeck
as an excuse for his order, that fugitive
slaves whom he proposes to exclude from
his lines, give information to the enemy is
too bold pretext to justify him. The re-
turn Of fugitive slaves was intended by Gen
eral Mcclellan and had been followed by
General Dix. General Kelly and others. All
these cases are disgrace to the profession
of arms. IL such returns Of fugitives have
been made by orders of the Commanding
Generals, they DIES erye to have their epaulets
stripped feom their shoulders, and il il has
been done by higher authority, then God
forgive them, for they know not what they
do. Loyejoy, Of H., expressed his honest
conviction that snch orders were issued by
the Commanding Generals Of the army with
out orders from the President He was sat
isfied of this fact, while the President does
not remove and cashier them as he Love
joy) would. He did not believe that the
Commanding Generals had power for such
inhuman and painful measures.
Blair. of No, said Stevens had evidently
misunderstood Gen. Halleck's order. The !
latter (Hallcck) informed him that he had
no idea Of doing anything contrary to the
law Of the last Congress and the policy of
the Government.