The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-06
Thirty-Seventh Congress,
FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4.
SENATE.-Mr. Chandler introduced q
resolution to expel Mr.. Breckenridge.
Mr.. Powell took ground against it, as
Mr.. Breckenridge bad already resigned.
He could not be expelled.
Mr.. Trumbull insisted that he should be
expelled and offered substitute for Mr..
Chambers resolution, as follows:
Whereas John G. Breckenridge, q member
of this body, has joined the enemies of his
country and is now in arms against the Gov.
eminent he had sworn to support, therefore
Resolved, That the Traitor Breckenridge be
expelled.
Mr.. Chandler accepted the substitute
and the resolution as thus amended was
unanimously adopted. Yeas &c, nays O..
Not voting or absent, Messrs. Bayard,
Bright, johnson of Tennessee, johnson OF
|, Missouri, Pearce, Polk, Powell, Rice, Sauls-
bury and Wiley.
The Standing COMMITTEES were announc.
ed They are the same as at the last ses.
sion, with the following changes:
On Foreign Relationship. Harris in
place of MIR. Breckenridge.
On Military Affairs--Mr. Nesmith in
place of Mr.. Baker.
On Public Lands--Mr. Carlisle 10 place
of MIR. Bingham.
On Pensions--Mr. Wiley in place of
Mr.. Bingham.
On TerritOries-Messrs. POmerOy and
Carlisle in place of Mr.. Baker and Mr..
Breckenridge.
The Committee on Enrolled Bills will
consist of Messrs. Browning, Wiley and
Salisbury.
Mr.. Wilkinson introduced bill to abol.
ish the distinction between volunteers and
regulars.
Mr.. Hale submitted the following, which
lies over
Resolved, That the Committee ON the Judi
ciary be instructed to inquire into the expedi-
ency and propriety of abolishing the present
Supreme Court of the United States, and es.
tabllshng instead thereof a Supreme Court in
pursuance of the provisions of the country,
which, in the opinion OF Congress, will meet
the requirements of the Constitution.
Adjourned.
HousE.-Mr. Gurley gave notice Of his
intention to introduce bill to confscate
all property belonging to persons in rebel
lion against the Government of the United
States, including persons recognized as
slaves, who shall be made freemen, to pro-
vide for their employment during the war,
their subsequent apprenticeship to loyal
masters and their fnai colonization.
Mr.. Lovejoy, from the Committee on
Agriculture, reported Homestead Bill.
After incidental debate, the Homestead
bill Was referred to the Committee on Pubs
lie Lands.
On action OF Mr.. Vallandigham reso-
luton was adopted requesting the Presi.
dent to communicate to the House, il not
Incompatible with the public interests, CO.
pies OF any correspondence addressed to the
Executive by the Governments Of Spain,
England and France, in regard to the arm
ed Intervention proposed by them in the al
fairs OF Mexico, and any other information
he may have to communicate.
Mr.. Hutchins introduced joint resOlu
ton concerning the rebellion, the considera-
tiOn of which was postponed.
Also the following:
Whereas, it has been represented that there
are confined in the Government jail forty five
prisoners. who are not charged with crime but
are represented az being slaves,
Resolved, That the Committee for the Dis
trict of Columbia be instructed to inquire into
the truth OF said report, and by what authority
they are confined. who are the reported own.
ers, and what legislation, if any. is necessary
to relieve them from imprisonment and to pre-
vent persons from being similarly imprisoned
hereafter, and to report by bill or otherwise.
Adopted.
Mr.. Cox introduced the following, which
was referred to the Committee on the Ju-
dicary
Whereas. the exchange Of prisoners in the
present war has already been practsed indi.
rectly, and as such exchange would not only
increase the vigOr of our arms but subserve
the highest interests of humanity, and such eX-
change does not involve the recognition of the
rebels as government, therefore
Resolved, That the President of the Untedt
States be requested to inaugurate and systems
atize measures for the exchange OF prisoners!
in the present war.
MIR. Watts, Delegate from New Mexico
introduced pream lie concluding with u
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 b. guilty OF treason. or cowardice,
10 surrendering a larger aud superior force
OF United States soldiers TO Texan troops,
go that these who are innocent may be rea
lieved from Diane. Adopted.
Mr.. Hutchins asked leave to introduce a
bill abollsbing slavery in tn District OF
Columbia
Mr.. Cox objected. Adjourned.