The national Republican., 1861-07-31

on Senate bill to provide for the construction
of one or more armoured ships and floating.
batteries, and for other purposes, was received
and discussed until the Senate found itself
without quorum, when,
On motion Of Mr.. POWELL, the Senate ad.
journed.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES..
The SPEAKER laid before the House com.
munication from the President Of the United
States, in answer to resolution passed by the
House few days ago, calling upon him to ftfr.
nish this House with the reasons why the police
commissioners Of Baltimore were arrested and
imprisoned.
The President declines furnishing to the House
such information, deeming it incompatible with
the public interst.
Mr.. OLIN, from the Committee on Military
Affairs, reported bill to increase the number
of cadets equal to the number Of Senators and
Representatives, to be selected from the States
on recommendation of members Of Congress, as
prescribed by law. When districts fail to send
Representatives, the President shall 6ll all va
cances ofsuch districts. All cadets now in or who
may hereafter enter the military academy, shall
swear to support the Constitution, and bear true
allegiance TO the national Government, and
maintain and defend the sovereignty of the Uni.
ted States, paramount to any and all allegiance,
sovereignty or fealty, to any State whatever, and
that they will obey all orders from their superior
officers. Any cadet refusing to take the oath
to be dismissed from the academy.
Mr.. r.VALLAND1GHAM said he was opposed
to the bill, as the proposed oath was one which
ought not to be required Of any free American
citizen. It required him to renounce his allie.
glance that he bears by birth and adoption to
his State. Besides the bill increases the power
of the President.
Mr.. CAMPBELL desired to make an inquiry
Mr.. VALLANDIGHAM objected. He was
excluded from expressing his views. Let there
be equal rights.
Mr.. OLIN, rcsuming, said he did not sup.
pose the bill would require discussion; the re.
mark of the gentleman from Ohio Mr.. Vallan.
digham was in keeping with his course here.
The bill did not require any man to renounce
his allegiance to his State; it did not interfere
with it in any way whatever. Such was the
argument that this House was accustomed to
hear from the gentleman; that there was no oh.
lection to the oath, because it applied only to
traitors, and it would be well if the oath did not
press too heartily upon the gentlemans own con.
science.
Mr.. vALLANDIGHAM rose to reply, but
was called to order. He, however, called upon
the Speaker to suppress such personal allu.
sions, as he was denied the right to reply.
Mr.. OLIN said the gentleman could make
no reply while he was on the floor.
Mr.. STEVENS moved to lay the bill on the
table, which the House refused to do. The
question then required on the previous ques-
ton of the passage of the bill, when 1t was de.
cided in the affirmative.
Mr.. SPAULDING offered a resolution,
which passed, that this House and the Senate
concurring adjourn sine die on Friday, the
second of August
Mr.. ENGLISH, from the Committee on Mil.
itary Affairs, reported bill for the temporary
increase of midshipmen at the naval academy.
He briefly explained the features of the bill,
and the effect it would have. Passed.
Mr.. RICE, of Mass, introduced an act au-
thorizing an appropriation of twelve hundred
thousand dollars for the construction of twelve
small side-wheel steamers Of light draught and
great speed
Mr.. RICE contended that the naval service
was already too small to maintain an effective
blockade, and the suppression Of pirates. The
Department was engaged in ascertaining what
vessels belonging to the present parties were
available for this purpose, and the Department
has procured all which are suitable for the pur-
pose. The steamers proposed are of light
draught so as to penetrate small inlets, and to
carry one or two guns.
Mr.. VALLANDIGHAM would inquire of
the gentleman whether they were to be com
manded by the officers Of the navy.
Mr.. RICE said of course they are.
Mr.. BURNETT was opposed to the bill, as
Congress had authorized the Department to
purchase such vessels as may be necessary.
He objected to bills passing this House at such
rapid speed.
Mr.. WICKLIFFE said, if there was any
outrage on humanity which he condemned
more than another, it was piracy; and he would
go with those who would go the furthest in
protecting private property, and putting down
this savage mode Of warfare.
opposed to piracy as his colleague. The bill
then passed.
Mr.. WASHBURN, of ILL.,, moved to take up
Senate bill prohibiting the sale Of spirituous
liquors and intoxicating drinks to soldiers and
volunteers in the District of Columbia. The
bill provides that those 81 offending this law,
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemesnor, and
shall be fined s25, or thirty days imprison
ment. Mr.. Washburn said persons noticing
the condition of the city few days ago, he
did not think any member would object to the bill
Mr.. COVODE moved to amend the bill so
as to include members of Congress and other
employees of the Government. Laughter.
Mr.. WASHBURN asked if the gentleman
will include one member and not all. The bill
then passed.
Mr.. ELLIOTT introduced bill to define
and punish unlawful communications with the
enemy of the United States. Referred.
Mr.. DAWES then called up the Oregon
contested election case.
He offered resolution declaring Mr.. ]. T.
Shield entitled to his seat as o representative
in this Congress from Oregon.
Mr.. STEVENS offered, as substitute that
neither Mr.. Shield nor Mr.. Thsyer were
elected members of this Congress, and that