Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-12-27

from the great object of rescung our ma
tionality ; crushing as we would an adder
those who would divert US from that OBJ
ject to other and ignobe objects involving
fresh divisions, cruel deceptions, social
rev oIution, serviIe instructions, and eter
nal hates; moving one and all, heart,
soul and body, men, means, munitions.
intelligence and patriotism, to the one
grand object, the restoration Of this dis
mantled Union as it was and ought to be,
we may emerge from this strife and arise
like the tabled demigod from our pros
tra:ion, more grateful and strong, inspired
with larger measure Of power and
clearer and less ostentatous conscious
ness of our destiny.
Mr.. Denver was for leaving the ques
ton in the hands of those who will con-
duct the negotiation, as it would be con
ducted, with dignity and due regard to
our honor and interest Two classes
would be disappointed by the preserva-
ton of peace-those who want war, to
give strength to the rebels that would
enable them to succeed, and those who
have been revelng in the spirit of bra
vado.
The bill passed.
Mr. Sedgwick of New York reported
bill retiring certain officers in the Navy.
Passed. He also reported bill author
izing the Secretary of the Navy to con-
struct twenty iron-clad steam gunboats,
He stated that each would cost from
100000 to Sj80,000. After a brief
debate its consideration was postponed.
Adjourned.
WAsu1NGroN, Dec. Is, 1861.
SENATE.
Mr. Doolitte presented several petit
tions for emancipaling the slaves.
Mr.. Sumner presented a petition from
citizens of Vermont for the repeal of the
Fugitive Slave Law.
Mr.. Salisbury offered a resolution
asking the Secretary of War to furnish
the Senate with copy of the proclaim
alton of Gen. Phelps, and by what au-
thority it was made. Laid over.
Mr.. Ten Eyck introduced a bill for the
establishment Of an armory on Burling-
ton Island.
Mr., Doolttle presented bill for the
collection Of direct taxes in insurrection-
AIRY districts. 1t provides for taking land
in such districts to pay the direct tax
that the President shall, before the 22d
of February next, make a proclamation
specifying what districts are in insurrec-
ton the owners are to have the power
OF redemption.
The resolution offered by Mr.. Sumner
that the army is not TO be used to surren-
der fugitive slaves, was agreed to.
HOUSE.
The House resumed the consideration
of the bill to secure homesteads 10 actual
settlers, to heads of families, or those
who have attained twenty-one years and
are citizens of the United States, or filed
their intention to become such. The pro-
visions are extended to all who have per-
formed service in suppression of the re-
bellion. In lieu of bounty lands, the
three months volunteers, or their legal
heirs, are to receive $50 in addition TO
the right of homestead, and all who have
served six months, 500.
Mr.. Holman of Indiana proposed an
extending the bounty land
act of March, 1866, to those engaged in
the present war.
Mr.. Vallandisham of Ohio opposed
the amendment, contendiug that it would
strike death blow TO our entire home
stead policy. He advocated the bill
After debate, during which Mr.. Col
fax of Indiana gave notice of an amend
ment to the bill, by providing bounty
lands to soldiers or their widows, on any
suitable public lands open to pre-empton
or entry at 81, 20 or less per acre, and to
provide bomesteads of eighty acres to
actual settlers on land reserved from
railroad grants, and now open to entry
At $3.50 per acre, the further considera-
ion of the bill was postponed until the
irst Monday in February-S8 against
30.
Mr.. Stevens of Pennsylvania reported
he Civil Appropriation bill also bill
lppropriating one million of dollars for
yunboats on the Western waters, in addi-
ion to former sums. The latter bill j
passed.
The House then went into Committee
,f the Whole on the state of the Union,
md considered the invalid pension bill,
which was amended on motion OF Mr. {