Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1861-12-06
LATE NEWS.
CONGRESSIONAL.
WASHINGTON. Dec,

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WASHINGTON, Dec 4.
HoUsE.-Mr. Gurloy gave notice of his in
tentiop to introduce bill to confscate all
property belonging to persons in rebellion
agar st the United States, including persons
recognized as slaves, who shall DC made free
men-to provide for their employment during
the war, their subsequent apprenticeship to
loyal masters, and their final colonization.
Mr.. Lovejoy, from the committee on agri-
culture, reported the Homestead Bill.
After incidental debate, the Homestead
Bill was referred to the Committee on Public
Lands.
Mr.. Upton introduced bill for the reslora-
ton Of Alexandria county to the District Of
Columbia.
On motion of Mr.. Vallandigham, a reso-
luton was adopted requesting the President
to communicate to the House--if it is not in
compatible with the public in.-rests-copies
of any communications addressed to the Ex-
ecutive by the Governments of England,
Spain and France in regard to the armed in
terventon, proposed by them, in the affairs of
Mexico, and any other information he may
hive to communicate.
MIR. Hutchlns introduced joint resolution
concerning the rebellion, the consideration of
which was postponed. Also the following:
WHEREAS, 1t has been represented that
there are confined, in the Government Jail,
forty-fve prisoners who are not charged with
crime, but arc represented as being slaves,
Res0lUed, 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 re-
ported owners, and what legislation, if any, is
necessary to release them from imprisonment,
and prevent persons from being similarly i'm
prisoned hereafter, and to report by bill, or
otherwise. Adopted.
Mr.. Pendleton introduced resolution,
which was adopted, instruciing the commit
tee on military affairs to report what change,
if any, i'll the mode Of payment of soldiers
who are held as prisoners of war, is needed.
Mr. Cox introduc ID the following, which
was referred to the committee on the Judici-
ary:
WHEREAS, The exchange Of prisoners in
the present war has already been practiced
indirectly, and as such exchange would not
only increase tn enlistments and vigor of o III
army, but subserve the highest interest ofhu-
mainly, and as such exchange does not in
volve the recognition of the rebels as gov
eminent, therefore,
Resoired, That the President Of the United
States be requested to inaugurate and system
atize measures for the exchange of prisoners
in the present war.
Mr.. Holman introduced preamble reiter-
ating the sentiments contained in the Critten-
den resolutions, adopted at the last session,
in effect that the war was forced on us by the
disunionists, and that the only object in car
ryins it on by the United States is to re-es-
tablsh obedience to the Constitution and
Union, and that when these objects are ac-
complishcd the war should cease, etc.
Mr.. Holeman's proposition concluded with
resolution reaffirming these sentiments.
On motion of Mr. Stevens, of Pennsylvania,
it was laid on the table, by vote OF = against
65.
MIR. Dunn offered a resolution instructing
the Committee on foreign affairs to inquire
into the practicability and expediency of pro-
curing the rights and privileges Of settlement
and citizenship on any part Of this continent,
and the adjacent Islands south of the United
States, for the habitation of free persons, OF
African decent who may choose to emigrate
there fro,a the United States, for the formation
of independent colonies, to be protected from
foreign nolestaiion. Adopted.
Mr.. Lovejoy and Mr.. Conway severally in
troduced propositions on questions of slavery,
the consideration of which was postponed.
Mr.. Watts, delegate from New Mexico, in
troduced preamble, concluding with u reso-
luton, requesting the Secretary Of War to re-
port to the House what measures have been
or ought to be taken to expose and punish
Maj. Lynde and other army officers who may
be guilty Of treason or cowardice in surren-
dering larger and superior force of United
States soldiers to Texas troops, so that those
who are innocent may be relieved from blame,
etc. Adopted.
Mr.. Hutchins asked leave to introduce a
bill to abolish slavery in the District of Co.
lumb a.
Mr., Cox objected. Adjourned.
SENArg--Mr. Chandler introduced . reso-
luton to expel Mr.. Breckenridge
Mr.. Powell took ground against it, as Mr.
Breckinridge had already resigned. He could
not be expelled.
Mr. Trnmbull insisted that he could be ex-
PEELED, and offered substitute for Mr.. Chan
dler's resolution, as follows:
Whereas, John G. Breckenridge, a 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,
Resolrea, That the traitor, Breckenridge, be
expelled.
Mr.. Chandler accepted the substitute, and
the resolution, as thus amended, was uncni-
mously adopted. Not voting or absent,
Messrs. Bayard, Bright, Johnson, of Tennes
see, Johnson, Of Missouri, Pearce, Polk, Pow
ell Rice, Salisbury and Wiley.
The following standing committees were
announced. They are the same as at the last
session with the following changes:
On Foreign Relations.--Harris, in place
of Breckenridge.
On Military A!fdirs--Nesmith, in place
of Baker
o" Public Lands. Carlisle, in place of
Bingham.
On Pensions.-Willey, in place of Blng-
ham.
On Trri'eries.-Pomeroya and Carlisle in
place of Baker and Breckenridge
The committee on enrolled bills, will con-
sist of Browning Wiley ard Stratsburg.
MIR. Wilson called attention to list Of
colored persons confined in prison in Wash
ington, sent there by justices Of the peace.
The report had been made by Detective Al
len to the Provost Marshall. s.t.t...
Mr.. Wilson introduced resolution for
their release
Mr.. Hale advocated the passage OF the res
olution. He remarked that we are now sup
porting the slaves of the rebels for them du-
ring the war. He thought this country the
most corrupt, from the Supreme Court down,
Of any other in the world. The course of
Justice in this city was most extraordinary.
He argued that it was the duty of Congress
to look into the administration Of justice in
this district.
Mr.. Wilson remarked that he had visited
these poor prisoners in Jail, and witnessed
the things Of which he had spoken, and the
cruel condition in which inmates were
placed. He endorsed the views expressed
by Mr.. Hall, as to the administration of JUS
lice in this district. He was willing that
his resolution should be referred to the Judi
,iary Committee.
Mr.. McDougal suggested that instead of de-