The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-12-11
First session 37th Congress.


WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.-SESAfg.-- A num-
Der Of aeitions were presented and referred
to appropr late committees. Several on the
emancipation of slaves Of rebels were presen.
ted and. referred to committee on Judici-
ary.
Mr.. Sumner pre-. eated resolution that oil
memorials and papers on the files Of the
Senete relating to the recognition Of Liberia
and Hayu be taken from the files and refer
red tcsthe committee on Foreign affairs
Agreed to.
Mr.. Clark offered a resolution requesting
the Marshal Of the district to inform the
Senate by what authority he keeps slaves Of
the district in Jail, because they are refacto'
ry. He said he had visited the Jail and
found a number of the slaves of the district
confined, for no reason only because their.
masters or mistresses sent them because
they were refractory. Resolutions agreed
to-
Mr.. Hale's resolutions directing the Judi
ciary Committee to inquire into the cxpedi-
ency Of abolishing the present Supreme
Court had failed. He believed If the rebels
now in arms should succeed the Supreme
Court would decide that the soldiers now in
Virginia were trespassers and rioters '.a
Mr.. ColIamar moved as substitute that
all portionsof the Presidents messaaa rela-
ting to the Judiciary Committee. 2ssH'' az
Collamar's amendment was agreed to
and the resolution as amended was adop-
ted tsad ~ .EM aH" q 1's'a "
On motion Of Mr. Chandler, the resolution
Of enquiry into the cause of the disasters to
our army at Bull Run and Balls Bluff, was
taken up. a o fe sf",.' ,'2h
The question was on the substitute offer
ed by Mr.. Grimes, that a committee to in.
vestigafe the cause ofal the disasters that
have happened 10 the Union forces. p
Mr. Chandler said the officers of the army
were not liable to impeachment, but one Of
our own number has fallen (Baker) and no.
body is to blame. He thought the facts
ought to be known Hc wanted the truth
known regarding disasters in Missouri, re-
ferred to by the Senator from Kansas. TT
Gen. Fremont is to blame let it be known,
but if not. in Gods name let him he justfi-
ed and let the country know it. ia4 z
Mr.. Foster thought it best not to investi-
gate the subject now under the present cir.
cumstances. He thought Congress had bet
ter mot do it. If military officers man.
aged the army badly, Congress would only
make bad matter worse, by interfering
He would let the military alono In time of
war an inquiry of this kind would only
CALI men away from higher duties At
the proper time Congress might make the
inquiry.
Mr.. Sherman believed an investigation
would be beneficial, especially general in
quiry into the whole conduct of the war,
and said he would record his solemn convic-
ton that before the war closed, slavery would
almost II not entirely cease TO exist, but the
war should be carried on without any refer
ence to to the subject of slavery, to preserve
free country.
Mr.. Stevens has modified his resolution
in several important particulars
Mr.. Hutchins, of Ohio. INTRODUCED bill
Internationally abolshins Slavery in the
District of Columbia
Mr.. Garley introduced bill to confiscate
slaves of rebels and colonize them.
On motion Of Mr.. Cox it was resolved
that the Committee of Ways and Means be
instructed to consider the tariff and taxation
with view to cqualizc the burdens of the
present war;
a delegation from an Indian tribe arrived
here to examine and report to their people
the tue condition of affairs. They express
surprise at finding things so entirely differ
eutfrom what they were represented by
means of the rebel leaders.
HousE.-Mr. Dawes, from the Committee
on Elections, introduced resolution, which
was passed, authorizing the parties IN the
contested election case of Beach against Up
ton, in the Fairfax district, of Virginia, to
take evidence. ,h ~
Mr.. Morrill,, of Vermont. gave notice ofhis
intention to introduce bill donating lands
to the several States for the benefit of Agri-
culture and the Mechanic Arts, in the estab.
lishment Of colleges.
Mr.. Richardson, from the committe on
Military Affairs, reported the following,
which. was passed .t'' 800
Whereas. the exchange of prisoners in
the present Rebellion, has already been
practiced indirectly, and as such exchange
would not only increase enlistments, add to
the viyor of our army, but subversive the
highest interests Of humanity, and as such
exchange does not involve the recognition of
the Rebels as government, therefore,
Resolved. By the Senate and House Of
Representatives, &C., that the President Of
the United States be requested toinangurate
systematized measures for the exchange OF
prisoners in the present Rebellion -,
On motion, it was
Resolved; That the commit tee on Foreign
Affairs be instructed to enquire into the cx-
pediency Of furnishing relief to the starving
population of ireland, and to report by bill or
otherwise,
Mr.. Wickliffe, from the committee on Mil
tary Affairs, reported bin authorizing the