Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-12-23
W.sEtxerox. Dec II


SENATE.-A bin was received from the
House to authorize the raising of a volunteer
force for the defense of Kentucky.
On motion of Mr. Howellit was referred to the
Military Committee.
Mr.. Sumner presented several petitions for the
emancipation OF the slaves Of rebels.
Mr. Wilson reported bill for an increase of
the number of cadets at West Point
Mr.. Latham offered resolution that the Sec
rotary of War be requested TO inform the Senate
by virtue of what law and what reason passports
are required from passengers from New York to
San Francisco. Which was agreed TO.
Mr. Sherman offered a resolution that the Sec
rotary Of War be requested TO furnish to the
Senate copy Of all the correspondence between
Gen. Scott and Gen. Patterson. Which was
agreed to.
Mr. Sumner introduced bill in relation to the
claims of the French spoliations.
HOUSE-Mr. Bingham, from the Judiciary
Committee, reported back the joint resolution
directing and requiring the Provost Court at Al
exandria, Va, to retain and safely keep in its
custody any property taken as that of persons en-
gagged in or aiding the rebellion against the q. s.
until the further action of Congress touching the
same.
The resolution passed.
The House resumed the consideration of the
special order, being Dir. Elliott's resolution pro-
posing the emancipation of the slaves of rebels,
&c.
Mr.. Harding of Kentucky, invoked calm and
patriotic consideration Of the subject now before
the House. 1t was with the deepest pain that he
witnessed the introduction of the proposition at
an early period in the session and the attempt to
pass it uncer the operation of the previous ques
ton. He thought that there was disposition
to exclude all reflection and refusal TO pause in
the apparently mad career, but when disposition
/ WAS a arl IN oct w iloraf
hopes revived.
Mr. Harding then proposed to elaborate the
following points of his opposition to the pending
resolution:
First-We have no constitutional power to pass
them or any bills on the subject.
Second-As he proceeded to show from copious
extracts that Congress and the President and the
Administration stand pledged in the most solemn
and public manner against all interference with
slavery. Therefore to sanction such policy
would be papable violation of the plighted faith
of his Government
Third-He opposed the resolution because leg
slation ON the subject is forbidden by every prn-
ciple of sound policy.
Fourth-He opposed them and all kindred
measures. because they would inaugurate war
which would involve in its horrors the loyal and
dsloyal, the innocent and guilty, and warfare
dsgraceful to any civilized ana Christian nation.
In the course of his remarks he said this war
has nothing more to do with slavery than with
any other institution. Let slay cry alone and it
will take care of itself. He showed the injustice
of diverting the war from its original design
the restoration of obedience to the Constitution
and laws and the preservation of the Union.
The following were submitted by Van WICK,
Chairman of the Investigating Committee:
ReSslred That the Secretary of the Treasury
be requested to adjust the claim against the Gov
eminent for the FIVE thousand Hall carbines pur-
chased through Simon Stevens, ESQ.,. by Gen. J
G. Fremont on the 9th of August, 1861, and at
forwards delivered at the United States Arsenal
at ST. Louis on the basis of sale of said arms to
the Government for sl2 so; rejecting all other
demands against the Government on account of
the purchase of said arms.
ResoIoed, That the practice Of employing ire
| sponsble parties, having official connection
with the Government, in the performance of pub
| lie duties which may be properly performed by
regular officers of the Government, and of pur-
chasing by private contract supplies for the diff
! ferent departments, where fair and open competi-
ton might properly be invited by reasonable adj
vertisements for proposals, is injurious to the
public service, and meets the unqualified disap-
probation of this House.
The conclusion of the report was postponed
until Tuesday.
Mr. Morrill, introduced bill, which was passed,
to suspend the appointment of Assessors and
Collectors of the income tax until the first of
! April next.