Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-12-11
Geleorapblt Aeus.
CONGRESSIONAL.

wAsIuSGroS, December A.
SENATE.-Mr Chandler introduced reso-
luton to expel Mr.. Breckenridge.
Mr.. Powell took ground against it, as Mr..
Breckenridge had already resigned. He could not
be expelled
PEELED, and offered substitute for Mr.. Chand-
ler's resolution, as follows:
WHEREAS, John q. Breckinridge,a member of
this body. has Joined the enemies of his country,
and now in arms against the Government he had
sworn to support: Therefore,
Resolved, That the traitor Breckenridge be ex-
PEELED.
Mr. Chandler accepted the substitute, and the
resolution, as thus amended, was unanimously
adopted-yeas Sc. nays none Not voting or alb
sent members, Messrs Bayard, Bright. johnson
Of Tenn, johnson of Mo. Pearce, Polk, Pow
ell, Rice, Salisbury and Wiley.
The following standing committees were an
nounced. They are the same as at the last ses-
sion. with the following changes:
On Foreign Reations-Mr. Harris, in place OF
Mr. Breckenridge
o. Military Afairs-Mr. Nesmith, IN place OF
Mr. Baker.
On Public Lands--Mr Carlisle, in place of Mr.
Bingham. a
On Pensions-Mr. Wiley, in the place of Mr.
Bingham.
O Il cs
in place of Messrs Baker and Breckenridge
The Committee on Enrolled Bills will consist
of Messrs. Browning, Wiley and Salisbury.
Mr.. Wilson called attention TO list Of coored
persons confined in prisons in Washington, sent
there by persons calling themselves justices of the
peace-ihe report had been made by detective
Allen to the Provost Marshal. Mr. Wilson in
troduced a resolution for their release.
I Mr. Hale advocated the adoption of the reso-
luton. He remarked that We are now support
ing the slaves of the rebels for them during the
war. He Thought the country the most corrupt
from the Supreme bench down, of any in The
world-the course of the justices in the city was
the most extraordinary. He argued that il was
the duty of Congress TO look into the administra-
ton of justice in the District.
Mr.. Wilson remarked he had visited these per
sons in Jail and Witnessed things OF which he has
spoken and the cruel condition in which the in
mates were placed he entertained the views ex
pressed by Mr.. Hale as to the administration oil
Justice In this District He was willing that hi:
resolution should be referred to the Judiciary
Committee
Mr.. McDougal suggested that instead of de
nouncing the administration of justice in The
District. they should propose a proper remedy
and discuss the best mode of reform
Mr.. Fessenden remarked to the Senators thai
during former session, while it was proposed
\ to make appropriations Tor a proper prison IN
this city, the necessity of Withholding it for othe
purposes, viz: for the prosecr.::op Of the war
was urged. As to the Judiciary system il
this District. he had for years looked OF
the bopelessness of reform but now be saw an op
portunity for change aud therefore trusted tha
the entire subject would be fully and properl,
dealt with With regard to the fugitive slave
there was much feeling on that question. and I
was intimately connected with the difficulties il
which the country is now involved. he woult
mete out justice and discriminate as to the facts.
The debate was further continued Among th'
speakers was Mr.. Sumner In earnest approval o
his colleagues resolution, which was referred e
the COMMITTEES on the District of Columbia af
fairs
On motion of Mr. Clark IT was resolved tina
the Mnrshal Of the District Of Columbia be re
Iquested to report Immediately to the Senate TIL
names of allspersons now confined in the jail il
the City Of Washington. with the causes of thei
commitment. the names of the magistrates b.
whom committed, the length Of their imprison