The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-12-13
xXXvIIth Congross--First Session.

TUESDAY, Dec. ).
The reception and reading of the Presi-
dents message occupied large portion OF
the session.
In the Senate. resolution rendering the
thanks OF Congress to Capt. Dupont, his Of
fccrs and men, was introduced.
The Vice President was authorized to Gil
tho two vacancies IN the Board OF Regents OF
the Smithsonian Institute, vice Senator Doug
las. deceased. and j. NJ. Mason, expelled.
In the House, the credentials Of Mr.. Glenn
ems OF Tenn. were presented and referred.
A resolution expelling Mr.. Burnett Of Ky.
was adopted.
"WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4.
SESArE.-A resolution to expel "the trail
tor Breckenridge" from that body was unani-
mously passed.
The Standing Committees were announced,
being the same us in the extra session, except
where the death or secession OF Senator's left
vacancy.
A resolution was passed, instructing the
Committee ON the District Of Columbia to
consider the expcdiency of abolishing slavery
in the District, making compensation to own
ers.
A resolution was offered, appointing a
committee of 10. among whom were Edward
Everett, Roger Ii. fancy and j. j. Critten-
den, to confer with similar committee on
the part of the rebels, for the preservation Of
the Union and Constitution, the committee
10 report TO Congress, active hostilities to
cease while the committees are in conference,
and until il is known that they cannot agree,
or the terms have been rejected by Congress.
Laid on the table.
A resolution was offered, instructing the
Committee on the Judiciary to inquire into
the expediency OF abolishing the present SUI
preme Court, and establishing another, meet
ing our present requirements.
HousE.-NOtice was given of bill TO con-
fscate all property OF rebels, including slaves,
who are to b. made free, and finally to be
colOnized.
A homestead bill was reported, and re-
ferred to the Committee on Public Lands.
A bill was introduced for the restoration Of
Alexandria county To the District of Column
bia also bill requesting the President to
systematize measures Tor the exchange Of
prisoners.
The Committee on Foreign Affairs were d.
reeted to inquire into the expediency OF pro-
curing for free negroes who may choose to
emigrate. the right OF settlement and citizen
ship on any part Of this continent, or any
islands To the south OF the United States,
such colonies to be under our protection.
The introduction of bill to abolish sla-
very in the District Of Columbia, was o1ec-
ted to.
THURSDAY, Dec. 5.
SEyArE.-Mr. Sumner presented q petition
from citizens of Hayerhill. that the slaves OF
rebels be liberated Internationally, and those
Of Union men ON fair payment.
MIR. Chandler offered n resolution to ap-
point a committee Of three to inquire into
the disasters Of Bull Run and Edward Fer
~. Mr.. Lane of Kansas moved TO add
Springfield. Wilson's Creek, and Lexington.
His amendment was disagreed to, and the
subject postponed.
A resolution to investigate the case OF Col.
Miles Charged with being drunk at the bat
tie of Bull RUM was adopted.
Mr.. Trumbull introduced his bill for con-
6scating the property and giving freedom to
the slaves Of rebels.
Mr.. Clark gave notice that he should oiler
an amendment TO the fugitive slave law.
Adjourned till Monday.
llousE.-The vacancies in the Standing
Committees were filed, and the Presidents
Message referred to committees.
The portions relating to the defenses OF
lakes and harbOrs, and the colonization OF
slaves taken from rebels, were referred to Sc
lect committees.
Adjourned to Monday.