Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1861-07-11
Congress.--Extra session.
Washington, j


Mr. f. A. ConkIin presented memorial of
1set sgssaA-ssv ~ Conamerce at New York relative
to defenees of ihas harbor. a
Mr.. Holman g resolution was adopted that the
House will, during the present extraordinary ses.
sion only consider bills and re solutions concern
ing Military and Naval appropriations for Gov.
ernment and financial affairs connected there
with, and that all bills of private character and
all other bills and resolutions not directly con-
nected with the raising of revenneu and military
and naval affairs, shall be referred without de-
bate to the appropriate Committees TO be co n
sdered at the next regular session of Congress.
Mr. Loveioy offered the following resolutions:
Resolved, That in the judgement of this
House, it is no part of the duty of soldiers of the
United States to capture or return fugitive
slaves.
Resolved, That the Committee on the Judi
ciary be instructed to enquire into the expedien-
cy of repeating the law commonly called the
Fugitive Slave Law.
Whereas, Maj. Emory of the United States
army, resigned his commission under cicum.
stances showing sympathy with rebellion against
the government, therefore
Resolved, That his restoration to service was
improper and unjustfable, and that this House
in the name of the people, demand of the Elk.
ecutive his immediate removal.
Mr. Hickman raised the point that the resolu-
tons precluded by the order adopted at
the instance of Mr. Holman, which specifies the
peculiar character of business to be transacted
during the present session.
The Speaker overruled the point of order.
Mr. Edwards moved to lay the resolutions on
the table.
Mr. Vallandigham made an Intellectual effort
to amend the resolutions.
The Honse then voted on Mr. Edwards
motion, and laid the resolutions on the table by
g. against 62,
Mr.. Hckn an moved for a reconsideration of
Mr.. Holman's resolution, his object being 10
include general question of judicial ca arac-
ter.
Mr.. Burnett desired a further extension in
order that propositions looking to a peacea bic
solution of the present political differences may
be permitted, He was one of those who had not
abandoned all hope on that subject
Speaker" Debate is not in order"
The House then reconsidered the vote by
which Mr.. Holman's resolution was adopted
and MIR. Hickman's amendment as above indi-
Gated.
Mr.. Vallandigham raised the point that the
resolution changed the rules, which could not be
done without the required notice to that effect.
The speaker for reasons already stated over
ruled the point of order.
Mr.. Richardson wanted the resolution amend.
ed so that contested elections might be consid-
cred
Mr. Colfax briefly maintained that the Con
stitution provided for that subject
Mr.. Burntt It again suggested an amendment
so as to allow propositions looking 10 peace
full solution of the present troubles TO be intro
duced.
Objections were made.
Mr.. Burnett said gentlemen ought certainly
not to be deprived OF the right 10 offer such Pro-
positions.
Mr.. Wickliffe. of Kentucky declared in.-the
name his constituents, his country and God, that
the legislation OF this House should be left free
and untrammelled He moved to lay the reso.
luton on the table. Motion negatived by 50
against l02
MIR. Homans resolution as amended by Mr..
Hickman's resolution was then again adopted.
Nj. Fouke offered preamble setting forth
that a fierce and unnatural civil war exists,
caused by a portion of our misguided country
men, and concluding with resolutions that the
House should, during the pending civil war, ig.
more all political differences heretofore existing
between citizens of the loyal States, that all ap.
pointments civil and military, should be made
in accordance with Jefferson's plan, namely
Is he honest Is he capable and approving
the Presidents course, summoning troops hither
to defend the Capital, &c. paying high ribute
to Gen. SCOTS military skill and wisdom, and TO
his loyalty amid so much detection, and couclu
ding BY saying that while we hold the sword of
Justice, and have the ability and disposition TO
uphold the President, it becomes our most sol
emn duty TO offer TO our deluded brethren the
olive branch of peace.
Mr.. Lovejoy moved TO lay the resolutions on
the table.
Mr. Hickman raised point of order that these
resolutions were excluded under the proposition
to day adopted prescribing business during the
present session.
The Speaker sustained the point as well taken
Mr.. Washburu offered series of resolutions,
referring various branches of the President
Message to appropriate committees. Adopted.
All the contested election cases were referred
to the committee on elections.
Mr.. Curtiss offered Joint resolution propos-
ing to strike from the pension rolls the names of
all persons in rebellion against the United
States, and all aiding or abetting secession, &C.
This was ruled out, under the rule adopted this
morning.
Mr. Van Wyck introduced bill increasing
the pay of soldiers to fit cen dollars per month,
commencing from, May ISL 1861 also, a bill
reducing the expenses of the Government. This
last bill provides that all officers excepting post
masters and consuls having no stated salary,
shall pay all fees collected by them into the
Treasury, and that the salary of all officers, |
CIVIL military and naval, be reduced as follows
Over $1,000 81 per cent; over 81 500, 25 per
cent; over 5000, 90 per cent; over So 900, |
Is Der cent; over So 900, 10 per cent; over
81 900, per cent; also, repeating all laws
granting mileage TO members of Congress, re- |
stricting the Thanking privilege to one ounce in /
weight, and repeating all laws and resolutions |
appropriating money for newspapers and sta
tionery for members in Congress.
On motion of Mr.. Van Wyck, it was resolved |
that a committee of FIVE members be appointed |
by the Speaker to ascertain and report what |
contracts have been made by any OF the De- |
partments for proviSC ms, supplies and transport |
ION. fer materials or services or for any articles
furnished for the use of the government without !
advertising for proposals required by statute |
81. Also 10 ascertain the names of parties to |
whom contracts have been given, the compenss-
ton and terms thereof, and reasons therefor, |
Also when proposals were received. if the |
contracts were awarded to the lowest bidder, |
and il not, the reason therefor. Also whether |
contracts as let, are in accordance with the |
peci6cations invited by the proposals, and if
anu alEara sinna the rassnn Il the aaEna also |