Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-12-23
Geographic aaeDs.
CONGRESSIONAL.


Mr.. Ten Eyck offeres resolution that the pres
ent war is for the Union according to the Consti-
tuition. That the object of the war is to save the
former and enforce the latter; that il was so in
the beginning and should be so till the last that
means, extreme, radical and descriptive in them
selves, involving in a common fate the loyal and
disoyal should not be resorted to; and that in sup
pressing treason the Government cannot prove
traitor to the organic law of the land. Laid over.
Hale offered resolution that the committee
on military affairs inquire into the expediency of
providing uniform manner for dealing with the
slaves of the rebels and those made prisoners or
escaping from their masters. Agreed to-
Lane of Ind, offered a resolution that the
committee on Judiciary be requested to provide
a law so that the aiders of treason may be pre-
vented from bringing suits for the collection of
debts in the courts of the u. s. Agreed to.
Mr.. Sumner offered resolution that the CON-
mittee of Patents enquire if any additional legis
laton is necessary to secure persons of African
descent the right to take out patents. Agreed to.
Mr.. Wilkinson offered the following preamble
and resolution:
WHEREAS, Jesse d. Bright, Senator from In
diana, did on the lst of March last write letter
to JEFF. Davis, "a letter here read, introducing
Mr.. Lincoln to Mr.. Davis, as having an i'm
provement in fire arms;) and,
WHEREAS, Such letter is evidence of disloy-
atty; therefore,
Resolped, That Jesse d. Bright be expelled
from the Senate of the United States.
Mr.. Cowan moved the reference of the subject
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
HOUSE-A personal explanation occurred
between Messrs. Conway and Foulke. during
which Conway charged Fouke with deliberate
purpose TO bring about personal collision with
out cause and asked whether such conduct
not only unworthy member of this House but
characteristic rather OF blackguard and scoun-
dre Sensation.
Mr. Fouke wanted to say one word in re-
ply.
Mr. Stevens aud others objected. They had
enough of such things.
The Speaker informed Mr.. Fouke that no de-
bate was in order.
Mr. Foulke, amid the cries of order, was under
stood to say that Mr.. Conway was a disgrace to
the nation and humanity. There the matter cad
ed in the House.
The House passed the bill to strike out from
the pension roll the names OF all persons who
have taken up arms against the Government or in
any manner aided the rebellion.
Mr. Vallandigham OF Ohio introduced the fol-
lowing:
WHEREAS, The Secretary of the Navy has re-
ported to this House that Capt. Charles Wilkes,
in command of the San Jacinto, an armed public
vessel of the United States, did ON the 9Th of No
vember, 1861, 90 the high seas, intercept the
Trent, British mail steamer, and forcibly re-
moved therefrom u. NJ. Mason and John Slidell,
disloyal citizens, leading conspiratoTs, rebel ene
mics and dangerous men, who with their suite
we're on their way to Europe to promote the cause
OF Instruction, claiming to be ambassadors from
the seeded Confederate States; and
WHEREAS, The Secretary of the Navy has fur
Their reported to this House that the prompt and
di,isive action of Capt. Wilkes on this occasion
merited and received the emphatic approval of the
Department, and moreover in public letter has
thanked Capt. Wilkes fot the act; and
WHEREAS, This House, ON the first day of the
session, did propose to tender the thanks of Con
gress to Capt Wilkes for his brave, adroit and
patriotic conduct in the arrest of the traitors and
WHEREAS, further, On the same dav this House
did request the President conhne the said j. Nj.
Mason and John Slidell in the cells of convicted
feons until certain military officers of the United
States, captured and held by the so-caled Con-
federate States should be treated as prisoners of
war; therefore,
RESOLVED, as the sense of this House, That it is
the duty of the President to now firmly maintain
the stand thus taken, approving and adopting the
act of Capt. Wilkes in spite on any menace CT
demand of the British Government, and that this
House pledges its full support to him in uphold
ing now the honor and indicating the course of
the Government and people of the United States
against foreign power.
Mr.. Vallandigham moved the previous ques-
ton. They had heard the first growl of the
British lion. 1t remained to be seen who would
cover.
Mr.. Fenton. of New York, hoped the resolu-
ton would be referred to the Committee on For
eign Affairs.
Mr.. Valandigham remarked that former
resolution spprobatory Of Capt Wilkes passed
without being so referred. He (ValIandigham)
had offered this resolution in good faith and
would stsnd by it.
The House then refused to second the demand
for the previous question.
Mr.. Fenton moved that the preamble and reso-
luton be referred to the Committee on Foreign
Affairs.
The motion was agreed to-yeas l09, nays l3.
The House resumed the consideration CT the
bill authorizing the raising of volunteer force
for the better defense of Kentucky.
Mr.. Lovejoy, of Illinois, hoped the bill would
not pass. According TO the official returns we
have a standing army of between 500 900 to
700, 900, which is amply sufficient for the war.
We have more soldiers now than can be used
The raising of 10000 volunteers for twelve
months instead of for the should not be
tbOriZed. He did not understand that the mill
tary authorities had asked for this increase; be-
sides, ne was opposed to the mode of raising
them.
Mr. Richardson of Illinois trusted the bill
would pass The volunteers proposed to be
raised in Kentucky were of the best kind and
familiar with the State, and the base of opera
ton at Louisville, and 10000 were neces-
sary to guard the railroad and the lines upon
which our army is to advance.
Mr.. Wycklfe said Kentucky has furnished
quota of 81 900 men. He repeated what he said
the other day, namely: that before he introduced
the bill he mentioned the subject to the Secretary
of War and also consulted the President, who
together with his Cabinet, he was informed, APP
proved of the measure. As to Mr.. Loveioy's
opposition, be knew that gentleman would vote
against anything but what related 10 negroes.
In the course of his remarks Mr.. Wicklife said:
Whenever our army shall move to take posses
sion of Columbus we will require every soldier
that can be brought into the field to retake the
place and march on Tennessee. The volunteers
will not be required to serve in Kentucky alone,
but TO fight wherever our enemy can be found,
and they viii do it,. He (Wicklitfe) entered his
protest against making regular army out of
more than 100000 volunteers. The gentleman
from Illinois (Levejoy) was at the battle of Bull
Run, and must have seen we had not men
enough. The decisive battle in this campaign
must be fought in Kentucky, and when foughthe
wanted the highways protected.
Mr. Stevens of Pennsylvania opposed the bill
on financial grounds, saying this war must be
carried on in the most economical manner.
Mr.. Dunlap urged the passage of the bill and
agreed there must be force enough to defend
Kentucky at all hazards.
Mr.. Giver Of New York also supported the
bill.
Mr.. Lovejoy, in replying to the remarks of
Wcklff. said he would carry on the war to put
down rebellion and let slavery take of itself.
He was not to be inundated bysany sneers or
illusions to his anti slavery sentiments. He was
not afraid of the slave or the drivers whip; he
was wishing to vote, in good faith. men and
money, but not for the proposed force at an ex-
pense of $500 .000,0 01 when it was not needed.
Some of the superfuous force on the Potomac
river ought To be sent 70 Kentucky