The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-12-06
Congress-.

Both branches of Congress met on Mon
day, at noon, quorum being present in
both Houses
SENArE.-In the absence Of Vice Presi-
dent Hamlin, Mr.. Foot, of Vermont, acted
as president. The credentials of Benjamin
Harding Of Oregon, and Samuel G. Arnold,
of Rhode Island, were presented, and they
were sworn in. The message Of the Presi-
dent was then read, after which the Senate
adjourned.
HorsE.-A resolution to appoint com,
mttee to inquire into the expedicncy of
having an iron-clud on Lake Ontario was
passed. A resolution TO inquire by what
authority the Postmaster General restricts
certain papers from being transmitted by
mail was tabled. A resolution offered BY
Mr.. Cox, OF Ohio, condemning the arrest Of
persons for political offences was tabled by
vote of 80 yeas to 10 nays. A resolution,
inquiring how many citizens of Illinois were
confined within military prisons, was also
tabled. The message was then read and
referred to the Committee Of the Whole on
the state of the Union, after which the
House adjourned.
Tuesday, Dee ., 1862
SESATE.-A resolution, asking for the
correspondence in relation to proposed iron
clad navy yard, was agreed to- Resolutions
arbitrary arrests, were laid over. A rcsolu-
ton, proposing National Convention, was
also laid over.
HoUsE.-A bill, providing that all judg-
ments on suit for collection of import duties
shall be paid i'll specie, was passed. A
resolution to inquire into the expectancy Of
increasing soldiers pay to fifteen dollars a
month, was passed. 1t was resolved that
the Committee Of Ways and Means be in
structcd to inquire into the propriety of
admitting cotton free of duty.
Wednesday, Dec. 8 go
SESATE.-Thc usual Standing Committee
were elected. Mr.. Salisbury introduced
motion Of inquiry in relation to the impris-
onment Of citizens of Delaware in Fort Del
aware. 1t was objected to, and laid over
\ resolution was adopted directing the
Committee on Patents to inquire into the
expectancy of abGolishing the Department
of Agriculture, The subject Of indemnify
casioned by the devastations of the Sioux
Indians, was referred to the Committee on
Indian Affairs. On motion of Mr.. Summer,
information was requested from the Sccre-
tary of War inc relation to the sale into sla.
very of free negro captured by the Rebel
forces. The Committee on Military Affairs
were instructed to consider the eXpediency
of establishing q corps of men enlisted for
the hospital and ambulance service. Mr..
Hale gave notice of bill to repeal the bill
establishing and equaliZing the grades OF
line officers in the navy.
HousE.-The House was in session but a
short time. The Committee on Military
Affairs were instructed to report on the
expedency of granting to volunteers dis
charged on account of wounds or disabilities
incurred in actual service. such proportion
Of the bounty Of 500 as shall be uppropri-
ate to their time of actual service.
Thursday, Dec. A. 1862.
SEsATE.-Mr. Clark offered the following
Joint resolution -
Resolvsd, By the Senate and House OF
Representatives that they cordially approve
of the policy of the President Of the United
States in setting free the slaves in insurrec.
tionary districts, as indicated IN his Procla.
nation, dated September 22d, 1862. and
recommend to him the employment of that
and every other means known in civilized
warfare to terminate the present Rebellion
and assert the supremacy Of the United
States Government over its entire territory
and people. Ordered to be printed.
Mr.. Hale introduced bill repeating the
act to establish and equaize the grades OF
Office in the navy. Referred.
Mr.. Sherman offered resolution request
ing the President, if compatible with the
public interest, to communicate to the Sen
ate all correspondence, kilograms, letters
and reports concerning the military opera
tons of the Army of the Potomac, and all
correspondence, letters and kilograms and
reports relating to the surrender Of Harper s
Ferry, and the testimony taken before the
Investigating Committee upon such surren-