The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-01-31
Thirty-Seventh Congress,
FIRST SESSION,
WASHINGTON, Jan. %.

NIL lTuuUull, lrOtu tuc CuuiCioiy Oou-
mittee, reported back the House bill in re-
gard to witnesses examined before Con.
gressional committee. The bill provides
that the examination of a witness before
committee of Congress shall not prevent his
examination in court of Justice.
MIR. Harris objected to the bill as making
a great innovation on the common law rule
of evidence, by which q witness is not
obliged to testify to any thing which may
criminate him. He opposed making any
such innovation.
Mr.. Bayard moved to strike out that por-
ton of the bill which compels witness to
answer questions which may tend to dis
grace or make him Infamous.
MIR. Trumbull explained that the object
of the bill was to put witness on common
law grounds. The law as it stands enables
the greatest criminal to escape if he can
only get before an investigating Committee
and tell something about the crime. That
very case occurred with the clerk who stole
100000 of Indian bonds, and be went
clear in that very way.
HoUsE.-Mr. Blair reported back the
bill to increase the clerical force in the War
and Navy Departments. Passed
On motion of Mr.. Blair, it was resolved
that the President inform the House wheth-
er the act of Congress requiring officers of
additional regular regiments appointed from
civil life to be assigned to recruiting ser
vice, had been complied with, and if SO,
how many officers have been thus employed
since the extra session OF Congress.
Mr.. SpauldiDg from the Committee on
Ways and Means, reported a bill to author
ize the issue of United States notes, and for
the redemption and funding thereof, and for
the funding of the floating debt OF the
United States. The bill was made the
special ORDER for Tuesday.
The Committee OF the Whole resumed the
consideration of the bill making appropri.
atoms for Executive, Legislative ana Judi>
cal expenses.
MIR. Diven regretted there was division
of sentiment as to the principle on which the
war should be conducted.
Mr.. Diven proceeded to speak in defence
of the Executive against the opposition of
those who have professed, and still profess
to be friends of the President Gentlemen
who wish to prosecute the war for the pur-
pose of abolishing slavery, must know that
this cannot be done until the Southern ar.
my is annihilated, while others who wish to
prosecute the war for the restoration of the
Union know that this end cannot be attain.
ed until the military strength of the enemy
is destroyed; both sides Of the question
were travelling the same road as to the SUBJ
ject of hOstilities-then why should they not
unite their energies? Why introduce dis.
froo oil Nbr fbo
bellion, and then deliberately and dispss-
siOnateiy consider what use shall be made
OF their victory.
MIR. Lovejoy denied that he was for the
prosecution of the war for the main object
of abolIshing slavery.
MIR. Diven replied that he did not desig-
nate the gentleman Uovejoy). He (Diven)
remarked that the abolition sentiment was
avOwed here and that efforts were being
made for its operation on the public mind.
He Was sorry to say that too many gentle
men here had congratulated others who had
made speeches in advocacy of such policy.
War was to be made for this purpose re.
CARELESS OF constitutional restraints, but be
(Dven) held it to be the doctrine, not only
OF the President but of the Republican
party, that the general government has no
power over States other than has been
given to Congress at the formation of the
constitution.
WASHINGTON, Jan. %.
SENATE--Mr. Howard presented joint
resolution from the Legislature of Michigan
in favor OF the exchange of prisoners with
special reference to COL Wilcox. Refer
red.
Mr.. Wilcox presented q remonstrance
from the underwriters, ship owners and 9TH
ers of Boston against any measures which
will impair the efficiency of the coast sur
vey.
Mr.. Hale called up the resolution 10 re-
gard to Ward H. Lamon, Marshal of the
District of Columbia, declaring that in the
order of Uamon) Transmitted to the Senate,
he is guilty of contempt OF the Senate, and
that the Secretary OF the Senate report the
resolution to the President. The resolu>
ton was passed.
On motion of Mr.. Wilson the bill for the
completion of the defences of Washington
was taken up. The question being on the
amendment providing that the forcing of
safeguards be punished with death was
agreed to. The bill was then 80 amended
as to provide that no work shall hereafter
be commenced on the defences, when it was
passed.
On motion of Mr.. Wilson the bill to in.
crease the clerical force of the War and
Navy Departments with the amendment
returned from the House, was agreed to,
and the bill passed. The case of Mr.. Bright
was then taken up. Mr.. Dawes conclud.
ed bic remarks of yesterday.
HoUsE.-Mr. Blake, from the Post Office
Committee, reported DILL to establish
postal money order system. Consideration
postponed.
Mr.. Stevens, from the Committee on
Ways and Means, reported the Naval Ap-
preparation Bill
Mr.. Elliott, from the Committee on
Commerce, reported DILL authorizing the
President to appoint Light House lnspec-
tors for any OF the light houses on the coast
during and for one year after the continu-
ance of the present rebellion. Passed.
Mr.. Kellogg, of Illinois, from the Com
mittee on the Judiciary, reported bill au>
r Al 20