The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-03-14
Thirty-Seventh Congress,
FIRST SESSION..
WASHINGTON. March 8.


Home Guard of Kentucky. .,
Mr.. Sumner introduced bill to provide
for carrying the mails of the United States
to foreign ports.
Mr, Latham said for the last few months
communication to the Pacific coast has
been almost entirely interrupted in conse-
uuence of the unprecedented floods. The
overland mail could not run-commerce
was much injured in consequence. The
line of ships from New ! ork to Panama
had decided that they would not carry the
mails or Government dispatches. This
was an outrage or the Government and the
commercial community. This very cons
papy had received SlO,OOO,OOO frcm the
Government, ard now they take the oppors
tunity to force the mail contract from the
Government. Such vessels ought not to be
allowed to clear irom our ports, Or be al
lowed the protection of cur flag, if they
refuse to afford any accom- notation to the
country. The bill was referred.
The confscation bill was taken up. MIR.
Morrill, made speech in savOr OF 1t, when
it was postponed till tomorrow.
The Senate then took up the bill defining
the pay and emo!uments OF the officers OF
the army.
HoUsE.-The House took up the Senate's
Joint Resolution appropriatiug $4,000 TOR
removing the Army Bakeries from the Cap
itol Building.
On motion OF Mr.. Blake, the resolution
was tabled by rs against 40.
Mr.. DUEL. froIu the COMMITTEE ca Rev.
o,utionary Pensions, reported bill fer the
discontinuance of the pensions to the chill
dren of officers anl soldiers ct the ReVo!a'
zion.
A letter from the Secretary OF the IDteo
rior vas read, 10 which he said such claims
are not justified by the merits OF the ap',
plicants, and were net presented by these
whose services rranted sn appeal to the
Government. and further, that these claims
are generally urged through by speculating
claim agents.
The Dill was passed.
It provides that no claims for pensions
or increase CT pensions TO the widows or
children of Revolutionary soldiers shall be
allowed, where there is failure to establish
such claim. Mr.. Edwards, from the Com
mlttee on Public Expenditures, reported q
Joint Resolution, which was passed. au-
thorizing the Secretary Of War to cause all
goods furnished as army supplies, now on
hand and unsuitable for use, 10 be sold for
the benefit of the Union.
Mr.. B!air, of Missouri, from the Com.
mittee on Military Affairs, reported bill
to define the puy and emolnments of oficers
of the army. Also. bill to provide COM
pensation to loyal citizens Tor property de-
stroyed, and prevent the came from being
used by the enemy.
The consideration of the bill vas post.
Poned.
WASHINGTON. March 6.
SENATE.-Mr. Harris presented petit
tion 10 favor of comforting the rank of Maj.
General on Gen. John E. Wool.
He also presented petition in favor of
the emancipation of the slaves.
Messrs. Harlan and Colamer also pre-.
sented petitions in favor of emancipating
slaves.
Mr.. Fessenden from the Committee on
Finance, reported back the Postofice APPS
preparation Bill without amendment.
Mr.. Co!amer from the Postoffice Com
mittee reported back the postal money or.
der BILL
Mr.. Hale from the Naval Committee re-
ported a joint resolution rendering the
thanks of Congress to Commodore Colds
borough, his officers and seamen for their
gallant conduct at Roanoke Island. Adopt
ed.
On motion of Mr.. Sherman, the bill in
relation to the pay of Members of Con-
gress was taken up; an amendment was
adopted making the mileage of members
twenty cents per mile.
The bill as reported allowed ten cents
mile. After some discussion at one
O'Clock the Senate went into executive ses.
sion.
HOUSE, Mr.. Burlington introduced q
bill authorizing the appointment of two
Inspector Generals. Referred to the Com.
mittee of Military Affairs.
MIR Aldrich reported bill to increase
the medical efficiency of the army.
The House concurred in the report of the
Conference Committee on the disagreeing
amendments to joint resolution, providing
for the payment of the awards OF the CON-
missions to investigate the claims growing
out of the military operations in the West
ern Department.
The House then took up the Senate bill
providing for the organization of the stat
attached to the divisions of the United
States regular and volunteer service.
Mr.. Blair, of Missouri, explained that
the bill proposed no increase of the army,
but allowed certain officers to be detailed
for staff duty. The passage of the mea-
sure was deemed essential by military OIL
| GERS. .....-...
Mr.. McPhersen, opposing the bill, said
it would increase the staff of every divi-
sion, and proportionally the expenses. Un-
der the present circumstances the President
can increase the staff of any division when
an emergency requires it.
| After further debate the bill as amended
was passed. sas -.
The Speaker laid before the House a
message from President Lincoln, suggest
ing the passage of q joint resolution, pro.
viding for the cooperation with any State
for the abolition of slavery with pecuniary
l Tho D.nesInu< vrococoo