Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1862-01-22
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.

resolutions of inquiry in relation to con-
tracts for the army, adopted by the Senate
in Julv last, was taken up, and after de
bate finally passed ayes 81, nays 3. a
communication was read from the Marshal
of the District of Columbia in relation to
the refusal to permit members of Congress
TO visit the District Jail, and the bill rela
ting to the administration of justice in the
District was taken up, the question being
on the pending motion of Mr. Powell to
exclude fugitive slaves from the persons
whe were to be discharged under the pro-
visions of the bill The amendment was
rejected and the bill passed-yeas 81, nays
4. The bill to indemnify the owners of
the British ship Perthshire for illegal de-
teation by the blockading feet was passed.
The House of Representatives, ayes l07,
nays 42, passed the bill abolishing the
franking privilege. The bill appropriating
$4,000 to be expended by the American
Commissioners to the Worlds Fair was
discussed and again laid on the table.
In the Senate on the 10Th, communi-
cation was received from the Secretary Of
Navy in reference to the employment OF
Mr. Morgan as a Government agent in the
purchase of vessels The bill to promote
the efficiency of troops in Kansas was dis
cussed during the morning hour but not
acted on. Mr.. Trumbull, from the Judie-
iary Committee, reported bill to confs-
cate the property and free slaves of Rebels
The Kansas contested election case was
then taken up, and at for o'clock the Sen
ate went into Executive session.
The House passed-yeas 1873, nays 8
a resolution declaring it to be necessary to
impose tax, which, with the duty on i'm
ports, shall secure an annual revenue of not
less than one hundred and fifty millions of
dollars. A bill to prevent the Coolie trade
in American vessels was passed. In Com
mittec of the Whole the Fertilization bill
was discussed.
In the Senate on the 10th, communi-
cation was received from the Secretary of
War, in answer to a resolution of inquiry
as TO contracts, &c Mr.. Sherman repor
ted resolution providing for the printing
of the Senate debates. Mr.. Pearce's reso-
luton of inquiry as to the accounts of the
Government with certain railroad compan-
les was passed The bill prohibiting the
arrest Of fugitive slaves by officers Of the
army was discussed but not acted on. The
Kansas contested election case was taken
up, and Mr. Lane declsred-ayes II, nays
16-to be entitled to his seat as Senator
from that State.
The House of Representatives passed
bill authorizing the Secretary of War to
furnish Federal prisoners in the revolted
States with clothing and the necessaries OF
life. The Naval Committee were author
lied to make inquiries into the hours Of
labor and wage S in the several Navy Yards.
The use of the floor Of the House was gran
ted to the American Colonization Society
to hold their annual meeting on Thursday
evening next The Committee on Elec-
tions reported resolution declaring John
NJ. Butler entitled to seat as the Repres-
entative from the First Congressional Dis
trict of Pennsylvania. The report was
discussed, but not acted upon. Hon. W,
f. Lehman is the sitting member.
In the Senate on the 18th Mr.. Howard,
the newly elected Senator from Michi-
gan, appeared and took his seat. Mr. Foot
reported bill for the removal of the army
bakeries from the Capitol. The House bill
authorizing sailors and marines in actual
service to send letters without pre- paying
postage was passed. Mr.. Browning intro
duced bill for the reorganization of the
/ Army. The Committee on Naval Affairs
asked to be discharged from the further
consideration of the petition of workmen in
the Navy Yard in reference to the hours OF
labor, which was granted. The House res
olution declaring the purpose of Congress
| to raise by taxation revenue this year of
G,000, goo was passed, yeas 80, nays l.
Mr.. Powell, of ofKentucky, being the dssen
tient. Ameng the memt ers absent was
Mr.. Pearce, of Maryland The Military
Committee reported back remodeled Sut.
lers bill. 1t abolishes the post of Suter,
except for the army on the frontier, and
authorizes the supply of ten additional ar
ticles from the Commigsary department.