Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1862-03-29
TmIRTY.sEvErTm CONGRESS.
First Session.

SRNATE.-Mr. Ten Eyok presented petition
from citizens Of New Jersey against further
traffic and monopoly In the public lands.
Mr.. Wright presented a petition from citl-
zena OF Indiana relative to the proposed tax on
spirits
Mr.. King, from the committee on Pensions,
reported bill TO prevent the allowance OF pen
sions to widows and children Of revolutionary
soldiers unless their claims were established.
Mr.. Morrill, presented a resolution from the
Legislature Of Maine, In relation to the Reel
procity Treaty. Referred.
Mr.. Harris presented O petition that the New
York Caucasian and other newspapers be al
lowed the same privilege in the malls as aboli-
tion newspapers,
Mr.. Wight introduced q bill for the abolition
Of slavery In the District Of Columbia.
Mr.. Grimes moved to take up the resolution
in regard to Brigadier Generals.
This resolution declares that no more Brga-
dier Generals shall be appointed unless for gal
lantry In action.
Mr.. Grimes said there we're already one hun
dred and eighty Brigadier Generals appointed
in the regular army.
to.
On motion Of Mr.. King, the bill RENTING
duties on arms, ordered by States prior to jan
uary lst, 1862, was taken up.
The naval appropriation bill was taken up
The question being on the amendment for the
completion of the Stevens Battery,
Mr.. Fessenden offered Q proViso, that no part
Of the appropriation be paid until said battery
shall be completed according 10 the epeci6ca-
lions Of the Secretary of the Navy, as lull and
adequate for the purpose Of its construction.
Mr.. Thompson spoke in favor OF the amend
ment He contended that Mr.. Stevens had
done all he could In accordance With his con-
tract. He had been obliged to change his plan
BY the Increased efficiency Of naval warfare -
| Great Injustice had been done Mr. Stevens by
the report Of the commissioners. II his bate.
~ should be completed, lt would be the most
powerful naval armament in the world.
Mr.. Clarke said that according TO the pamph-
let the Steyens's guns were exposed, as were al.
so the guDners. He (Clarke) desired some one
to tell him how the guns or gunners we're to be
protected. According TO the pamphlet the gun
ner must dodge the balls for safety. Let Stew
ems furnish q battery as Ericsson did, and
then II IL proves satisfactory the Government
will pay him for IL.
Mr.. Wade was In favor Of trying the expert
ment lie wanted 10 form navy on the best
basis. He knew the experiment was costly
one, but II would not cost near as much as the
experiments We are trying with an immense
army, which seems to be trying to conquer the
enemy without moving
After further discussion, vote VAS taken on
Mr.. Sherman's amendment, 10 the effect that
Mr.. Stevens should not be repaid The money he
expended unless the vessel was successful, ETC.
which was agreed to--yeas "a, nays l9.
Mr.. Collamer offered an amendment that the
said money was not to be expended unless the
Secretary of the Navy is Of the opinion that IL
vvil IN lfO Nlofa,
steam battery; which was agreed to--yess 90,
nays 10. The amendment, as thus amended,
was adopted-yeas 26, nays TO-
Mr.. Hale offered On amendment appropriating
thirteen millions to enable the Secretary of the
Navy to construct iron. clad vessels of war
Adopted. Also, an amendment appropriatiDg
$50 600 for casting heavy ordnance at the
Washington Navy Yard. Adopted.
The bill passed. q.
Adjourned till Monday.
HOUSE,. Mr.. sedgwick, from the committee
on Naval Affairs, presented resolution declar-
Ing IL fit and proper that public Acknowledge
ment should be made to John Ericsson for the
enterprise, skill, energy and tact displayed by
him IN constructing the iron-clad Monitor,
which, under gallant and able management,
came so opportunely to the relief of our feet
in Hampton Roads, and defended Il against the |
vessels Of the enemy, seemingly Irresistible to
any other power at our command; and that the |
thanks of Congress be presented to him for the
great service thus rendered to bis country. The
resolution was adopted.
Mr.. Washburn inquired of the. chairman Of
the committee on Invalid Pensions, whether
any action had been taken toward the passage
of law providing for pensions on account OF |
deceased officers and soldiers Of the present |
war2
Mr.. Edwards replied that bill for that pur-
pole has already been reported.
The House resumed the consideration of the |
tax bill.
An amendment was adopted that when man |
ufacturer Of illuminating gas shall not manu-. |
facture more than five hundred thousand cubic |
feet per month, he shall pay tax OF Ave cents
for each one thousand cubic feet; when he man
uiactures above fSe hundred thousand cubic
feet he shall pay tax of ten cents on each one |
thousand cubic feet; when he manufactures |
above this, and not exceeding fifteen millions
cubic feet, he shall pay fifteen cents for each |
one thousand cubic feet; and that when he man |
nfaclures over fifteen millions cubic feet, be |
shall pay a tax Of twenty cents for each one |
thousand cubic feet Gas companies are au-
thorized TO add the duty or tax to their charges.
Coal oil resulting from the manufacture OF
gas, or Its redstillation, Is to be |
exempt from duty. The tax of FIVE cents per |
gallon on crude coal oil, or tor and other bitdm-
lnous substances used in like purposes, and on
crude petroleum and rock oil, was stricken out.
Oil refined and produced by the distillation Of
coal exclusively, is to be subject to duty Of
eight cents per gallon. The next clause was
modified 80 that spirits recii6ed and mixed with |
other material, and prepared in any way to be
sold as whisky, should pay tax Of fifteen cents
per gallon, and when it is sold as brandy, gin,
wine, or by any other name, it shall pay thirty
cents per gallon, on the basis Of the fret proof,
and SO on in proportion for any greater strength.
The tax Of Ave cents on vinegar from materials
other than cider or wine, were stricken out -
The tax on ground coffee, and oil other prepAr.
ations of which coffee forms part, or which is
prepared for sale 90 o substitute for coffee, 10 |
reduced from one to three mills per pound II
Ground mustard and sugar are each taxed one |
cent per pound
The committee struck out the tax of three |
cents per pound on tobacco leaf or stem I'M |