Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-24
CONGRESSIONAL pRocEED1Nas.


troduced bill to amend the act providing for
property used for insurrectionary purposes.
Mr.. Lane introduced bill to provide for the
extinction of the Indian titles in Kansas, and
provide for the removal of the Indians. Res
olutions were proposed condemniDg cx-Presi-
dent Buchanan for failing to take measures to
suppress the Rebellion. The Judiciary Com
mittee were instructed to inquire into the ez-
pediency of providing by act of Congress that
any loyal citizen of the United States, who
has sustained damage from the troops of the
States engaged in the present Rebellion, may
set off such damages against any claim or de-
mand N ade against him in any action at law
by any such rebelious States, or the agents or
trustees of such States. Mr.. Garret Davis
made speech in favor of Slavery. and then
the Senate adjourned. IL THE House, n bill
was referred TO establish Post Office Money
Order system also, to reduce the duty on pa
per 80 to 10 per cent; also, to aid the aboli-
tion of Slavery in Missouri. A resolution that
in the judgment of the House there should be
no legislation changing the existing laws pro-
viding for the payment of interest on the pub
lie debt in coin. was adopted, 81 to "a. The
The Ways and Means Committee were instruc-
ted TO report revising the tariff, with
view of increasing the duty on foreign goods
not of prime necessity, so that the importa
tion of foreign goods shall not exceed the a
mount exported of American growth aud man.
ufacture, exclusive of specie. resolutio
was adopted instructing the Committee on
Military Affairs to inqNire into the expedien-
cy and necessity OF dsmissing all unfit COM
missioned and non commissioned officers from
the service. The Military Committee was in
structed to inquire as to granting bouniies TO
soldiers enlisting in the regular or volunteer
army since March 4, 1861. a resolution in
dorsing the Emancipation Proclamation was
adopted. The Army Appropriation bill for
the year ending June, 1864, was reported.
dr. Conway of Kansas proposed series OF
resolutions on Slavery and the War. They
were laid on the table by vote Of 1872 TO Mr..
Conway. The house passed the Senate joint
resolution additionally increasing the bonds
of the Superintendent OF Public Printing SiO,-
600. a resolution to send conveys with the
ships taking relief to English workmen was
voted down. 4A bill was introduced TO com.
pensate loyal owners tor property taken tor the
United States. a large number of resolutions
calling for information were offered, and most
of them adopted. In Committee of the Whole,
Mr. Cox of Ohio relieved himself of speech
abusive OF the Government.
In THE SENATE on the 10Th, resolutions in
fay Dfp ntar in poi " refp
message from the President placed the
sword of the dead traitor Gen. Twiggs at the
disposal of Congress. A bill was introduced
granting public lands 10 Minnesota, to aid in
improving the navigation of the Minnesota
ard Red River of the North, and connecting
the same by canal. Another bill was for the
relief OF persons for damages sustained by the
recent depredations and injuries of certain
bands of Sioux Indians; and two others were
for the removal of the Winnebago and Sioux
| Indians from Minnesota, and the sale of their
reservations. bill TO improve the organiza-
ton of our cavalry forces was referred. The
| resolutions eensuring Ex President Buchanan
were killed, 3S to 8. The death of the Fl on.
Luther Hanchett of the House was announced
Stevens's resolutions about the indivisibility
of the Union, peace propositions, &c, were
postponed for three weeks. "A bill was refer
red providing for the removal of the Sioux In
dians, and the disposition ftheir reservations
in Minnesota and Dakotah. The West Point
Academy Appropriation bill passed without
debate or amendment. Mr.. Potter announced
the death OF Mr.. Luther Hanchett former Rep
resentative from Wisconsin. Speeches were
made, and the House adjourned.
In THE SENATE the 18th, Mr.. Wilson re-
| ported back the bill to facilitate the discharge
| OF disabled soldiers Mr.. Rice reported back
| the bin to forfeit the pay of absent officers.
| A bill passed relative to the transfer Of GER
tam naval appropriations. A bill was intro
ducad to establish branch Mint at Portland,
| Oregon. Amendments were offered TO the
act establishing the grade Of line officers in
army and navy. Mr.. Salisbury wanted infor-
nation on various points relative to soldiers
and provost marshals in Delaware. Mr.. Pow
ell wanted to know if any State Prisoners had
| been required, as condition of release, not TO
bring actioE against those who arrested them.
| Mr.. Salisbury wanted information about the
| Home Guard of Delaware, what it was, how.
and by what authority created, &c. The bill
amending the act for the Collection of Inter-
nal Revenue was passed. The bill for the dis
charge of State Prisoners discussed for a
while, and the Senate adjourned. IN THE
| House, bill was introduced so amending the
EConiscation act as to provide for the payment
of any bona fide claim filed by any loyal citi-