The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-07-18
CONGRESSIONAL.
WASHINGTON. Julv IL.

at Vincennes, Indiana. was taken up and
passed.
Mr.. Powell called up the resolution call
ing for further evidence of the documents
connected with the report of Joseph Holt
and Robert Dale Owen. Passed.
The bill amendatory OF the act of 1895,
calling out the militia of the United States,
was taken up. and the question being on
MIR. Browning's amendment of Mr.. Grimes,
to strike out the words smother, wife, and
children"
| Mr.. Browning's amendment was rejected
yeas II, nays 81.
Mr.. Browning offered as further amend
ment that " such mother, wife and children
shall not be freed, unless they give service
or labor to the rebels"
Mr.. Foster from the committee on con-
ference on the general pension bill, made
| report which was agreed to.
Mr.. Fessenden, from committee on con.
ference on the tariff bill, made report,
which was agreed to.
Il. Mr.. Wright, from the committee of con.
ference on the bill changing the judicial
districts, made report. Laid over.
Adjourned.
HoUsE.--Mr. Hooker, from the Commit
tee of Ways and Means, reported bill
providing for a national currency secured
by United States stocks and for the circuIa-
| ton and redemption thereof. The bill was
| recommended to the Committee and ordered
printed.
The House then proceeded to the consid-
| Grafton of private bills.
Mr.. Bingham, from the Judiciary Cons
mittee, reported back the Senate bill with
verbal amendments, to prevent members
of Congress and officers of government from
taking considerations fer procuring con.
tracts. Office or place upder the government
of the United States.
The bill was received. 1t provides that
any member Of Congress or officer of the
government or other person, Offering or re.
ceiviDg pecuniary OR other considerations
for producing contracts or aiding to procure
them or offices under the government, shall
be liable to Indictment az for misdemean-
or, end on conviction shall pay fine not
exceeding ten Thousand dollars and be i'm
prisoned not exceeding two years at the
discretion Of the court; and any such con-
tract, at the option Of the President, may
be declared absolutely void. Any member
of Congress or official of the government so
convicted, shall be disqualified from holding
any office of honor, profit or trust under the
government OF the United States.
TIE bill was passed.
Mr.. Wicklife suggested that there be en-
tered on the journal that the bill was unan-
imous!y passed.
The Speaker. There being no objection,
the entry will be made.
The aouse concurred in the report of the
comm .;;ee Of conference Oh the naval APP
preparation bill.
The bill was passed giving to Masters
and other officers OF gunbcats the benefit of
the pension bill passed during the present
session.
| Mr.. Eliot made report from the Coul~
mittee Of Conference on the coufscation
! bill. They recommend that the House re-
cede from the disagreement, ard agree to
the Senate bill with certain notifications,
SO as to provide as follows Every person
who shall commit the crime of treason
against the United States and shall be ad.
judged guilty thereof, shall suffer death, and
all bis slaves, if he has any, shall be declar-
ed and made free, or he shall be imprisoned
tor not less than five years, and fined not
less than ten thousand dollars, and all bis
estate, real and personal, excluding slaves,
shall be levied upon, any sale or convey
ance to the contrary Notwithstanding. Ii
any person shall hereafter incite, set on foot,
assist, Or engage 10 any rebellion or in any
instruction against the authority of the
United States or the laws thereof, and shall
give aid or comfort to any such existing
rebellion, and be convicted thereof, such
person shall be punished by the forfeiture of
all his personal property, or shall be pun
ished by imprisonment ten years, and fioed
not exceeding $40 goo, and bis slaves, if he
has eny, be liberated at the discretion OF
the court, and all such property, excluding
slaves, shall be forfeited to the United
Snates. Every person guilty of either of
the Offences described in this act shall be
forever incapable and disqualified to hold
any Office of trust under the United States
This act is not to be construed in any way
to affect or alter the prosecution, conviction
or punishment OF any person guilty of trea.
son. 20 insure the speedy termination OF
the present rebellion, the President is gu
thorized to cause the seizure of the property,
real and personal, Of all such persons, and
apply and use the proceeds of the same for
The support of the United States. Five
classes are effected by this bill, including
those who shall hereafter hold the Office of
President, Vice President, members Of
Congress. Foreign Ministers, &c, under the
so called Confederate States. The Presi-
Gent is authorized to issue proclamation
that if after sixty days, al! persons in
rebellion do not return to their allegiance,
their property shall be forfeited. &c.
All slaves Of persons engaged in the
rebellion, or who shall in auy way give aid
or comfort thereto, escaping to and taking
refuge within the lines of our army, and
all slaves deserted by their masters end
coming under control of the government of
the United States, and all slaves found at
places occupied by rebel forces and after
wards by United States troops, shall be
held to be caEtives of war and be forever
free. No slaves escaping from one State to
another shall be delivered up, except for
crime or some offence against the laws of