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

WASHINGTON, March IL.
SENATE.-Mr. Sumner presented peti.
tions for emancipation.
Mr.. Latham gave notice that he should
introduce bill to repeal all acts prohibiting
foreign vessels carrying the mails to Panama
and Aspinwall.
Mr.. Wilson, of Massachusetts, offered a
resolution that the committee on naval af-
fairs be instructed to inquire into the late
engagement with rebel steamers near Fort.
ress Monroe, and the destruction of property
there, and all the circumstances.
Mr.. Hale said he did not wish to make
any objections, but so far as he knew he
had reason to believe, since the commence
ment of the rebellion, no matter what dis.
as ter occurred on sea or land, that either
the War or Navy Department, except in a
single instance, had made the least inquiry
in regard to the matter.
MIR. Wilson said from absolute knowledge
the attention of the Department had been
called to this rebel ship. 1t has been known
Tor months that she has been fitting out,
| and merchants and underwriters every.
where felt anxious, and the attention of the
| government was. called to it over and over
| again, and he thought the matter ought to
| be looked into.
Mr.. Grimes said, in regard to the disas.
ter at the mouth of the Mississippi the Gov.
eminent had done al! it could. The re.
sponsibility of the late disaster rests on the
Government, for not long ago sending a
military expedition against Norfolk. The
officers of the Navy had been ready at all
times to break the Potomac blockade, and
The fiOtila was under orders for several DAYS
Tor that purpose, but the superior military
officer who had command OF all the forces
forbade the expedition, and the responsible
ity does not rest on the Naval Department.
HOUsE.--Mr. Baker introduced bill
which was referred to the Committee of the
Whole, on the state of the Union, and for
the establishment of national foundry at
Chicago, Illinois, and Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, and at Poughkeepsie, New York
for the fabrication of cannon and proiectiles
for the government. 1t proposes the ap.
each foundry.
1t also provides for the establishment of
an armory and arsenal at Columbus, Ohio,
appropriatng half million dollars therefor
Mr.. Kellogg, of Michigan, introduced
bill for the establishment of naval depot
and navy yards OF the lakes. Referred to
the select committee on lake defences.
The House concurred in the report of the
Committee of Conference on the disagree
ing amendments to the Legislative, Execu-
tive and Judicial Appropriation Bill.
| Mr.. Stevens reported back from the
Committee on Ways and Means: the bill to
establish Branch Mint at Denver City.
Referred to the Committee of the Whole
| The Speaker announced the next business
in order to be the motion to postpone, until
Thursday, the resolution introduced yester-
day, providing for co operation with any
State for the abolition of slavery with
pecuniary compensation.
Mr. Cri,tenden, of Kentucky, asked per-
mission to make a statement.
Mr.. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, and Mr..
Lovejoy, of Illinois, objected.
Mr.. Stevens said, if consent was given
10 MIR. Crittenden, the House would have
| 10 give similar consent to others.
The House refused to postpone the resoa
luton till Thursday by one majority.