Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-02-24
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CONGRESSIONAL.
wAsHISeroS, February p.


WASHINGTON. February p.
sen ATE.-The Senate met at IL o'clock.
The journal Of yesterday read, when the
Vice President presented communication signed
by the Cabinet, tIat in view of the recent afiic-
ton Of the President the illumination be omitted.
Mr. Hale offered a resolution expressing the
sympathy of the Senate and requesting the Com
missioner of the Public Buildings to omit thesi-
Elimination. g-stafr IL r'I.ts.sg saTes
Mr. Wilson, from the Military Committee re
ported back the bill for the better organization of
the medical staff. Also the bill relating to Ger
tain railroads in Missouri ,, -
The Senate then took a recess for half an hour,
after which the Senate was again called to order
when message was received from the House
that they were ready to receive the Senate where
upon the Senate proceeded in body 70 the
House. .-
After the proceedings in the House the Senate
adjourned until Monday, j, ~ -. ,--
HOUSE-The House of Representatives be-
ing the great scene of all attraction, as early as
half past nine O'Clock the galleries. set apart for
the public, were densely crowded, while the doors
leading thereto were blocked with standing occu-
pants. .V --.,
The portions of the gallery reserved for the
families of the diplomatic corps and those of
other invited spectators and of members of Con-
gress, were filed.
Immediately over the Speakers chair there
was large painting of Washington surmounted
by great eagle, and over this golden starred
American flag, while from each of the upper cor
rers of the painting hung banners of smaller
pattern. tt
/. Crowds continued to penetrate the Capitol, and
many persons were unable t. obtain admission,
At II o'clock the Speaker called the House to
order, when the Journal of yesterday was read.
tho racnast IF tho CpaaEar thu p,an,hars
proceeded to occupy seats ON the left of the hall,
leaving the three front circles for the invited
guests.
Mr.. Blair, of Missouri, made an Intellectual
suggestion that the ladies in the lobies be adj
mitted on the hoor ...........
The Speaker requested those in the galleries to
preserve order, saying that if decorum should be
violated it would become his disagreeabe duty to
have them cleared.
Mr. Crittenden sid that the joint resolution
relative to the celebration did not contemplate
the presentation of flags; he therefore moved
that this be omitted as a part of the ceremonies.
Mr.. Loyejoy supposed, from the general tenor
of Mr.. Crittenden's remarks, that he would not
oppose any military presentation This flag pre-
sentation had been arranged by the Secretary of
War. -I -. ..-.. 49,
Mr.. Dawes inquired how the flags could be pre-
scented if Congress would not take them? He
did not propose to magnify the rebel flags in this
way, and hoped they would respectfully decline
to receive them.
Mr.. Campbell said these were trophies won by
our troops and brave soldiers in holly contested
battles. He would not magnify the flags. but he
would magnify the deeds of our armies. He
trusted these badges or flags would be received
with respect. IN.
Mr.. Roscoe Conkling remarked that these flags
were not trophies to be treated either with respect
or consideration by the Government. He sub
mtted that they were badges or tokens carried by
armed rebels, men red handed with the murder
OF citizens of the country, men who were not en-
titled to possess or carry any flag, men whom we
do not recognize in any national aspect Sup
pose there had occurred here a riot of formula
bic dimensions and the municipal authorities had
succeeded in quelling it, and that at meeting of
the Common Council it should be proposed that
a public assembly should be called to receive the
flags or tokens of the conspirators, did any one
gu. pose they would be received with selfrespeet
or public decency? If not why should Congress
accept the presentation of these flags. Theywere
nothing more than tokens coming simply from
the rebels and ofno national standing He would
goas far as any other gentleman in this House or
out of it in his respect and admiration of those
who had left their homes to sustain on distant
battle fields the existence of this Government,
but he wished on this occasion to act in a manner
consistent with self respect and official propriety
Mr.. Campbell, presuming that his previous
remarks had been misunderstood, proceeded to
explain.
Mr.. LOvejOy caused to be read law of 1914
and 1918 to the effect that the Secretary of War
and the Secretary of the Navy be directed to
cause to be collected and transmitted to them all
flags, banners and colors which may have been
taken from the enemy, and they together with
those in possession of these Departments be de
livered to the President for the purpose of being
displayed in such public places as he may deem
proper. tff maN a ,i- 90