The Portland daily press., 1862-12-23
BY TELEGRAPH.
TO THE
Portland Daily Press.
XXXVII OONGRESS.---Second Session.
WASHINGTON, Dec. %.

its receipt it will he transmitted to the Senate
Gen. Banks had full power.
Mr.. Grimes offered the following:
Resolved, That Select Committee of three
members be appointed to inquire into and re-
port to the Senate the facts in regard to
chartering the transport vessels for the Banks
expedition; the seaworthness of such vessels
the character of the men employed to navi-
gate them, and that the committee be empow-
cred to send for persons and papers.
After slight modification it was adopted.
The Vice President submitted a communi-
cation from the Secretary of State, transmit
ting the correspondence with the Russian
government relative to telegraphic commune
cation between the mouth of the Amoor river
and San Francisco. Ordered to be printed
Mr.. Latham submitted a memorial of nearly
| all the express companies in the United States
for an amendment of the internal revenue law.
Messrs. salisbury and Bayard spoke in ia
vor of the bill.
The Senate then went into executive session.
Adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Sheffield presented the credentials of
Mr.. Hahn, representative elect from the First
| District of Louisiana. Referred to the COM
mttee on Elections.
Mr.. Wilson offered a resolution inquirng of
| the Secretary of War what arrears OF pay was
due to volunteer regiments, and what reg-
ments. Referred to the Military Committee.
A resolution was adopted that the commit
tee on Ways and Means enquire into the expe-
diency of amending the tax law, so that licen-
ses may be transferred, and be good in the
hands of assignees for the time given.
A resolution was adopted that the Judiciary
Committee inquire what legislation was neces-
sary for the transportation of Negroes freed
from the rebels with the army
Mr.. Vallandigham, of Ohio, offered the fol-
lowing, which he proposed to debate:
Resoved-That this House earnestly desire
that most speedy and effective measures be
taken for the restoration of peace in America,
and that no time may be lost in proposing an
immediate cessation of hostilities, in order for
a speedy and final settlement of the unhappy
controversies which brought about this unnec-
essary and injurious civil war, by just and ad
equate security against the return Of like ca
lamities in times to come. And this House de-
sires to offer most earnest assurances TO the
country that they will in duty cheerfully CO.
operate with the Executive and States for the
restoration of the Union to such explicit aud
most solemn amendments and provisions of
the Constitution as may be found necessary
for securing the rights of the several States
and sections within the Union, under the Con-
stitution.
Mr.. Pendleton offered a resolution that
protest and remonstrance of thirty-six MEM
the unconstitutionality and injustice of the bill
just passed, indemniiying the President and
Others for suspending the writ of hobeas cor
pus, be entered on the journal.
Mr.. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, moved to ta-
bic it. Carried, IS against 40.
Mr.. Ashley introduced bill proposing a
temporary government for Idaho, and to ena-
Bile the Territories OF Nevada, Utah and Colo
RADIO to form Stale government, preliminary
fa admission into the tIniOn. Referred the
committee on Territories.
Mr.. Calvert offered resolution, which by
his request was laid over, setting forth that the
Secretary of the Navy has wilfully and illegal
ly appointed midshipmen during the recess of
Congress, and attempted 10 justify himself by
the arbitrary assumption of necessity. The
House accordingly protest decidedly against
his action, and all such appointments are null
and void.
On motion of Mr.. Cox, it was resolved that
the President be required, if not incompatible
with the public service, to communicate to
this House any correspondence or other in
formation in his possession, relating to the al
legged interference of our Minister to Mexico
in favor of the French in the present war be-
tween Mexico and the Emperor of the French,
BY signing a protest against the expulsion
from Mexico of the French subjects.
On motion of Mr.. Shillaberger, the commit
tee on Ways and Means were instructed to in
quire into the eXpediency of amending the
tax law SO that newspapers circulating not
more than $500 copies may not be subject to
tax.
Mr. Bingham introduced bill for the eman-
cipation OF slaves of rebels. Referred
Mr.. May offered a resolution requesting the
President to communicate to the House a
copy of the order of the Secretary OF State,
dated about the 2Sth of November last, which
he caused 10 be read to the State prisoners at
Fort Warren, ,forbdding them TO employ coun-
sci on the ground that such a course would be
deemed by the government and State Depart
ment a reason for prolonging their imprison-
ment.
On motion of Mr. Stevens, the resolution
was tabled-63 against As.
Mr.. Morehead offered a Joint resolution
which was passed. declaring it the opinion of
Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury
should take immediate steps for the payment
OF the sums due soldiers. and preference to
such class of creditors over all Others whether
judicial legislative or executive.
Mr. Ward, of New York, offered a resolution
to include aliens in the marine corps and navy,
who have served a year and been honorably
discharged, in the privilege extended to those
serving in the army after becoming citizens,
without previous declaration of citizenship.
Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
On motion of Mr.. Train, resolution was
adopted providing for select committee TO
inquire whether any officer or employee of the
government is interested, directly or Indirect
ly, in any banking house having contracts with
the government, or dealing in stocks or other
property.
Mr. Hutchins offered resolution, proposing
to give gold medals to the soldiers, who, in the
midst of peril first crossed AT Fredericksburg.
Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Mallory's resolution that, the Senate
concurring, the adjournment take place from
to-day to the first Monday in January, was
passed by vote of IA against AT.
Mr.. Bingham moved that the committee on
the Judiciary be discharged from the consd-
Grafton of the bill declaratory of the emanci-
patton of the slaves in the rebel States and
Territories. The bill provides for issuing by
| the President of proclamation on the first OF
| January next to that effect. The motion was
rejected.
Mr.. White, of Indiana, from the select COM
| mite on border States emancipation, asked
leave to report bill appropriating twenty
millions to aid Missouri in emancipating her
slaves, and that it be re-commtted to a select
committee. Agreed to. II to 33.
Mr.. Wilson introduced Il resolution, instruct
ing the committee on Judiciary to inquire
whether the Mr.. Kennedy who wrote the re-
Gently published letter to Jacob Thompson is
the same who now holds the office of Superin-
tendent of Census.
Mr. Cox objected, saying ii was known that
Kennedy still held the office.
The House passed bill to supply the def
ciencies for the year ending June next.
Adjourned.