The Memphis union appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-07-16
CONGRESSIONAL.
House.

| the Committee OF w avs ana means SEstN1kS1
the final appropriation bill from that source
/ from miscellaneous objects, including an ae-
count of an item of half million of dollars
| of emancipation of slaves of the District OF
| Columbus and those to be made free under the
confscation bill; also looking to their colonl-
! cation and securing of lands outside OF the
limits of the United States for that purpose for
which provisions have already been made TINS
amount to be repaid into the Treasury from
the sale of confscated properly.
4 Mr.. Colfax proposed an amendment which
! was adopted, appropriating 10000 dollars to
enable the Postofice Department to put such
i service on pest-routes re-established, as may be
| deemed necessary.
/ Mr.. Holman moved to lay the bill on the
table-Carried by a large majority:
j The House tabled the bill providing for the
transfer of the District Penitentiary buildings
to the War Department, to be used for arsenal
purposes, and authorizing contracts to be made
with States for the custody of the prisoners till
the expiration of their term of sentence.
Several reports of Committees of Conference
were coneurred in, including one of the dis
agreements of the bill to organize the Judicial
Circuits of the United States.
The Senate resolutions declaring the mean
ing of the act authorizing the President to
take possession Of the railroads and telegraph
lines, was passed.
Mr. Colfax called attention to the fact that
the Postofice Department had learned that an
| extensive business had been Gone by erasing
with chemicals or otherwise, the marks on can
celled postage stamps, and selling themln lots.
As there is no punishment for such offence, he
| reported bill which was passed, Furnishing
! persons 80 engaged with the intention of using
. such stamps, by imprisonment, not exceeding
three years, or fine of 1000, or both, at the
! discretion of the court.
Mr.. Mcpherson introduced q resolution that
! in case of members who have been or shall be
absent from their seats while in the military
f service of their country, no deduction shall
) be made from their pay as members, provided
they have not drawn pay as military officers.
Mr.. Pendleton, during the debate of this
resolution, remarked that no man could be a
f member of Congress and in the military SER
, vice at the same time.
Mr.. Phelps, of Missouri, who raised reg
iment of Militia, and who was in the battle
q of Pea Ridge said that he had, for the period
b of his service, drawn pay as Colonel, but no
: pay as a Congressman during his absence
o | from bis seat.
!, Mr. Biddle, who was in the military SER
vice five months, said his case was exactly
+ thst of Mr.. Phelps.
b Mr.. Foake, who headed an Illinois regiment,
j. remarked that he drew his Colonel pay while
# serving, every dollar OF which he spent to
Is promote the comfort of his soldiers. If he
was not entitled to pay for both services, he
had drawn more than he was entitled TO. The
excess. could readily be restored. aa2
i Mr.. Richardson thought that pay should
: be allowed for both services.
l. On the suggestion of Mr.. Kellogg, the reso-
w luton was referred to the Judiciary Commit
tee with leave to report any time, the subject
q involving an important Constitutional ques
h ton. #5ctG
The House agreed to the Senates amend
ment to the bill providing for the election o.
members to the House by single districts.
Mr.. Kellogg of Michigan, expressed hi
of opinion on the questions of the day.
n. Adjourned.
n Senate.
in WASHINGTON, July lathe reading ofth
y journal was dispensed with, and the Senate
Or went into Executive session. After a few
1T moment the doors were opened.
d Mr.. Wilson, of Massachusetts, called al
d the resolution declaring the meaningof the &C
lie authorizing the President to take possession
r of the railroad and telegraph lines. The bill
IN prevents che construction Of any line of rail
he road, under the act passed. Mr.. Clark, from
st the Committee of Conference on the confsca
s. ton bill, made report.
al Mr.. MeDougall moved the report be laid OF
us the table and printed. He thought there wa
IS a new matter put in the report behind the au
o. thority of the Committee Rejected-yeas IL
lg nays g. The report was then agreed to- AT
e. ter further discussion the report of the Com
OF mttee was concurred in.
~ Mr.. McDougall called up the resolution re
IN questing the President 20 have prepared ,
g statement of the trade and commerce of Cali
n fornia, Oregon and Washington Territory, fo
M the next session of Congress, and it was atlop
n ted.
a. Mr.. Trumbull called up the bill for tn,
Mt election of representatives in Congress b. sin
~ gle districts, and it was adopted.
Mr.. Sherman called up the resolution il
relation to the number of Senators constitut
ing quorum. Lr
Mr.. Collamer moved that the Senate could
: only consis. of Senators elected, ard not o
a persons never elected, and no knowing wher
a they would be consequently quorum mus
&c ecnsist Of a majority of those elected.
- Mr.. Fessenden concurfed with the Senator
= from Vermont. He thought if his resolution
n was necessary at all, it should be passed now
: Mr.. Sumner referred to and cited from Eng
II lish parliamentary usage and law, where thret
i make quorum in the House of Lords and II
= IN the Commons. He contended that all par
= liamentary law decided that what shall con
- stitute quorum is entirely within the contro
= of any body, and that the language of the Con
e stitntion leaves the question open entirely.
= Mr.. MeDeugall opposed the resolution. II
" was against the plain language of the Consti
IN s0sion. AHo saLhe language was uSeu III al
- most every corporation, and the courts had
: often decided that there must be q majority o.
= the whole number to constitute quorum. Ell,
? considered the resolution as plain attempt al
q violation of the Constitution in regard TO thu
: / organic law.
a, ----------
as Rendezvous for Rebel Prisoners-Gen
o. 6urnslass forces IN James river
d - 90 - on ne river
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