, 1862-04-24
THE PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS-
WASHINGTON, April %, 1859.
GEN

SENATE.
III. TRUMBULL Of Illinois, from the Ju-
dietary Committee, reported resolution in
relation to the pay Of the first Senators and
Representatives from the State Of Minnesota,
which was passed.
Mr.. HALE Of New Hampshire offered res
olution that the Military Committee inquire
if any General in the army before Yorkre IN
had exhibited himself drunk in tho face Of the
enemy, and If any measures had been taken
for the trial and punishment Of such officer
Mr. SUMNER Of Massachusetts, suggested
the subject be referred to the Committee on
the Conduct Of the War.
Mr.. HALE referred to the statement of Mr..
MoTT1l in the House yesterday, aud stated
that he thought it high time that some notice
should be taken Of these things. If officers
thus leave brave men to be slaughtered like
Mr. FOSTER Of Connecticut said the SEN
ate had not taken HIGH ground enough.
The Senate never should have confirmed
men known to be intemperate. It becomes
ls to weed our oWn garden first, and correct
our own laxity, and he Was panied to say
c1imina1ity, in this respect.
Mr. FOOT Of Vermont said that the General
referred to had not bean confirmed. ;:
Mr. HALE said that the Senate had not tax
en- high ground enough, but il officers we1e
so drunk that they could not sit on theE.
horses, he thought some notice ought to Yc
taken Of it. /.
The resolution was adopted ~
Nj. DAVIS of Kentucky, introduced bn
prescribing an additional oath for Grand aid
Petit Jurors In the U. 8. Courts. !
The bill recognizing the Independence of
Hayti and Liberia, and the appointment Of
diplomatic representation, was taken up. =
far our Government, usually friendly to new
governments, had turned aside from these na-
lions. He thought that it was time to nut ;.,a
end to this anomaly in history.
Mr.. SUMNER continued his speech in favor
Of the recognition Of Hayh and Liberia aud
concluded BY saying that BY recognizing these
pie Of the principal nations Of the world.
The bill was then postponed until to-mor-
TOW, and the confiscation btll was then taken
up.
Mr.. DAVIS of Kentucky resumed his re-
marks in opposition to the bill. He said that
he had already detained the Senate ut some
length on this question, but he considered
that in the Importance of its effect tie bill
had no parallel. He contended that Congress
had no right to pass such bill under tbs war
power.
Mr. SHERMAN Of Ohio offered an amend-
ment specifying persons to whom contiseation
should apply, Including those who may here
after hold Office under the rebels.
House OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
The House resumed the consideration ot the
coniEcat1on bill, which Was pending Wheu the
adjournment took place yesterday, and upon
which the main QUESTION had been ordered.
The bill WAS tabled by u vote Of ST ag;si.st 43
The next bill taken up in the House Eas to
facilitate the suppression Of the rebellion and
prevent the recurrence Of the same. 1t 2uthor-
ICES the President to direct our Generais to de-
clare the slaves Of the rebls free, aud pledges
the faith Of the United States to make hull and
fair compensation to loyal men who haye ac-
lively supported the Union, for auy losses
they may sustain By virtue Of this bill
Mr. OLIN, of New York, understood that
the Committee on Judiciary had agreed sub
stantially that none Of the conflscaslon bills
referred to them ougLt to pass.
Mr. THOMAS, of Massachusetts, nemark ed
that the Committee recommended that none
of the confiEca!ion bills pass.
Mr. OL1N said that the disposition of the
House and the country vas that there should
be some legislation on the subject. As the
Committee On Judiciary could not.agree or
ni1tee Of seven be appointed to take the sub
ject into consideration. Such a committee
being nntrammelled, the House might antici-
pate proper measure Of legislation.
MIR: DUNN Of Indiana Was glad to hear Mr
OllN'S suggestion. The subject of contis
eating rebel property was one Of the most diff
hcnlt questions before Congress, and in ths
decision Of which was involved the restoration
Of the Government to its former state Of pros
perity. He congratulated the House an6
country that this morning there had been lali
upon tic table bill WHICH if il had beer
passed, would have disgraced the civilization
Of this age: Exclamations on tue Democratic
side Of Good" ''Good,'' That's SOL I
was bill which at one Ccll exoop wouls
have impoverished The people generally, from
old age down to innocent childhood.
Mr. COLFAX Of Indiana advoc1ted the np
pointment OF select committee.
Dir, DUNN WAS opposed to sweeping con
hscation bill. He wanted distinction 1nadt
atEaiDst the leaders.
AE. BINGHAM Of Ohio maintained the pro
pTiety Of 8 bill to punish all wiltfu1 rebels b,
dcpriving them Of their property.
Mr. LEHMAN of Pennsy lyanIa was opposed
to confscation bills. He looked on the marcl
OF our armies as the proper mode OF suppress
ing the rebellion and re-cstabIishing tile Con
stitution.
Mr. HICKMAN of Pennsylvania Chime,
that the Constitution gave the President amp}
power without congressional action.
MT. CRTTTENDEN Of Kentucky WAS agaiDs
I'LL conf1scating measures which would tend t,
exasperate the war and postpone the time Q
putting down the rebellion.
After further debate, Without action, th
House adjourned