Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1862-04-17
CONGRESS-.

Tuesday, April, 9.-in the Senate, Mr.. Hem
derson, of Missouri, discussed at length the
Con6scation bill, taking the ground that it was
an unconstitutional measure, and that Congress
possessed no such power. Although the Seces-
sionists were traitors and should be punished
as such, he would not be willing to punish inne-
cent women and children for the crime OF the
parent. The House adopted the Tax bill by a
vote of ayes 1875, nays 49,
Wednesdav-In the Senate there was no bu-
siness Of any special importance transacted
In the House the joint resolution relative to the
gradual emancipation of the slaves in all the
slave States, and declaring that Congress ought
to give pecuniary aid to those States which adopt
the policy, was called up and passed. The bill
to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia
was read a first and second time-the vote in
favor of the second reading being IS nays to 90
yeas. The debate on the Pacific Railroad bill
was resumed
Thursday.-1n the Senate the Confscation
bill was debated until the Senate went into Ex-
ecutive session. In the House Joint resolution
was adopted returning the thanks of Congress
tories achieved at Island No. 10 and Pittsburg
Landing. The adjournment of Congress, pro-
vided the Senate concur, was fixed for the third
Monday in May. The bill to abolish slavery in
the District of Columbia was taken up and dis
cussed, Mr.. Thomas, of Massachusetts,, making
an elaborate speech against the measure as un-
constitutional
FTiday.-In the Senate bill was introduced
to amend the fugitive slave laws of 1898 and
1850. The Committee on Military Affairs was
instructed to inquire what troops have been or
are being mustered out of the United States SER
vice as Home Guards. This resolution has
some reference to the three Maryland regiments.
The bill to remove all disqualification of color
IN carrying the mails was passed-yeas "a, nays
10, after which the discussion of the Coniscation
bill was resumed, but not concluded. The
House after protracted and exciting session,
passed, without amendment the bill from the
Senate for the adjustment Of slavery in the
District of Columbia. 1t is intended under the
provisions of the bill to compensate all loyal
owners of slaves, for which purpose an appro-
priation of one million of dollars has been made.
Slavery is to cease as soon as the bill becomes
a law, but owners are allowed ninety days with
in which they may file their claims for compen-
satlon. The average amount to be allowed for
each slave is not to exceed three hundred dol
lars, and the commissioners appointed to ap-
praise their value are to make final report
within nine months. The bill also appropriates
one hundred thousand dollars to be expended in
aiding the colonization of such slaves freed by
the bil) as desires to- go to Liberia, Africa, or
other foreign countries. We published the en-
tire bill week or two ago. Ithas yet to receive
the signature of the President.
Soturday.-Neither House was in session to-
day, having adjourned over on Friday to Mon
day.
Monday-In the Senate several petitions
were presented. Mr.. Hale rendered his resigna-
ton as Chairman of the Committee on Naval
Affairs. The Confscation bill was taken up and
discussed, bit without coming to a vote the
Senate went into executive session. In the
House the Hon. G. L.. l.. I4eary, of Maryland
was appointed on.the Select Committeeo on the