Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-12-31
VOL. 9.--NO. 1S.
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.

In THE SENATE on the I'D, the Secretary OF
the Navy, in answers to inquiries concerning
the character of vessels for the Banks Exps-
ditiop, that Maj.-Gen. Banks was authorized to
procure his vessels from Commodore Wander
bilt of New ork, but that no official report
has been received in regard to the matter.
Phe Secretary states, unofficially, that he was
| informed that the vessels were inspected by
g. H. Van Brunt, and the engines by Chas.
II. Haswel. A resolution was adopted to ap-
point Committee to investigate the whole
matter. The correspondence with ths Russian
Government relative to telegraphic communi-
| cation between the mouth of the Amoor River
and San Francisco, California, was sent to the
Senate. The Naval Committee were instruc-
ted to inquire into the expediency of abolish
| ing the marine corps as naval organization,
and attaching it to the army. A proposition
was referred to appoint Commissioner to
settle Government accounts growing out of
the rebellion with the various States. Tho
resolution inquiring whether any State prs-
oner required as a condition of discharge
to swear not to prosecute those who arrested
him, was passed. The bill relating to the dis
charge of State Prisoners was then taken up
and discussed by Mr.. Lane of Indiana, Mr..
Salisbury and Mr. Bayard. In THE HOUSE, the
credentials of the Hon. Michael Hahn, men,
Der elect from the lid District Of Louisiana,
were presented and referred. Also, resolu.
tion asking why soldiers were not paid. The
Ways and Means Committee were Instructed
to inquire into the expediency of amending
the Tax Law, SO that licenses may be trans.
ferred and may be good in the hands of the
assignee for the time given Mr.. Vallandig-
ham offered resolution in favor of making
peace early as possible. Bills were intro
duced proposing temporary Government for
Idaho, and to enable the Territories Of Neva-
da. Utah and Colorado to form State Govern
ments preliminary to their admission into the
Union. resolution of censure on the Sec
retary Of the Navy was laid over. Informs.
tion concerning the doiDgs of our Minister 10
Mexico was called for. The Committee OF
Ways and Means were instructed to inquire
into the expediency OF amending the Tax law
so that newspapers circulating not exceeding
$500 copies may not be subject to tax. Mr..
Bingham introduced bill for the emancipa.
tion OF the slaves Of Rebels in the States and
Territories of the United States. A resolu.
ton was passed, directing the Secretary OF
the Treasury TO take immediate steps to pay
soldiers and sailors, and preferring them be-
fore all other creditors. resolution was
adopted, raising Committee to find out II
any Government employees interested in
| contracts. 1t was proposed to give gold med
| ais to the brave soldiers who led the vanguard
| across the Rappahannock, at Fredericksburg.
The House voted to adjourn from Tuesday to
Jan. 3. motion to take the bill for the lib.
Grafton of slaves in rebelious States from the
Committee was unsuccessful. Leave was
granted to report bill TO aid emancipation
in II issour. A resolution, inquiring into the
loyalty Of Mr.. Kennedy. Census Superintep-
dent, was adopted. The Deficiency bill was
passed, and the House adjourned.
In THE SENATE the 23d, the Financial
Report of the Secretary of the Interior was
received also the report of Reverdy Johnson's
doings at New Orleans. Bills were introduce
ed to amend to Judiciary system of the UNI
ted States, and to amend Pacific Railroad act.
The Committee on the Banks Expedition were
empowered TO inquire into the thing of trans
ports generally. Notice was gwen of bill to
authorize the President to raise 200 regiments
of negro soldiers. The Bankrupt bill was dis.
cussed. An amendment to strike out banks
and railroads was lost. An amendment was
adopted exempting municipal corporations.
Library, religious and eleemosynary institu-
tions were also exempted. After Executive
Session, the Senate adjourned to the 5th of
January. In THE HOUSE. Mr.. Pendleton made
some objection because the Pro- Slavery pro.
test offered by him was not entered at length
in the journal. He got no satisfaction, The
House passed the Senate bill TO improve the
organization of the cavalry forces by provi.
ding that each regiment may have two Assis-
tant Surgeons, and that the number ofprivates
in each company be increased from seventy to
seventy eight. The Legislative, Judicial and
Executive Appropriation bill was reported.
Mr.. Colfax reported against giving the frank
ing privilege TO assessors. A bill was repor-
ted and adopted authorizing the Postmaster.
General to establish postal money order
system. 1t proposes to charge five cents on
$40; on more than $40, or less than $50, ten
cents on all additional sums SO or less dol
lars, FIVE cents. Duplicates to be issued,
when orders lost. A Committee to look
after the loyalty of Mr.. Kennedy, Superintsn-
dent of the Census, was voted. The House,
iu Committee, took up the bill to annul the
treaties with certain Sioux and Dacotah Indi-
ans, aud indemnify the sufferers by their enor-
mites. The bill proposes the appointment of
Commission, whose duty it shall be to en-.
tertain and hear the complaints of the parties
aggrieved. 1t protects the rights and inter.
ests OF those Indians who sought to save tho
whites from massacre, and proposes to trans.
fer the funds tom these thieves and murder.