The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-05-16
Washington. Nav Is.

Washington, May Is.
HogsE. On motion Of Mr.. AFenton,
the House proceeded to the consideration
Of the bill introduced by him for the ad-
judication Of claims for loss or destruction
Of property belonging to loyal citizens
and the damage done thereto by the troops
Of the U. 8. during the present rebellion.
The bill provides for the appointment by
the President Of three commissioners, to
gsther with clerk and marshal. The
commissioners are prohibited from taking
cognisanoe Of claims for slaves, while the
bill is guaranteed to prevent disloyal cit
liens from being benefited by the act
The claims ascertained are TO b reported
to Congress, to the end that provision
may be made fer their relief AZ may be
deemed just and proper.
Mr.. Fcntnn eaid this bill had been ma
turely considered by the Committee on
claims, and was based on the principle OF
equality and justice. While sincerely dc.
sirous Of indemnifying Union men for the
losses they had sustained, he was anxious
that Congress- should pass coniiscation
bill denouncing special pains and penal
ties against the leaders of the rebellion,
who, having plundered loyal men and Sc
quesiered their estates, shall not escape
punishment. Their property and sub
stance should be used to pay the expenses
incidental to the suppression 81 this most
wicked and causeless rebellion.
Mr.. Webster moved an amendment,
| making II the duty Of the commissioners
TO take cognizance Of losses Of slaves,
which the bill, as reported, prohibits.
| Mr.. Morrill,. of Va, moved the post
pbnement of the bill till Monday week,
The bill should be matured and consid-
cred, ~ it involves the expenditure of
slot, 900, and If passed might supercede
the Court Of Claims.
Mr. Fenton explained that al adjudi-
Gated claims have to be reported to Con-
grsss, which is to control the appropria-
tion.
Mr.. Morrill's motion was adopted.
The Honse passed the Senate bill Az
thorizing the appointment of medical
store-keepers for the army and Hospital
Chaplains.
| Among the measures passed are the
following:
| The Srns'e bill setting apart 10 per
cent Of the taxes paid BY the coiored par
sons to be appropriated for the education
Of the colored children of the District
The Senate bill requiring the oath of a.
legiancs to be administered 10 persons Of.
fsr;ng 10 vote, whose loyalty shall be
challenged; and the House bill requiring
the oath Of allegiance to be taken BY al.
torneys and solicitors In court within the
District OF Columbia.
| Mr.. Potter, from the Conference Com
mittee on the Homestead bill, made = re-
port, which was adopted.
SEEArE.--Mr. Wade presented petit
lions in favor of con6scation.
MIR. Grimes presented petition for Z
Ship Canal from Lake Michigan to the
Mississippi river
Mr.. Wade, from the Committee on
Territories, reported back the House bill
TO provide for temporary government
4 4 : Il
Mr.. Wilkinson, from the same commit
tee, reported back bill to amend the act
for the government of Colorado. The bill
makes the Governors veto qualified, in
stead Of absolute The bill was passed.
Mr.. Brown, -frena the satuc uUmmIttee,
reported back the House bill TO secure
freedom to the people of the Territories,
with an amendment which changes the
language of the bill to that of the ordi-
nance Of 1857. Report agreed to by 81
to l3.
A message was received from the Pres
ident, recommending vote ofthanks to
Com. Farngut and other officers in his
expedition.
The Conference Committee on the
Homestead bill made . report. which was
agreed TO.
A resolution was offered calling on the
Secretary Of the Navy for the number Of
| iron-clad gunboats under contract, their
ornaments, aud when they viii be ready
for servic. Laid over.
I Harris offered : resolution asking the
Secretary Of State what were the rights
and obligations Of the United States and
Great Britain in regard to the mainten-
ance of armaments on the Northern
Lakes. Laid over.
The Indian appropriation bill was Ia
ken up aud discussed.
A message was received from the House
announcing the death Of g. +. Bailey, OF
Mass. Nj. Sumner paid brief tribute
to his worth, dc. The customary resolu-
tons were passed. Adjourned.
Munfer RrscIaans Frsoaen.
New York Nav IN.