Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1862-07-13


~ Mr.. Collamer claimed that the Senate coulC
only consist of Senators elected, and not Of per
sons never elected, and no knowing when they
would be; consequently quorum must consist
of majority of those elected.
Mr. Fessenden concurred with the Senator
from Vermont. He thought If this resolution
was necessary at all, It should be passed now
Mr.. Sumner referred to and cited from Eng
lish Parliamentary usage and law, where three
make quorum in the House of Lords and
forty in the House of Commons. He contended
that oil parliamentary law decided that what
shall constitute quorum is entirely within the
control OF any body, and that the language Of
the Constitution leaves the question open en-
tirely.
Mr.. McDougal opposed the resolution. II
was against the plain language Of the Constitu-
tion. The same language was used in Utmost
every corporation, and the courts had often de-
oided that there mustbe majority Of the whole
number to constitute quorum. He considered
the resolution as plain attempt to violate the
Constitution in regard to the organic law.
Mr.. Grimes introduced q resolution in rels.
ton to letters of marque prizes and prize goods.
The bill authorizes the President, when war ex.
lists or 10 declared to issue letters of marque to
private vessels.
Mr.. Sherman, from the committee on Finance
reported resolution fixing the time for the ad-
jonrnment Of Congress on Wednesday the 10th
Of July.
Messrs. Sherman, Trumbull, Wade and 9th.
era opposed and adjournment OF Congress In
the present condition Of things.
After further discussion, the resolution was
agreed to by yeas 29, nays 10.
BY common consent, Mr.. Howe was permitted
to record his vote In the affirmative on the con-
fscation bill.
Mr.. Henderson called up the bill to refund to
the State Of Missouri the money paid to the
troops by that State for the suppression of the
rebellion. The bill was passed.
Mr.. Chandler called up the bill in relation 10
commissioned officers In the revenue service.--
The bill passed.
Mr. Ten Eyck called up the bill providing for
the better security of passengers on steamboats,.
The bill was passed.
The Senate then went into executive session,
and on the opening Of She doors, adjourned.
HousE.-Mr. Stevens, from the committee on
Ways and Means, reported the final appropria-
ton bill from that source, for miscellaneous OBJ
iects, including an item of half million dol
lars on account of emancipation Of slaves of the
District of Columbia, and those to be made free
under the confscation bill also looking to their
colonization and the securing of lands outside
of the limits Of the United States for that pur-
pose, for which provision has already been made.
This amount to be repaid into the Treasury from
the sales of confscated property.
The Senate resolution declaring the meaning
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 az
extensive business had been done in the erasing
by chemicals or otherwise the marks on can
celled postage stamps, and selling them in lots.
As there is 40 punishment for such an offense,
he reported bill, which was passed, Furnishing
persons 90 engaged, with the intention Of using
such stamps, by imprisonment, not exceeding
three years, or fine of 81 600, or both, at the
discretion of the court.
Mr.. Colfax proposed an amendment, which
was adopted, appropriatiDg $4,000 to enable
the Postoftice Department to put such service
ed necessary.
Mr.. Holman moved to lay the bill on the ia
BILE. Carried by large majority.
The House tabled the bill poviding for the
transfer of the District Penirentary buildings
to the War Department, to be used for arsenal
purposes, and authorizing contracts to be made
with States for the custody OF prisoners till the
expiration Of their terms OF sentence.
Several reports of committees Of Conference
were concurred in, including one Of the die
agreements or the bills to reorganize the judi
cial circuits Of the United States.
Mr.. Mcpherson introduced q resolution thai
| in cases of members Of Congress who have
been or shall be absent from their seat while in
the military service of their county, no deduo
| ton shall be made from their pay as members
provided they have not drawn pay as military
officers.
Mr.. Pendleton, during the debate on this res
olusion, remarked that no man could be mem
ber Of Congress and in the military service al
the same time.
Mr., Phelps of Missouri, who raised regi.
ment Of militia, and who was 10 the battle o
Pea Ridge, said that he had for the period o
his service drawn pay as a Colonel, but no pa!
as member of Congress during his absence
| from bis seat.
Mr.. Biddle who was in the military rervic,
FIVE months, said his case was exactly that o
the gentleman, MIR. Phelps.
Mr.. Fouke, who headed an Illinois regiment
remarked that he drew his Colonels pay whilt
serving, every dollar of which he spent TO pro
mote the comfort of bis soldiers. II he wa
not entitled to pay for both services, he hat
drawn here little more than he WAS entitled to
The excess could readily be restored.
ssMr. Richardson thought that pay should b.
allowed for both services. rI.
On the suggestion of Mr.. Kellogg, the resolu
tion was referred to the Judiciary committee
with leave to report at any time, the subject in
voviDg an important constitutional question.
The House agreed to the Senate's Amendmen
to the bill providing for the election Of member
to the House by single Districts.
Mr., Kellogg, of Michigan, expressed his opin
ion on the questions of the day.
Adjourned.