Daily national Republican., 1863-02-17
THIRTY-sEVEN CONGRESS 8.
Third Session.
TUESDAY, February II.
SENATE.


Messrs. FOOT, DAVIS, COLLAMER and
HOWE presented petitions in favor Of a camp
hospital and ambulance corps.
Mr.. KING presented resolutions adopted at
Turner Hall, Brooklyn, N. VI and a petition
asking for equal privileges to all telegraph
companies.
Mr.. CoLLAMER, from the Post Office Com
mittee, reported joint resolution authorizing
the collection of foreign postage in coin.
The Chair presented the resolutions adopted
at a meeting held at Cooper Institute, N. Y,
by Eli Thayer and others relative to the coloni-
Etaion of Florida.
Mr.. WILSON, of Mass, from the Military
Committee reported back the bill to reorganiZe
the engineer corps.
Also, from the same committee, reported ad-
versely on the bill to authorize contracts to be
made with States which have advanced pay
to soldiers.
Mr.. WADE, from the Committee on the Dis
tTct of Columbia, reported a bill to regulate
public amusements In the city of Washington.
Mr.. TRUMBULL called up the bin to prevent
agents of the Government, as well members Of
Congress aud officers of the Government, TAX
ing any consideration for procuring place,
office, or contracts. Passed.
Mr.. HOWARD called up the bill dividing
Michigan into two judicial districts, and regu-
lating the times of holding the courts.
Mr.. TRUMBULL opposed the bill.
After some discussion, the bill was postponed.
Mr.. GRIMES called up the bill authorizing
letters of marque and reprisal.
Mr.. FESSENDEN, from the Committee on
Finance, reported back the fertilization bill,
without amendment.
Mr.. WILSON, of Massachusetts,, introduced
bill to incorporate the institution for the
| education of colOred youth of the District of
Columbia. Referred to the Committee on the
District of Columbia.
Mr. GRTME9 hriehv uruod tbo ,,osa.,,o - A., =.
bill for letters of marquee; he contended that the
| propriety of establishing volunteer forces on
the sea, was the same as on land. II might do
for nations of the old world, who depend upon
large armies to agree 10 treaties against letters
Of marque, but could we of this country afford
to foregO our accient policy In this respect
These vessels are under the control of the laws
the same as the regular vessels of war, and
there could be no difference In morality or pol
| Icy whether captures were made by a "a gun
ship or fishing smack. He was not prepared
| to give up our ancient policy, but considered
| this favorable time to Te-aifirm our ancient
doctrine of maritime rights. Though the reb-
els might have no commerce, yet they had yes-
sells OF war prcying upon our commerce. But
he frankly ayOWed 1t was his desire to place on
record general law on this subject, and to
give the President all the power necessary, TO
let slip the dogs of war, In case of compilca-
tions with any power The people ofthe North
west were truly loyal, and he believed he rep
| resented their wishes In supporting this hill
Mr.. SUMNER thought that the bin, instead
of upholding the ancient policy, would only
| tend to overthrow all the ancient traditions Of
the Republic and bring new and difficult en-
| barrasBments upon the nation. This was a bill
to establish priyateers, whose only reward is
booty, against an enemy who has no commerce
| and no booty as an incentive to ENTERPRISE If
| more vessels are needed, he would have them
hired and placed under the control of the Gov
ernment, but not send out these self-regulaLing
cruisers. He could see nothing but danger Of
complication with great foreign powers, who
have sOlemnly declared against this system of
prlyateering. This nation has already declared
| TO pass any general law on this subject alyays
requiring special act of Congress-, aud these
acts always specifying a limited time. lie
quoted from number Of authorities against
the principle of privnteeTing, and cOntended
there was nothing to be obtained by this bill
that could not better be obtained In another
way. He would not say that the Government
should never resort to this policy, but this was
no time TO adopt II.
Mr.. McDOUGALL could see no ground for
the objections Of the Senator from Massachu-
setts, unless on the hypothesis that he belonged
to the peace establishment. He could see no
reason why, In time Of war, our most effective
| force on the sea should not be used against the
epemy.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Mr.. PENDLETON offered a resolution.
which was adopted That the Military Com.
mittee b. instructed to inquire into the efiici-
ency OF the medical department of the army
under General Grant, and to report what mea-
sures Of legislation, II any, are necessary to
secure the utmost possible skill and attention
In the care of the sick and wounded soldiers.
Mr.. EDWARDS, from the Committee on In-
dian Affairs, reported bill providing for credit
Ing to every Indian tribe the funds held for Il
In trust, and now invested In bonds and other
| securities.
Mr.. TRAIN introduced bill to define the
rights and duties Of hotel keepers In Washing
ton city. Referred to the Committee on the
Judiciary.
The House then resumed the consideration
Of the Louisiana election case.