The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-12-25
XXXVIII CONGRESS- First Session.

SESArE.-The Vice President laid before the
Senate communication from the Secretary Of
the Navy In reference to resolution OF the
Senate OF February 18th, 1863, transmitting
the proceedings Of court martial In the case
Of Com. Chas. Hunter. Referred to committee
on Naval Affairs. Mr.. Dixon introduced va
rions petitions praying for the amendment Of
the Enrolment Act, so that ministers OF the
gospel may DO regarded as non.combetants'
and be employed In the service as chaplains..
| Mr.. Lane. Of Indiana, presented petition
from the FIRST brigade Of the Regular Army.
asking for tobacco ration for the army. Mr..
for any member of Congress to act as counsel
In any case in which the U. 8. Is interested. -
Mr.. Morgan submitted joint resolution call
Ing upon the Secretary Of War for the names
Of nil officers and men OF the regular army
who have deserted or resigned. between the
LIST OF December, l6e0, and December, 1863
Adopted. Mr.. Foote offered o similar resolution
as to the navy.
On motion Of Mr.. Wilson, the bill for an In
crease Of the bounty and pay Of volunteers
was taken up. The committees amendment,
allowing soldiers to re-enlist In other branches
Of the service came FIRST under consideration
and was adopted. Mr.. Grimes moved to amend
the amendment by giving $500 bounty to oil
veterans who re.enlst prior to the 9Th Of jan
uary; also to the effect that any person re-en.
listing in the U. 8. marine corps shall receive
$500
\ debate followed on the policy OF paying
large bounties. Mr.. Fessenden opposed the
system OF large bounties and favored the draft.
Mr. Howard moved to strike out "Sl5" In the
committees amendment and insert "S20" IA
bounty for obtaining the enlistment Of vete:
rams. After debate, which was participated
In by Messrs. Wilson, Howe and Fessenden.
the motion was rejected.
Adjourned.
HousE.-The speaker laid before the House o
letter, enclosed from President Lincoln, from
the Freedmen's Society Of Boston, New York,
and Cincinnati. Referred to committee on
Emancipation. A message was also received
from President Lincoln, informing the House
oluton Of thanks to Gen. Grant and the armies
under him. and for gold medal, &c.
Mr.. Blair, OF Missouri, from the committee
on Ways and Means, introduced bill appro-
priating over S7OO,OO0 to carry into effect the
Act Of March, 1862, for the payment OF boun-
ties and pensions to officers and men actually
employed in the Western, or Department OF
Missouri.
Mr.. Yeoman, of Kentucky, offered series
OF resolutions setting forth that o conspiracy
of persons exists, assuming to be Govern
ment Of the Confederate States, for the purpose
of withdrawing States from the Federal Union;
but that this does not extingush the political
fran ,hise of such States. and that the citizens
thereof can at any time resume their civil
government on the only condition that their
constitution is republican. That is sufficient
for those who are loyal and qualified by the
election law. and resume their State govern
ments and this Is sufficient evidence OF loyalty,
SC. The House refused to second the demand
for the previous question; when, on motion OF
Mr.. LovSoy. Of Illinois, the resolutions were
referred TO the select committee on the Rebel
lous States.
Mr.. Spaulding. of Ohio, offered resolution
for the appointment of select committee OF
nine, to consider and report on the subject OF
a National Bankrupt Act Mr.. Holman, OF In
diana, moved to lay the resolution on the table
Lost. Yeas go, nays SO. The resolution was
then adopted. a..
Mr.. Ashley, of Ohio. introduced q bill, which
was referred, providing provisional govern
ment in the military districts OF the insurgent
States, aud authorizing the loyal citizens there
of to organize governments republican In form
and purposes.
luton respectfully requesting the President to
promptly instruct those having charge Of pris.
oners to propose to the So called Southern Con-
fedcracy TO exchange white men for white men
leaving other questions, including that relat.
ing to negro prisoners, to be disposed of here
after so that the suffering white men may be
restored to the service Of the government, their
friends and fresides. The House refused-73
against S5-to lay the resolution on the table.
Mr.. Washburne. of Illinois, offered substitute
for the above, declaring that the House APP
proves of tho measures taken by the Admins.
traton for the exchange Of prisoners now held
by the enemy in Southern prisons, and recon-
mending that the same course be pursued for a
fair and just exchange of all our soldiers now
held by the rebels.
The question was taken, and Mr.. washburne's
substitute was adopted-S7 against SO.
On motion of Mr.. Stevens, OF Pennsylvania.
the House went into Committee of the Whole,
MIR. Fenton in the chair, on the bill appropri-
ating $50. 900 for deficiencies for the public
printing, and $40 900 900 for payment of boun-
ties. advance pay and premiums for soldiers
volunteering or enlisting in the United States
service. After debate the bill passed and the
House adjourned.