The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-02-21
XXXVII OoNGREss.---seoond Session.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20.
SENATE.

| SENATE.
A committee of Conference was appointed
| on the indemnifcation act.
A communication was received from the
| Secretary of the Treasury in answer to the in
| qury as to steps taken in regard to the frauds
| in the New York custom house.
Mr.. Wade, from the committee on Terrific
ries. reported back the bill to allow the people
of Nevada to take preparatory steps to being
admitted into the Union, and asked to be dis
charged from the further consideration of the
resolution of inquiry into the expediency of
admitting New Mexico as State.
Mr. Wilson of Mass, from the Military Com
mittee, reported back the joint resolution to
facilitate the payment of sick aud wounded
soldiers, directing them to be paid in 90 days.
The resolution was passed.
Mr.. Wilkinson, from the committee on Ter
ritories, reported bill to enable the people of
Nebraska to take preparatory steps to be ad-
mitted into the Union as a State
Mr.. Lane of Kansas, reported similar bill
in relation to Colorado.
Mr.. Trumbull, from the Judiciary Commit
tee, reported adversely on the bill to amend
the act admitting the State OF Western Vir-
ginia.
Mr.. Collamer, from the Postofiice Commit
tee, reported bill providing for bridge
across the Ohio.
The annual post route bill was taken up,
amended and passed.
The bill to appoint an Assistant Treasurer,
at a salary of 5000, and additional clerks, and
increasing the compensation of the Treasurer
to $1,000, was considered.
The bill was amended to make the salary of
the Treasurer 5000 instead of $1,000; and
the salary of the Assistant Treasurer $500
instead of $1,000, and passed.
The bill to provide temporary government
for the Territory of Arizona was then consid-
cred.
Here is evidently an omission of some por-
ton of the Senate's proceedings, of which the
Boston copyist says, If it does not suit, take
without suiting."l
Mr.. Wilson moved to lay the resolution on
the table, remarking, that the Senate could
better occupy its time in devising ways to
suppress the rebellion than by wasting it on
traitors.
Mr.. Wilson's motion was carried.
The bill organizing courts in the District of
Columbia was taken up.
Mr.. Davis moved to strike out the first sec
ton, providing for the removal of Judges.
Mr.. Wilson moved an amendment, so as TO
add to the Judges. Accepted.
Mr.. Clark opposed the amendment.
The amendment was rejected.
An amendment was adopted, providing for
the revision and codifcation of the district
The bill then passed
A committee of conference was appointed
on the bill to provide ways and means for the
support OF Observation-Disclosures
HOUSE.
On motion of Mr.. Shellaberger, the Mill
tary Committee were instructed TO inquire
whether additional legislation is necessary for
an explanatory act to secure payment for the
soldiers from the time they entered the service
instead of from the time their companies were
mustered.
The national currency bill was taken up
Mr.. Fenton concluded his remarks in its
favor.
Mr.. Baker opposed the BILL
Mr.. NOEL asked its reference to the Judi
ciary Committee, to inquire how far il deprives
the State of the right to regulate their own
financial concerns under valid laws.
Mr.. Hooper moved the previous question,
and the House, IS against %, ordered the
main question to be put. The House refused
to table the bill, 81 against 50.
The bill was put on its third reading, SO to
81.
Mr.. Roscoe Conkn called for its entire read
ing.
sAMr. Washburne raised point that as the
bill had been entirely read once, the House
could dispense with second reading.
The speaker over-ruled the point, deciding
that any member had right to call for the
reading OF bill at any stage on its passage
The bill passed, Is against GA.
Here is evidently an omission of some por-
ton of the House proceedings, of which the
Boston copyist says, "if it does not suit, take
without suiting."
An amendment was adopted restricting the
use of the Franking privilege by the depart
ments aud postmasters to official business.
An amendment was adopted establishing the
money order system, as follows:
For 81 and not exceeding $40, 5 cts; over
$40 aud not exceeding $50, 10 cts; every adj
ditional sum OF $40 dollars or less. 5 cents
Without taking definite action the House adj
journed.