Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1863-12-24
Proceedings of Congress.
WASHINGTON, Dec.

ton, New York, and CINCINNATI. Referred
to the Committee on Emancipation. A
message was also received from President
Lincoln, informing the House that he
had approved and signed the joint reso-
luton of thanks to Gen. Grant and the
armies under him and for a gold medal,
etc.
On motion of Mr.. Dawes, Of Mass,
the documentary evidence in the various
contested elections was ordered to be
printed.
Mr.. Blain, of Mo-, from the committee
on WAYS and Means introduced bill
appropriatiug over seven hundred thous.
and dollars to carry into effect the Act OF
March, 1862, for pay, bounty, and pen
sions to the officers and men actually en-
ploved in the western, or department of
Missouri.
Mr.. Cox, of Ohio, objected to the con-
sideration of the bill at this time. He
thought it would be better to let the bill
take the usual course
Mr. Blain said that the original claims
amounted to million and half of dol
lars, but the commissioners appointed to
investigate the subject, had reported in ia
vor of allowing the sum mentioned in the
bill. The men had been kept out OF their
pay for eighteen months worthier class
of men had not been called out for the de-
tense of the country.
Mr.. King, of Mo-, advocated the passage
of the bill. No class of men had been
more badly treated than the class provi-.
! ded for in the bill A further debate en-
sued, when the bill was made the special
order for to-day.
Mr.. Schenck, of Ohio, from the Mill
tary Committee, reported bill repeating
| the third and tenth sections of the enroll
| ment act, SO that the two classes of per-
sons to be drafted shall be consolidated
| into one this to take effect from and after
its passage. Objections being made to
| the consideration of Mr.. Schenck's report
at this time, he temporarily withdrew it.
Mr.. Yeaman, of Kentucky, offered a
series of resolutions setting forth that
conspiracy of persons exists, assuming to
be Government of the Confederate States
for the purpose of Withdrawing States
from the Federal Union, but that this does
not extinguish the political franchise OF
such States and that the citizens the. co
can at any time, resume their civil Gov.
eminent on the only condition that theil
Constitution is Republican, Tat il !,
sufficient for those who PIE loyal and quail
! iiioau by the election laws to resume theil
State Government, and this is sufficien
evidence of loyalty, &c. The House re-
fused to second the demand for the previ
GUS question, when, on motion of Mr.. Love
joy, the resolutions were referred to the
select committee on the rebellious States
/ Mr.. Spaulding, of Ohio, offered reso
luton for the appointment of select
committee of nine to consider and report
on the subject of National Bankrupt
Act.
Mr.. Holeman moved to lay the resolu-
ton on the table.
The motion was lost by yeas 60, nays Sc
The resolution was then adopted. -.
Mr.. Ashley, of Ohio, introduced bill
which was referred, providing provis-
ional government in the Military Districts
of the insurgent States, and authorizing
the loyal citizens thereof to organize a
Government, republican in form, and fol-
other purposes.
Mr.. Schenck introduced bill to create
bureau of Military Justice. Referred
to the Committee on Military Affairs.
Mr.. Ashley offered a resolution grant
ing the use of this Hall for public meet
ing of the Freedmans' Relief Association
Mr.. Case objected, and this by the
rules of the House prevented further &C
ton on the resolution to-day.
Mr.. Miller Of Pa, offered a resolution
respectfully requesting the President to
promptly instruct those having charge Of
! the exchange of prisoners to propose to
the so-callcd Southern Confederacy to
exchange white men for white men, leav-
ing all other questions, including that re-
lating to negro prisoners, to be disposed
of hereafter, so that the suffering white
men may be restored to the service of the
Il Government, their friends and fresides.
The House refused 73 against IS to lay
the resolution on the table.
i Mr. Washburn of ILL.,, offered substi-
tute for the above, declaring that the
House approve of the measures taken by
the Administration, for the exchange Of
prisoners now held by the enemy IN South
ern prisons, and recommending that the
same course be pursued by fair and just
exchange of all our soldiers now held by
the rebels. The question was taken and
Mr.. Washburn's substitute adopted 81
against 63.
I On motion of Mr.. Stephens of Pa, the
| House went into Committee Of rhe Whole,
Mr.. Fenton in the chair, on the bill ap-
propriating fifty thousand dollars for de-
| fciencies for the public minting and TWEEN.
| ty million for the payment Of volunteers
advance pay and premiums for soldier.
volunteering or enlisting in the service Of
the United States. After debate this bill
was passed and the House adjourned.
SENATE.
| The Vice President laid before the Sen
ate communication from the Secretary
of the Navy, in respnse to : resolution
Of the Senate Of February goth, 1868
transmitting the proceedings Of the cour
martial in the case of Commodore Charles
Hunter: referred to the Committee on Ma