The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-12-11

uOAcCOvu Cuoil, were III accordance Win
the laws of Virginia
A brisk conversation ensued as to the
legality of the credentials, when the ques-
ton was taken and the resolution agreed
to-: so that the names of the members
from Virginia were entered on the rolls.
Mr.. Washburne, of ILL.,. moved that the
House proceed to the election of Speaker
cird oOce, which was agreed to-.
MIR. Washburne nominated Mr.. COlfax.
Mr.. Pendleton, Of Ohio, nominated Mr..
Cox, Of Ohio.
Mr.. Ancona, of Pa, nominated Mr..
Dawson
Mr.. Order nominated Mr.. Mallory.
MIR. Steele, of n. Y, nominated Mr..
Stebbins.
Messrs. King and Blair, of NO., were
also placed in nomination.
Messrs. Pendleton, Davis, Wadsworth
and PomerOy were appointed tellers to
conduct the election.
The House then proceeded to vote with
the following result: Whole number of
votes, 1870; necessary to a choice, 81 !;
Mr.. Colfax received 1Ol; Mr.. Cox, 40;
Mr.. King, 4; Mr.. Mallory, 10; Mr.. Steb-
bins, 8; Mr.. Dawson, 70; Mr.. Blair, Q;
Mr.. Stiles, 1.
The Clerk declared Mr.. Colfax duly and
legally elected. The announcement was
greeted with vociferous applause. Messrs.
Dawson and Cox were appointed a COM
mittee to conduct the Speaker to the
chair. The Speaker on taking the chair
delivered briet, eloquent and patriotic
address, which was received with general
applause.
WASHINGTON, December s, 1868.
SENATE.-Mr. Wilson, of Mass, sub
mitted resolution instructing the Com
mittee on Military Affairs to inquire what
legislation is necessary to facilitate the
payment of back pay and pensions to the
heirs of deceased soldiers, &c.
MIR. Davis, of KY, submitted resolu-
ton stating that the refusal OF the rebel
authorities to exchange negro soldiers, and
the white officers commanding them,
should not prevent the exchange of our
other soldiers and officers in rebel prisons
on just terms-such as will prevent suffer-
ing to our brave officers and soldiers in the
hands of the enemy. Laid over.
Mr.. Sherman called up his resolution in
structing the Committee Cd the judiciary
to inquire and report whether Robert Will
son was still Senator from Missouri.
Mr.. Fessenden objected to the recogni-
ton of Mr.. Wilson in any way as Senator
from Missouri
Mr.. McDougal said the law on the ques-
ton had been settled and as the friend of
the gentlemen from Missouri, he was
Sorry he could not have claim.
Mr.. Powell said that when the question
upon an act whether the Legislature of Mis-
souri, had really adjourned sine die or
took recess, and whether the Legislature
of Missouri adjourned without electing a
Senator. The appointment of the Gov
ernOr held good until the proper assembly
of The Legislature and election by that
body. 1t had been said, however, that
the Legislature only took recess He
would therefor like to have the judiciary
Committee inquire into the facts.
Mr.. Trumbull moved to amend the reso-
luton by declaring that Wilson was not
elected to seat in the Senate.
The amen 1ment of Mr.. Trumbull was
agreed to and the resolution adopted.
The Clerk of the House so appeared
and announced that the House had or
ganized and appointed a Committee to
wait upon the President with the Senate
Committee to inform him that both houses
were ready for business.
The Senate took a recess for half an
hour, and at the end ef that time
Mr.. Foete, of the Senate Committee re-
ported that the Committee had waited on
the President and be would communicate
his Message to the Senate at 129 O'Clock
tomorrow.
Mr.. Wilson, Of Mass, gave notice of a
bill to increase the bounty Of volunteers,
and to make an appropriation for the same.
HoUsE.-The House Committee appoint
ed waited on the Senate and President to
inform them that the House was ready for
business.
Mr.. Mcpherson was then elected Clerk
receiving 101 votes, against SO for Mr..
Etheridge-and, being declared duly elect
ed, immediately emit red on the duties of
his office
Mr.. Ordway, of N. Y, was elected
Sergeant alarms.
The House reelected Ira GOodenough
(the present incumben0 Doorkeeper He
received 80 votes, 70 beng necessary to a
choice
W. S King, of Mimi, was re elected
Postmaster by 1914 out of l66 votes cast.
Mr.. Dawes, of Mass, presented the Gre
dentials of Messrs. Segar, Smith and Chan
dler, claiming seats from Virginia, which
were referred to the Committee on Elec-
tons.
Mr.. Washburne, of ILL.,, offered resolu-
ton rendering the thanks of Congress to
Major General Grant and the officers and
soldiers who have fought under him during
the rebellion, and directing the President
to cause medal to be presented to Gen.
Grant in the name of the people of the
United States This resolution was passed
unanimously, without a word of debate or
explanation.
Mr.. Cox said he desired to offer reso-
luton respectfully requesting the Pres-
dent to take immediate steps for the ex-
change of on. prisoners i? the South, and
communicate all correspondence in the
War Department relative to exchange of
prisoners.
After discussion the resolution was laid
over.
Mr.. Arnold gave notice of bills to pro-
hibit slavery forever in the territories
included in the Presidents emancipation