Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-01-30
nnrsE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The House met at the usual hour, and was opened
with prayer by the Rev DR.. MOORE Of the Presbyterian
Church.
the President transmitting communication from the
Secretary of War; covering estimates OF funds required
nv the Ordnance Bureau Referred and ordered to be
printed.
detained at his room by sickness
TESTIMONY IN COURTS.
Mr. DARGAN, Of Ala, introduced bill to provide
Gnr the taking of testimony in certain criminal cases.
Referred to hle Committee on the Judiciary.
DUTIES on EXPORTS.
On motion of Mr.. CURRY, OF Ala, the Committee on
WAYS and Means was instructed TO inquire into the
pedency Of reporting bill leVyng duties on exports
NArURALIZArIoS.
Mr.. CLOPTON, of Ala, introduced bill to repeal
the laws of Naturalization Referred to the Committee
OH the Judiciary.
NASHVILLE AMP DECATUR RAILROAD
On motion of Mr. FOSTER Of Ala, the Committee
on the uuartermastcrS Department was instructed IN
inquire Into the e1pedicncy Of repairing the Nashville
and Decatur Railroad from Columbia, Tenn, to DecA'
tur Ala
RESOLUTION OF THANKS.
Mr. POSTER, of AlI, offered the following joint re-
solution which referred to the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs. ;,
Resolved That Congress appreciates with ordina-
nv feelings, the bold and daring attack made by Gen.
Wheeler aud his command upon the enemys transports
and cnboats OH the Cumberland river, and for the bril-
liant success Of the enterprise, Cen Wheeler and HI
men are emineny entitled TO the thanks OF this Con
gress.
SECRET SESSIONS.
Mr. FOSTER offered resolution TO abolish secret
sessions Lies over.
TUE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
Mr.. ROYSTON, of Ark, introducsda bill to reorgan
ize and promote the efficiency Of the medical branch OF
the military service Referred to the Committee on the
Medical Department
INDECENT FAMILIES OF SOLDIERS.
On motion of Mr.. ROYsTON, the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs was requested report back bill referred
TO them last session making provision for the manten
co Of indiqent widows and other INDECENT families
having fathers husbands or sons In the Confederate SET
vice.
On motion Of Mr.. HOLT, Of Ca, the judiciary Com
rpee was requested inquire If there be any snhcien
provisions under the existing laws for the punishment Of
sorveries Of paroles furough1 &C. aud ii such pro
visions exist to prepare and report bill for the pun
iSbment Of such offences.
.... PROVOST =ARsHAis.
On motion of Mr.. GARTRELL, Of Ga, the Conmi;
tee on Military Affairs instructed to inquire into h'
e1pediency Of reporting bill providing for the pay
fnent OF Provost Aashals appointed IRON elTI NE 10
services actually rendered.
coSscRiPTIoN OF RESIGNED OFFICERS.
Mr. WRIGHT, of Ca, introduced bill to prevent th'
CONSUMPTION Of officers regning their commissions OIL
account Of wOunds received or diseases contracted
:be service Of their country Referred to the Committed
on Military Affairs.
HORSES LOST IN SERVICE.
Mr.. WRIGHT, Of Ga, introduced bill 70 provide
compensation for horses lost in the service Of tie Con
federate States. Referred to The Committee on TN
QnAftermasesr's Department.
TEE coExissAriAT.
Mr.. CONRAD, Of La, offered areSoiutioz 93l-cs'ias
the President 10 inform the House whether one -
Broadwe has been authorized 10 purchase various sup
plies particularly sugar and salt, fog the ComSSar
Department whether he holds any office IN said Depafs
ment and what office; what the amount purchased AnS
expended; whether he authorized 10 impress aPPi
ances for transportation whether he was authorized
trade with the enemy and whether he did so trade ant
to what extent &C., &c. The resolution was agreed to
THE GALLERY THE HOUSE.
Mr. READ, of Ky, offered a resolution insirucunl
the Committee on Public Buildings 20 cause the remoT'
of the gallery of this Hall He said that the situation
Of members sitting under the gallery was dsagreean
in the extreme. They exposed TO drAught iron
the windows, and could scarcely hear what vas Shi'
upon the other aide of the House.
Mr.. JONES, Of Tenn, was In favor of 4 re-arrange
ment Of ne seats and locating the Speakers chair uPo
the extremity Of the Hall.
Mr.. LYONS, Of Va, said that the resolution propose