Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-02-10
CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8.
CsTNNT ArnIN

SENATE.
The report of the paymaster general was
received from the war department, showing
what regiments were not paid up to the LIST of
September last, and the reason therefor. Or
dered to be printed
Mr.. HARRIS presented resolutions from the
New York legislature, in favor of reduction
of the duty on printing paper.
A memorial was presented from the mer-
chants and bankers of New York, asking that
government notes be received for customs
and duties.
A bill organizing a signal corps was re-
ported.
Mr.. WILSON, from the military committee,
reported bill for the enrolment and calling
out the national forces.
A resolution was adopted that the secretary
Of the treasury inform the senate the amount
Of government cotton sold in New York since
the blockade, the amount of commissions,
stroage, and names of all persons interested.
Mr.. GRIMES offered a resolution requesting
the president to communicate the character
of the suggestions made by the secretary of
state to NJ. MERCER, as related by him to NJ.
Thouvenel, which induced M. Mercier to I'M
derrake a mission to Richmond, and what rep
reservations he was authorized to make from
the government or from the secretary of state
to the rebels; adopted.
A resolution was adopted instructing the
post office committee to inquire into the ne
cessity OF granting a transient right for sta
tons to the Overland Mail Company. Sundry
bills relating to the District of Columbia were
passed. The currency bill was taken up.
An amendment was adopted increasing the
amount OF the circulating currency from
5000, 900 to $300,0O0,0 900. Several other
minor amendments were adopted.
Mr.. SHERMAN offered an amendment pro-
viding that existing banks may become asso-
Citations under the provisions of this act
Mr.. POWELL offered an amendment that
each and every banking association organized
under the act shall be required to keep in
Its vaults gold and silver to the amount of one
fourth of the amount Of notes it is authorized
to issue. Pending the question, the senate
went into executive session, and thereafter
adjourned.
HOUSE.
The Indian and civil appropriation bill was
reported from the committee on ways and
means. The committee on elections has re-
ported against the credentials of John b.
Rogers from Tennessee, and Louis Mckenzie
from Virginia.
The ship canal bill was taken up.
Messrs. Babbet and Morehead opposed it,
the latter saying that all naval officers looked
on the project as preposterous.
Debate concluded, when the question was
taken on Mr.. Stevens amendment to reim-
burse states, which was lost. Mr.. Owens
substitute was then adopted-7l against 81.
1t provides that if New York shall within two
years from the passage of the act so construct
alter and enlarge her canals as to pass YES
sells 200 feet long, twenty-five feet in
width, six feet six Inches draft, and eighteen
feet high from Hudson river to Lakes Erie
and Ontario and shall grant to the govern
ment the right of passage through the canals
of vessels of war, the state shall be paid three
and one-half millions Of dollars, the same
being done by Illinois from the Mississippi
river TO Lake Michigan she be paid thirteen
millions of dollars. The bill thus amended
was rejected-6l against II.
The report in favor of giving seats to the
members from Louisiana was taken up. Mr..
Voorhees, denied their claims; without ac-
ton, adjourned.