The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-02-06


dered to be put. The House first voted
on Mr.. Maynards motion to refer the bill
and the pending amendments to the
Committee on Military Affairs. Lost 40
to 80.
The question was then taken on Mr..
Hickman's amendment, which was reject
ed. 1t authorized the President to raise
as many regiments, not exceeding thirty,
of African or colored persons ofthe United
States, as in his discretion he might con-
slider necessary. 1t also provided for a
line of steamers between the United States
and the coast of Africa.
AS modified by Mr.. Stevens, the bill
reads as follows:
The President be and is authorized to enroll,
| arm, equip, and receive into the land and ma
val service of the United States, such number
of volunteers of African descent as he may deem
| equal to suppress the present rebellion, for
| such term of service as he may prescribe, not
| exceeding five years. The said volunteers to
be organized according to the regulations OF
the branch of service into which they may be
enlisted, to receive same rations, clothing, and
| equipments as other volunteers, and monthly
pay not to exceed that of other volunteers; to be
differed by whites, or black persons appointed,
| and commissioned by the President; and to be
| governed by the rules, and articles of war, and
such other rules and regulations as may be pre-
| scribed by the President.
Proriaed, That nothing herein contained in
the rules Or articles of war, shall be so con-
strued as to authorize or permit any officer
of African descent to be appointed to rank or ex-
| ercise military or naval authority over white
| officers, soldiers or men in the military or
Naval service of the United States nor shall
| any greater pay than ten dollars per month,
with their usual allotment of clothing and IA
tions be allowed or paid to privates or labOrers
of African descent, who are or may be in the
military or naval service of the United States.
ProrideI, further, That the slaves of loyal
citizens in the States exempt by the Presidents
Proclamation of January 1st, 1868, shall not bc
received into the armed service of the United
States, nor shall there be recruiting offices
| opened in either Of the States of Delaware,
Maryland, Missouri. Virginia, Kentucky, or
Tennessee, without the consent Of the Cover
nors of said States having been first obtained
The bin passed Ivy a vote of IS against
SIS.
After which the House adjourned.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8.
In the Senate, Mr. Lane, OF Kansas, in
trOduced bill to provide for stop
ping the pay Of unemployed military Off
GERS.
Mr.. McDougal moved to take up the
resolutions offered by him relative to
French operations in Mexico. He thought
it was about time this subject should be
brought to the attention of the country.
He thought France was already making
war, and aiding the rebellion by collu-
sion with the Southern Confederacy to
sieze on Texas and the more Southern
States, and gain control of the Missis-
sippi. The latest news from France
stated that this expedition was expressly
antagonistic to the progress of the United
States in conquering Mexico, and so France
invaded a sister Republic upon our bor-
ders, and on our weakest side. 1t was
high-handed outrage, and should be
the condemnation Of every one.
He referred to the intriguing mission
of Almonte to Spain and France, with the
proposition to establish monarchy in
Mexico, and claimed that this attempt OF
France was the result Of the Vaccinations
Of Almonte.
Mr.. McDougal addressed the Senate at
some length, on the conduct of France
with regard to Mexico. He contended it
was in violation of all international laws,
| treaties and assurances made to this Gov
eminent, and to overthrow the whole
commercial system of this country. lie
declared the ultimatum offered to Mexico
by France was an insult to any civil
lied nation, and said that if any Govern
ment was unfayorable to the US. Govern
ment in this contest, it was that of France.
France needed cotton country She
could find it in Mexico Lower Califor-
MIA was not very loyal. Many disloyal
men had gone to Mexico. To-day very
few arms and little ammunition were left
in California, and France might seize
ard hold that State at any time with
in thirty days. He thought Government
was bound to pay some attention to this.
There was no reason why we should be
afraid of conflict with France, with Spain
and England combined.
In California, they were apprehensive of
the designs of France, and he thought
that her course and policy afforded good
ground for apprehension. France would
not withdraw her troops from Mexico.
Ten thousand soldiers sent from this coun-
try to aid the Mexicans, would so strengthen
them that they could drive the French