The Portland daily press., 1863-01-21
XXXvII OONGREss.---seoond Session.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20.
SENATE.

SENATE.
Mr.. Sumner, from Committee on Foreign
Affairs. reported bill to pay the French
Spoilation Claims.
Mr.. Hale, from the Naval Committee. re-
ported back the bill to authorize letters OF
marque and reprisal, and said he should call il
up at an early day.
Mr.. Wilson, of Massachusetts,, introduced a
bill Tor the prompt administration of Military
justice and better government of the military
forces of the United States.
A bill to alter the Judicial districts of the
United States, placing Michigan and Ohio in
the 9TH district was passed.
A bill authorizing the President to negotiate
treaty with certain Indian tribes was passed.
A bill to reorganize the Court of Claims was
taken up and several amendments adopted.
At the expiration OF the morning hour the
special order, the bill for the discharge of the
State prisoners was taken up but postponed
on motion of Mr.. Trumbull by vote of 23
against b.
Claims bill was rejected.
Mr.. Grimes moved to substitute bill re-
pealing the original bill establishing the Court
Mr.. Foster moved to table the BILL
On the question being taken it was found
that quorum was not present.
Adjourned.
HOUSE.
On motion of Mr.. Elliott, the Secretary of
the Navy was asked for any information in his
possession, to show that American vessels
cleared for any foreign port, have engaged in
the African or Co0le slave trade, and to sub
nit such suggestions to prevent it as he may
deem proper.
The Speaker stated that the pending ques-
ton was on referring the Presidents message
of yesterday to a committee of five Represen-
tatives and four Senators.
Mr.. Washburne Withdrew his motion to that
effect and the message was referred to the
Committee on Ways and Means.
On motion of Mr.. Kellogg, of Illinois. the
Committee on Postal and Military Railroads
between Washington and New York, ne EN-
powered to examine witnesses, under oath, as
to probable cost, receipts, &c.
On motion of Mr.. Pike, the Secretary of
the Navy was requested to inform the House
what action should be taken relative to the
appointment of Midshipmen, as suggested in
his annual report.
Mr.. Thomas, of Massachusetts,, from the Ju-
dietary Committee, submitted an explanatory
resolution of the text law, that the salaries of
the President, Vice President, Judges of the
Supreme and inferior Courts be exempted
from tax.
The House considered the resolution of the
Committee on Elections, that VIM. Vanderber
is not entitled TO a seat In the House, since he
was mustered into the service of the United
States as Col. Of the 9th Iowa regiment in
September, 1861.
Mr.. Washburne's motion to postpone it was
disagreed to, So against IA.
A resolution declaring Mr. Vandeyer not
entitled to seat was adopted.
Mr.. Maynard raised question that the res
olution expelled Mr.. Vandever. and that the
Constitution in such cases required a vote of
two-thirds.
The Speaker overruled the point.
Mr.. Maynard appealed from the decision.
Pending the question on the appeal the
House went into Committee Of the Whole
on the bill providing ways and means for the
support of the government
A debate followed.
Mr.. Spauldng. in behalf of the Committee
on Ways and Means, proposed an amendment
to the 1rst sections, which were agreed to, so
as to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury
to borrow from time TO time $500 900 900 for
the current fiscal year, and $600.OOO00O for
the next fiscal year, aud issue therefor coupons
or registered bonds, payable at the pleasure of
the government after 20 years from date, and
of a denomination of not less that $50, as he
may deem expedient, bearing interest at the
rate OF not exceeding per cent. per annum,
payable scmi-annually in coin.
Mr.. Thomas, OF Massachusetts, offered an
amendment which was agreed to, making the
coupons or registered bonds payable at the
pleasure Of the government AFTER 20 years from
date in coin.
Mr.. Spaulding moved to strike out the re-
strction of the sale of bonds at not less than
par so that the Secretary may in his discretion,
Dispose or them &c any time upon the best
terms he can obtain.
Pending the consideration of this amend
ment the Committee rose.
Adjourned.