Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-12-15

Mr.. Hale gave notice Of billto amend the
Act Of July IS, !S62, regulating the grade OF
line officers In tine navy
Mr.. Anthony introduced a iolnt resolu.;o,,
viz: That the Thanks OF Congress be. aud they
herei y are, presented 10 Major General aIa-.
brcse E Burnside, and throuSh him TO the Of
ficers and fnen who have fought under his
command, fer their gallantry, good conduct
and soldier like endurance.
The resolution was ordered to be printed and
referred to the Militery Committee.
Mr. Foot introduced, in conformity with pre-
vious rotiee, bill to grant lands u aid IN the
construction OF the Pacific raiirnid and teie-
graph by the northern route. which was or.
d. red to he printed.
Mr.. Hepdricks introduced the bill, of which
he had given previous notice, 10 extshd tue
time in which States may accept lasas gran, IN,
ed by the United States for agricultural COLI
lages and it was referred TO the COMMITTEE Oh
Public Lands.
Mr.. Lsne. of Iud., introduced a bill to amend
the act entitled in act to stdeffne and punish
couspiracies," of July 81, 1861. and tue eith
section of the enrolment get of March 3, 1sss.
Mr. Davis called up his resolution ia reta-
ton to the exchange of prisoners, aud pro-
cps ded at length to argue against the policy OF
refusing to exchange our white soldiers In
cap,iyity in rebel hands, because OF the re-
fusal Of the rete! authorities to exchange negro
soldiers, and touched upon the various poltft.
cal and CONSTITUTIONS questions connected with
the status Of the negro in this country, and
depouucing the attitude and policy>of the Ad.
minIstration on that subject.
III "
ing as the COMMITTEES on the Rules: Massrs.
Washburne OF IiliBsis, Mallory of Kentucky,
Lttlejohn of New York, and Cox of Ohio.
The Sneaker land before the House a message
frcm the President of the United States. cor
daily rec ommendiDg vote of thanks to Capt
John Rogers, for his extraordinary gallantry,
skill end general good conduct. in capturing
the rebel ram Fngal: this preliminary action
being required by an existing law, in order
tina: that officer may be advanced another
grade in the navy.
communication signed by J. l. Riddelt, civil
Governor Of Louisiana, in for ming him OF the
resignation of Thomas Coltman as member
of this House; but as no such name vs. on the
roll, the communication was not received
MIR. Stevens. from the Committee OF Ways
and Means, reported bill for the support of
the Military ACADEMY; and bill for the pay
,npnt OF Invalid and other Pensions; which
W re referred to the Committee Of the Whole
en- the state OF the Union.
Mr.. Stevens introduced series OF resn'u.
items. referring the several branches Of the
Presidents aDrG1i message to the appropriate
committees. One o. them proposed to refer
that portion ahout government i'm the rebel
lions Sta'es TO Il select committee Of nine.
MI, Davis offered substitute for this
namely: That so much OF the Presidents mes
sase as relates to the-dutv of the United Statas
to guarantee republican form Of government
TO the seyerat States, ana 10 thu govarsm ants
which have been abrosated or overthrown. h
referred toa select committee of nine menu RS,
vino shall report such bills as may na nacas-
sfTy 10 secure the execution OF sucH guar.
aDife.
Dir. Davis explained that the resolution of
Mr Stevens covered too much ground, In
clrdipr all the conduct of the war, while hia
ret. rTed to particuIa branch of the sub iect.
Mr. Brooks preferred Mr.. Stevens ras I'm
si0r. He was opposed TO instructions. If Mr..
Iavis's res Olution were perseyeFed in, he
should be disposed to add that the Snecial
Committee also inquire whether republican
government had not been abrogated Or over
thrown North as we'll as South.
MIR. 1ovpjoy said that In spite of certain
individuals, there was republican government
in all the Northern States. He wanted to see
the ship Of Sta e moye'O without slavery, as
our fathers designed it.
The question was taken on the substitute of
Dir Davis, and it was adopted-yeas go, nays
so.
Mr.. Stevens series OF resolu tons, as thus
amended. was adopted.
MIR. Cox offered resolution, which was
agreed TO. declaring certain committees pro.
vided by the rules, have all the powsrs of COM
m'tses of Investigation.
On motion of Mr.. W ashburne of ILL.,, go much
of 1.-THE presidents message refers to emf
gration " "a rTferred 10 3 special committee of
five members.
On motion OF Mr.. Cox. resolution WAS
adopted calling upon the Secretary of War to
furnish the house with the report of General
Georgia Is. Mcclellan, in connection with
operations OF the Army of the Potomac