The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-11-22
CONGRESS.

On the 14th. Mr. Chiffon of Ala, introduced bill
to abolish Distributing Offices for mail matter ana
TO send it direct to its place of destination Mr.
Shewmake of Ga. introduced resolution of inquiry
to the expediency Of increasing the pay of COM
mssioned officers of the army below the rank of
Brigadier General. Mr. Bell introduced resolution
as to the expedency of framing general tax law
on the basis of ad Yalorem duty. Also resolution
of inquiry to what legislation is necessary for the
relief of bonded agriculturalists now in the military
service. Mr. Echols resolution recommending the
strctest observance of the Sabbath by the army and
navy of the Confederate States, and to dispense as
much possible. with Inspections parades and re-
views on that day.
On the 18th, in the Senate, Mr Sparrow intro
duced resolution to inquire what legislation is ne
cessary to provide for the sequestraon of the pro-
perty of all persons who being liable to military
duty. have left may hereafter leave. the Confed-
eracy without tho sanction of the Confederate au-
tkerites. Mr. Orr bill to exempt the cargoes of
vessels owned by the States of the Confederacy from
existing restrictions upon imports and exports.
In the House, Mr. Orr of Miss, from the commit
tee on Quartermasters. reported bill to prevent
frauds ON the Confederate Government and to pre-
vide for the punishment of officers committing them.
On the 18th, in the Senate, Mr. Maxwell intro
duced resolution requesting the President to in
form that body whether he has information that any
State of the United States has, through any recog
nzed authority, expressed Willingness to 60 into
Convention with the States of this Confederacy
for the purpose of negotiating for peace or consult
ing on the best method of effecting cessation of
hostilities. The resolution adopted.
Mr. Semmes introduced bill to extend the time
for exchanging old Treasury notes for the new ISSUE
In the House, a resolution unanimously
adopted expelling w. r. w. Cobb for disloyaty.
Cobb was the member elect from the Sd district in
Alabama.
On the 18th, in the Senate bill passed ex-
tending the time for the exchange of the old issue of
Treasury notes until the LIST of July. 1865.
Mr. Henry, of Tennessee, introduced resolutions
declaring the determination of the Congress and
people of the Confederate States to prosecute the
war till independence i'll acknowledged. The
third resolution proclams the readiness of the Gov
eminent open negotiations for the establishment
of permanent and honorable peace upon the basis
of independence
Mr. Orr introduced resolution requesting the
Committee Foreign Affairs to report the facts
so far as they can be obtained in relation to the
lawless seizure and capture of the Confederate
steamer Florida in the bay of Bahia. and what action
should be taken by this Government to redress the
outrage.
On Saturday, the 10Th, the Senate passed the
bill, suspending, for sixty days, so much of the
military act as provides that certain troops shall
not be required to perform military service out OF
the State in which they reside. The House also
passed the same bill. The suspension of the act
mentioned is to allow the Senior and Junior Re
serves to be transferred, temporarily, from enc
State to another for service. For instance, it may
be necessary to send the Reserve troops FROM
South Carolina to Georgia to assist in the present
emergency