The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-12-14
s,l,s aRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS
.0AoGIIaS IsEsa41E. II
VAstiTNGToN.. Decemhar IL

Lake. - Bros, EenA - 80 ~ 'OI
1000 United Stat, eer rl .ney
lost. Referred to the Fin. NICE committee
Mr.. Sumner also introdue ed Dill au-
thorizing the President to trans gun
boat TO the Republic of Liberia.
;. Mr.. Sherman introduced a bill app Topfi>
ating one million dollars for the cons. rue
ton OF six revenue cutters for the lakes.
= Mr.. Howard introduced . petition from
the collector of the port Of Detroit, pray
ing for relief from the operation OF the joint
resolution Of the last session, increasing the
rate of duties on imported articles 81 per
cent. The petition was referred to the
committee on Finance.
Mr. Sherman, from the Finance commits
tee, reporteda bill authorizing the con-
struction of six revenue cutters for service
on the lakes, and offered an appropriation
of 81, 900 600, or 80 much as is necessary
for the purpose. He requested that the
following letter from the Secretary Of the
Treasury be read: ,'-.'ia5s,si'
SRI have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant,
asking for Information as to the number Of
revenue cutters now on the lakes, their eff
fciency, and necessity of their increase.
The number Of cutters heretofore men,
TONED on Northern lakes was six. They
are sailing vessels, and Of such build and
rig as to prevent their cruising with eff
cheney. In 1861, FIVE of them were di>
rected to be brought down the st. Law
renee to the Atlantic Coast, in hopes that
they might be used advantageously in the
revenue service. One was left upon the
lakes, but found to be worthless, and was
sold during last winter. A contract was
made with parties to build an efficient
steamer for the revenue service on Lake
Erie, which vessel is SO nearly complete
that her trial has been ordered for to-day.
This is the only steamer belonging to the
Government applicable to revenue pur'
poses on all the lakes. Necessity, however,
for preventing smuggling along our North
ern frontier, which the Government has
satisfactory evidence is carried on to q
great. extent, induced the Secretary to
charter two steamers for temporary ser
vice, one on Lake Erie and one on Lake
Ontario One of these was lost on entering
Cleveland harbor, and the charter of the
other has expired, and she has gone out Of
service.
!. therefore recommend that authority
be given to build and purchase five effici-
emit vessels tor the use of the Revenue De-
pertinent on the Northern Lakes, which, in
addition to the one just completed will
make the number Of cutters the same as
previously employed. 1t is possible that
the number recommended will not be all
that will be required. The great length of
coast to be guarded, and in some parts its
close proximity to the Canada shore, dc.
mand that constant vigilance and proper au.
thority should be conferred to meet con-
tingencies. If possible such vessels should
be completed and commissioned by the
opening of navigation.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
W. P. FEssENDEN.
,.rzfFr- Secretary of Treasury.
Mr. Foster asked if the vessels called for
were armed vessels.
Mr.. Sherman replied that he understood
that Revenue Cutters were usually aremed
with pivot guns only, they were not yes
sells Of war.
Mr.. Foster said that by an arrangement
between the government of the United
States and Great Britain, entered into April,
1851, there was stipulation in regard to
the armed force which the government Of
the Uuited States should keep on Lakes.
Mr.. Sherman said that the Finance com.
mittee had considered that arrangement
before taking action on the bill. 1t did not
interfere in any way with il.
The bill, as reported, was then passed
Mr. Wilson introduced joint resolu-
ton to encourage enlistments in the army
by making free the wives and children Of
colored soldiers, now held as slaves in the
South. The resolution provides that the
wife and children, if any he have, of any
person that has been or shall be in Che ser,
vice, shall be for ever free, and in determine
ing who Is the wife and who are the child
rem Of enlisted persons, and if it is proven
that he and the woman claimed to be his
wife have lived together, associated as bus.
band and wife, and continued to live and
associate at the time Of enlistment, or that
form Of marriage, whether the same was
or was not authorized by law, has been
celebrated between them, and that the par
ties thereto thereafter lived together, asso-
ciated as husband and wife, and so contin>
ued to live and associate at the time of en-
listment, shall be deemed sufficient proof
of marriage, and the children of such
marriage shall be deemed and taken to be
children mentioned In this act.
Mr.. Lane, of Kansas, here moved that
the Senate adjourn, but subsequently with
drew his motion to permit Mr.. Sprague to
present the credentials of Mr.. Anthony,
Senator from Rhode Island, for six years,
commencing April lst, 1865
The Senate then went into executive
session and adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Elliott offered a resolution for the
rea omission ofLouisiana Referred to com
mittee on rebellious States. ...
Mr.. Cole, of California, introduced a bill
granting lands to certain California railroad
companies. Referred to public lands
The committee also reported bill to estab
lish mining Department
Mr.. Cole moved to refer to . select COM