The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-05-31
xxxVIII 0eNGREss---First Session.
WASHINGTON, May 80

SENATE.
No business was transacted In the morning
The Tax bill was taken up, and discussion
ensued on Mr.. Fessenden's amendment taxing
bullion one per cent.
The tax on bullion in lump, ingot, bar or
otherwise, was reduced from five cents to half
OF one per cent after considerable discussion
In regard to 1t.
by the above amendment, which was pro-
posed by Mr.. CONFESS, il is made unlawful,
and punishment is fixed therefor, for any ar
tihcer in gold and silver TO use said metals
unless stamped by the United States, or for
any person to transport or export from the
United States any gold or silver uncoined or
unassayed or unstamped.
Mr.. Sherman offered an amendment to the
clause relative to banking, as a substitute for
the Finance Committees amendment provid-
Ing for tax of one twenty-fourth of one per
cent. per month on the average amount Of de-
posits, similar amount on capital stock, and
one-hith OF one per cent per month on the
circulation of the banking institutions other
than those organized under National laws.
The Senate here took recess.
EVENING SESSION.
Mr.. Clark moved various amendments in
order to retain the present official heads in
various bureaus, assessors, &C., without the
requisite OF new bonds, which were adopted.
Mr. Clark offered an amendment providing
tax on tobacco manufactured in the Leaf,
and not having been stripped, budded and
sweltered, twenty-five cents on stripped to-
bacco, as cavendish that has been swsltered,
including fine cut, thirty-five cents per pound.
Its consideration was postponed, several
Senators desiring to speak.
Mr.. Shermans amendment in reference to
banks was considered.
He modified the tax on circulation to one
sixth of one per centum per month, instead of
fifth
Messrs. Hendricks and Powell opposed such
legislation as a tax on banks, the latter de-
nouncing Secretary Chase's paper currency
system ~ rotten.-Adjourned
HOUSE.
On motion of Mr.. Davis, the committee on
the District of Columbia were instructed to
inquire into the condition OF the Washington
Monument Society.
Mr.. Rollins resolution was then taken up
1t ayows steady support Of the government in
all Constitutional measures for overthrowing
the rebellion, and declaring that this war is
not waged on our part in any spirit OF oppres-
sion, nor for the purpose of conquest or SUBJ
jugation, nor for the purpose OF overthrpwing
or interfering with the rights or established
institutions OF those States, but to defend and
maintain the supremacy OF the Constitution,
and to preserve the Union with all the digni-
ty, equality and rights OF the several States
unimpaired, and that as soon as these objects
are accomplished the war ought to cease.
Mr.. Rollins supported the resolution at
length. lt was then referred to the commit
tee on Rebellious States.
Mr.. Washburne reported a bill from the
committee on Commerce appropriating $780,
600 for the repair and preservation OF works
for the benefit of commerce on the lakes, and
&lf0 npD for similar mn m ha "A
The House refused to suspend the rules to
allow Mr.. Schenck 10 report bill for the sum-
mary punishment of suerrillas.
MIR. English, of Conn.,, reported bill, which
was passed, extending the time for commence
ing the construction Of the Marquette & On
tonogon Railroad in Michigan.
The House then resumed the consideration
OF the Kentucky election case of McHenry
against Yeaman. BY vote of SO to 20 Mr..
Yeaman was declared entitled to seat.
On motion Of Mr.. Cole, of California, the
Military Committee was instructed to inquire
by what authority rebels are interspersed with
national soldiers in the hospitals OF Washing
ton, and the comparative treatment Of rebel
and Union soldiers in the hospitals. Also
whether or not persons late In the rebel army
are employed in places of trust by the United
States government at Gilsbcro' Point, and If
SO, by whose authority. Also whether any
disloyal persons are employed as clerks in any
OF the departments, and II so, who are respon-
sible therefor.
The committee are authorized to compel the
attendance Of witnesses.
Mr.. Lazar, OF Penn, offered a resolution re-
curing the President to adopt measures for
the suspension OF hostilities and an armistice,
In order that consultation of the States may
be called, with view to the restoration of
the Union with their Constitutional rights
preserved.
Objection was made to the resolution, when
Mr.. Lazar moved a suspensihn of the rules,
pending which motion the House adjourned.