Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-03-24
Congressional.


SENATE.-Mr. Howard addressed the Sem
ate at length in opposition to the bill OF
Mr.. Powell to prevent military interference
| in State elections.
The bill establishing bureau of military
justice, was reported from the Military
committee.
A joint resolution was passed appropria-
| ting $4,000 for the expenses of the COM
mittee on the Conduct of the War.
A bill appropriating 100000 to establish
a navy yard at Cairo, Ill, was introduced.
The bill relative to deserters, providing
for the disfranchisement of those refusing
to return, and for exemption from punish
ment to those who do return, was taken up.
Mr.. Wilson advocated the bill, stating
that there were many deserters in Canada
desirous of returning to serve out their
time in the army, and if the President
should name some place near the borders
Of Canada as rendezvous for them, that
quite body of men would return to duty.
Mr.. Clark opposed the bill.
No action was taken.
The bill to prevent military interference
In State elections, was taken up.
Mr.. Howard opposed it at some length,
believing 1t obnoxious to the Constitution,
and that Congress had no power over State
elections. Mr.. Howard gave way for an
executive session.
Adjourned. 'r
HoUsE.-Mr. Herman asked leave to In
troduce resolution for special committee
to inquire whether civilians In the employ
of the Government were sent home at Gov
ernment expense to vote at elections. =
Mr.. Stevens objected, unless the inquiry
be conducted by the committee on the Con-
duct of the War.
Mr.. Herman would not consent.
Mr.. McClurg, of No., rising to q personal
explanation, repeated and sought to prove
the charge heretofore made against his col
league, Mr.. Blair, Of having violated the
Treasury regulations by smuggling liquors
into the army, and produced an army order
signed by Gen. Rosecrans to show the falsi-
ty of Mr.. Blair's remarks that free persons
of color had not been removed from Mis-
souri, and sold into slavery. He had the
same compassion for Mr.. Blair as he had for
condemned criminal, and indulged in
some personal reflections upon his colleague.
Mr.. Blair asked that special committee
be appointed to examine the charges of his
colleague, who has uttered base and will
full falsehood. His colleague had taken the
place Of the torger and falsifier, and he
(Blair) pronounces him (McClurg) an in
famous liar and scoundrel. ls
The Speaker said such language was
against the rules and decoruni of the House,
and called upon the House to aid him In
enforcing the rules. Z.
Mr.. Blair said no other language could be
used in, regard to allegations so false, base
and utterly contemplate.
Mr.. McClurg asked Mr.. Blair to look at
his (Mr. Blair's) own signature to the liquor
order.
Mr.. Blair replied with passionate earn
estness that he'would look at nothing that
came from the infamous scoundrels.
Much excitement confusion and disorder
prevailed throughout the proceedings. FL
nally the resolution to appoint select COM
mittee to inquire into the allegations of Mr..
McClurg was adopted.
Mr.. Wilson, Of Iowa, from the committee
of the Judiciary, asked and the committee
was discharged from further consideration
of the memorials asking for the impeach-
ment Of Judge Miller, Of Iowa. He said
nothing appeared from the documents to
Justify any action in the case. ffl
The House proceeded to decentralization
of the amended national currency and bank
bill. 70
IA resolution was passed ,instructing the
Ways and Means committee to inquire into
the expediency of imposing an adequate
duty on all wool imported from foreign
countries after July lst next. ,R
Messrs. Highly, Clay and Pruyn were ap-
pointed the committee to investigate the
charges of Mr.. McClurg against Mr.. Blair.
a Mr.. Hooper favored the establishment Of
national banks, and thought the system Of
State banks unequal to present exigencies.
He, explained the provisions of the bill,
which had been carefully prepared after