Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-01-07
WASHINGTON, Jan. G,

SENATE.-Mr. johnson presented a petit
ton from the Friends in Maryland, Vir-
ginia and Pennsylvania, asking exemption
from military duty; also, petition from
Susan w. Hatch, of Maryland, praying for
compensation for the slaves owned by her
and which had been taken by the military,
and for which pay was disallowed, on ac-
count of her husband. Referred to the
committee on Claims.
On motion of Mr.. Anthony, the Senate
proceeded to the election of the select Com
mittee on the Pacific railroad. He nomi-
mated Mr.. Howard as chairman, and as
members of the committee, Messrs. Cola
mer, johnson, Harding, Trumbull, Sher-
man, Morgan, Conness and Brown, who
were elected.
Resolrei, That the committee on Judici-
ary be instructed to consider the prupriety
of repeating the joint resolution of July
18th, 1862 relative to the construction of
the confiscation act, and particularly so
much of said joint resolution as purports to
prohibit the forfeiture of real estate beyond
the natural life of the offender.
Mr.. Wilson reported from the Military
committee the act to amend the enrolling
act; also, the bill to extend the time for pay
ing the bounty to volunteers.
The Senate then proceeded to the eonsid-
Grafton of the bill of Mr.. Powell, to prevent
officers of the army and navy, and other
persons engaged in the military service
from interfering with the elections il
States.
Mr.. Grimes opposed the reference of tht
bill to the Judiciary committee, on thu
ground that it related to officers in theil
military capacity.
Mr.. Powell contended for the referenc,
of the bill to the Judiciary committee, as i
protected the freedom of the elective fran
chise. In the States the evil sought to b,
remedied was of startling import to every
freeman. Elections have been carried
| against the will of majority of the peopl,
| at the point of the bayonet.
Mr.. Davis favored the reference of the bill
| to the Judiciary committee, as it introduced
the question whether certain acts performeC
by military men shall be civil offence.
The Senate refused to refer the bill to th
Judiciary committee by vote of twenty
one to sixteen.
Mr.. Powell moved for reconsideration o
the vote. A lengthy debate then ensued i,
which Messrs. Lane of Indiana, Powell an,
Davis of Kentucky, and Wilson of Massa
chusetts, participated.
Mr. Powel's bill was then referred to th
committee on Military Affairs.
|
HoUsE.-A committee of nine was ap
pointed to consider the expediency of con
structing railroad between New York an
Washington for postal and other purposes
Mr.. Farnsworth, from the Military CON
mittee, reported joint resolution extend
ing bounties heretofore paid, from Januar
to March 1st.
The postoffice appropriation bill was cor
sidered.
Mr.. Washburne of Illinois, denounced tn
railroad companies as swindling the gov
ernment, and advocated new line betwee
Washington and New York.
Mr.. Stevens said he was not prepared
denounce the railroad companies, becaus
he knew nothing about them.
Mr.. Pruyn of New York, replied to NJ
Washburne protesting against the Who'll,
sale denunciation of the railroad compani,
{ because few of them, in the opinion
Mr.. Washburne, had attempted to swind
the government.