The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-01-09
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TOrHE
Portland Daily Press.
XXXVIII OONGRESs---First Session.
SENATE.

SENATE.
WASHINGTON. Jan. 8.
Mr.. Nelson reported back the joint resolu-
tions of thanks 10 Gen. Hooker his officers
and men.
Mr.. Sprague reported resolutions of thanks
to Gen. Burnside, his officers and men.
Mr.Nesmith introduced resolutions OF thanks
to Gen. Thomas, his officers and men.
Mr.. Hale moved the reconsideration of the
resolution instructing the committee on Naval
Affairs to examine into the efficiency of the
steam engines lately constructed for the use
of the navy, the mode of securing supplies,
and the conduct of the department, and that
they have power to send for persons and pa
pers.
Mr.. Hale desired the investigation in view
OF the charges contained in the speech of Mr.
Dixon, and would prefer special committee.
Those charges cannot fail to have their effect,
unless they are investigated. While he did not
endorse the sentiments expressed from the
intercourse he had with conversant men, they
said they were heart-sick, and dispared of the
Navy as now conducted.
Mr.. Grimes said that the Secretary of the
Navy desired an investigation. He had no
doubt that it would turn out that we had not
only as fast but faster vessels than any other
nation in the world.
Mr.. Doolittle had no doubt of the integrity
of the Navy Department, but any inquiry
unless necessarily demanded, would infict
more harm than good, for charges without q
sound foundation tended to destroy confidence
in the Government.
Mr.. Connesse agreed with Mr.. Doolittle,
and took occasion to disapproye of the re-
marks made by Mr.. Hale and Mr.. Davis here
tofore. He (Connesse) did not believe that
the country was nearly sick at the manner in
which the Navy had been conducted.
Mr. Hale denied that no had mazda whola.
sale charges against the Administration. He
would say to MFR. Connesse that it would do
infinite injury to shrink from an investigation
All the departments should be as open al the
day.
Mr.. Davis replied to Mr.. Connesse, declar-
ing that he would always oppose what he con-
sidered to be wrong. He had opposed the
great lion OF the Hermitage, and he was not
to be frightened by iackals.
Further consideration was postponed until
tomorrow.
Mr.. Wilson, of Massachusetts,, introduc ed
resolution providing for the expulsion of
Senator Davis, Of Kentucky, owing to the
sentiments put forth in resolution by the
latter, which, in the opinion of Mr.. Wilson,
incites the people to REASONABLE instruction
and rebellion. Stripped OF its verbiage, this,
Mr.. Wilson said, was the purpose of the reso-
luton.
Mr.. Davis explained 10 the Senate that the
language quoted in Mr.. Wilson's resolutions
was garbled version of his own resolution.
What he Davis proposed was that the people
should rise at the polls and take the power of
this government into their own hands. Mr..
Davis repeated that the terms of Mr.. Wilson's
resolution were against the terms of his own
and were false in facts.
The subject was then passed over, and the
Senate resumed the consideration of the
amendment of the enrolment act.
A debate followed on the $500 clause, during
which Mr.. Lane advocated its repeal.
Mr.. Wilson opposed striking ii out, and be-
lieved the country would sustain him.
Without a vote the Senate went into execu-
tive session after which it adjourned.