Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-03-15
CONGRESSIO
XXXVIIIrH CONGRESS.-FIRST SESSION
TUESDAY, March Is.


SEEATR.-Mr. Sumner presented petition
from one thousand men Of African descent, in
Louisiana, praying that they be granted the
elective franchise They represent that they
were free tefore the rebellion, bat desire that
the franchise be granted also to all colored
men, natives Of the'State, those bora in slavery
included. The petition was referred to the
Committee on Slavery and Freedom
This day had been set aside for business con-
corning the District OF Columbia.
Mr. Wade. from the Committee on the Dis
trict Of Columbia. reported bill for tha pur-
chase of steam fire engine for the Columbia
Fire Company of this city. 1t appropriates
S4.lD therefor, and requires that taa steam
engine be kept in good condition by the COM
pauy or the Corporation of Washington. The
bill was at once considered and passed; yeas
e, nays 9-the nays being Messrs Hale, Hard-
Ing. Lsne OF Indiana, Lane of Kansas, Mes
NTH, Powell, Riddle, salisbury and Sher man.
MT Grimes, from the Committee on the Dis
trict of Columbia. reported favorablv on the
bill to regulate the fees of the clerks in the Su-
preme Court OF the District; and also on the
bill to authorize the Columb ia Institution for
the Deaf, Dumb and Blind to confer degrees in
the arts and scen ces.
The latter bill, On his motion, was taken mp.
1t authorizes the comforting of degrees upon
pupils Of the Institution and others, who by
their proficiency In learning, shall 80 thought
entitled to them, after the manner practised in
COLLEGES. Also to grant to graduates diplomas,
etc. The bill was passed.
The consideration of other pending bills
being urged, In confection with the military
the District business 60 over.
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill to promote the
efficiency OF the artillery OF the Army of the
United States; which was referred to the Mil.
itary Com mittee.
Mr.. Wilkinson introduced a bill to repeal all
acts making appropriations for the coloniza'
ton 81 free persons of African descent; which
was referred to the Committee on Territories
and ordered to be printed. - u
Mr.. McDougali offered the following resolu.
ton, which was adopted:
Res0Ired, That the President be requested to
communicate to- the Senate, if not I'M ON pata BILE
with the public interest, any correspondence
or other information in possession OF Govern
ment, relating to any plan or plans now pro-
jected or being projected, with view to the
establishment of monarchial governments in
Central or South America. ..1
cooperating the city OF Washington was re-
ferred to the Committee for the District Of
Columbia. ,s...s.---E
The bill of the Senate amendatory of the post
Office law was taken up. 1t provides that the
Thanking privilege Of the President and Vice
matter sent to or received by either of them.
After debate, the bill was passed.
Mr.. Dawes, OF Massachusetts, from the Com
mittee on Elections, reported resolution Civ
ing $3.50 10 John S. Sleeper, for the time spent
and expenses incurred in contesting the seat OF
ton Of which the resolution was laid upon
the table.
Mr. Ambrose w. Clarke, from the Committee
on Printing, reported resolution in favor OF
printing ten thousand copies of the reports OF
Gen Rosecrans; and also the printing OF an
the battle of Gettysburg. The resolution wa
The House resumed the consideration of the
gold bill. -e-94s4