The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-04-09
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TOTHE
Portland Daily Press.
XXXVIu OONGREss.--rirst Session.
WASHINGTON, April 9

WASHINGTON, April o.
SENATE.
Mr.. Morrill, introduced a bill to promote
the foreign and coasting trade. Referred to
Committee on Commerce.
Mr. Trumbull, from the Judiciary Com
mittee, reported adversely on the joint reso-
luton TO establish a new rule OF the Senate,
requiring Executive nominations to be consd-
cred in open session.
Mr.. Sherman introduced bill to provide
for a national currency, secured by United
States stocks, and to provide for the redemp-
ton thereof. Referred to the Committee on
Finance.
Mr.. Harlan introduced bill for the relief
of certain friendly Indians of the Sioux ma
ton. Referred to the Committee on Indian
Affairs.
Mr.. Morrill, introduced bill extending the
jurisdiction of District Courts. Referred to
Committee on Commerce.
Mr.. Howard introduced joint resolution
to extend the time for the reversion to the
United States of lands granted to the Mar
quette Railroad. Referred to Committee on
Public Lands.
On motion of Mr.. Wilson, the Secretary of
War was directed to communicate nforma-
ton touching the recent arrest of Col. G. b.
Ferguson, Quartermaster u. J. A, and Capt.
William Stoddard, A. Q. NJ, lately In charge
of the military depot at Alexandria.
On motion of Mr.. Anthony, it was resolved
that the Committee on Naval Affairs be in
structed to inquire into the expediency of
placing the professors OF Ethics, Spanish and
Of Drawing in the Naval Academy on the
same footing with other professors.
Mr.. Howard introduced the House bill TO
secure the title to certain lands in Rock Island,
ILL.,, which caused some debate, but without
action the subject went over at the expiration
Of the morning hour.
Mr.. Hale called up the bill to repeal the first
section Of the joint resolution of Feb. "a, 1864,
relative to the transfer of persons from the
military to the naval service, which was
passed.
The Senate took up the joint resolution
amending the Constitution so as to prohibit
slavery.
Mr.. Sumner addressed the Senate at length
in favor of the total abolition of slavery, and
was followed by Mr.. Powell in opposition.
Mr. Salisbury proposed an amendment, Sc
curing liberty of press, free speech and re-
establishing the principle of the Missouri
Compromise. Rejected
Mr. Sumner withdrew his amendment here
tofore offered.
After some remarks by Mr.. Mcdowell, the
amendments reported as substitute for the
original bill were adopted-3S TO 6.
Adjourned till Monday.
HOUSE.
Mr. Ganson made a report from the Com
mittee on Elections, that neither Mr. Loan,
the sitting member, nor Mr.. Bruce, the con-
testant, from the 7th Congressional district of
Missouri, are entitled to seat.
The House resumed the consideration of
the bill TO erect Penitentiary Jail and House
of Correction in the District OF Columbia
Mr.. Patterson, of N. H., replied to the
charge made by Mr. Washburne, of Illinois,
that he Patterson had voted Sl35 600 for
l,,... u
extravagant appropriation, reported to be
swindle. as it turned out to be. He said it
was hardly courteous to make such charge,
and proceeded to justify his vote. He Pat
terson) made the general remark that If any
man charged him with wiliuly voting for
corrupt branch or swindle he would fling back
the infamous charge with scorn and contempt
into his teeth.
Mr.. Washburne said that the gentleman
yesterday made insinuations against him, and
he stood by what he said on that occasion,
that the appropriation partook OF the charac-
ter OF swinde. He did not accuse Mr.. Pat
terson OF voting for corrupt fraud, but for
what turned out to be swindle, not intend
ing any reflection on any man in the House.
Mr.. Patterson, 10 view OF this explanation,
exonerated Mr.. Washburne.
Messrs. Morrill, and Casson briefly showed
that the appropriation was judicious.
to inquire into the expediency of reporting an
appropriation for House of Correction.
Private business was considered for some
time, after which the bill extending the time
for States to accept grants of land for agricul-
tura and mechanic college purposes was taken
up.
Mr.. Holman offered au amendment, proyid
ing that any State or territory may appropri-
ate the revenue derived from lands donated
to them for the education of orphans, soldiers
and sailors.
Mr.. Morrill, and others protested. Rejected
The bill passed with an amendment includ-
ing the State of West Virginia.
The House then went into a committee on
the-President's annual message
Mr.. Long made speech of several hours
duration. He denied that the opponents
oil the Administration were giving aid and
comfort to the enemy, and quoted from Ben
ton, Seward, Quincy, Adams, Fillmore and
others 10 show that coercion could not be sue
cessiul under republican system, and that the
last three years Of war had proved the truth
OF the proposition. There were only two
questions: LIST, the recognition of the South
ern Confederacy; 3D. the continuation of the
war for the subjugation Of the South. OF the
two he preferred the former. He believed the
Democratic party were for peace, and would
be placed in a false position il they nominated
a war candidate.
Mr.. Garfield said he honored his colleague
Cor his bravery and honesty, but was opposed
to his sentiments. He spoke at some length,
saying that when he was in the army a spy
brought in two letters addressed to j. G.
Breckenridge. They were commentators of
the bearer, who desired to fight the abolition
lists. One OF them was written by man who
lately held seat on this floor, and was from
Indiana.
Messrs. Holman, Chiffon, White and others
called for the name of the writer
Mr.. Garfield said he had the letter, and
would give the name at the proper time
Mr. Long replied to Mr.. Garfield, saying he
spoke for himself.
Aiter running debate, participated in by
Messrs. Long, Garfield and Holman, the com
mitiee rose and the House adjourned.
Washington Reports.
NEW YORK, April s.
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