The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1864-02-11
Washington, Feb. 10.
HOUSE,.

UOUSE.
The House proceeded to the coDsidera-
ton Of the bill to establish Bureau of
Freedman's Affairs.
Elliot. of Massachusetts, explained the
bill, saying its passage was demanded no
less By considerations Of high justice than
by it's effect on the pecuniary interests
of the Government. No action was had
on the bill.
Dawes OF Massachusetts, presented the
credentials Of James N. johnson, from
Northwestern Arkansas.
Davis Of Maryland moved to lay them
on the table, pending which the House
went into Committee of the whole on the
Enrolment Bill.
The Enrolment bill was discussed for
the remainder Of tn. session.
The Committee were for > long time
engaged on the section exempting mem.
beers Of religious denominations Who are
conscientiou.ly opposed TO hearing arms
from service ia the field but assigning
them to look after freedmen.
During the debate Mr.. Deming, Of
Co unecticut, said there we're SOC. 900
non resistants in the country, and If they
we're exempted from the draft there would
be revival amongst the non-resistiog
sections and their ranks at least would be
recruited.
J. G. Allen, of Illinois. moved to
amend by striking cut the reference TO
religious denomin atoms and making the
section apply to all persons conscientious
ly opposed to bearing arms.
Aliens motion was disagreed 70.
Allen then moved to strike out the
section entirely.
This was decided in the negative by
one majority.
The section, therefore, substantially
stands ~ in the original bill.
Ganson offered s. an amendment, that
the privileges of the Writ of Habeas Cor
pus shall not be suspended in the cares
Of alleged minors who may be enlisted.
This amendment was rejected.
Stevens offered an amendment that
persons Of African descent between 30
and 40 years Of age, whether citizens Of
the United States or not, shall be enrolled
and form part of the National forces,
aud when q slave shall be drafted and
mustered into service the master shall re-
ceive certificate for $500, and the draft.
ed man shall be free
Animated debate ensusd. The Com
mittee rose without voting.
Adjourned.
Trumbnll reported from the judiciary
Committee various bills to amend the
Constitution, and m amendment By way
Of substitute providing for the abolish
ment of slavery through State legislation
On motion of Trumbull the Senate pro-
decided 70 consider the bill prohibiting
members of Congress, Heads Of Bureaus
and others, from acting as attorneys ex-
cept 10 purely judicial cases before civil
courts.
Trumbull from the Judiciary Commit
toe reported adversely on the proposed
amendment of the Constitution By Sum
ner making all men free before the law,
30 that NO man can hold another a. .
slave. Clark introduced bill rasifyinr
and reaf6rming the Presidents Proelama-
ton of January LIST, 1868, and giving il
the force OF statute. Referred to
Slavery and and Freedmen Committee.
Brown submitted IN amendment to the
enlistment bill. confirming the Emancipa-
ton Proclamation sbolishing Aavery
throughout the country and subiec,inr
colored men to enrolment and draft.
Trumbull from the Judiciary Committee,
reported back substitute for the Joint
resolution Of Mr.. Henderson,, PROPOSING
amendments to the Constitution, q fol-
lows:
LIST. Neither slavery nor involuntary
servitude, except =, punishment for crime,
shall exist in the United States, nor any
place subject to their Jurisdiction.
End. Congress shall have power to en-
force this article BY appropriate lesisla-
ton.
After long debate, Mr.. Cowan moved
70 strike ont members Of Congress. Car
ried-yess &c, nays Ia.
The bill provides that NO member Of
the Senate or House, nor any Heads Of
Departments, shall receive compensation
directly or indirectly, for services in any
proceedings, contract. claim, coptro
versy, charge, accusation, arrest, or
other matter in which the United States
. interested. Any such person offend.
ing shall be fined $4,000 aud be i'm
psisoosd two year, and Be forever inca.
pacitsted for holding any ofioe under che
government.
The bill equalixing The pay q soldiers,
vas taksa ~. tAs psnding notisl hstn9