Delaware State journal and statesman., 1864-02-12
Congressional Summary.

10 the United States Sena 10, on Tuesday, Mr..
sumner called attention to the petitions on his
desk from lOO,09S citizens, males and females
over 10 years, in various States asking for the
passage of an act for the speedy emancipation Of
persons Of African descent, and quite a lengthy
debate occurred upon them. Mr. Wilson, from
the Military Committee, reported back the bill
reviving the grade of Lieutenant General, with
amendments, striking out the clauses making
that officer Commander-in chief and recommt nd
ing General Grant for the position. Mr. Sum
ner introduced bill prohibiting speculations in
gold, silver, and foreign exchange. Mr. Powell
submitted proposition to amend the COnstitu-
tion relative to the Presidential electors, which
was referred to the Committee on the judiciary.
The bill for the promotion Of enlistments was
then considered, but was iually postponed until
Thursday. Adjourned,
In the House Of Representatives the Lo uis-
lana election case was taken up, and after con =
siderable discussion, the resolution declaring
that MIR. Field is not entitled to seat was
adopted-yeas 81, nays IA. The House went
into Committee Of the Whole and took up the
Senate's bill amendatOry OF the enrolment act
An amendment exemptug from draft clergy
men not engaged in trade or secular business
was rejected. Another amendment, that in u.s.
signing the quota Of troops credits shall be given
to Slates and counties from which men have en-
listed in the military organizations Of other
States, was also voted down. Fernando Wood
offered an amendment to exempt from draft all
who, from conscientious disbelief in the neces-
sity of the war, ore opposed to its further pros
eoution until an effort has been made to end it
by negotiation. Not agreed to-yeas %, nays
lOS. proposition to strike out the clause
consolidating the two classes was also rejected.
The Committee then rose, aud the House adj
journed.
In the U. s. Senate on Wednesday, the Judi
ciary Committee reported a substitute for the
joint resolution Of Mr.. Henderson, proposing
amendments to the Constitution Of the United
states. The substitute proposes that neither
slavery nor involuntary serVitude, except as a
punishment for crimes, shall exist in the United
states, and that Congress shall have power to
enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
The amendment offered by Mr.. Sumner, making
oil men equal before the law, was reported upoA
adversely. Mr.. Brown, Of Missouri, submitted
amendments to the bill to promote enlislments,
conhrming the emancipation proclamation. abol-
lshlng slavery throughout the country, and sub,
Ieciing colored men TO draft. The bill proposing
reduction OF military salaries, when officers in
command are not in the field, and when on leave
or without command, was reported adversely
ny the Committee on Military Affairs. On mo
licn Of 9lr' Sumner, the Committee on the Dis
lrlct OF Columbia was directed to inquire into the
eKpediency Of law granting equality of priyi-
lsges TO colOred people on the railroads of the
District. The bill prohibiting members of Con.
gress and heads Of Departments from acting as
counsel IN cases In which the government is II
party was considered, without final action. The
joint resolution equalizing the pay Of soldiers
was taken up, but after some discussion was laid
over. Adjourned.