Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-03-14
SEN ATE.

The petition of Eli Thayer and Others, pre-
sented on Monday, was incorrectly stated TO be
in favor of the passage of a law coniscatng the
lands Of the rebels and distributing them among
freedmen The petition in reality asks Congress
to confscate utterly and without reserve, the
lands of rebels. aud 10 give OF the same, without
other Formally than occupation, l6O acres TO
each private in the naval service. aud TO each
man in the rank and file of the Union army.
Mr. Powell called up the joint resolution re-
guessing the Secretary of War to transmit the
report and evidence os the Military Commission,
Of which Gen Mcdowell Was President.
Mr.. Wilson opposed the call for these papers,
as they were necessary to be withheld that they
might be used in the prosecution of officers who
were culpable.
Mr. Sherman said the evidence in possession of
the President vindicaes Gen. Curtis from the
charge Of specializing 10 cotton,
Mr.. Powell said the Senator from Kansas had
stated that ii he was the President or Secretary
of War he would want no higher eulogy than his
(Powell's) censure. Ii he thought the Secretary
Of War was doing his duty, he would not censure
him.
Mr. Lane of Kansas said that in three years
he had never heard one word from the Senator
(Howell) in denunciation of the rebel leaders,
while day by day he had heard him denounce the
officers of the Government.
! Mr.. johnson hoped the Senator from Massa.
chusetts would withdraw his objection TO the
passage OF the resolution as amended.
Mr.. Wilson would not resist the passage of
the resolution with the amendment OF the Sena-
tor from Iowa
Mr. Grimes said the whole proceeding of the
missions were grossly in violation OF the articles
of war, which proved that no such commission
Should be created except by the President and
he was wholly ignorant of the formation of such
a commission Mr. Grimes considered it moth
ing but II commission to fish up testimony de-
rogatory to officers in high standing in the army.
he referred 10 the case Of Gen. Curtis who was
arraigned on the testimony without his pres
ence.
50 satisfactory was the evidence that the Presi-
nent announced at once that Gen. Curtis was
free from all blame
IL this resolution passes it should be accompa
MED by request for any testimony which should
properly accompany IT,
After some remarks by Mr.. Powell the resolu
ton was Informally passed over
On motion Of Mr. Lane. of Kansas, resolu
ton adopted directing the Committee on the
Pacific Railroad to inquire into tn expedieDcy Of
constructing railroad from Fort Leaveuworth
to Lawrence.
Mr.. Carlisle, from the Committee on Public
Lands. reported back bill to confirm certain
land claims in California Referred 10 the Post
Office Committee.
Mr. Wilson introduced bill to provide for
the better organization of the Quartermasters'
Department. which was referred to the Commit
tee on Military Affairs.
This bill organizes divisions, charged with du-
ties as follows:
lst-Purchase and disposition of horses for the
service.
2d-Purchase and issue of clothing. KNAPP
sacks, camp and garrison equipage, and accou-
trements.
3d-Charter OF vessels for transportation.
4th-Wesfern transportation and telegraph.
5th-Purchase OF forage
9Th Erection Of hospitals, barracks store.
houses. stables and bridges
7th-The purchase and distribution of wagons.
ambulances and FORCES.
eth-inspections and reports
9th-Correspondence. returns and records
Except in case of emergency, in purchase
at the seat Of war. advertising for proposals is
required. fi's
The bill also provides for the more economical
distribution Of supplies and for the punishment
of frauds in purchases
The special order was taken mp, being the
amendment Of Mr. Brown to the bill to promote
enlistments. He concluded bis remarks in ia
vor Of general emancipation policy.
Adjourned.