The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1864-02-29

xxxvuItA 0oNoR11S--First ssss;sa.
| Washington, Feb. 26.
HOUSE.
On motion Of Mr.. Stevens, the Com.
mittee on Military Affairs, we're instruct
ed to inquire into the expsdiency Of in
creasiDg the number of cadets at the Mill
tary Academy; and also the sxpediency
OF repeating 20 much Of the enrolment
act as gives pay to officers absent with
out leave.
At the suggestion Of Mr.. Stevens, to-
morrow Was exclusively set apart for gen.
eral debate.
Mr.. Highly, of California, introduced 1
bill to exclude traitors and public enemies
from the courts and from settlement on
the public lands. Referred to the Com
mittee on the Judiciary.
MIR. Schenck, from the Committee on
Military Affairs, reported the following
joint resolution:
Resolved, That the bounties authoriz-
ed to be paid under existing laws and the
regulations and orders Of the War De-
partment, to veterans re-snlistiug or per-
sons enlisting in the regular or volunteer
service for three yearsor during the war,
shall be paid from the LIST of March 70 the
LIST Of April, any law or regulation to the
contrary notwithstanding; and that the
said bounty Be paid out Of any money al
ready appropriated for that purpose.
| Mr.. Cafrath suggested IN amendment
credlting veterans 70 their respective 10.
calities.
Mr.. Schenck said that was already pro-
vided for in the enrolment bill.
Mr.. Caffrath replied the Provost Mar
shal had issued an order antagonistic.
Mr.. Sahenck said then that officer
must be held 70 responsibility.
The House then passed the joint reso-
luton to extend the time for the payment
of bounties.
The House then passed resolution Of
thanks to Admiral Porter, commanding
Mississippi squadron. and officers and
men, for eminent skill and endurance in
cooperating with the army in re-opeDiug
the Mississippi river also resolution Of
thanks to Commodore Ringgold. officers
and men, for daring and skill in rescuin z
the United States troops from shipwreck
during 1861.
Mr.. Blair, from the Committee on Mil
itary Affairs, reported bill which after
debate was passed, allowing persons in
North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama
and other southern States, to be enlisted
in the army with all the privileges under
existing laws, in regard to pay. bounty,
DC; such volunteers 20 be credited to
such States Or subdivisions Of States as
they may elect, The bill was passed, 81
70 ~.
| The Virginia election case was then
taken up.
DIR. Washburne, Of Illinois, made . re-
port from the conference COMMITTEES on
the Disagreement to the Lieutenant Gen.
eral bill.
Mr.. Washburne explained that the
House committee had agreed to the Sem
ate bill by striking out the recommends
ton that Gen. Grant be appointed Lieu
tenant General, for the reason that they
had every reason to believe if the report
should be concurred in, General Grant
would be selected to fill the position BY
the President
MIR. Cox, of Ohio, accused Washburne
OF DESERVING his old friend Gen. Grant by
yielding to the striking out Of the recon-
mendation.
The report was then adopted by vote
Of 10 against Al.
Adjourned.
Mr.. Sumner introduced bill to exclude
disloyal persons from the public lands Of
the United States. Referred to Commit
tee on Public Affairs.
Mr.. Wilson introduced a bill which
provides that future -enlistments in the
regular army shall be for three instead of
i've years. and soldiers in the regular
army who enlisted prior to July 2, 1861,
shall have the privilege of re-enlisting
until the LIST of May next, with existing
bo1nties. Ordered to be printed.
On motion of Mr.. Collamer, the bill t.
ignore disquali6cations on account of
color in carrying the mails was called up.
Considerable debate ensued on the
amendment of the Post Offie Committee,
which provides there shall be no exclusion
of witnesses in courts of the United States
on account of color.
Messrs. Hendrick, Of Indiana, Powell
and Salisbury, opposed the amendment.
Messrs. Sumner, Collamer and Harlan
supported it.
The Senate without concluding the SUBJ
ject Of removing the disqualification
against colored persons carrying mails
and allowing them to testify ID courts, re-
solved to adjourn until Monday.
c., Mill