The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1864-01-15
CONGRESSIONAL.
xxxv1rIth coNaRsss-First sss.;o,
Washington, Jan. IA.
HOUSE.

Washington, Jan. Ia.
HOUSE.
The House resumed the consideration
Of the joint resolution reported from the
Judiciary Committee to make the confis-
cation act conform to the Constitution, SO
that the forfeiture of estates shall contin.
ne only during the lifetime of the Of
tenders.
Cox argued that the confscation sys-
tenn had proved IN utter failure, and be-
cause this failed the House was called on
to adopt another measure to stimulate the
rebellion and destroy what little Union
feeling there was in the South.
Davis, of Maryland, replied, saying !:
"From the course OF Cox and the msjor-
ity of his side, no support Of the Ad-
mi.istration was to be expected from
them, aud when they rendered their sup
port he Davis would lock upon it with
suspicion.
Further proceedings on the subject
we're interrupted by the expiration OF the
morning hour.
The Senste resolution for the renewal
of the Committee on the conduct OF the
war was referred to the Committee on
military affairs.
The House then went into Committee
of the whole on the bill to increase the
internal revenue, which bill was recently
pubhshed.
Stevens moved an amendment, taxing
spirits distilled since August lst, 1863,
on hand and for sale.
After debate the amendment was
agreed to.
No other amendments of importance
were made. Without act ion on the bill
the Committee rose, and the House ad-
journed at Sis p. m.
McDougal offered the joint resolutions
of the California Legislature in relation
to a tax on native wines. Referred to
| the Committee on finance.
The Senate then took up the enrolment
| bill
Wilkinson introduced bill to extend
the Northern Indian Superintendency SO
that it may include the territory Of Da-
cotah. Referred to the Committee on
territories.
Wilson withdrew his amendments and
proviso. The original amendment. after
the Military Committee striking out the
$500 clause, was rejected, by 2s against
III
| Sherman's amendment came up, which
strikes out section of the original bin,
and provides that persons furnishing sub
stitutss or money shall be liable TO draft
on future calls, and raises Communication to
$500
Towards motion. retaining the $500
clause of the old bill, was adopted by 23
to IA, in lieu Of Sherman s amendment.
| Various amendments and notifications
were made to the amendment of Wilson
exemp.ing clergymen and persons who
were conscientiously opposed to bearing
arms, and allowing them when drafted To
serve in hospitals or have commutation.
4 A long debate ensued on this clause.
| Conness was opposed 10 the amend
Iment, though he had many constituents
of this class. The exceptions made oil
this class would be more numerous than
Senators took occasion 10 think The
Unitarians might claim exemption be-
cause the immortal Charming had written
the profoundest essay ever written. illus.
trating the horrors of war. His regard
for the Quskers was equal to that of any
otter Senator, but in this war be would
take Issue with Senators on the question
OF exempting them ii they refuse to pay
Communication money. II is Quake
war They have claimed that slavery
was the curse Of the earth, barbarous
institution in the world, and their aggres
sion against the institution has been the
object of their fostering care and direction
for 200 years.
i Salisbury asked if be understood the
Senator to say that this is war for the
abolition Of slavery.
4 Mr.. CONFESS knew the Senator from
Delaware would be brought into this de,
bate. He would find out what his opin.
ions we're At another and more appropriate
time, but as the Senator was slavery
he desired hin to understand that he was
anti-slavery. He asserted this was a
Quakcrs war, = war of moral forces
against the institution Of slavery He
was opposed to their exemption for con-
science sake. He believed the safest and
truest way to Heaven was to strike rebel
whenever you can reach hin. Zap
Iplause.
1
The amendments exempting clergymen
and non-combattaDls were passed.
i The Senate considered and passed sew
[eral minor amendments to the bill.
4 Adjourned