The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-01-16
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rOTHE
Portland Daily Press.
XXXVIII O0NGREsS---rirst Session.
SENATE.
WASurNnroD Iao 1

WASHINGTON, Jan. Is.
Mr. Wilson introduced petition of Peter
Cooper and others against the repeal of the
Communication clause.
Mr.. CONFESS introduced bill amendatory
OF the Homestead law and for other purposes.
Referred.
Mr.. Ramsay introduced bill authorizing
Minnesota and Wisconsin to extend their com
mon boundary, etc. Referred.
Mr.. CONFESS presented resolution of in
quiry as to the failure OF the overland mail to
California for the past two months.
Mr. Henderson presented the House bill
providing for deficiency in the appropriation
to pay the officers and men in the Department
of Missouri.
Mr.. Wilson offered an amendment giving
drafted men bounty Of 500, placing them
on footing with volunteers and reducing the
time of their service to years. The amend
mcnt was opposed by Messrs. CONFESS and
Clark.
On motion of Mr.. Henderson, all prior or
ders were suspended and the House bill pro-
viding for deficiencies in the appropriation for
paying the officers and men in the Western
Department of Missouri was considered, and
after amendment, passed. The bill appropri-
ates &I00,6l2.
Mr.. Lane, of Kansas, offered resolution
calling on the Secretary of the Treasury for
the names of specialagents and assistants now
in the employment of the Treasury Depart
ment, the States from which they were appoint
ed, their operations, their pay and emoluments,
which was agreed to.
The Senate, by resolution, requested the
Secretary of State TO transmit copy of the
report presented to the international statisti-
cal Congress at Berlin ia September last, by
Hon. Samuel B, Rugges, delegate to that
body from the United States. "This paper
exhibited to the thirty-three nations assembled
in that Congress the rapid increase in the ter
ritory, population and product of the United
States, and especially the vast dormant wealth
of its gold bearing regions. 1t was published
at Berlin and extensively circulated through
out Europe, where it has exerted an important
influence in sustaining our national credit
The Senate, in committee Of the whole, pro-
ceeded to the consideration Of the enrolment
bill.
Mr.. Doolittle proposed an amendment pro-
hibiting enlisted men from serving as substi-
tutes except in regiments from the State where
they first enlisted. Adopted.
The amendment of the committee, as amend
ed. was then reported TO the Senate.
Mr.. Clark asked to withdraw his amendment
allowing volunteers to furnish substitutes,
passed yesterday in committee of the whole.
Mr.. Nesmith moved that the Senate rescind
its action of yesterday to retain the $500 COM
country was looking to the Senate for FEAST
BILE measure TO secure soldiers to crush the
rebellion, the Senate was amusing the country
with schemes of how not to do the work. 1t
was time TO look the matter boldly in the face
Theiwar had been a chapter of accidents. He
might say comedy of errors.
Mr.. Sumner renewed his amendment requir-
ing a tax on incomes. Rejected.
Mr.. Doolittle moved to amend by making
v.arsn,,e IN hav rasidad In ho Trnitad Cta,.e
one year and shall have voted at any election
liable to the draft. Adopted.
Mr.. Sherman renewed his amendment to
substitute $500 instead OF $500 as the maxi
mum for communication.
Mr.. Lane, of Indiana, would, without dis
courtesy to the Senate, move TO amend the
title of the bill as 1t now stands by calling il
bill to raise tax by lottery from certain
able-bodied men who are unwilling to enter
the service. tLaughter.) He would vote
against this expensive, unpracticable and
cumbersome bill. He wanted CONSUMPTION
bill. This was not such bill, but bill Of
revenue.
Mr.. Harris moved to amend Mr. Sherman's
amendment, by inserting s400 instead Of $500
as the price Of commutation. Carried, ayes
%, nays 10. =
On motion of Mr.. johnson, the Senate adj
journed until tomorrow.
Mr.. Lovejoy, of Illinois, from the committee
on the District of Columbia, made report
showing that ample provision had been made
TO guard against the spreading of small pox,
and submitted a resolution, which was passed.
recommending that the corporation authorl-
ties make provision for yaccinating citizens at
their houses.
Mr.. Alley, of Massachusetts, from the Post
Office committee reported a bill allowing small
packages Of clothing TO be sent through the
mail at the rate Of eight cents for two pounds.
Passed.
The House proceeded to the consideration
of the Dacotah contested election case.
Alter debate resolution was passed admit
ting Mr.. Jane to be sworn in, but this Is not
to prejudice Mr.. Todd from prosecuting the
contest.
Mr.. Elliot, of Mass, from the Committee on
Commerce, reported a bill making certain
rules and regulations for preventing collisions
on the water, and bill to regulate the adj
measurement Of tonnage OF ships and vessels
Of the United States.
On motion of Mr.. Washburn, of Illinois,
the Committee on Commerce was directed to
inquire into the expediency of a law requir-
ing hospital dues from American vessels sold
in foreign parts.
Bills were passed appropriating $4,000 to
indemnify the owners of the British schooner
Glen for illegal seizure, and for the appoint
ment of an Assistant Secretary of War.
The House at p. N. adjourned to Monday.