The Portland daily press., 1864-02-03
BY TELEGRAPH
TOTHE
Portland Daily Press.
xXXVIII OONGREss---First Session.
WASHINGTON, Feb. /:

WASHINGTON, Feb. ..
The Joint resolutions Of thanks to Cen.
Thomas and to Commander Ringgold were
passed.
A resolution was adopted to instruct the
committee on the conduct of the war to en-
quire into the military administration in
Alexandria.
Mr.. Fessenden presented papers relating to
an increase in the salaries OF certain consuls.
Also communication relative to destitute
citizen passengers landed in foreign countries
by rebel pirates. Referred 10 the Committee
on Commerce.
The Hon. Geo. Reed Biddle, from Delaware
appeared and took the oath of office.
Mr.. Sumner presented the petition of Rich
ard fates, Governor of Illinois, petitioning
Congress to exercise its constitutional powers
for the immediate abolition of slavery through
out the United States. Referred to the Gem
mittee on Slavery and Freedom.
Mr.. Doolittle's resolution, requesting the
department to send person to represent them
before the committees OF investigation, was
taken up.
Mr.. Hale opposed Mr.. Doolittle's resolution
as unnecessary and productive of mischief,
its effect being to turn every committee into a
common Justices court, before which petit
foggers would appear and indefinitely prolong
its sessions.
Mr.. Doolittle defended his motion, stating
that he considered its adoption necessary to
fulfill the ends of justice in the investigation
OF frauds, in which the heads of departments
were as anxious for scrutiny as any Senator.
Mr.. Trumbuli opposed the resolution as use
less.
Further consideration of the resolution was
postponed until Monday.
The enrolment bill was then taken up, the
question being on the amendment of Mr. Hen
deson, limiting freedom TO the wives and
children of slave recruits belonging TO dis
loyal owners.
Mr.. Sherman opposed the amendment. He
was in favor of taking all the slaves we need
ed into military service, but would pay loyal
masters reasonable compensation for them.
Mr.. Carlisle obtained the floor to reply,
when the Senate went into executive session.
Adjourned.
HOUSE.
On motion of Mr.. Fenton, of n. Y, the
Secretary OF the Navy was called upon to in
form the House whether supplies for that de-
partment during the past year were purchased
upon contract; IL not, what proportion there
OF, and what kind were purchased 10 open
market, etc, etc, and that he inform the House
what alteration In the Inv is necessary.
MIR. Stevens, OF Pa, from the Committee on
ways and Means. reported the bill Of appro-
priatlons Tor the support Of the army for the
year ending with June, 1866.
The House passed the bill 10 facilitate the
payment OF bounties and arrears Of pay due
TO wounded soldiers.
The House resumed the consideration Of
the bill amendatory Of the conascation act.
Mr.. Broonal, Of Pa, made a speech In
favor OF the con6scation Of rebel estates.
The House then went into a committee on
the Senate's bill amendatory OF the enrolment
act.
Mr.. Schenck, of Ohio, explained the differ
ences between the Senate bill and the substi-
tute recommended BY the House Committee
on Military Affairs.
Mr.. Chandler, of n. Y, made speech
against the confscation bill.
Mr.. Davis, of y. Y, replied to Mr.. Chand-
Ter, saying, the country could not exist on the
basis OF such patriotism as his colleague had
expressed
Mr.. Anderson, Of Ky, spiritedly replied to
Mr.. VIM. j. Allen, Of Illinois, who some days
ago made an allusion TO him. He charged
Mr.. Allen with sympathizing and apologising
for treason.
Mr.. Allen responded, reiierating that Mr..
Andersons election TO the House was made
by the aid Of the bayonet.
The colloquy was OF q sharp and personal
character.-Adjourned.