Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-12-22
CONGR sISSIONAH..
WASHINGTON, Dec. q.
SENATE.

DEN ALE.
Mr.. Coleman presented the memorial of
Harper & Bros and other publishers, pray
ing for the modification of the laws relative
to carrying periodicals in the mails.
Mr.. Sherman reported the House bill tax
ing whisky, and asked immediate action
upon it. He said the bill proposed TO an
ticipate the additional tax by making its
operations commence January lst, instead
of February lst. 1t was objected that such
Il change of legislation indicated instability
in Congress. 1t was i'll effect taking Il
Judgment upon manufactures and seriously
interfering with their regular arrange
ments. ON the other hand it was asserted
that the manufacturers ofthe article would
be greatly increased ii this bill should not
pass, and that an immense quantity would
be made upon which only dollar would
be paid.
Mr.. McDOugall objected that it would
interfere with contracts.
Mr.. Farwel asserted that the neglect to
tax whisky had already deprived the coun-
try of more than enough to pay up the
| army to date.
| On motion of Mr.. Sumner. the Senate
| proceeded to the consideration of the resu-
luton to repeal the reciprocity treaty.
Mr.. Sumner-I had Intended, on the con-
sidcratiOn of this proposition, to review the
whole subject and to exhibit ut length the
history of the reciprocity treaty; but after
the debate of Il few days ago, and consider
ing the apparent unanimity in the Senate,
have felt unwilling to occupy the inc BY
any protracted remarks. They are not
needed. The people OF the United States
have been uneasy under the reciprocity
| treaty for several years, | may almost say
from its date. There was feeling
that it was most advantageous to
Canada. This feeling has of late ripened
into conviction. At the same time. the ex-
igences of the present war requiring such
large expenditures, make it unreasonable
for us to countenance treaty by which the
resources of the country uDquestionably
suffer. 1t is such considerations as these
which have brought the public mind to its
present position. The unamiable feeling
manifested towards us by the people of Cam
ada has had little Influence in the question,
unless, perhaps, they may have compelled
It's to look at it in the light of reason rather
than of sentiment. The question of fisher
les is included in this treaty. Some
arrangement, either by reciprocal leg
islation or by further negotiation,
can be made on this matter, so
far as it may be needed. The committee,
after careful examination ut full meeting,
was unanimous in its report, and as the
committee represents all parts of the coun-
try and all the sentiments of the Senate,
have thought that perhaps there might be
Il similar unanimity among the Senators;
therefore l forbear all further remarks and
ask for a vote.
Mr.. Hale expressed himself opposed to
the repeal of the treaty, and asked for the
postponement of the resolution to the 9th
of January next, thathe might have an op-
portunity to adress the Senate on the sub
ject.
Messrs. Trumbull, Davis, Foster, Conness
and Foot, while in favor of the resolution,
were in favor of its postponement mas
much as Mr.. Hale desired to speak Oh the
subject
MIR. Sumner said, after the explanation of
Mr.. Hale, he would leave the subject en-
tirely in his hands. He had supposed that
Mr.. Hale had already stated his objections
to the proposition in his remarks few days
ago; but If such was not the case, he was
perfectly willing that the postponement
should take place.
So the resolution was postponed to the
9th of January next
After Executive session, adjourned.
HOUSE. -.-..
Mr.. Worthington, member from Nevada,
qualified and took his seat.
Mr.. Kasson introduced a bill levying a
duty on tobacco and its manufactures,
which was referred to the committee on
Ways aud Means.
The House took up the pending resolu-
tion calling on the Secretary of Warto COM
municate what obstacle exists to general
exchange of prisoners.
Debate ensued, in which the subject of
retaliating the same treatment on rebel pris- |
onerSa as the rebels bestow on ours was dis
cussed.
Mr.. Schenck said that the committee on
Military Affairs was gathering information
on the subject of the barbarous treatment
of our prisoners, and expected soon to re-
port.
Finally the House adopted resolution |
that, if not Incompatible with the public |
interests, all communications in reference
to the exchange of prisoners not heretofore
published, be communicated to the House |
by the Secretary of War. The House then |
proceeded to the consideration Of the bill |
to supply over ninety millions of dollars OF |
deficiency in the appropriations for the |
present fiscal year.
On motion of Mr.. Ancona, it was
Resolred, That the committee on Ways
and Means be requested to inquire into the
expediency of reducing or suspending the
import duty on printing paper, and they
be and are hereby requested to report by
bill or otherwise at an early day. a8
On motion of Mr.. Coffroth, the commit |