Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-12-23
FROM WASHJNGTON

oAtehueu temhfkt ftlhtVe tn the dlscnarge OF
the St. Albans raiders by the Canadian au-
thorities, offered the following
! Whereas, Recent raids have been organic
ed in Canada and Nova Scotia, and men en-
listed in the British provinces by men pur-
porting to hold commissions from the rebels,
for numbering and robbing pescesble citizens
| Of the United States, for burning cities and
villages, for practically capturing merchant
vessels and numbering their crews and for a
general system Of murder, arson, robbery
and plunder Of pesceable and unsrmed citz-
ems Of the United States and whereas the
people of the British provinces seem dispos-
cd to protect these thieves, robbers, incendia-
ries, pirates and murderers. not only in their
individual capacity, but by bubbles of law,
therefore
! Resoloed, That the committee on military
affairs be directed to inquire into the expedi-
ency Of enlisliug an army corps to defend
our territory bordering on the lakes and the
Canadian line from all hostile demonstrations
and incursions.
Mr.. Johnson Of Md. made objection, and
/ the resolution was laid over.
| Mr.. Chandler said he had hoped there
would be no objection, and offered another
resolution as follows
| Whereas, At the commencement OF the
rebellion, the United States were at peace
with all the governments Of the world, and
upon terms of comfy and good will with
Great Britain and whereas that nation be-
fore the arrival on her soil Of our minister,
accredited by the administration Of President
Lincoln, precipitately acknowledged the reh-
els as belligerants, thus recognizing their flag
upon the ocean, without which recognition It
would have been regarded and treated as pi-
ratica by other powers and whereas, she
then proclaimed perfect neutrality between
republic with which she had entertained
friendly relations for upwards OF half a CEN
tuty, and its reasonable subjects; and where
as, numbers Of her subjects, With the full
knowledge Of her Ministers, commenced put
Ting out fast sailing British ships loaded with
munitions of war for the purpose of running
our blockaded ports 10 the rebels, thus furn-
ishing them means for organizing and con-
tinuing the rebellion, without which it could
not have sustained itself for six months ; and
whereas, in ADDITION to the above, and with
the knowledge Of the government, British
subjects and members of parliament engaged
in the manufacture of piratical English ships,
owned by British subjects, manned by British
sesmen, sailing under British colors, for the
purpose Of burning, destroying and utterly
driving from the ocean all peaceful vessels
sailing under the United States flag and
whereas, many private unarmed American
ships have Lsen burned by these pirates from
English ports, thus causing great loss and
damage to citizens OF the United States, there
tore
Resolved, That the secretary Of state be in
stfuctsd to make out u list of each ship aud
cargo thus destroyed, with fair and separate
valuation thersof and interest thereon at the
rate Of six per cent from the date of destruc-
tion to the date of presentation ; and that
he be directed to demand from the British
government pay ment in full for all ships and
csrgoes destroyed as aforesaid.
Mr.. Johnson made objection to this also,
and the resolution was laid over; bat both
vi the resolutions were subsequently ordered
TO be printed.
A joint resolution from the House, giving
notice TO Great Britain Of the termination OF
the reciprocity treaty, was referred to the
foreign committee
| In the House, bills were passed amending
the act OF July, 1862, 70 as to read that any
alien Of II years whO shall have enlisted IN
the army or navy or marine corps, aud been
honorabiy disehark ed, may become a citizen
without previous declaration, and not be re-
qulred TO prove moIe than one years fesld-
ence dropping all Insjo generals and brig
dieTs from the army roll ON the 18th Of Feb.
next, who then have not besn on duty the
previous three months, except wounded, SICK
or paroied vthcers, provided that all officers
coming under the above who may have been
appointed to such rank from toe regular ar
my, may be reunited to their former position
I IN reg uiar service authorizing the cOnstruc-
I lion of SIX steam revenue cutters ON the
lakes.
A resolution was sdOpted that the foreign
committee inquire int The expedleney Of
forthwith providing Tor the protection VI our
Canadian and provincial frontier from murder,
arson and burglary, on preIense Of rebel IN
vasion.
Bills for a Canal around the Falls Of Nj
agara, and tor a canal from the Mississippi 10
| Lake Michigan, we're postponed TO the 23d Of
January.
In the Senate, Dec. Is, resolutions we're
adopted asking the president to furnish in
formation relative to the treaty with Great
Britain, ceneerriug a naYal force on the lakes
aud insTuctlng the committee on the conduct
OF the war TO inquire into the truth of the
alleged charges that large numbers Of disloy-
al persons are IN tue employ Of the govern
ment to the exclusion OF all loyal men.
! The resolutions uffered On Wednesday by
Mr.. Chandler of Michigan were referred to
the foreign committee.
Mr.. Brown Of Missouri offered a resolu-
tion that the military committee inquire into
the expediency Of providing for the enrolment
Of all male citizens between lS and As years,
without respect to color; ana TO suggest such
other provisions as may tend more efectually
to organize the militia system of the United
Statet.
On motion of Mr.. Sumner OF Msssschu-
sets, the bill to transfer a gunboat 70 the gov
ernment Of Liberia was taken up.
Mr.. Powell of Kentucky, opposed the bill,
but it was passed bv II vote Of 33 to 8.
In the House resolutions were adopted
directing an investigation into the pension
system, and requesting the secretary OF state
to furnish all Communications in his office
relative 10 the difficulties on the northern
borders.
The senate's joint resolution Of thanks to
Capt Wlnslow and Lieut.. Gushing we're pass
ed.
Mr. Donnely OF Minnesota, introduced a
bill requiring all persons applying for the oen-
eft Of the preemption and homestead laws