Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-02-15
TH1RTY-E1GHTH CONGRESS.
SENATE.
wAsHlseros. February

WASHINGTON. February y.
Mr. Sumner presented petitions from l7.706
ladies of New York, Is, 800 of Illinois, and II =
64i of Massachusetts,, with duplicate Numbers OF
males. praying for the entire adjustment Of
slavery. TFT-T
The introduction of the petitions caused
spicy and interesting debate between Salisbury,
Sumner. Wilson, and others.
Mr.. Sherman introduced bill, which re-
ferred to the Finance Committee, prohibiting
speculation in geld. silver and foreign exchange,
and for other purposes. ,.
Mr.. Powell introduced bill amendatory to
the Constitution, so as to provide a new method
of electing the President of the United States.
The Senate proceeded TO the consideration of
the bill for the promotion of enlistments
Mr.. Doolittle spoke at length. claiming that it
WAS the first duty of the government to increase
our army. Slavery was the primary curse of the
war. and ought to be forever done away with.
He was followed by Mr.. Richardson. Mr.. K.
considered the war thus far, carried totally for
the negro. Ii left white men, who had some civ
! ilization, out Of the account The war had been
a chapter of Administration plumbers. af ffr
Mr. Wilson reported bill for the examination
of certain army officers-passed. s =
The Senate then adjourned.
HOUSE. ,.. e...
| In the House, Mr. Dawes called up the Louisi-
ana Congressional election case.
Mr. Fields advocated his right to the seat. he
said he had few slaves. but that il he had thou
sands, he would have sacrificed them upon the
altar OF bis country. - .s.f al ea'f 81.
Mr.. Ganson opposed the admission OF Mr..
Field on thu ground of insufficient constituency
he took occasion to sternly condemn the conduct
of interference in elections by Gen. Ripley, who
has become a convert to the pernicious doctrines
that the revolted States are out of the Union.
Mr. Brown OF Wisconsin argued that the mill
itary governor had so far interfered as to efectu
ally prevent an election
The resolution that Mr. Field was not entitled
to the seat was atopted ayes, 81; nays, Ia
The House then resolved into a committee Of
the whole to consider the enrolment bill 81
Mr. Hotchkss of New York introduced a bill
granting lands to aid in the construction OF the
Like Superior Railroad; providing for the use
thereof by the United States, free of charge.
The House went into committee of the whole,
] Mr.. Dawes in the chair. and resumed tie consid-
Grafton of the Senate bill amendatory of the en-
rnlment law
Mr. Herman of New York offered an amend
ment exemptng from draft clergymen who are
not engaged in trade secular business
During the debate Mr.. Cox of Ohio opposed il,
saying the pestiierous clergymen Of the country
ought not to be exempted.
Mr. Kelley was also opposed to the amend
ment, but for different reason. He did not
wish To out an insult on the PATRIOTISM OF clergy
men DIR. Olds' church will remedy all defects
of which his colleague (Cox) complained.
Mr.. Cox resumed, saying the rebellion was
fermented BY clergymen North and South. His
colleague (Spaulding) not the to i'm
pugn his (Cox's) loyalty, for he had stood here
opposing secession while his colleague (SpaulG-
ing> singing anthems TO John Brown and
plotting sedition and revolution.
Mr. Arnold of Maryland made an earnest ap-
peal not TO waste time in personal disputes. but
at once pass the bill before them, within thirty
DAYS the draft is ordered.
Mr. Eldridge of Wisconsin, offered provso
that the ministers have not heretofore. and will
not in future, preach politics. He said ministers
were intermediate and stirrers up of strife and
mischief. and they ought to 90 To the army be-
cause they more fitted Tor that than to preach.
Mr.. Kearhan' amendment rejected.
The Committee disagreed to an amendment.
} 20 against a. that in assigning the quota of
troops credits shall be given to States and coun-
ties from which men have enlisted in the military
organizations from other States for three years OF
during the
J Fernando Wood offered an amendment to ex.
empt from the draf. all who, from the conscien.
cious belief in the humanity, necessity or event
ual success of this war. opposed to its further
! prosecution until effort has been made, ano
, failed TO end it, by negotistion.
The Committee rejected this. % against 1903
and refused to strike out the clause which pro
poses to consolidate the two classes, As agains
, SC.
The Committee rose without conclusive action
: on the bill
Adjourned