The Portland daily press., 1864-03-19
BY TELEGRAPH
T0TEE
Portland Daily Press.
XXXVIII O0NGRESS---First Session.
WASHINGTON. March Is.

SENATE.
4 petition was presented from the citizens
of Brooklyn, that rebel lands be confscated
and divided into parcels of 100 acres for dis
tribution among soldiers. Referred.
Mr.. Grimes resolution, amending the rules
so as to require all action on nominations to
be made in open session, was referred to the
Committee on the judiciary.
The House bill to provide for carrying the
mails to foreign ports was called up by Mr..
Collamer, and, after amendments, was passed
On motion of Mr.. Wilson, the Senate passed
to the consideration of the Senate bill 10 pro-
mote enlstments and for other purposes. He
made speech in support of his amendment
TO the original bill as a substitute for it, which
frees the wives and children of colored re-
cruits. The other portions of the original
bill had been provided for in past legislation.
Considerable debate ensued on this amend
ment, and another giving compensation to
loyal masters.
Mr. Wilson urged the adoption of his sub
stitute without delay, AS negroes would not
enlist until satisfied that their families were
provided for.
Mr. Sumner favored the bill.
Mr.. Wilson further advocated his amend
ment stating that we want soldiers, and that
this measure would promote enlistments, by
saying to loyal slaves that their wives ard
children should be free from the moment of
their enlistment. The country was going to
ruin for the want of soldiers.
Mr.. Wilkinson opposed the purchase Of
slaves by the Government. He claimed that
these person owed service to the Government,
and we were under no more obligation to pro-
tect their families than the families of white
men. He favored the freeing of their wives
and children without compensation, and be-
lieved the bill should be postponed, as it in
volved millions of dollars without practical
purpose.
Mr.. Lane, of Kansas favored the immediate
passage of the BILL and would vote against
giving masters one cent of compensation.
Mr.. Sherman said the bill was defective and
impracticable in its effects.
Mr. Grimes confirmed the statement of Mr..
Wilson, that the wives and children of slave
recruits were being sold in Missouri and else
where, and hoped the bill would pass.
Mr.. Wilson did not believe the value of
these slaves would average 500. If we pass
an amendment to the Constitution we will
have to get three fourths of the States TO
favor it.
Mr.. Conuess moved to recommit the bill.
Mr.. Doolittle favored constitutional amend
ment, as being the most effectual was to settle
the whole question beyond any future change
Mr.. Carlisle wished the bill referred to the
Judiciary Committee, as it involved great
exercise OF power.
Mr.. Howard was opposed to sending the
bill to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Fessenden was convinced that the Gov
eminent had the right to take slave, and had
the right to use all necessary means to secure
its salvation. We decide not only the law but
on the necessity which causes the law. He
should vote for the amendment as TO compen-
sation. The Government could take property
for public uses, and the moral and constitu-
tional obligation is that it saould pay for it,
but not at the time. There we may take the
property, because there is no such thing as
making Government pay, as its obligations
allows it its own time and mode of payment.
Without dsposing of the bill. the Senate
agreed to adjourn until Monday, and went
into executive session.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Julian, OF Ind, made speech in sup
port of the bill, heretofore reported by him
from the Committee on Public Lands, to ex-
tend the principles of the homestead law to
persons in the military and naval service on
confiscated or forfeited lands.
The House passed to the consideration of
the Senate bill to facilitate entrees to soldiers
under the homestead bill.
The House next considered the appropria-
ton to pay for certain books heretofore delv-
cred by Messrs. Gales and Seaton, involving
the question of contract.
After debate, the subject was table-67
against 80,