The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-03-09
XXXVIII O0NGRESS---First Session.
WASHINGTON, March s.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, March s.
SENATE.
Mr.. Wilson introduced a bill for the better
organization of the Quartermaster Generals
department. Referred TO the Military Com
mittee.
On motion of Mr. Lane, of Kansas, reso-
luton was adopted directing the committee
on the Pacific Railroad to inquire into the ex-
pedlency oil constructing railroad from Fort
Leavenworth to Lawrence, Kansas.
MIR. Powell called up the joint resolution re-
questing the Secretary of War to transmit the
report and evidence of the military commits
sion Of which Gen. Mcdowell was president.
Mr. Wilson opposed the call for these pa
pers, as they were necessary TO be withheld
that they might be used in the prosecution of
officers who were culpable.
The resolution was informally passed over.
Inc special order was then taken up, it be-
ing the amendment of Mr.. Brown to the bill
to promote enlistnents.
Mr.. Brown proceeded to address the Senate
at length in support of his amendment and the
freeing OF slaves as war measure, and stated
the existence of power to free them in Con-
gress and the Executive.
Mr.. Brown concluded his remarks in favor
OF general emancipation policy at quarter
past three o'clock.
Mr.. Wilson called up the bill equalizing the
pay of soldiers.
Mr.. Davis offered an amendment, providing
that the District Courts shall appoint COM
missioner to determine the value and make
awards TO loyal owners for slaves taken into
the service
Mr.. Davis announced his intention to adj
dress the Senate tomorrow on the amend
inert.
The Senate went into executive session, and
subsequently adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr.. kasson presented the resolutions of the
Iowa Legislature in favor of soldiers who
have been discharged in consequence Of
wounds or disabilities, being employed in sit
uations which they are competent to I'LL I'M
der the Federal government, and heartily en-.
dorsing the policy of paying soldiers and sail
ors OF African descent the same as is given to
whites for similar service. Referred to the
Military committee.
The House then went into Committee of the
Whole on the Senate's amendment to the de-
hciency bill, and agreed to the amendment
discussed yesterday, for medicine and medical
attendance for negro refugees, commonly call
ad contrabands, S35 900, and rejected the pend
ing amendment thereto, and restricting the
expenditure to those who are or shall be actu-
ally in service.
The House concurred in the larger number
oil the Senate's amendments, including three
.AA.OitS VI NNA@io ioi anu
sls,50o,0o0 for regular supplies of the Qnar-
terinaster's department Owing to disagree
ments on other amendments, the bill will be
returned to the Senate.
The House resumed the consideration of
the bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treas
ury to sell from time to time, at his discre-
ton. any gold coin in the Treasury over and
above the amount which, in his opinion, may
be required by Government for the payment
of the interest on the public debt and for
other purposes. Several amendments were
offered and rejected.
Mr.. Boutwells amendment, heretofore Of
fered, was adopted as substitute for the orig
inal bill. 1t merely authorizes the Secretary
OF the Treasury to anticipate the payment of
interest on the public debt from time to time
The bill increasing the rank of Provost
Marshal to Brigadier was passed.
The bill was passed providing that chap
lains shall not lose their pay when absent on
leave or by sickness or as prisoners, and pro-
viding pensions of $40 per month if disabled
in the service.
A bill was reported securing homesteads to
soldiers and sailors on conhscated rebel lands.
Ordered to be printed.
Mr.. Schenck, OF Ohio, reported from the
Military Committee a bill to drop unemployed
Major and Brigader Generals, &c.
Mr.. Schenck advocated and Mr.. Cox, of
Ohio, opposed the present consideration of the
BILL
Its consideration was postponed until Tues
day next Adjourned.