Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1865-12-08
THE OPENING OF CONGRESS.

The Senate met at 12o O clock noon, and
was called to order by Mr. Foster Conn.
Rev. DIR. Gray delivered an impressive
prayer.
Mr.. Foot (Yt. presented the credentials
of Luke 2. Pollard, appointed to fill the va
cancy occasioned by the death of Mr.. Cola
mer, of V ermont. Mr. Pollard took the pre-
seribed cath.
Mr.. Wright fN. j. ) presented the creden-
tials of John r. Stockton, Senator elect
from New Jersey,
Mr.. Cowan (Pa. presented the protest Of
the members Of the Legislature of New Jer-
sev, alleging that majority Of that body
had not voted for Mr. Stockton and he was
not therefore, constitutionally elected The
protest was ordered to lie on the table for
the present and Mr. Stockton took the
prescribed oath.
Midsummer Mass. introduced bills of
the following titles: Bill to carry out the
principles of a republican form OF Govern
ment in the District of Columbia; bill pre-
scTibing an oath to maintain a republican
! form Of Government ip the rebel States;
bill in part execution Of the guarantee of a
/ republican form of Government In the Con-
1 stitution of the United States; n bill on the
1 subject ofappronriate legislation to enforce
the amendment of the Constitution and pro-
hibiting slavery: a bill to preserve the right
of trial by jury, ty securing impartial Jurors
in the courts Of the United States; bin to
enforce the guarantee of a republican form
Of government in certain States whose gov
ernments have been usurped and over
thrown.
Mr. Sumner introduced the following:
Joint resolution declaratory of the amend
ment abolishing slavery; a series of resolu-
tions declaring the duty of Congress, espe-
cially in respect to the loyal citizens of rebel
States; a series Of resolutions declaratory of
the duty Of Congress with respect to guaran-
tees Of the national security and national
faith in the rebel States.
The above were all ordered to be printed
Mr.. Wade tOhio) introduced bin to re-
Z gulate the franchise in the District Of Col
umbia which was ordered to be printed.
Mr. Harris New York. introduced a bill
to regulate the judiciary Of the United
States ordered to be printed
, Mr.. Wilson Mass introduced bill to
maintain the freedom of the inhabitants of
States declared in rebellion ordered to be
7 printed.
The Senate then adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
WASHINGTON, Dec 4.
) The galleries are densely crowded and
much good humor is prevalent among the
members.
At noon, Mr.. Mcpherson, the clerk Of
the House, proceeded to call, as required by
law, the roll of the members elect When
D the roll was being called Mr.. Maynard, of
r Tennessee, whose name is not on the list,
wished to suggest something, but the clerk
refused to be interrupted.
After the call was completed Mr. Nav
nard again rose, but the Clerk again ruled
him out of order
! One hundred and seventy. five members
answered to their names.
Mr.. Brooks New York made speech
charaeterizing the omission of the members
from Tennessee from the roll as unprecedent-
! ed. If Mr.. Maynard was not a loyal man,
from Union and loyal State, the President
himself was not loyal but an alien and a
stranger
} He enlarged that the adoption of the reso-
J luton by the Republican caucus was design
ed as antagonistic to the Presidents S forth
coming message.
The House took no action on the subject,
but under the operation of the previous
question, proceeded to the election of a
: speaker. Mr. Colfax, of Indiana, and Mr..
: Brooks, Of New York, being placed in nom
j nation
The result was announced as follows:
Colfax l3S; Brooks So. Mr. Colfax was de-
clared elected amid applause from the floor
J and galleries, and was conducted to the chail
| By Mr. Morrill, and Mr. Brooks.
Mr.. Colfax made brief but eloquent and
patriotic speech.
, Having taken the oath of office himself
the Speaker administered it to the other
|, members, who were called up by delega-
tions.
Mr.. Wilson (Iowd) introduced resolu-
ton declaring Mr.. Mcpherson Clerk, Mr..
0rdway Sergeant-at- Alarms, AIr. GoodenoW
Doorkeeper, and Mr.. Given Postmaster,
until their successors shall be duly qualified.
The yeas and nays were ordered and Mr..
& Wilson resolution was adopted, yeas I38,
? nays 35. These officers of the House were
, then sworn
Mr.. Stevens offered bill, approved in
the Republican caucus for the appointment
of a committee to examine and report
] whether any of the so-called Confederate