Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-02-25
CONGRESSIONAL.
SATURDAY, February -.

SKrArE-The Senate took up the House bill
to appoint Solicitor and Judge Advocate
General of the Navy Department.
Dir Irufnbull was opposed 10 the building
up of Solicitor in this or any other Depart
ment.
. mr.. Grimes said there were thousands OF le-
gal questions arising daily. upon contracts, etc,
requiring the aid of a legal assistant in the
Navy Department, and the secretary OF the
Navy is not authorized 10 refer such matters 10
the Solicitor of the Treasury nor OF the ar
Department, but must employ outsiders. If
this bill be passed large sums will be saved IN
the Treasury. The Navy Department should
have some responsible attorney to advise WITH
Messrs. sherman, Hale and Hendricks were
IN favor of the bill, though they did not think
it would put an end to employment Of special
auorneys.
MI Collamer called up House joint resolu-
ton authorizing Committee on Library 10 con-
tract with W. H. Powell for painting picture
illustrating some naval engagement, &c.
Mr. Sumner was sorry the resolution nad
been called up, and he was sorry that II be-
came his duty to oppose it. There is time for
eyerything-a time TO weep and time to laugh
ard time 70 paronize the arts, bit this is not
that time, when we are expanding millions per
day In carrying on war, and when our SOL
dierS are unpaid.
The morning hour having expired, the fur
Their consideration OF the resolution goes over
until Monday next. ,
J-pon motion OF Mr. Foster, the Senate agreed
to adjourn at4E o'clock p. m, and meet again
at o'clock this evening.
The senate resumed the consideration OF the
Joint resolution restoring LOUISIANA 70 neI
rights, etc, Ia the Union.
HoueH-Tne House passed s bill for the re-
| lief OF Ambrose Morrison, giving him Sl5,Uoo
as indemnity for real estate taKen oy the iniil-
tary authorities for military purposes and a
bill for the extension to JOSIAH Copeland OF o
patent for i'm pro yement in boot crlmps.
Mr. Ambrose W. Clarke, from the Committee
| on Printing, reported q resolution for printing
one hundred and twenty thousand copies OF
| the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture
for 1864, and 900 for the use OF the Commits
| sioner.
Secretary of War 10 inform this House whether
| any rebel prisoners at Rock Island, III, nave
| been enlisted INTO our service ana creoiteu 20
| the quotas of one or more States. Ii go now
| many have enlisted, and whether any OF the
| said prisoners are still under guard at Rock
! Island.
Mr. Pike had to this no objection
| Mr. Ganson asked " Their bounties had been
| paid TO snch prisoners. ., ,o,,,.s
| had been paid to men VINO are stu unoei
| guard. -.
The resolution having been made general IN
| its scope OF inquiry was passed
| MIR Schenck offered resolution which was
| passed directing the Secretary OF War to Inform
! the House whether an order MAD Oeen issued
prohibiting persons OF Color rom leaving Tue
| district of Columbia without pass, and II so,
whether the said order or resolution Is sun 10
| force and in that case the Secretary OF War
| furnish copy OF the order TO the House, win
an explanation or reason for making the dis
| tinction. The resolution was adopted.
| Mr. Gapson inquired of the gentleman frem
Ohio when the Committee on Military Ahalrs
| intend making report on the subject OF the
! Old Capitol prison ,,-..-
Mr.. Schenck replied that the Com mlttee
were now engaged in the examination OF the
| testimony. mich closed yesterday.
The House resumed the consideration OF me
| smendatory Enrolment bill
Mr. Herman offered an amendment, pro
| viding that hereafter the uotas shall, as near
as possible. be in proportion to the popni alton
| of the State The present system led TO the
greatest fayoritism and abuse.
MI Schemes. opposed the amendment, and
laid If adopted, he would move 10 ncludeiadies
| IN the draft.
Dir. Garfield opposed Mr.. Kernan's amend
ment as unjust. -
MT Steele. OF New York, 8 ala that the gen
| tleuan from Ohio Mr.. Schenck} ought to An
sWer his colleague (br. Herman instead OF en-
oeayoring to throw ridicuie on the amend
merit. -
| The question was taken on the amendment
| and II was disagreed to-yeas, 81; nays, 81.