Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1865-12-15
CONGRESSIONAL.

on Monday, Dec. 4th, ana proceeded directly1
to business. The Presidents message was de-
livered on Tuesday the 9Th, and Congress adj
journed till Monday the 18th, TO afford time
for the appointment of Committees. In the
Senate several important Resolutions were
early introduced relating principally to the SUBJ
iect of the readmission Of the states lately re-
beious, and the present and future status Of
the freedmen. The following introduced by
Senator Sumner, will give our readers an idea
of the subjects that will claim the attention of
our legislature the present session.
Mr. Sumner of Mass. introduced bills with
the following titles A bill TO carry out the
principles of republican government in the Dis |
trict OF Columbia bill prescribing an oath to
maintain a republican form Of government in
rebel states bill to put in execution the
guarantee of republican form of government
in the constitution of the United States bill
on the subject of appropriate legislation to en-
force the amendment of the constitution pro-
hibiting slavery; bill to preserve the right of
trial by jury by securing free and impartial ju-
rors in the courts of the United States a bill
to enforce the guarantee of a republican form
of government in certain states where govern
ment has been usurped or overthrow.
Mr.. Sumner also introduced the following
A joint resolution declaratory Of an amendment
abolishing slavery a series of resolutions de.
claratory of the duty of Congress, especially in
respect to loyal citizens of rebel states; series
of resolutions declaratury of the duty of Con-
gress with respect to guarantees of national Sc
curi,y and national faith in the rebel states.
The above were all ordered 10 be printed.
THE HOUSE. We give below Resolution.
previously agreed upon in caucus, which was
introduced in the House by Thaddeus Stevens
of Penn, and which was adopted by "a very
large majority, that shows the temper OF our
Representatives in relation TO the admission of
members from the rebel States. Congress will
not he in hot haste TO allow them to come back.
| They were hasty, proud, and defiant five years
ago when they left the Halls of Congress. let
them be equally humble and submissive on
their return.
Resolved by tie Senate and House of Repre-
sertatires ofHe United States in Congress as
sem6led, That joint committee of fifteen MEM
hers shall be appointed, nine of whom shall be
members of the House and six of the Senate,
who shall inquire into the condition Of the
States which formed the so-called Confederate
States Of America, ard report whether they or
any of them are entitled TO be represented in
either House of Congress, with leave to report
at any time by bill or otherwise and until
such report shall have been made and finally
acted on by Congress, no members shall be re-
ceived into either House from any of the So
called Confederate States and all papers re-
la,ing to the Representatives of said States
shall be referred TO said committee without de-
bate.
! This Resolution will probably pass the Sen,
, ate after some modification.
In the Senate; Monday, Dec 18th, Mr.. Viii
son presented petitions of colored persons Of
the District of Columbia, asking for the rgh
of suffrage. A committee to recommend APP
: propriate action on the death of President Lin
r coin was appointed. A memorial from the
S North Carolina Legislature, asking the repea
of the te.t oaih, was received. The petition o
the Freedmen's Commission, asking for Con
y, gressionai support, was received. bill wal
offered to grant further time for the completion
Of certain Iowa railroads. Certain amendment
to the constitution, proposed by the Uniol
State Central Committee of Pennsylvania, wer
read and referred to the Judiciary Committee
y bill was offered TO annex the counties o
y Berkeley and Jefferson to West Virginia. Mr.
~, Wilson offered bill to prevent the sale O
Confederate notes and securities. Bills wer
introduced to increase pensions to persons who
= have lost both feet, and in other instances t
] confirm land titles TO freedmen in certain cases
\ granting lands for Pacific Railroad over tn
Southern route, and for the speedy completion
| L.: a.. Du.I 4.
: the boundaries Of Nevada to establish Min
ing Bureau, &c. Information about Mexica
affairs was formally sought in o series of reso
lutions by Mr.. Wade, who presented some Mon
roe doctrine resolutions. Mr.. Cowan proposed
Y a resolution asking for information about tn
Southern States. A resolution tc re-furnish tn
l. White House was passed, when after some dis
cussion on the loyal status Of employees in tn
:. Treasury Department. the Senate adjourned.
In the House, bill was introduced TO rein
J. burse loyal States for advance made 10 carr
on the war. A bill was introduced TO annul |
the District of Columbia all political distinc,
* ions on account of color. A reconstruction hi
. was introduced by Mr.. Eliot. A joint resoll
- ton to vote directly for President was referred
10 Mr.. Ward introduced bill to grant bount
lands to soldiers. Mr. Delang introduced a
of equal rights resolution TO amend the constitl
-, ton. The memorial of G. ID. Poslon to be aC
y mitted as Delegate from Arizona was referre,
In Mr.. Ashley offered bill 10 improve publ
at lands. Mr., Stevens proposed Joint resol,
If, ton to amend the constitution SO as TO abolis
~ the distinction of color. A bill TO facilitate il
~ tercourse OF trade among the States was refe
es red. Mr.. Schenck offered resolutions concerr
g. ing affairs in Mexico, condemnatory of the n
/, tempt to establish an empire there, which we
y referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee.
~ bill was offered to extend the elective iranchi
IN the District OF Columbia. bill was adop
lie ed to insure precautions against the introduC
A. ion of cattle disease from Europe or Canad
- altogether prohibiting the importation OF ca
u" tie. When the danger disappears, importatiC
u may be resumed. Mr. Van Horn offered res
III lutions on Mexican affairs. Mr.. Jenckes ofle
ed bill to provide for a uniform system
, bankruptcy. The most interesting event of Il
" session was the announcement of the names
members appointed on standing and speci
committees. The list Of chairmen 10 as follow
rs EectIons--Mr. Dawes, of Mass.
s. Ways and Means-Mr. Morrill,, of VI.
,. Appropriations-Mr Stevens, of Penn.