The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1865-12-28
xxx CONGRESS.
Washington, Dec. 19.

xxx CONGRESS.
Washington, Dec. 10.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Wilson of Iowa, reported bill from
the Judiciary Committee extending the
right of suffrage in the District Of Column
bia.
The bill enacts that all laws prescribing
the qualifications of electors in the Dis
trict of Columbia. the word "white', be
and the same is hereby stricken out, and
after the passage ofthis acf no person shall
be disqualified from voting on account OF
color; all acts of Congress and all laws of
Maryland in force in this District. and all
ordinances Of the' corporations Of wash
ington and Georgetown, inconsistent here
with, are hereby repealed and annulled.
Mr.. Eldridgs objected to the bill being
reported.
On ffiotfon of Mr.. Wilson the House
suspended the rules for that purpose, and
it was made the special order for the 10th
Of January next. ..,. a ,.
He said in reply to . question of
order by Mr.. Johnson, that so far as he
(Wilson was concerned he would allow a
reasonable opportunity for debate.
Mr.. Alley of Mass, offered the following
resolutions: s-
Resolved, That the House cordially con-
ours in the views of the Secretary of the
Treasury in relation to the necessities of
the contraction Of the currency, with q
view to an early resumption of specie paw
ment, as the business interests of the conn
try Will permit, and we hereby pledge CO.
operative action to that end as speedily as
possible. ,.-.. ...
The resolution was agreed to by yeas
143, nays 6. gs.,,.,ss.
Mr.. Ashley introduced bill to enable
loyal citizens in States whose Constitutions
were overthrown or subverted by the re-
bellion, to form Constitution and State
Government, preparatory to resuming
their relation to the general governments.
Referred to the committee on Reconstruc-
ton. .....-.... ...
Mr.. Spanlding introduced bill provid-
ing for the registering and enrolling Of
vessels built in foreign countries, but
wholly owned in the United States. The
bill was referred to the committee on COM
nerce.
Mr.. Ward, of New York, introduced a
resolution declaring that, Notwithstanding
the laws against polygamy, that abomin-
able institution still exists and 10 on the
increase in Utah; that it is the remaining
barbarism Of our age and country, and
like its twin sister, slavery, it should be
swept from the territories of this Repub-
lie, If it take the whole power of the Gov
ernment to do tt and to that end. be it
Resolved, That the Committee on Terri
tories take the whole subject into eonside-
ration and inquire into the conduct of the
United States officials in that Territory
and report by bill or otherwise, such a law
or remedy as the exigenciss or the case
demands.
There was no formal action taken on the
subject.
On motion Of Mr.. Stevens of Pennsylva-
mia, the House went into Committee of the
whole on the state of the Union. with Mr..
Washburn Of Ills, in the chair, on the
Presidents Annual Message, when Mr.. s.
submitted a series of resolutions referring
to the various branches of the message to
Committees, and so much of it as relates to
reconstruction was referred to the Select
Committee.
Mr.. Farnsworth. Of ILL.,, offered a reso-
luton reciting the allegation that Mr..
Harris, member from Maryland. had been
convicted by a court martial of disloyalty
and expressing sympathy with JEFF Davis
and saying that the assassination of Mr..
Lincoln came too late. &C., therefore that
the Committee on Elections be instructed
to inquire into the facts and report such
action al may be proper, and to aid such
investigations have power to send for per-
sons and paper. The resolution passed by
III against 81.
Mr.. Washburne of ILL.,, from the Com
mittee on Commerce, reported a bill to ia
cilitate postal, commercial and military
commerce between States. Every rail-
road company is authorized to carry pas
sengers, freight and government supplies
from one State to another and receive
compensation therefor.
Messrs. Washburne and Garfield adyo-
Gated the passage of the bill.
Mr.. O'Neil, Of Pa, and Mr.. Thomas of
Nd, opposed the bill, the last two arguing
that it was blow at their States.
Washburne said the bill was general
and applicable to all the. States. The bill
then passed.
The House concurred in the Senate's
amendment to the holiday amendment,
and asked committee of conference.
Wilson, of Iowa. from the Judiciary
Committee reported . joint resolution,
proposing an amendment to the Constitu-
ton forbidding the payment of the rebel
debt. After debate the proposition passed
by 149 against IL. .-.
Wilson offered a resolution calling upon
the Secretary Of War for detailed state
ment Of the numerical strength of the
regular army, the number Of officers and
men, where stationed and how employed.
Resolution was adopted. '..T
Lane, from the committee on Pensions,
reported a bill to amend bill of last ses-
sion, to include those VINO have served in
the Navy among those entitled to $50 per
'hoh'h PehSioi, iof ioSS VI ooth ieet. ne
bill passed.
Wilson introduced n resolution calling
upon the Secretary of War for information
a. to the number of Major Generals and
Brigadier Generals of Volunteers now in
the service, where stationed, how employ
cd, &c.
The Resolution passed.
Anthony called up the House Resolu-
tion for the adiournmant NJ CnuvroSs from