The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-12-20
xxx1x CONGRESSES Session.

~n eai.f WASHINGTON, Dec 10.
A resolution was adopted requiring of the
Secretary of War detailed statement of the
numerical strength of the army, &c.
hin was reported amending the bill Of
last session, so as to include those who have
served in the navy among those entitled to a
pension of 500 per month. Passed.
A resolution was passed to print $4,000 cop
les of the Navy Register.
A resolution was passed, inquiring as to the
number OF Major and Brigadier Generals now
in that service.
The resolution of adjournment was taken
up and amended SO as to adjourn on Thursday
to the Sd of January, and then passed.
Nonce was given of bill to enlarge the
powers of the Freedmen's Bureau, so as to Sc
cure freedom to all persons within the United
States, and protect every individual in the full
enjoyment of the rights of persons and prop
erty. o.
A message was received from the President,
replying to the resolution calling for infor-
nation as to the condition of the late rebel
States.
A report from Gen. Grant was also received,
on the subject of his late Southern trip.
MIR. Sumner moved for the reading of the
report of Gen. Schurz, referred to in the mes
sage of the President, and characterized the
message as similar to the white-washing mes
sas atrocities Considerable debate followed.
Mr.. Sherman moved that the reading be
dispensed with, and the document printed.
Mr.. Doolittle hoped the Senator from Mas
sachusetts, at least, would qualify, if not
wholly retract the strong expression used by
him.
Mr.. Sumner said he had nothing to qualify,
nothing to modify, nothing to retract
Mr.. Dixon said, as friend of the President,
he could not sit quietly and listen to such a
charge. He sustained the policy of the Presi-
the Presidents policy, but because it was
right. He believed in the truth of the state
ments the President has made, and, although
he needs no defense, he (Mr. Dixon) could
not suffer such charges to go to the country
without protest.
MI. Doolittle said the Senator from Massa-
chusetts had a perfect right to differ from the
President; but he goes farther, and charges
upon the President falsehood in substance,
by saying his message Is a white-washing re-
port. He (Sumner) charges him with want
OF truth and want of patriotism. II he has
specially displayed any characteristic in this
struggle, it is a love of country and a love of
Union which have made him sacrifice and en-
danger all he had during the struggle in the
South, and which have always characterized
him as a man. IKE a.s,5 n a,s,r ~. g-r -sI4f
MI. summer Sdld ne raised no queStlOn as TO
the policy of the President, and expressed no
opinion in regard to it. He sclaimed the
definition OF the term "whitewash" given by
Messrs Dixon and Doollttle. He had no re-
Elections to make on the patriotism and truth
fulness OF the President, and had never made
any in public or private. ilo- z 4
After some further debate MIR. Sherman's
motion was adopted. s.5t
a resolution was adopted calling for Gen.
Howards report ON the subject OF the freed
men.
Mr. Morrill, introduced bill to provide for
the defence OF the northeastern frontier, and
prcvidng for the repayment TO Maine OF ap-
proprlatlons Ior the construction OF the Eur07
pean q North American Railway. Referred
10 the committee on Foreign relations.
Mr.. wilson introduced bill for the estab-
hsnment OF freedmens bureau IN any State
where tne slaves nave Deen emancIpated Al
SO ior It's wlthdrawal, at the discretion OF the
PRESIDENT, IN States where all the require
menus OF The government are complied with,
mcludng equal protecnon IN civil rights, with
out distinction OF color. Referred to the Mil
ltary commune. 6esli.is
Inc senate invent into executive session.