Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1865-12-05

ing to the Congress which opens its first session to-
day with an earnestness and socitude unequalled
oeGs a3 r. d IN ans anlry eisnth
storm cloud of war still lowering over us. And after
nine months absence, Congress resumes its legs-
lative authority in these Council Halls rejoicing that
from shore to shore in our land there is peace.
Its duties are as obvious the suns pathway in
the heavens: Representing, in its two branches the
States and the people, its first and highest obligation
is to guarantee to every State republican form of
Government The rebellion having overthrown con-
stltutlonal State governments in many States. it is
yours to mature and enact legislation which, with the
concurrence OF the Executive, shall establish them
anew, on such basis Of enduring Justice as will
afford, what our Magma Charta, the Declaration of
Independence, procaims is the chief object OF GOV
rights The world should witness in this great work,
the most infeXbie fidelity; the most earnest deyo-
truest patriotism, and the wisest craftsmanship.
Heroic men by the hundreds of thousands have
died that the Republic might live. The emblems Of
alike. But the fires of civil war have melted every
fetter in the land and proved the funeral pyre of
work as faithfully and as well as did the fearless
sayiors of the Union on their more dangerous arena
of duty.
Then we may hope to see the vacant and once aban-
doned seats around gradually filling up until this
Hall shall contain Representatives from every State
and District, their hearts devoted to the Union for
which they to legisate jealous of its honor proud
of its glory watchful of its rights and hostile to its
enemies. And the stars on our banner that paled
in arms against tho nation will shine with a more
brilliant light of loyalty than ever before;
Invoking the guidance of Him who holds the desti-
MES of nations in the hollow of his hand, enter
again upon the duties of this trying position with
heart filled with gratitude to you for the unusually
iattering manner in whch it has been bestowed; and
cheered by the hope that it betokens your cordial
support and assistance in all its grave responsibilities
am now ready to take the oath OF office prescribed
by law
At the conclusion of Mr.. Colfaxs address, Mr.
Washbnrne administered to him the oath of office.
Mr. Wilson of Iowa introduced n resolution de-
carng the following named gentlemen as officers Of
the House Of Representatives of the thirty ninth
Ordway, OF n. H., Sergeant Arms; Ira Goodenow,
Of n; y, Doorkeeper; j. Given, of Ohio. Postmaster
which adopted.
Mr. Washburne of ILL.,, offered a resolution which
adopted, re-enacting the rules of the 3Sth Con-
for the government OF this House. and Tor the
appointment of a committee of five, including the
Speaker, to revise and correct any rules which
be submitted during the session.
A resolution was passed informing the Senate of
the organization of the House. and its readiness to
proceed to business.
Mr. Washburne, of ILL.,, offered resolution ap-
pointing joint committee Of three to wait upon the
President, and inform him that quorum of both
Houses are present and ready to receive any COM
nunlcatlon from him.
He also submitted a telegram to be read by the
Clerk which had been received by the Hon Secretary
of State Informing him Of the passage of the C9nsti
tutional Amendment by the Legis allure of Al abama
great applause.
The resolution was adopted and the Chair ap-
pointed Messrs Washburne, Of Illinois; j. Brooks of
New York; and Kelly, of Pennsylvania.
Mr.. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, then introduced the
following resolution, which being subjected to mo-
ton to be laid on the table, was finally passed by
vote Of 1873 to Sc.
ResolUed, That committee of fifteen members
shall be appointed nine OF whom shall be mem ers
Of the House of Representatives and six of the Sen
ate who shall inquire into the condition of the States
which formed the so-called Confederate States OF
America, and report whether they, any of them,
entitled to be represented in either House OF
Congress with leave to report at any time by bill OF
OTHERWISE; and until such report shall have been
made and finally acted upon by Congress NO
neiabc. shall be received in either House from any
OF the said so-Galled Confederate States and all pa
pers relating to the Representatives of the said
States shall be referred to the said committee with
out debate.
resolution was offered allowing the privilege Of
the floor to the Representatives of the rebelliou
States which was laid upon the table.
On motion the House adjourned.