American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-02-01


our force in the field. The resolution
before the Senate did not propose to re-
taliate upon the soldiers of the rebel ar
my, but only upon the officers, and the
fact seemed to have been overlooked by
the Senator from Pennsylvania.
Mr.. Wilson offered an amendment to
Mr. Summers proposition to strike out
all after the enacting clause, and insert
after preamble declaring that our prison.
ers have been inhumanly treated, &C., a
resolution instructing the President to-
appoint commissioners to confer with the
rebel authorities with view to some
plan for the relief or better treatment Of
our prisoners in their hands.
Mr. Wilson explained that the above
was the best plan to secure the object of
the Senate which was to secure the hu-
name treatment Of eur prisoners.
Mr. Grimes interrupted Mr. Wilson.
asking if the Secretary of War had not
| stated in q communication to the House,
that there would be no difficulty in the
future about exchanging prisoners, f So
what was the necessity for passing such
resolution as this?
Mr. Wilson replied that he so under
STOOD but it would be we'll to devise some
plan for the good treatment of prisoners of
war who should hereafter fall into the hands
of the rebels.
Mr. Sumner inquired if the rebels had
not ona former occasion refused to receive,
such commissioners AS were suggested by
| Mr.. Wilson's resolution
In reply General Wilson stated the
Commissioners referred to by Mr.. SUM
ner were only authorized to visit our pris-
oners, and had no authority to relieve
them in any way,
Mr.. Wilson said he had good assurance
that if such Commissioner was appoin-
ted it could accomplish the result desired.
He was shurc of it,
| MIR. Hendricks said he was in favor of
no retaliation that was opposed to the
principles of Christianity lie stated
upon the authority of Curt Flynn, re-
leased prisoner from Indiana, that the
prisoners at Andersonville were treated
as we'll as the rebel guards.
Mr.. Howard-Does the Senator assert
upon this floor that prisoners in South
ern hands are treated as we'll as Southern
prisoners in our hands.
Mr.. Hendricks said he did not know
only what he had stated
Mr.. " ilson introduced bill in add-
ton to the Senate acts for enrolling and
calling out the National forces, which was
referred to the Military Committee Tho
bill provides:
First-That persons enrolled and la
BILE to be drafted may be accepted as sub
stitutes.
Second-That no one furnishing navy
substitute shall be exempted unless that
substitute is brought before the Board of
Enrolment and is accepted there.
Third-That any person who know
ingly brings for enlistment convict, or
insane, or drunken person, or deserter, o
shall defraud in the matter of bounty,
shall be liable to 81 600 fine and impris-
onment. ...
Fourth-Any mastering officer who
shall muster such person, shall upon con-
yiction, be dishonorably dismissed the
service
Fifth-That all State or local bounties
shall hereafter be paid in nstallments,
one third at the time of mastering in,
one third at the middle of the term of
service and one third at the end, unless
sooner discharged honorably. If killed
the balance to be paid to his widow
Sixth-That every district shall make
up, by additional draft or recruiting, its
loss from desertions and discharges on
account of physical disability existing
before enlistment
Seventh-That all deserters shall be
DISTINGUISHED forever, including all who
have deserted heretofore who shall not
report within sixty days
Senate adjourned.