Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1865-12-20
Congressional Proceedings.

Among the important bills and resolutions
introduced into the two houses of Congress
on the lIth, those concerning Mexico, and
further amendments to the Constitution of
the United States, will attract the special
attention of the country As regards Mexi-
co, concurrent resolutions were moved in
the Senate by Mr. Wade and in the House
by Mr.. Schenck, strongly reasserting the
Monroe doctrine, and requesting the Presi-
dent to take such steps concerning this mat
ter as will indicate the recognized policy and
protect the honor and interest of our Gov
ernment. Both houses also requested the
President to communicate to them all IN
formation in possession of the Government
concerning the present condition of affairs
IN Mexico. OF the proposed amendments to
the Constitution, several aim at the estab
lishment of equal civil rights for all men,
without distinction of color. Another,
which expresses the outspoken sentiments
of nearly all the Unisn Conventions held in
1865 demands that the representation in the
lower House be based upon the qualified
number of voters In each State. Others
forbid the assumption or payment of the
Rebel debt, and the reputation Of any part
of the National debt. Interesting and ex
citing debates may be expected on both sub
jects On motion of Mr. Wentworth, bill
was passed to prevent the spreading of the
Rinderpest in the United States. 4 reso-
luton offered by Mr. Niblack granting to
Representatives from States lately in rebel
lion the privileges of the floor of the House
pending the question As to their admission,
was lost, the House refusing to suspend the
rules for reception by Yeas, 40; Nays. Ill.
In THE SENATE, Mr. Cowan, of Pennsyl-
vania, presented petition asking for high
tariff on imported goods. A bill was in
troduced to grant the right of constructing
a telegraph line from New York TO the
West Indies. A resolution declaring the
rebellion subdued, and restoring the writ of
habeas corpus throughout the country, was
referred to the Judiciary Committee. The
resolution from the House to appoint q
committee on the late rebelious States was
taken up, and some discussion ensued upon
motion to strike out that part which pro-
vides that no members from such States
can be admitted until the committee has
reported, in which Messrs. Howard, Antho-
ny, Doolittle and Fessenden took part The
amendment was adopted The resolution
as thus amended was then passed. A reso-
luton calling for information as to whether
the rebellion is suppressed, and for the re-
ports of Government officers and agents who
have visited the States in revolt, was passed.
In THE HOUSE, communication was pre-
sented from Governor of Virginia, enclosing
an act of the Legislature favoring the re
peal of the act of 1862, consenting to the
division of the State, and the formation Of
West Virginia The Military Committee
was instructed to report upon the propriety
of granting bounties TO the soldiers who en-
listed in 1861 and 1862 Mr.. Raymond
presented the credentials of persons elected
to the House from Tennessee, and moved
that they be referred to the joint committee
on the subject of the late Confederate States.
Considerable debate ensued but the motion
finally prevailed-yeas l25, nays A. The
claimants were, however. granted the privi-
lege of the floor. The Committee on Ter
ritories were instructed to give the name of
Lincoln to one of the new Territories.