Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1866-01-12
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XXNlNTH CONGRESS.
FIRST SESSION.
WAsHINGToN, Jan. Sth.
HOUSE.

HOUSE.
A bill was introduced for the disposition
of the public lands rs humesteads. in the
States of Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas
Louisiana and Florida. Referred.
The committee on frecdmen's aiIairs Re
ported a bill to amend the act to establish
a bureau for the relief of freedmen and
refugees.
A bill was introduced and referred grant
ing pensions to the soldiers of the war OF
1872.
The committee on ways and means were
instructed to inquire into the prQpricty of
providing for the reissue of mutilated
bonds of the L. 5. aud report by bill or
otherwise.
a resolution was passed calling on the
President for all the information relative to
the delivery up to the L. 5. of the rebel
pirate vessel Shenandoah.
The House passed bill dcnouncing
polygamy, and declaring that, like its twin
sister, slavery, it should he swept from the
territories OF the Republic if it should re-
quire the whole power of the Government
to do so; and directing an inquiry into the
conduct of certain Government officials in
Utah.
Mr. Blaine of Maine, offered resolution
which was referred To the joint committee
on reconstruction, proposing to amend the
tunStltution-20th art. LIST sect I'd clause,
so that ii shall read as follows. tn the first
period =" Representatives. and direct
taxes shall he appurtioncd among the scv-
eral States which may included within this
Union, according TO their respective mum
beers, which shall be determined by taking
the whole number OF persons except those
to whom political privileges are denied or
abridged by the constitution or laws of any
States IN account of race or color"
Mr. Blame made a speech supporting
this Constitutional amendment
W ASKING foS, Jan. 9th.
SENATE.
Tho following resolution Was offered
Whereas 1t is reported that persons de-
ciared free hv the proclamation of emanci-
patton and by the recent amendment to
the Constitution are kidnapped and trans
ported to Cuba and Brazil. to be held as
slaves. and that in this way new slave
trade has commenced on our coast. there
fore.
Resolved That the committee on the in
"aItttth W diitttth ~ liiIIllt IL any IuIlItI
legislation Is needed To prevent the kidnap.
ping of freedmen aud the renewal of the
slave tIadc ON The Southern coast.
The resolution was adopted
Mr. WILSON gave notice that he would to
morrow introduce hill to increase aud fix
the number Of iuen in thescgular army.
The Senate then went into executive
session. Adjourned.
HOUSE.
The Speaker appointed the following ar
a select committee on the military and
postal railway between Washington and
New York
Nessrs. Stevens Of Pa Garfield Of Ohio.
Franeics Thomas If Md. Brandcgec nt CT.
Starr of y. J. Crinuell OF Iowa and Rad
ford of y. \.
Mr.. Wa>hbnrne of Ill. brought to the
attention OF the House "A Washington let
! ter written by Mr.. Baldwin Of Mass, 10
/ the lattcr's paper, the Worcester Spy. say
/ ins HAT the purpose OF passing the bill to
! facilitate commerce between the States.
vas To release the IlliHol, Central Railroad
! from It's obligations 10 carry the mails, Get
( free from charge III consideration far land
grants. Explanations followed from sever.
ii gentlemen. Nh. Baldwin maintained
that such WIS the legal construction Of the
( bill, while Mr.. Wa>hburuc disclaimcd any
such intention. Finally the Senate wa,
requested To return the bill as Il passed
under Misrepresentation.
Adjourned.