Delaware State journal and statesman., 1866-01-26
CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY.


the description mentioned.
3~
CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY.
MONDAY, JANUARY 22
In the United States Senate, on Monday,
the joint committee on the late rebellious
States reported an amendment to the Con-
stitution of the United states, providing
that Representatives and direct taxes shall
be apportioned among the several States
which may be included within this Union,
according to their respective numbers, count
ing the whole number of persons in each
State, excluding Indians not taxed Provid-
ed, That whenever the elective franchise
shall be denied or abridged in any State on
account OF race or color, all persons of such
race or color shall be excluded from the
basis of representation. " The Boston Board
of Trade peiitioned Tor the passage of law
exemptng suilors from the operation OF
southern stay laws for period long enough
to enable them to enforce their demands
The bill providing that no person shall be
disqualified from acting in a grand or petit
jury, by reason of his having formed or
expressed an opinion upon the matter to be
submitted to such a jury, founded upon
public rumor, newspaper statement, &c, was
called up, and was postponed until Thurs
day. The bill for the enlargement of the
Freedmen's Bureau was taken up, but no
final action arrived at. After an executive
session, adjourned.
In the House of Representatives, Mr..
Finck introduced bill prescribing an oath
of office, and repeating the test oath OF 1862,
Referred to the Committee on the judiciary.
Nessrs. Jencks and Myers bills relative to
suffrage in the District of Columbia. Re-
ferred Mr. Bradford bill for the admis-
sion OF the State of Colorado into the Union
Mr. Rice, bill to regulate the appointment
of Admirals, and also of certain volunteer
officers in the regular navy. Mr. Broomall,
bill for the establishment OF q navy yard
on the Delaware River. Mr.. Culver, bill
giving pensions to certain soldiers OF the
war of 1879, and also a bill granting bounties
to those who entered the service in 1861 and
1862 to put down the rebellion. Mr.. Van
Horn, bill for the construction of a ship
canal around the Falls of Niagara The
Committee on Manufactures, by resolution,
was instructed to inquire into the expediency
of reporting a bill graduating the tax on
cigars manufactured and sold in the United
States, according TO the quality thereof
Mr., Williams introduced bill which was
referred to the Committee on Judiciary,
declaring that the leaders OF the rebellion
ought to be tried by court martial or military
| commission, and that it would be nexpedlent
10 try them by civil court, when the Jurors
in the South would be the equals of those
accused of crime. Mr.. Grider, of Kentucky,
offered resolutions asserting that the State
government cannot be destroyed, that the
Representatives from the South should be
admitted by taking the oath TO support the
Constitution Of the United States, &c, which
were referred to the Committee on Recon-
struction. Mr.. Stevens, from the Committee
on Reconstruction, reported an amendment
to the Constitution similar to the one report
ed in the Senate Mr. Stevens wanted tho
measure passed at once, that it might be
brought before the twenty-five State Legs.
atures now in session. Several members
asked postponement in order TO examine
iuto the subject, and a lengthy discussion
ensued between Messrs. Rogers OF New
Jersey and Roscoe Conkling OF New York
The joint resolution proposing the amend
ment was then ordered to be printed, ant
was made the special order for to-day. Ad
journed,
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23.
In the United States Senate, on Tuesday
the Committee on Military affairs reported
the bill to restrict the expenses OF collecting
soldiers claims against the government
Mr.. Sumner gave notice OF an amendmen
to be proposed to the bill ior the admission
of Colorado, providing that there shall b.
no denial of the elective franchise, or an,
other rights on account of color or race
Mr.. Dixon gave notice OF an amendment t,
the bill for the sale of postage stamps ant
stamped envelopes. a number of petition
were presented. The discussion OF the bill
TO enlarge the powers of the Freedmen
Bureau occupied the remainder OF the ses
sion.
The House of Representatives instructe,
the Committee on Reconstruction to inouir
into the expediency of providing for takinj
census of the United States during TN
year 1865. Mr.. Henderson, of Oregon
offered series of resolutions denouncint
the doctrine of State Rights, etc, whicl
were referred to the Committee on Recon
sIruction. The consideration of the propos
ed amendment to the Constitution of tn
United States in relation to the apportion
ment of representatives and direct taxes wa
then resumed
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY "a.
In the United States Senate, on Wednes
day, Mr.. Wilson offered joint resolution
proposing an amendment to the Constitu
tion, providing that no payment shall eve
be made by the United States or any State
for or on account of the emancipation o
, any slave or slaves, or for or on account o
any debt contracted or incurred in aid of tn