The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-02-06
CONGRESS-.


January 29-The Senate was enga2edin the
discussion OF the bill to provide for the protec.
ton of all persons, without distinction OF race
or color, in their civil rights. Mr. Trumbull
offered to amend by inserting, that all persons
of African descent, born in she United States,
are citizens thereof, and made speech is sup
port of the bill. Mr. Salisbury replied, con-
tending that the liberties of the white man was
entitled to some consideration, and that 1t was
time to cease shedding tears fer the negroes.
In the House, Mr. Raymond of New York,
refuted the positions of those who maintain that
the Southern States are out of the Union. THIS
be denied, and maintained that Congress has no
more power to do anything against them than
against other States. The Southern States hav-
ing reorganized, the only question was, the ad-
mission of their representatives Congress
should act separately the cases from each
district, and admit those who can take the oath.
We have to live with the South, and good
policy, as we'll as patriotism, should induce US
to reconciliation. He said the House owed it
to their dignity to repudiate the select commit
tee on reconstruction; that all the paper constl-
tutions in the world could not save the country
unless there was sufficient patriotism among the
people.
January 30.-The Senate was engaged in the
discussion of the bill giving protection to per-
sons in their civil status. Mr. Trumbuil with
drew his amendment, offered on yesterday, rela-
tive to declaring all persons Of African descent,
born in the United States, citizens thereof, and
substituted one declaring all persons in the
United States, not subject to any foreign
power, citizens, without distinction of race or
color
The House recommitted the Constitutional
amendment relative to representation, though
without instructions, to the Committee on
construction. 1t then took up and considered
the Senate bill TO enlarge the powers of the
Frecdmen's Bureau. A resolution, extending
I the courtesy of the floor to the members elect
from Arkansas, was disagreed to.
January 31.-In the Senate, Mr., Anthony
offered bill to regulate suffrage and elections
in the District of Columbia, which is modif-
cation of one passed in the House, and contains
several provisions for the qualifications of voters.
The discussion of the bill protecting all persons
in their civil rights, with the amendment offer
ed yesterday by Mr. Trumbull, was resumed.
Speeches were made by Messrs. Davis, Reverdy
johnson and Clark.
La the House, Ms Stevens, from the Recon
struction Committee, reported back the joiut
resolution yesterday recommitted to it, amended
by having stricken out the direct taxation
clause. He supported the amendment in a
speech and referred in caustic terms to the
President, owing to the recent publication of
the conversation had between him and Sesa-
tor. He said the command of the President,
made at this time, while the House was legsla-
| ting on the subject, in direct violation of
the privileges of the body. Made 10 that way,
a few years ago to Parliament, by British
king, it would have cost him his head; but we
are tolerant Of the usurpation and abuse of pow
err. AT the conclusion of his remarks the Con-
stitutional amendment as reported, was carried
yeas, 100; nays, 46.
February In the Senate, Mr. Fessenden
gave notice that he would, on Monday, ask to
| take up the Constitutional amendment passed
Oh yesterday by the House, and would endeavor
to keep it before the body until adopted. 1t
was desirable to get the amendment before the
State Legislatures now in session at the earliest
| moment.
Mr. Howard made speech on his motion, for
the trial of Davis and Clay. He offered an
amendment including all others who were 10
| concert with them. "
The House engaged in discussing the
bill charging the powers Of the Freedmat's
! Bureau.
The House Judiciary committee has reported
adversely on all plans or bills relating to the
Stay Laws.