The Portland daily press., 1866-02-27
xxx CONGRESS---First Session,
WASHINGTON, Feb. &c.
SENATE.

w ~NSAAi4So1ON3 GU ZOs
SENATE.
Mr.. Grimes in presenting petition of the
people of Iowa, made few remarks Directing
to the dispatch from Keokuk, as being consii-
cred a reflex of the sentiments of the people of
Iowa.
On motion Of Mr.. Lane-of Kansas, the Gre
dentials of Messrs. Baxter and Snow, Sena-
tors from Arkansas, were taken from the files.
the Object being their reference to the Judici-
airy Committee. Mr.. Clark moved to table
them. Tabled, 20 to II.
MIR. Lane moved to admit them to seats on
the floor. Tabled, q to IS.
The concurrent resolution that no Senator
or Representative from any seeded State be
admitted until such State has been declared
entitled to representation, was taken up. Mr..
Sherman opposed it.
Mr.. Sherman spoke in favor of the Presi-
dents reconstruction policy. yet he was in ia
vOr OF the Freedmen's Bill and voted for it
and against the veto. But he considered that
the President exerted only his constitutional
right in exercising the veto power. While he
thought there was much that was ridiculous
in the Presidents speech of the 22d, there wa
yet much in itw0rthy of consideration, prompt
ed as it was by the Presidents desire to see
the Southern States speedily restored to their
constitutional relations. While he, Sherman,
was anxious to see mode adopted, by which
loyal Southern men might be admitted to
Congress, he never would consent to the ad-
mission of any man who had taken part in
the rebellion, and would never vote for the re-
peal of the test oath. He also favored voters
and not population as the basis of representa-
tion He thought he should probably vote
for the bill now in the Senate, recognizing
population as the basis. He did not believe
that Mr.. Summers proposition to declare suf-
trage by act of Congress was practicable.
Mr.. Sherman concluded by an eloquent ap-
peal to the Senate to give up the idea of uni
versal suffrage and leave to the States as be-
fore, the question of suffrage.
MIR. Trumbull was anxious to see these States
re-admitted at the earliest possible time con
sistent with the safety of the Union.
After personal explanation by Mr.. Wade,
the further consideration OF the resolution
was deferred until one o'clock Tomorrow.
The bill to authorize the establishment of
| Geographic communication between New
York and the West Indies was taken up.
Mr.. Grimes doubted the jurisdiction of Con-
| gress. Mr.. Chandler held that Congress had
full jurisdiction. Messrs. Fessenden, Clark
and Corners opposed the bill. On motion it
was recommitted to the Committee on Com
merce. Adjourned.
| HOUSE.
| Mr.. Beaman introduced bill to continue in
| lOfCc dau dluClu tuc lTttuucIlS bureau cll..
Mr.. Trowbridge offered bill instructine the
| Committee on military affairs, to inquire into
the quality OF artificial limbs supplied to SOL
diers and sailors, and il found detective. to re-
port the needful legislation.
Mr.. NJ c. Clay offered resolution instruct
| ing the committee on reconstruction to in
quire whether the late seeded states are still
| in contimacy and if so to inquire into the ex-
| pediency If leyying contribution on the dis
| loyal inhabitants thereof to defray the extra
ordinary expenses Of the government.
On motion of Mr.. Schenck the resolution
was referred without instructions, yeas 112
| nays t27. rE taa
Mr.. bingham reported from the Committee
ON Reconstruction joint resolution to amend
the Constitution by adding the following ar
ticle: " That Congress shall have power to
make all laws which shall be necessary and
proper to secure to citizens of each State all
the privileges and immunities of citizens OF
the several States and to all persons in the
life, liberty and property" q
Mr.. Bingham reported the measure in a
| brief speech. Mr.. Rogers spoke against it.
| Mr.. Rogers spoke an hour and half, his
time being extended, and was frequently in
terrupted by Messrs. Kelley, Mckee, Wash
burne, of Indiana, and others. No.
The Speaker was authorized to ASSIGN a seat
on the noor OF the House for the reporter OF
the Associated Press. ans
Mr.. Ross introduced resolution of inquiry
as to whether clerks to standing and select
committees are necessary, and what portion Of
their time is occupied in the private business
OF members of the committees. ~ ''l
The Constitutional amendment is to come
up tomorrow afternoon after the reading OF
the journal.
The House refused to suspend the rules and
take up the Joint resolution relative to the
Paris exposition. -tas.ef-f, ,g97
Mr. Rogers asked leave to introduce a peti-
ton in favor of the eight hour system, but OBJ
| lection was made.-Adjourned. : =