Smyrna times., 1866-12-12
777-7
Congress-.

Nothing of special Importance transpired in
Congress on Thursday. Both houses adjourn
ed over until Monday last In the Senate, pc
titions were presented from numerous army Of |
ficers asking for increased pay. Notice was
given that on Monday next the bill to establish |
uniform system OF bankruptcy would be called
up A bill was introduced to suspend any pay
ment to owners Of slaves enlisted or drafted into
the service of the United States until approved
by Congress.
In the House large number of bills and
resolutions, on Q variety of subjects, were in
troduced and referred The committee on
post-ofhces was instructed to inquire into the
expediency of comforting upon the Bqst office
Department the same jurisdiction over tele-
graph lines as 1t exercises over post-othces and
post-roadS. A special committee was author
lied to be appointed to inquire into all the
facts concerning the New Orleans riot; and u
similar committee to inquire into the release of
three South CarOlinians from Fort Delaware,
charged with the murder Of Union soldiers
Among the bills introduced was one to grant
pensions to the soldiers Of the war of 1872 The
bill to regulate the time for the meeting of
Congress was tax ken up and discussed, but no
final vote was taken.
In the Senate on Monday, the Committee on Ter.
ritories reported back the bill admitting Nebraska,
with recommendation that it pass. The Retrench.
ment Committee reported back a substitute for the
bill offered by Mr. Willi,ns, of Oregon, relating to
the tenure OF Offices The bill does not essentially
t differ from that of Mr. Williams. Mr. Edmunds
gave notice that he would call it up tomorrow. Mr..
Wade, OF Ohio introduced bill for The admission
of Colorado, whicA referred. Mr.. Harris, Of N
) Y, offered bull, which was Referred providing tina
persons guilty OF offences against the United States
shall have the benefit OF the laws of the State il
!, whose penitentiares they confined, far al
1 their good Rduct may deserve. On motion OF Mr.
Brown, of No., the Postal Committee we're directet
I inquire into the expediency OF authorizing tn
Post-UHce Department 10 construct and operate tel
egraph lines along the post routes to make con
tracts Tor the and control ut lines already estab
ID lished. The bill conerring the franchise on negroe
s. in the District of Columbia was taken up and reaC
with a substitute excluding ex-rebels from voting
and was discussed until the time OF adjournment.
In the House, Mr.. Ward, of N. Y, introduced
bill appointing provisional goAernOrs for the South
ern States, and prescribing terms which sue
es States may gain representation. MIR. ROgerS,
W New Sersey, introduced bill to repa the Neutral
ty laws, which was referred. Mr.. Farquhar, of II
se diana, introduced bill, which referred, di
- franchsing ex-rebels in the District of CSlumbi
50 Mr. Bingham, of Ohio, introduced bill to declaI
valid certain acts and prOclamatons of a militar
Ite nature during the rebellion. Referred On motto
o of Mr. Psrham, Of Me-, the Pension Committee we
instructed to inquire whether ex.rebels whose nam
for had been struck off the pension rolls return
of to the list and wherefore. On motion of Mr.. Ric
Of Mass, the Judiciary Committee directed
inquire into measures necessary for the better safe
NY of passengers steamers and other vessels.
las motion Of Mr.. Hart, of N. Y, the President
auested TO furnish list of the rebels paTdoned
ot- him, with information tn the reasons &C., for
an pardons. On motion of Mr. Broomall, Of Pa
Ways and Means Committee directed to
! quire into the expediency Of reducing the tax
= manufacturing. On motion Of Mr.. Spalding,
nu' Ohio, the Reconstruction Committee direct
ear to report the expedency OF proposing joint reso
'ei ton decaratory of the purpose OfCongress in reg
to reconstruction. On motion of Mr. Moulton
s Illinois, the Judiciary Committee instructed
inquire into the policy of repeating laws for comp
sation to slave owners for loss of slaves.
Schenck's bill, fixing the time for the meetings
Congress, was passed. 1t provides for the meet
o. of the FortIeth and each succeeding Congress on
zen, 4th Of Mach. The Senate bill of last SESSION.
ana Vidng for payment of pensioners claims, was
MIR. passed. On motion of Mr.. Hale, of n. Y =, the
um- ciary Committee were directed to inquire into
Mr. case ot Charles V. Culver, detained from his
/, as arrest. Communications were received from
ard President in relation to the occupation Of Mexic
the United States troops and the arrest of John H.
r he rau. The Presidents Message was considere
,ked Committee of the Whole.