The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1866-02-16
xxx. O0NGREss-.-First Session.

On Monday Fob l., both branches of Con
gress with tho President and his Cabinet, tho
Chief Justice aud his associate Justices Of thu
Supreme Court of the United States, the Diplo
matte Corps, tho Officers Of the Army and Ma
Wy, and many distinguished invited guests, as
sembled in the Hall Of the House OF Represen
tatives, to attend to the Memorial Ceremonies
in commenmoration Of the lamentcd Abraham
Lincoln: and notwithstanding the incessan
rain, the galleries were crowded with brilli'
ant asscinbagc, two thirds Of whom were ladies'
although caution had been taken to prevent Z
rush. by admitting none without ticket. a,
little past twelve o'clock the scene opened
with solemn music by tho Marine Band, on il
conclusion, the Chaplain of the House made on
impressive prayer. Hon. H. S. Foster. presi'
dent of the Senate, then called the two Houses
to order, and after brief but touching intro.
ductory address, he introduced the Hon. George
Bancroft.
TheSpecal dispatch to the Boston Post SAYS
+, tho Grafton of Mr.. Bancroft in commemmora.
ton of the late President Lincoln, occupied
two hours and q half in its delivery, and ut
certain points was most rapurously applauded.
The illusions to Great Britain sympathy with
the rebellion, and to the insignificance OF Lord
PamcrstOn us compared with Mr. Lincoln, did
not seem to please Sir friedrich Bruce. and his
uncasiness was very manifest when the House
thundered with applause ut the mention OF the
names of John Bright and Richard Golden.
The Russian Minister blushed crimson ut the
thrice repeated applause, and Thousands of eyes
wcrc bent on him as the orator, in earnest
tones. alluded to tho unwayering sympathy OF
Russia with the United States during tho late
war.
In the Senate on Thusday Feb. 9Th. A bill
was introduced and referred, amendatory OF
tho judicial System. The Senators elect from
Colorado wcro admitted to the floor by vote.
In tho house, the bill establishing uniform
Consrript system was taken up, Mr.. Jmckes
brightly explained its provisions. Ii was con-
sidered by sections, but no final action was Ia.
ken.
In tho Senate on Friday tho time was occu
pied by Mr.. Roverdy johnson, who made u
long speech against tho Constitutional amend.
mcnt. Ills argument was made alter tho lash.
ion Of Northern speeches before tho war, "tho
balance of power in tho United States and
no foreign to tho point now before tho Senate,
that it can hardly call out much OF reply.
Tho House cOncurrcd in the Scnato's amend
mcnt 10 tho Frccdman's Bureau hill {; and that
important measure now only lacks the Prcsi.
dents signature to become law. Several
amendments were Offered to tho navy appropri.
alton bill, also to tho bankrupt bill but with.
out any final action being taken.
Feb. 10. Senate met in session. In the
House Mr.. Ward Of N. Y. made speech in
which lo said tho leaders Of the rebellion ought
to be hanged. Mr. Dclano combattcd tho pc
sition OF Mr.. Stevens that tho Southern States
wcro dead
Monday, IL, no business was transacted. the
day being wholly devote to tho Memorial Cerc.
monies in COMMUNICATION of Abraham Lincoln.
In tho Senate on Tuesday, 18th, Mr.. Fessen-
den, from tho committee ON reconstruction, re.
ported an amendment to tho Constitution civ
ing Congress the power to make laws TO secure
10 thu citizens of each State tho right of citi.
zenship in the several States, and protection to
life, liberty and property. Ordered TO be print.
oil. Tho bill relative to tho organization of tho
army, emitting veteran reserves, and fixing tho
number of infantry regiments ut fifty, was 70.
ported from tho committee on military affairs,
and ordered to DO printed.
In tho House, Mr.. Bingham, from the com.
initteo on reconstruction, reported an amend
mcnt to the Constitution relative 10 tho right
of citizens of each State to all the privileges
and immunities OF citizens Of tho several States.
Recommittcd to be again reported next Monday.
In tho Senate on Wednesday, lith, the Con.
stitutional amendment was taken up. Mr..
Henderson resumed his speech, and Mr.. Clark
replied. A bill was introduced making an an.
preparation for the survey of tho upper Missis-
sippi. :.
Tho House took up tho Michigan contested
election case, and decided that Mr.. Hrowbridgc
retain his scat. hill was introduced to rs.
tablish Bureau OF Education. Ordered to DO
printed. The bill increasing tho clerical force
in tho Post Office Department was passed.