The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1866-03-01

dIsband the militia of the Southern
States-a proposition that fatty contra
VeneS the Constitution in one of its most
vital provisions. Mr.. Wilson read from
the letters OF officers in charge of the
Negro Bureau to show that there was
great danger of the extinction of the ne
gro race and the expulsion of all Yam
KEGS from the South, if the local State
militia were not superseded by "Ioyaln
troops. Mr.. Salisbury objected to the
introduction of the resolution, and said
that the State militia of these States
could 10 more be disbanded byan act of
Congress than could the militia Of Mas
sachusetts. Mr.. Wilson insisted that
the people Of the South were as much
rebels now as they were before the war
was terminated, and that Congress had a
right to disarm rutfians and traitors
Mr.. Howard introduced an amendment
to the Represent ton bill. giving the
right Of suffrage to all " citizens OF Afri-
can descent" who have been enrolled in
the army and navy, who can read and
Nrlte, and to all possessed OF property
Of $3.50. Mr.. Yates then resumed his re-
marks on the Constitutional Amend
ment, and spoke at some length in favor
of the proposed measure. At the con-
clusion OF his remarks the Presidents
veto message was laid before the Senate
and read.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, -Feb. 10.
In the House, Mr.. Rogers, Of New
Jersey, introduced, among other bills,
one constituting eight hours days
work for all laborers, Workmen and me-
chanics in the employ of the Govern
ment, which was referred to the Judi
ciary Committee. Mr.. Mckee, of Ken
lucky, introduced joint resolution to
amend the Constitution SO as to exclude
from all offices Of the Government those
who have or who may hereafter engage
IN rebellion or conspiracy against the
Government, which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary, Mr.. Broo-
mall OF Pennsylvania introduced joint
resolution declaring that the "loyap
States should alone be counted in the
votes to be taken OH the Constitutional
amendments, and that a two-thirds vote
of these States shall be deemed sutfi-
cient ratification Of such amendments.
Mr.. Ingersoll, of Illinois introduced a
bill to reduce the duties on unsiZed pa
per for books and newspapers, which
and Means. Mr.. Henderson, of Oregon.
that the Government was organized to
confer equal rights and privileges on
every individual, and that while the
House sustains the President in eXecu-
ting the laws, they desire that Il stuff
cientnumber of the leaders i'm the rebel
lion shall be punished in order to sustain
the national character, and to prove a
warning in all time to come. Mr.
Longyear OF Michigan otfereda series of
resolutions, declaring that the organized
rebellion and the results ofthe war have
left the people Of the South without any
civil government, hence it became the
duty of Congress to authorize the peO-
pie to erect State Governments, and, in
the language of the Constitution, 10
guarantee to each State republican
form of government, and expressing as
the deliberate sense OF the House that
the President is justified in keeping an
army in the Confederate States, and is
entitled to the thanks OF Congress Ter
protecting the loyal citizens and freed
men. THESE resolutions We're all adopt
ed by the House. a bill was passed, III
reeting the Secretary Of The Navy to
place steamer at The disposal OF those
now laying the American and Russian
Telegraph. The House then resumed
lilS IeHilsTlNanla contested eieca0AG:}Se
between Alex. Caiiroth Dem and W.
IL. Koontz Rep adopting the MAORI
ty report giving the seat to Mr.. Gailrotn
and allowing Mr.. Koontz to contest il.
Nj. Gafi'roth was then sworn in, when
the House adjourned.
SESATE.-Fele. %.
In the Senate, Mr.. Henderson presen-
ted petition from citizens OF Missouri,
asking Congress to annul the acts Oh the
President in establishing civil govern
ments at the South, ,siid secure equal
rights without distinction Oh color. Mr..
Morgan presented a memorial from ille
Loyal League Club New York On the