The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-12-25
CONGRESS.


in the Senate the repeal Of the 18th section
of the amnesty law which authorized the Presi-
dent to pan don those engaged in the "rebellioa
Senator Trumbull contended that the President
has power under the Constitution to pardon be.
fore conviction, as pardon is of offence not of
conviction, sustaining his position by English
and American authorities. He claims that its
repeal will not affect the Presidents power to
restore property ~.. .....; ....
Mr. Sumner introduced bill to punish people
who induce negroes to emgrate under false rep
resentations
Mr. Wilson presented resolution calling on
the Secretary Of War for detailed reports from
the Commissioners of the Freedmen's Bureau
The repeal of the 18th section of the act to
repress the rebellion elected warm debate. Mr.
Johnson instanced Washington's amnesty to the
whiskey insurrectioDists s .. .. .. ......
In the House MIR Harding introduced reso-
luton which passed, declaring that Congress
will give aid aud encouragement to the Execu-
tive ic its efforts 10 aiding powers battling for
Constitutional liberty, aud that this House ap-
proves the public voice regarding Mexico
MIR Mouton introduced resolution instruct
ing the reconstruction committee to enquire into
the expediency of allowing the loyal citizens of
the late rebelious States to form State govern
ments.
MI Dawes offered resolution extending the
powers Of the South Carolina Committee to en-
quire into the of Henry Miller, confacd in
the Winnsboro, S. G., Jail, under sentence of
death for alleged desertion from the Confederate
army, and acting as spy for Sherman during
the war He said there were many similar
| cases in the South. . :. -. ...
Nlr Schenck offered resolution relating 10
the published advertisement of the sale of a
o.. n
| cember, convicted by the Circuit Court Of Anne
Arundel county and sentenced to be sold as
slave, and directing the Judiciary Committee to
inquire into the same and to report whether
such proceedings were not in direct conflict with
the Constitution of the United States and with
| the act to protect all persons n the exercise OF
their civil rights, etc. The resolution was
amended by directing the same committee TO
report what legislation is necessary to protect
loyal citizens in the late rebellious States, except
Tennessee, and then passed -...s I'D x.
Dec. lS.--In the Senate, Mr. johnson pre-.
| sented the credentials Of Senator Jones, of Ar
kansas, which was tabled Mr. Sumner pre-
sented memorial Of the Norfolk, Va. Union
| League, protesting against the Presidents
policy, and asking the appointment of Judge
! Underwood, as Territorial Governor
MIR Trumbu presented the petition of Gov
Wells and others praying the DECENTRALIZATION
OF Louisiana. He said, if the allegation of the
petition was true, it is the duty of Congress to
drive the usurpcrs out with the strong hand of
power. Congress had absolute control in the
premises and 1t is incumbent on it to extend its
fostering hand to loyal citizens. He was in
formed that taxes are levied 10 Alabama to paw
the salaries of rebel officers. He. was also in
formed that the loyal people of North Carolina.
Alabama, Texas, and other States would have
to leave. 1t was the DUTY of Congress to inter
fere at once. s-. - H.. h.
Dec l9.-In the Senate the Nebraska hill
was taken up, and in the argument Mr. Howard
took the ground that the committee of necon.-
struction did not understand that the States
should be admitted on the adoption Of the
amendment irFs ia a-.ig = .y--,e--.
In tho House, Mr. Julian introduced rcso.
luton, which was agreed to, instructipg the
public tax Committee to enquire into the ex
pediency of amending the homestead bill SO as
to require applicants to make oath that thew
had & ven no aid or comfort to the Confederacv.
SCARCITY OF WoRK.-1t appears from a card
Published ina Chicago newspaper, signed by one
,ofthe Local Employment Committee. that that
similar complaint comes from all the large cities
OF the United States. People out of emp loymept
lind 1t difhculta to- getrwork,7 and hence those
who are earniog living in. the country should
be warned by this circumstance that it. will only
be waste of time 10 visit thecites ID the hone
of lettering their-coad;tion. : esa s.,z=. 80 :.