Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1866-01-15
TnIRrY-NINrH CoNGREsS-FIRsr SESSION
WASHINGTON, Jan. u, 1866.

Mr.. Dixon introduced bill which provides that
alter January lst, 1851, no printed matter ,lnoudhg
newspapers except that received from foueign coun,
tries or specially exempted, shall be transmitted
through The mails, unless the full postage Il prepaid
After the first of next April prepaid and dead let
tiers shall be restored forwarded to the parties IN
terested without additional postage The Postihas.
terGeneTa is authorized to contract with owners OF
sailing vessels for transportation OF the iaiis W
foreign countries 1t repeas the law requiring un-
delivered letters to be published in newspapers ha'-
ing tue largest circulation, and leaves the puonca-
ton thereof to the discretion oil the postmaster
General. II also authorizes the issuing OF money
orders only TO the amount OF fifty dollars ana pre-.
scribes the fees to lie charged, and provides that
money orders shall not be paid after tine expiration
of year from the date OF its issue. The bill pro-
yides that any person tamperlng Win tue contents
ofany letter box, pillar box or other necessary poAe
OF the POstoffce Department shall, on cOn'lGtou'
be liable to fine OF not less than one hundred dol
lars or more than one thousand dollars, or be I'M
prsOned not less than one or more than three years
Newspapers, circulars, pamphlets anu other hhus VI
printed matter deposited IN any posloHlce lor ioeri
delivery shall be subject to cent postage Tor each
four ounces except books, which shall he SUBJECT 10
postage at the rate of four cents for each eight ounces
or fraction thereof. ...
Mr.. Dixon also introduced n bill concerning
stamps and stamped envelopes. 1t authorizes 'he
Postmaster General to sell postage stamps ana
STAMPED envelopes on cIcd. for such time as may
be deemed proper by him. The persons receiving
them are 10 engage To dispose OF the same under te
direction OF the Postmaster General, are 10 receive
five per cent. comm Ss.On, and are 10 give Dohu anu
security Such persons are not to sell the stamps or
envelopes on credit they are to be regarded as Ie-
cevers of public money, and are to be subject 10
the same provisions.
Mr. Howes' joint resolution providing for the ap-
pontment of provisional governments Tor the SOUTH
States, was then taken up Mr.. l.. said his col
league desired TO speak on this subject, ana Is nc
was now absent from the city, he moved to postpone
the consideration Of the resolution until Wednesday
next, which was agreed TO.
On motion of Mr.. Trumbull, the Senate proceeded
to the consideration of the bill to enlarge the power OF
the Flcedmen's Bureau. The bill, as amended by
the committee, was read. The amendments were
agreed to, and, on motion of Mr.. Hendricks the
further consideration of the bill postponed until
Monday next.
The Chair presented communication from the
President of the United States enclosing a commu-
nication from Messrs. Evans and Chahec elected as
United States Senators by the Legislature of Colo
RADIO. Referred to the Committee on Territories.
Mr.. Steward, of Nevada, obtained unanimous con
sent to introduce bill providing for the admission
of the State of Colorado INTO the Union winch was
referred 10 the Committee on Territories.
On motion of Mr.. Trumbull, the Senate took up
the bill to protect all persons in their civil rights and
to furnish the for their vindication The bill
was read, and, after the adoption OF amendments,
was postponed.
Mr.. Morrill,, of Maine reported back the bill to
regulate the elective franchise in the District Of Co.
lumbia.
On motion of Mr.. Fessenden, it was resolved, the
House concurring, that the joint committee appoint
ed to enquire into the condition of the nsureconary
States be empowered to send for persons and papers
Mr. Lane, of Indiana, asked leave to take up the
bill authorizing the President to appoint pension
agents. wherever in his judgment they are required.
The bill was read and laid over for the present.
The Senate went into executive session, after which
it ad jOurned until Monday next.