The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-12-18
CONGRESS.

dec. lU.-l0 the Senate Qulte q lengthy us.
cussion ensned Oh the suffrage bill, particularly
on the clause DISTINGUISHING those citizens who
left the District OF Columbia to jun the Con-
federate cause. This prohibition was strenuous.
ly opposed by Mr. Wilson, OF Massachusetts,,
among others, who said il was too small mat
ter to make difficulty about. Mr. Cowan said
that any citizen Of the District who joined the
Confederate army was guilty of treason. He
did not apply this to people OF Southern States.
But here there was no doubt of the form Of gov
ernment and no one could doubt where his al
Iegisnce was due. He moved to extend the
privilege of the bill to females and contended
that if negroes bad right to vote women bad
also 49,
The committee on Reconstruction have be-
fore them bill providing that Chief Justice
Chase shall appoint for each of the Southern
States Provisional Governor and all other
Territorial Nachipery, and prescribing regula-
tions for holding Conventions for the adoption
Of Constitutions securing to all men their rig hts
irrespective of color.
Mr. Spalding introduced resolution directing
the reconstruction Committee to enquire into
the expediency of proposing joint resolution
declaratory OF the purpose Of Congress to admit
the rebellious States the ratification by hem
Of the Constitutional amendment, aud the es-
adjustment OF a Republican form of Govern
ment
MIR Hart, a resolution calling on the Presi-
dent for information as to all the pardons granted
by him.
Mr. Ross offered resolution instructing some
committee to report bill prohibiting dimin-
ution of National legal currency, and to discour
age the issue of bank bills under the National
aud State laws. Laid on the table by vote of
81 to 60. s. -
Dec H.-In the Senate, Mr. Wilson present
ed petition Of army officers asking increase of
pay. MIR Wade reported favorably on bill to
admit Colorado. The suffrage bill for District
OF Columbia, was taken up aud the question be-
ing on the amendment of Mr. Cowan to strike
out the word "male."
In he House, Mr. Stevens made speech on
the bill to repeal the statute of limitations with
regard to treason and capital offe9ces. He op-
posed the bin, contending that the crime Of
treason was one which most required to be qui.
eted by time. The offence was continuous till
peace proclamation was issued; none such had
been issued. He understood that the man at
the other end of the avenue had Issued some
pieces OF paper Of peace. Those who rebelled
against the govern should be punished u
captives No action was had on the bill
Mr. Wilson, of Iowa, frcm tho Judiciary
Committee reported bill relative to the duties
OF the CLERK Of the House, how he should act
in case Of applications for certificates from mem
bers from Southern States, passed by vote of
l33 to 81. Wilson's bill to prevent counting
illegal electoral votes for President and Vice
President, also passed
MIR A, II. Jones, Of North Carolina, submit
ted his credentials. They were referred to the
Reconstruction Conmittee.
Dec FIN the Senate, Mr. Wilson gave
notice that Tomorrow he would introduce bill
TO continue in force the ireedmen's Bureau aud
70 amend the act establishing it. Mr TrumLuil
introduced resolutions calling upon the Presi-
dent for information in regard to appointments
during recess Of Congress. The suffrage bill in
the District Of Colombia was then taken up.
Mr. Brown took the floor in advocacy of the
right of female suffrage.
10 the House unanimous consent was asked
for the introduction of resolutions declaring
that the constitutional amendment is the most
eonchatory offer that the rebel States could ex.
pcct, and that the theory Of universal amnesty
ought to be discarded by every loyal patriot d
Dec. 13-In the House, Mr. Stevens intro.
duced bill to re-organize the State government
of North Carolina A synopsis of this bill will
be found in this column. --