The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1866-02-14
CONGRESSIONAL.

al amendment relative to the basis of repre-
scntation was taken up, and Mr.. Sumner
made speech on the question. He charac-
terized the amendment as another compro-
mise Of human rights, and advocated his
substitute therefor, which provides that
there shall be no denial of rights, civil or
political, on account of color or race, but
that all persons shall be equal before the
law, whether in the court-ro or at the
ballot box.
In the House, on the 9th, bill was intro
duced, and referred to the Committee on
Reconstruction, providing for and taking a
census of the United States before the first
of October next. A resolution was referred
to the Reconstruction Committee, requesting
| it 10 take into consideration the subject of
removing the national capital. Propositions
were introduced for amendments Of the
Constitution defining the powers Of Congress
and providing that States which rebel against
the General Government shall be reduced to
the condition of Territories. A bill was
presented prescribing an oath to be taken
by public officers and members of the bar.
The bill to enlarge the powers Of the Freed
mems Bureau was discussed.
| tional amendment relative TO the basis Of
| representation was considered. and Mr..
Sumner concluded his speech. Mr. Doolittle
offered substitutes, providing that, after
the census of 1870, Representatives shall be
apportioncd among the States according to
the number of male electors, over II years
of age, qualified by the laws of the respect
i've States to choose members Of the most
numerous branch of the Legislature; and
that direct taxes shall be apportioncd ac-
corling to the value of real and personal
| taxable property in each State. bill was
reported authorizing the appointment Of a
diplomatic representative to the Republic
Of Dominica.
In the House, on the 9th, the report of Mr..
s. S. Hayes, Of the Revenue Commission,
was presented. Tho bill to enlarge the pow
ers Of the Freeimen's Bureau was consid-
ored. Mr.. Stevens substitute was rejected,
and the substitute reported from the Com
mittee on Frcedmen's Affairs was adopted
1876 to 33. The substitute is nearly the
same as the Senate bill, but provides that
the act shall extend to refugees and freed
men in all parts of the United States; and
that, when the former owners of lands occu-
pied under Gen. Sherman's order shall
g. 4 a.~ ;ccn nv
shall be authorized, upon the agreement
and with the written consent of the occu.
pants, to procure other lands for them
Messrs. Rosseau, of Kentucky, and Grinnell,
Of Iowa, had a verbal encounter over re.
mark made by the latter in regard to tho
former. The bill giving the assent of Con
gress to the transfer of the counties O
Berkeley and Jefferson from Virginia t,
West Virginia was passed.
In the Senate, on the 7th, the Committee
on the Judiciary reported that no further
legislation was necessary to exempt North
crn creditors from the operation of Southern
statutes of limitations, the matter being
covered by the act Of June II, 1864. The
| bill preventing the reissue of American reg
| listers to American vessels which changed
their registers during the rebellion, wa
passed. The Constitutional amendment rela
tive to the basis Of representation was takel
up, and Mr.. Fessenden made speech in it.
favor.
In the House, on the eth, bill was passet
requiring taxes to be paid upon railroad
and other securities held abroad, and re
quiring taxes to be paid upon returns al
computed in legal-tender. The credential
Of the Alabama Representatives we're pre-
scented, and referred TO the Reconstruction
Committee. A bill was reported, providin,
that all public lands id Alabama, Mississippi
Louisiana, Arkansas, and Florida, shall b
disposed Of according to the provisions o
the homestead law Of 1852 The bill giving
Mrs. Lincoln the frarlking privilege wa
passed.
In the Senate on the 9th, the crcdential
of Geor ge Houston as Senator from Ala
hama were presented, and laid on the table
A motion was made and discussed, but no
disposed Of, that a committee be appointed
to investigate charges of speculation ant
fraud against Government Cotton Agents
The Constitutional amendment relative I,
the basis Of representation was taken up
and Mr.. johnson Of Maryland made
speech
In the House, on the 9th, the Senat
amendment to the Frecdmcn's Bureau bill
were concurred in, and the bill was passed
as was also tho navy appropriation bill
Gems. Osterhaus, Crook, and Ward wer
introduced to the House..