Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-12-17
CONGRESSIONAL.
NJ ONDAY, December IL.


SENATR.-The Chair laid before the Senate a
communication from the Secretary OF War iu
response TO the resolution OF the 9th instant in
regard TO this proceedings of the Commission
appointed to audit claims of owners OF slaves
eniis ted or drafted into the United States SER
vice. Referred TO the Committee on Military
Affairs.
Mr.. Sumner presented the proceedings OF the
unconditional Union mass meeting at Norfolk.
composed OF citizens without regard to color
asking Congress to ignore the present State
government OF Virginia, and establish a terri
torial government under Judge Under wood.
and asked that IT be referred to the Committee
on Reconstruction.
Mr.. salisbury objected to the reception OF
the paper, on the ground that 1t was simply the
proceedings OF public meeting, and not in che
form OF q petition He asked for its non .recep-
established by the Senate in declining to receive
such papers
The Char put the question to the Senate,
when It was decided to receive the paper.
Mr.. Wade presented the petition of citizens
OF alexandria, praying for the retrocession of
that county to the District Of Columbia, on the
ground that no protection can be obtained
under the laws OF Virginia. Laid on the table
Mr.. Sumner introduced bill to pre vent and
punish fraudulent representations inducing
emigration TO foreign countries. which is in.
tended 10 prevent colored persons from being
entlced TO foreign countries, where they will
be treated as coolies.
MIR. Morrill, introduced bill to amend the
ni, " aiter, or amend the charter OF the
on District Affairs
On motion of Mr.. Wilson, it was resol we'd that
the Secretary of War be requested TO commu
nicate TO the Senate the reports Of Inc Assist.
ant commissioners OF The Freedmen's Bureau,
detailing the operations of tne Bureau in the
late slave States.
The bill to repeal the 18th section of the Act
TO suppress iDsu ERECTION. &c, was taken IN
on motion Of Mr.. TRANQUIL.
Mr.. johnson inquired whether the object of
the bill was to take from the President that
power which the Cor stitution explicitly cen
ferred upon him.
power under the Constitution would remain
just as it was. The repeal Of this section ONLY
proposed to take from him the power to Iss ne
general proclamation of amnesty. Under
ibis clause 100000 acres of land had already
been Restored TO rebels, and many Of them, in
stead OF approaching this clemency were hlore
defiant ana disioyal than ever. 1t was not
supposed that any necessity would arise in the
future for a general amnesty. and 1t was there
fore proper TO preclude the President from
issuing it. ~
Mr. John son said the Constitution gave the
President the most unlimited power over the
whole matter, and as the clause in question
did not add one iota 10 his power neither cou,d
its repeal take any from him. General Wash
inston has issued general amnesty to the par
elephants in the Whisky insurrection and no
question had ever been raised Of his power 10
do IL. eos t--- +'f -
The morning hour having expired. the nm.
finished business, being the bill for the admis-
sier of Nebras ka, was then taken up
M Hendricks (lnd) being entitled 10 the
floor, argnediaeainst the proposed admission
HousE-Mr. Washburne fIli) introduced A
resolution, which was agreed 70, d,rec ting the
Special Committee on the New Orleans Riots
TO in vestigate also as to the frauds in the New
Orlrans custom house; the employment of
rebels there to the exclusion of Union men &c
Mr., lngerson tin1 introduced resolution,