The Portland daily press., 1866-02-02
xxx CONGRESS---First Session.
SENATE
"Aa-r-

WASHINGTON, Feb, 1.
On motion of Mr. Brown the Committee on
Reconstruction was directed to enquire into
the expediency of amending the Constitution
OF the United States, SO as to declare with
greater certainty the power of Congress to en-
force and determine by appropriate legislation
all guarantees contained in that instrument.
and more especially, first, that which recites
the people without distinguishing them by
race or color, and those who are to choose rem
resentatives. Second, that which assures citi-
zens OF each State, all privileges and immuni-
ties OF citizens of the several states. Third,
that which enjoins upon the United States
and guarantees to every State a republican
form Of Government
On the motion of Mr.. Poland the Judiciary
Committee was directed to enquire into the
expediency and constitutionality of entering
Jurisdiction of the United over all suits
brought against any person for acts done under
authority or in aid of military forces of the
United States and also for all suits brought
against any person for any act done under an
thority or in aid OF so called Confederate
States and report by bill or otherwise.
Mr.. Fessenden asked the Senate to take up
the Constitutional Amendment passed yester-
day by the House, and endeavored to keep it
before the body until passed.
Mr.. Howard called for the resolution recon-
mending the trial of Jefferson Davis and
Clement G. Clay by Military Commission for
completely in the assassination of President
Lincoln and for violating the rules and usages
OF war. Mr.. Howard offered an amendment
to include others acting in concert with CLAW
and Davis and spoke at length in favor of his
proposition. The expiration of the morning
hour prevented action by the calling out of the
bill for the protection of all persons in their
civil rights.
The pending question was that of Mr..
Trumbulps declaring all persons in the United
States. not subject to any foreign power, citi-
zens Of the United States.
Trumbulps amendment was adopted, 81 to
10. Davis spoke at last against the bill.
Adjourned.
Mr. Morrill, reported a bill amendatory of
the law of March Sd 1885, providing ways and
means for carrying on the Government. It
was made special order for Thursday next.
Mr.. Morrill, in reply to a question of Mr.
Stevens, said that the committee had not yet
acted upon the report of the Treasury Com
mission and therefore had not concurred in
the proposition to reduce the tax on whiskey
to dollar per gallon.
The House passed the bill that no American
vessel sailing under foreign protection during
the rebellion, shall be entitled to the rights and
privileges of American vessels, unless by act
of Congress.
The House resumed the consideration of
the bill to enlarge the Freedmen's Bureau.
A resolution was adopted directing an ex-
animation into the laws of New Mexico, re-
garding master and servant. II
Mr.. Eliot gave notice that he would to-mor-
row move the previous question on Freedmen's
Bureau bill at o'clock. Donnelly offered an
amendment giving the Bureau power to open
schools in every district for all persons apply
ing Gar field favored the bill.
Adjourned.