Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-01-22

on Reconstruction, rel orted a Joint resolution
to amend the constitution by providing that
Representatives and direct taxes shall be sp-
portioned among the several States which may
be included within the Union, according to
their respective hunters, counting the whole
number OF persons in each State, excluding
Indians not taxed, provided that whenever the
elective franchise shall be denied or abridged in
any state on account of race or color, all per-
sons OF such race or color shall be excluded
from the basis of representation,
Hot sE.-Mr. Jencks reported q bill to recu-
late suffrage in the district of Columbia
Mr.. Myers introduced n bill for the same
purpose; which were referred to the Commit
for The District of Columbia
Mr.. SpauldiDg introduced bill authorizing
the Pre- sident TO appoint the officers of his
household. and TO fix their salaries; which
was referred 10 the Committee on ApproprIa-
tions
Mr.. Finck introduced a hill TO repeal the test
oath: which was referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary.
Mr.. Rice, Of Mass introduced a bill further
to regulate the appointment OF sdmirals and
the appointment Of certain volunteer officers
to the regular Navy. Referred TO the Commit
Mr. Bradford introduced n bill for the adj
mission of the State Of Colorado into the Union
Referred to the Committee on Territories
MIR. Williams offered a resolution asking for
the trial of The leaders in the so called rebellion
by court-martial or military commission, and
asserting that IL would answer no practical
purpose to have them tried by a judicial tribu-
10 the persons charged with CRIME.
On motion of Mr.. Stevens, n resolution was
adept instructing the Committee on the udi-
ciary 20 inquire whether any further measure
Is necessary TO enforce obedience to the law,
in the matter of the test oath.) without regard
TO rank or celor.
Mr.. Ingersoll reported n bill relating to the
fire department N the District of Columbia
Mr. NIblacE offered a resolution declaring that
he conduct OF the President of the United States
refusing TO accept the present of a carriage
and horses from certain gentlemen in New York
was prudent. commendable, and patriotic, and
meets with the commentator of the House.
The resolution also condemns the practice, so
common, of subordmates making presents to
their superIors in Office, more or less for the
purpose of securing Office, or promotion This
being OF demoralizng tendency II ought to be
prohibited.
Mr.. Farnsworfh moved that the resolution be
laid upon the table. This was disagreed to
yeas 10, nays 126.
The morning hour expired and the resolution
went over.
Mr. Stevens, from the Committee on Recon-
struction, reported an amendment to the Con =
stifution of the United States, b3sing represen-
tation and taxation according TO their respec-
tive numbers, counting the whole number of
persons; provided where persons are excluded
on account Of race or color. such exclusion
shall rot count in the representation.
Mr.. Stevens desired early action, as some of
the Legislatures were now in session, to whom
the amendment would be submitted for rati-
tCatiOn.
Mr.. Rogers, one of the members of the Com
agaiat the amendment, declaring it was con-
trary 10 the principles upon which our Gov
eminent IS founded, namely that taxation aud
representation must go together.