Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-03-09
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS

WASHINGTON March S.-Representatiye Bout
well to-day made report from the Committee
Reconstruction, signed by himself and Represen-
tative Washbourne of Ills, in which they state
the colored people ofTennessee to be undoubtedly
loyal and half of the white people disloyal; East
Tennessee is strongly loyal, and Middle and West
Tennessee disloyal. There are about 40 900
white males of the voting age, 5000
colored males of the voting age in the State, max
ing in all 100000. They propose an amendment
to the proposition by offering another condition
for the admission of the State that in comforting
the elective franchise no distinction shall be made
as to race or color.
On motion of Mr.. Schenck, the Senate joint
resolution appropriating $50 600 to reimburse
Miss Clara Burton, for money expended by her,
and to aid in the further prosecution of the
search for missing soldiers-by unanimous con-
sent was taken from the Speakers table, read
three times and passed.
Mr. Boutwell, from the Joint Committee on
Reconstruction. presented the views Of the mi
nority-himself and Mr.. Washbourne ofIllinois-
in regard to the admission of the Southern States
which was ordered printed.
Mr.. Highly introduced bill granting right of
way to ditch and canal owners in California over
public lands. Referred to the Committee on
Manufactures.
The Judiciary Committee being called for. re-
ports in the morning hours. Mr.. Wilson from that
committee reported back with amendment
House bill to facilitate postal and military COM
munications among the several States Mr.. Viii
son explained this bill, which had passed the
House and gone to the Senate. from which it was
recalled in order to amend. so it should not be
construed to allow payment to local Government
roads for service rendered for Government The
amendment reported is in these terms: Provided,
this act shall not affect any stipulation between
the Government of the States and the Railroad
Companies for transportation without compensa-
ton, nor impair. nor change the condition inn
posedby the terms of any act granting lands amy
Company to aid in the construction of its road.
AT the suggestion of Mr.. Conklin the report was
laid over to Tuesday next, to be presented in the
resolutions.
Mr.. Wilson also reported back House bill to fix
the number of Judges of the Supreme Court Of
the United States, and to change certain judicial
districts which was considered and passed.
The bill to enact that hereafter the Supreme
Courts shall consist of one Chief Justice and
associate Judges.
Mr.. Wilson remarked that he should be in ia
vor Of still further reduction of the number of
Judges, and that in the act to amend the Judici-
airy system which would soon eome before the
House. it might be well to provide for such re-
duction as vacancies occurred. Also reported
back with a recommendation that it pass Senate
bill to restrict the expenses of soldiers claims
against The Government limiting the fees of claim
agents to ten dollars.
Some debate grew upon this bill. "a s. "a
Mr.. Wentworth. in denouncing claim agents,
gave notice TO soldiers that if they would send
their papers to members of congress they would
attend to their business with great pleasure.
Mr. Wilson explained that a fee of $40 was sim
ply limitation. The soldier could drive any bar
gain within that limit. This bill had been report
ed for the purpose of protecting soldiers. If the
gentleman from Illinois attended to all the claims
soldiers presented he would have but little time
to devote to reciprocity legislation. [Iaughter.l
Mr.. Wentworth said he had done so often. and
expected to do SO again. He was gratuitous agent
of every man in his District [Langhter.l
Mr.. Shenek proposed to recommit the bill with
instructions to be extended BY providing for n
system OF agents, to be paid by the United States
Government, By whom all claims of soldiers for
back pay, bounties. etc. might he collected, free
Of cost, for the soldiers
During a considerable debate, it was
stated that Illinois, Ohio. Iowa and several other
States had established agencies to do business for
their soldiers.
The motion to recomnnit with instructions, was
passed. The House resumed the consideration of
Senate bill to protect all persons in the United
States in their civil rights and furnish the means
Of their vindieation, which had been postponed
to this day.