The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1866-01-26
xxx. O0NGRESS---Firs Session.

In tho Senate, Thursday, was offered the
bill to regulate the withdrawal OF goods from
bonded warehouses, and the bill authorizing
the construction of telegraph line between
New York and tho West Indies, were reported
without amendment. A bill for the admission
Of Colorado was reported. a bill giving the
widow of President Lincoln the ranking priv
ilccc for life was passed.
In tho House, u uniform bankruptcy bill was
reported. Tho committee on claims asked to
DO relieved from the consideration Of claims
growing out of property taken or destroyed in
supprcssing tho rebellion. A resolution was
offered to treat as forcign-built vesscls all
American vessels registered in foreign coun-
tries during the rebellion. A bill was report.
ed amending tho act granting lands to States
for agricultural and mechanical colleges, Ivy
extending the time and including Southern
States. on certain conditions. The naval COM
mittee reported adversely on the resolution
chasing pilots engaged in the war rs officers.
A bill was reported amending the act establish.
ing the Freedmen's Bureau. Tho District Of
Columbia suffrage bill was taken up, and, NJ
ter debate, was passed without qualification by
liz to SO. when tho House adjourned.
In the Senate, on Friday, bill was intro
duced to restrict the fees Of Claim agents to
so. A potition was presented from citizens
of tho District OF Columbia, asking tho repeal
of all laws making distinctions on account OF
color The bill cnlargins the powers Of the
Fccedmen's Bureau, was taken up, and after
debate, tho amendment confirming titles to
lands under General Shcrman's order for three
years, was adopted.
IN tho House, tho appropriation for tho rur.
chase Of Seavoy's Island was struck out OF tho
appropriation bill. A bill was introduced to
regulate tho compensation of postmastcrs.
In the Senate, on Saturday, the bill author
iSing tho President to appoint pension agents,
ind the bill making appropriations for pensions
for 1867, wero passed. The bill to enlarge the
powers Of the Frccdmen's Bureau was taken
up. Mr.. Guthrie, in a speech against the bill.
gave il az his opinion that the amendment to
tho Constitution abolishnS slavery, destroyed
tho force Of oil laws relating to slavery.
In the Senate on Monday, the memorial OF
the Boston Board OF Trade in relation to the
statutes Of limitation passed in various South
crn States was presented. The committee on
r construction reported an amendment to the
Constitution affecting representation. A reso-
luton referring all papers on the subject Of the
representation Of States recently in rebellion to
the committee on reconstruction, was adopted.
In the House. bills relating to tho following
matters were introduced and referred The de-
fcnoo of the Northwestern frontier, counter
feitnS. the appointment Of admirals and Ger
tain volunteers TO tho navy, bounties to soldiers
of 1861 and 1862, the oath OF Office, n ship
canal around the Falls Of Niagara, and the nd.
mission OF Colorado. An amendment to tho
Constitution relating to the administration OF
the Government in tho event Of the death OF
the President was referred to. the Judiciary
committee. A number Of resolutions Of in.
ouiry and suggestion were offered. The COM
mittee on reconstruction reported an amend
ment to the Constitution basing representation
on tho whole population Of State, but exclud.
inc from the estimate such persons as are dc.
MED the elective franchise or restricted in the
exercise OF il. After some debate further con.
sideration Of tho matter was deferred until
Tuesday.
In the Senate op Tuesday protests were pre-
sen,cd against tho renewal OF the Reciprocity
Treaty. A report was made adverse to the sale
of Government property at Point lookout
Notice was given Of q proviso to the bill Tor the
admission Of Colorado, that no denial oil rights
shall be made on account Of race or color. A
debate ensued on the bill relating to the Freed.
mems Bureau. A joint resolution was offered
prohibiting any State from Withholding the
elective franchise from colorcd citizens.
In the Senate on Wednesday, petitions and
orders Of inquiry referred. The judiciary com.
reported repeal Of tho test oath incxpedicnt.
Mr.. Kirkwood was sworn in M Senator from
Iowa. The Freedpen's Bureau Hill was taken
mp, discussed and referred till tomorrow. The
House was exclusively employed in discussing
the proposed Amendment.