The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1866-02-01
xxx CONGRESS.
Washington, Jan. a.

- SENATE. ..
Petitions were presented by citizens of
Go orado, now resident i'm New York, on
the admission of that Territory as State,
but with condition that the word white be
stricken from the Constitution: petition for
extension of right of suffrage to women;
joint resolution for amendment of Cousti-
tuition, and prohibiting payment for slaves
or any debt contracted during the rebell-
ion .-..
Mr.. Kirkwood sworn as Senator from
Iowa until 30th March, 1867. ..i..
Tbe bill to enlarge powers of Freedmans
Bureau, was taken up, several amend
ments offered, but all rejected by vote of
Senate. s. &..s
The Naval Committee reported a bill to
amend the act for the relief of seamen.'
The Judiciary Committee reported it in
expedient to- reget1 ri,e test oath at pres
ent. -.s.a
The Committee on Judiciary were in
structed to enquire what legislation is nee
essary for the protection Of loyal citizens
of I. s., whose property was confiscated
bv Rebel Governpee,n,tt, =, .----- 1890 80 -
The House resumed the consideration of
the proposed amendment to the Constitu-
ton. -..
Mr.. Lawrence, of Ohio moved to re-
commit the report with instructions to re-
port that the direct tax shall be apportion-
ed, and representation fixed on basis of
adult male voters, who shall be citizens of
the Unite States He advocates his post
ton. y number of speeches were made
in favor and against motion, and the
House, without taking the question, ad-
journed.
Washington Jan. 25.
SENATE.
Mr.. Foote asked to be excused from SER
vice in the Committee on Pensions, and it
was so ordered.
Mr.. Grimes was excused from service
on the Conittee on Public Lands.
Mr., Sumner presented Il petition from
citizens OF Pennsylvania, asking that the
guarantee ofa republican form of Govern
ment be enforced, which was referred to
Committee on Reconstruction.
Mr.. Harris presented the petition of Paul
s. Forbes, asking for relief from a contract
for the building of vessel, which was
referred to the Committee on Naval At
fairs.
Mr.. Cowan presented the petition of cit
liens of Pennsylvania, asking for such ac-
ton as shall prevent the State from ma
king distinction in civil rights on account
of color. Referred to the Special Commit
tee on Reconstruction.
Mr.. Cowan precented a petition in favor
of protective tariff which was referred to
tn Committee on Finance.
Mr.. Hendricks. from the Committe on
Lublic Dands. reported bill to establish
an additional Land Office in the State Of
Oregon, which, at the request or Mr.. Will
Jams, was taken up and passed. ..s.
Mr.. Wilson called up the bill to restrict
the expenses of collecting soldiers claims
making it penal oilense to charge more
than ten dollars for collecting soldiers
claim. .... ... ... ...
Mr.. Dixon reported the bill relative to
the sale of postage stamps and stamped
envelopes on credit, with an amendment,
limiting operative tn the 3Oth of January,
1868. He asked for the printing of an ex-
planatory letter ofthe Postmaster General,
which was ordered.
Mr.. Morrill, introduced n bill i'm addi-
ton to several acts for establishing the
temporary and permanent Seat of Gov
ernment of the United States, which was
referred to the Committee on the District
OF Columbia. 1t repeals the acts incorpor-
ating the cities of Washington ard George
town, and directs that the legislative pow
er delegated to the said cities, are hereby
resumed, to be exercised exclusively by
Congress until otherwise provided for by
law ..... .. a..-..s... .. -
house
The House resumed the consideration of
the Constitutional suffrage amendment.
Mr.. Eldrige of Wisconsin opposed, giving
among StheT reasons for doing SO, that
certain States entitled TO be heard were
not on this floor by their representatives.
Mr.. Strouse of Pennsylvania, briefly op-
posed the constitutional amendment. He
said it appeared as if that instrument, like
an old coat was to be patched ank patched
until nothing'of the original fabric was
left. Mr.. Highly, of California, stated his
objection to the amendment, the language
of which wasIso vague that 10. might ii,-
fringe OFT other parts Of the constitution.
Mr.. Bingham of Ohio, advocated the
amendment proposed by the committee,
saying the committee have under consid-
GRAFTON another amendment.