The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-12-12
NIGHT DISPATCHES.
Conversational.

wIsgIrsToy December n.-SEyATl. "A
npmbsr of petition, were introduced and re-
f.rred. Among them was one from the New
York underwriters for an appropriation 10 re-
move the wreck Of the steamer Scotland.
Mr.. Wade, from the Committee on Terrific.
ries, reported the bill introduced yesterday
for the admission Of Colorado.
Mr., Fessenden said mat the tariff bill had
been referred to the Finance Committee last
session, with instructions. to report upon 1t on
the second Monday in December. The com
mittes had not yet had time TO consider the
hill. hut would do so at an early day. Five
hundred extra copies OF the bill were ordered
to be printed.
At 80 the bill for negro suffrage in the Dis
trict Of Columbia was taken up, the question
heinz upon the amendment Of Mr.. Cowan
moving 10 strike out the word male" in
order 10 confer the suffrage right upon both
sexes.
Mr.. Anthony advocated the amendment
Mr.. williams spoke in favor Of the bill and
against the amendment.
The debate on the suffrage bill was continued,
but not ended, up to the time OF adjournment
Houss OF RnPRIsISrArIvBs.-Mr Kelly pre-
.ented a memorial OF the Central Republican
Committee OF Louisiana, which was referred
10 the Committee on Reconstruction.
A bill was passed regulating the duties OF
the clerk Of the House of Representatives, and
recurring him 10 insert in the roll OF members
the names of those only from States repre-
sented in the next preceding Congress, as pre-.
liminary TO organization.
A bill was reported to punish for counting
fraudulent electoral votes; the preamble, az
serting that the late rebellious States can only
be restored TO representation by the law
making power, was laid over for future con.
sideration.
Mr.. Stevens made a speech on the bill TO re.
peal the statute Of limitations with regard TO
treason and capital offences. He opposed the
bill, contending that the crime OF treason was
one which most required TO be quieted by
time The offence was continuous until a
peace proclamation was issued, and none such
had been issued. He understood that " ths
man at the other end of the avenue" had is.
sued "soms pieces Of paper" but he did not
regard them as proclamations OF peace. Those
who rebelled against the Government should
be punished as captivss. There was no action
taken on the bill.
The House consumed the remainder OF the
day in considering the bill regulating appoint-
msnts and removals from office.
The President sent TO the House papers rela.
tive 10 the Confederate General Picketts ap.
plication for pardon. II appears that Judge.
Advocate. g eneral Holt recommended that
General Pickett be put upon trial on the
charge OF having murdered twenty-five Union
prisoners of war, but the Secretary OF wa
declined 10 do so on the ground OF the So
preme Court having decided against military
tribunals trying euch cases. General Pickett
addressed a letter TO the President asking fol
amnesty. and one TO General Grant asking
his favorable consideration, and explain
ing the circumstances under which the men
were executed he simply acting as the gene
raj commanding the department, ana that Inc
same was sanctioned by the Confederate GOV
ernment. General Grant made an endorse
ment on the letter to the President, with a re-
commentator Of clemency, or that assurance
he given that no trial would take place for the
offences charged against Pickett. General
Grant saws: During the rebellion belligeren'
rights were acknowledged TO the enemies Of
our country, and IL is clear 10 me that the pa
role given to the armies laying down theii
arms protects them against punishment foi
acts lawful for any other beiligerent. The
punishment of the men was a harsh one, bu'
IL was in time of war, when the enemy nc
doubt felt IL necessary TO retain by some power
the services Of every man within their reach
General Pickett know personally to DO al
honorable man, but in this case his Judgmen
prompted him 10 do what cannot well be sus
tanned, though do not see how good, either Z
the frisnds OF the dscsased. or BY fixing AZ
example for the future, can bsseeurA by ali
,.. y.-~.sa ~~x~ ns,nn ~, The n Ne tiox