Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-03-01
XXXIXTH CONGREsS-FIRST SESSION

THURSDAY, March /.
SKNATE.-Mr Morgan presented the memo
rial of the Free Trade League OF New York
for continuance of the present Reciprocity
Treaty with Canada. Referred to the Finance
Committee.
Mr.. Wilson, from the Military Committee,
reported resolution for the disarmament of
the militia OF the lately rebellious States, and
to prevent their reorganization.
Mr.. Wilson presented the petition of military
officers for an increase Of compensation, which
was referred to the Military Committee.
Mr.. Wilson introduced a resolution TO print
10000 copies of the address of Mr.. Ores we'll on
the late Henry Winter Davis. Referred 10 the
Committee on Printing.
Mr.. Creswell introduced a bill to incorporate
the metropolitan Manufacturing and Mining
Company OF Washington, which was referred
TO the Committee on the District of Columbia
Mr.. Williams introduced a resolution which
was adopted, mstructing the Committee on
Finance 10 inquire into the expedency of ap.
propriating money TO build a bonded ware
house, post Office. and custom house, at Port
land, Oregon.
Mr.. Brown called up the bill to grant land
TO aid IN the construction Of a railroad from
Springfield, Mo, 10 the Pacific coast by a south
ern route which, after some discussion, was
postponed till tomorrow.
Mr.. Sherman reported from the Committee
on Agriculture the bill granting discretionary
power to the Secretary of the Treasury to al.
low the importation of cattle and hides from
districts not infected by cattle disease. 1t was
passed
The concurrent resolution in relation to the
admission of Senators and Representatives
from the lately rebellious States was taken up
Mr.. Stewart took the floor.
HoUsE.-On motion of Mr. Cofrroth, a reso-
luton was adopted instructing the Committee
of Ways and Meaus TO inquire into the expedi-
ency of affordiEg relief to the inhabitants of
Chambersburg, whose town was burned by
General McCausland, and their business there
by destroyed.
Bills were introduced TO incorporate the
National Safe Depository Company of Wash
ington and the National Capital Insurance
Company. They were referred to the Com
mittee for the District of Columbia.
The House took up the bill from the Senate,
to protect all persons OF the United States in
their civil rights, and TO furnish the means of
their vipdication.
Mr. Wilson, of Iowa, suggested some amend
ments-.' That there shall be no discrimination
in the civil rights and immunities among the
citizens of the United States Of any State or
Territory" etc. -....
Mr.. Wilson said that in the original bill pro-
lection was proposed to be extended to all in
habitants, but as there was some doubt about
the power raised ia the minds of the Judiciary
Committee, they proposed to confine il TO cit
izens Of the United States. #'|
This amendment, together with others, was
adopted.
He explained the provisions Of the bill, the
first section of which declares that all persons
born in the United States not subject to any
foreign Power excluding Indians not taxed,
are hereby declared to be citizens OF the Uni
ted States, without distinction of color. The
propriety and fairness of such declaration he
argued, saying that by the law Of England all
persons born In her Majesty's dominions are
British subjects. He maintained that the pend
ing bill ought to be passed. .
Mr.. Rogers opposed the bill as being uncon-
stitutional, negroes not being within the term
citizens. He had the opinion Of the Committee
on Reconstruction, and of the gentleman from
Ohio. (Mr. Bingham,) that the Constitution Of
the United States did not confer the right to
pass a bill of this character; because that gen.
ueman, as a member of that committee, re-
.portfc an amendment, in order 20 give IL the
power to make such provision.