The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1866-01-31
BY TELEGRAPH.

Steamboat Explcsion--l5O Lives Lost.
MEMPHIS, Jan. 30.
1t is just reported here that the steamer
Miami was blown up and burned on Sunday
last, six miles above the mouth OF the Ar
kansas River; 1S0 lives were lost.
xxx CONGREss---FIRsT SESSION.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 80.
SENATE
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill for the ma
tional defense, by establishing an active vol
unteer militia throughout the United States.
All able bodied citizens between 20 and As
are to be enrolled, with exceptions similar to
those in relation to the draft during the rebel
lion There shall be one active regiment OF
infantry in each Congressional District, Ter
ritory, and the District ef Columbia, Of citi-
zens between II and 35 years, to be enrolled
for six years, or during the war, if any be de-
clared within that period. Officers in the
States are to appointed by Governors, and in
the District by the President, and shall be Sc
lected from persons who have been examined
by Military board appointed by the same
authority Regmental commanders appoint
their own non-commissioned officers. The
last section provides that the President may
order the whole or any part Of the volunteer
militia into the service of the United States
during Instructions, rebellions, foreign war,
or obstruction of the laws too strong for civil
authority to overcome, or upon apprehension
of either and any member who shall fail to
appear without valid excuse may be tried
by court martial for deserting.
The bill was referred to the Military Com
mittee.
Mr. Dixon called up the bill for the sale of
stamps and stamped envelopes or credit.
While discussing this subject, the morning
hour expired, and the chair announced that
the bill to protect all persons in the United
States in the enjoyment of their civil rights,
and to furnish means of their vindication, was
before the Senate.
The question was upon the adoption Of Mr.
Trumbull' amendment to insert after exis-
ting clause, the words 'that all persons of
African descent born in this country, and
hereby declared citizens of the United
States
Mr. Salisbury called for the Yeas and Nays.
Mr.. Van Winkle spoke against the amend
ment. He did not think il was constitutional
to adopt it.
Mr. Trumbul withdrew the amendment
above stated, and offered in lieu of il the fol-
lowing:
That all persons born in the United States
not subject to any foreign power, and hereby
declared to be citizens of the United States,
without distinction of color &c.
Mr.. Guthrie, of Kentucky, inquired if Mr..
Trumbul intended to naturalize Indians.
He said, we deal with Indians by treaty,
and not by law, unless in reference TO those
who are corporated into the United States,
and are subject to taxation.
Mr. Cowan, of Pennsylvania, called atten-
ton to the fact that this amendment would
naturalize great number of Chinese children
in California.
Mr. Trumbull said that the children of
Chinese parents, born in this country, were
citizens of this country, that there were many
counties in Pennsylvania so inhabited by
Germans, that there must be very few citizens
in them.
Mr.. Lane said there were Indians in Kan
svs who owned lands, but they were not cit-
zens.
Mr. Henderson asked Mr.. Lane if he did
not, year ago, say that the best race of men
he ever saw were mixture of negroes and
Indians in Kansas.
Mr.. Lane said that mixed race lived south
of Kansas. He still adhered to the assertion.
Considerable discussion ensued between Mr..
Cowan and other Senator's
Mr.. HowaId then took the floor. He said
he had recently seen letter from one Of our
Generals in Texas, in which the writer states
that some time ago Union man was discov-
cred in Texas, who was so imprudent as to
raise the Federal flag over his house.
After the close of the war he was waited
on by the citizens and told that the flag must
be hauled do~n; that while the people of
Texas might accept the situation of their de-
feat, they couldn't submit to anything of this
kind. He refused to take down the flag, and
paid for this refusal with his life. This was
the spirit of those same reconstructed rebels
of the South. They accepted the condition
merely-that was all.
The Constitutional amendment was dis
cussed by Messrs. Howard, Lane and John
son, after which the Senate adjourned.
A message from the President was read,
transmitting information in regard to the sur
render Of the pirate Shenandoah, which was
referred.
Also a message transmitting the report OF
the Provost Marshal General, relative to the
enlistment of 100 days men. Referred.
Mr.. Rice, of Mass, introduced bill for
the better organization Of the Navy. Re-
ferred
The House agreed to print 20, 900 copies OF
detailed report on Manufactures.
Mys Hubbard, of Conn, asked leave to
offer Sfesoluhon, but objection was made, that
| the House will cooperate with the Secretary OF
the Treasury in efforts to bring the currency
of the country to specie basis.
A bill was introduced for ship canal from
the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. Re.
ferred.
The House proceeded to the consideration
of the Senate bin to enlarge the powers Of
the Freedmens' Bureau.
Mr.. Elliott offered several amendments.
Mr.. Donnelly suggested an amendment to
provide common schools to educate all who
may apply therefor. - EH
Mr.. Elliott spoke in favor Of the retention
of the Bureau.
The House took recess till evening, TO
debate on the subject of the Presidents An
unal Message.
EVENING SESSION.
Mr.. Hubbard had the floor, and moved ad-
journing in order to allow members to attend
the Presidents reception. Vote stood two
in favor and two against.
The Speaker voted with the former, and
declared the House adjourned.
The Internal Revenue Report.