Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-01-23
House.

1
Leave of absence was granted Mr.
Washburn, of Illinois, for the remainder of
the session, his health requiring travel for
relief and relaxation.
Mr.. Paine introduced bill TO punish
persons for obstrlcting railway trains used
in the transportation of United States
mails. Referred.
Mr.. Schenck introduced a bill for the
sale of Hot Springs reservation in Arkan-
sas. Referred
Mr.. Donelly introduced a bill to facili-
tate the construction of the Union Pacific
Railroad from Sioux City to the head Of
Lake Superior.
Resolution to pay Cufrath, of Pennsyl-
vania, Voorhees,, Of Indiana, and Brooks,
of New York, increased compensation from
the beginning of the seth Congress to the
time they we're unseated, was adopted-94
toss.
Mr.. Wilson reported House bill intro
| duced by Mr.. Bingham Dec. 10th, to de-
clare valid and conclusive certain procla-
nations Of the President, and acts done in
pursuance thereof, and of his orders in the
suppression of the late rebellion against the
United States, with sundry amendments.
The amendments were agreed to and the
bill recommitted, the committee to give
one days notice of its being reported.
The bill as amended legalizes all acts of
the President after the 4th of March, 1861,
to the 1st of December, 1866, respecting
martial law, military trials and commits
sions arrest and imprisonment of rebels or
their aiders and abettors, and of violating
the laws and usages of war.
III.
tee. reported a substitute for House bill to
prescribe an oath to public officers, members
of the bar, etc. The substitute provides
that no person shall be permitted to act
act as attorney or counsellor in any court
of the United States who has been guilty
Of treason, bribery, murder, or any rebel
lion against the government Of the United
States, or giving aid and comfort or en-
enlargement to enemies of the United
States in armed hostility thereto. The
second section declars the first section to be
the rule of every court of the United States.
The third section makes 1t the duty Of
Judges when suggestion in made in open
court, that any person is acting as attorney
or counsellor Of the court, or proposing so |
TO act, If decided by the provision of this |
act, or when the Judge shall believe such |
person to be so barred, 10 ascertain whether |
such person has been guilty Of treason, !
murder or or any other felony, or has been |
engaged in any rebellion against the gov |
eminent of the United States, or who has |
given comfort, aid or encouragement to the |
enemies of the pSited States in armed hos
tiHty thereto, aud'if the court be of opinion |
that such person has been guilty Of such /
crimes. to debar such persons from the /
Office of attorney or counsellor. ...
Mr.. Boutwell,, in brief, in explaining and |
advocating the bill said there we're i've |
Judges in the highest tribunal Of the land |
who had not sufficient selfresPect 10 enact |
rules and enforce regulations that would |
protect themselves from the foul eOntani- |
nation of conspirators and traitors against |
the government of the country. The time
had come when the legislative department
Of the government should exercise It's
powers, 10 declare who shall be officers Of 1
the government in the administration Of
the courts Of Law. This bill was for that
purpose, and he hoped the House would
pass it, He moved the previous question.
A number Of petitions were presented Of
unusual important character, one asking
the Impeachment Of the President A /
AOoQ QE43l Vi AAl4G ada afNAN IL eAA-bAAa
in absentees and their explanations.
Messrs. Chandler, Rogers and Hall spoke
briefly against the bill aud defended the
Supreme Court. Messrs. Wilson, OF Iowa,
and Boutwell, spoke in favor Of the bill.
The previous question having been seconded
the bin was ordered engrossed and read
second time.
Considerable time was consumed IN dlla-
tory motions BY Democrats, during which
the Speaker presented Executive conmu-
nicatons from the Secretary Of the Treasu-
" transmitting the information required
by Mr.. Allisons resolution some days since
in reference to United States bonds, etc
Referredto Committee on Ways and Means.
Also transmitting reports relative 70 the
loss Of the Evening Star and wreck Of the
Commodore. Referred 20 COMMITTEES on
Commerce.