Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-07-11
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS
House of Representatives.

Whereas, As there has been no thorough
investigation of the treatment of Union
prisoners by Confederate soldiers and peo-
pie, it is just and proper that such in
vestivation should be made; therefore
Resolved, That a select committee of FIVE
be appointed to make such investigation,
with power to send for persons and papers,
to appoint clerks and reporters, etc, and to
report to the House with such recommen-
dations as may seem proper.
Mr.. Wood objected TO the resolution.
Mr.. Schenck moved to suspend the
rules.
Mr.. Stevens inquired whether the inves-
| tigation could not be referred to the select
committee appointed last Wednesday, on
motion of Mr.. Butler, in reference to the
assassination conspiracy.
Mr.. Shanks thought not, and that the
select committee had as much business as
| it could do.
The question to suspend the rules was
taken by yeas and nays. Resulting yeas
70, nays SO. Rules suspended and resolu-
ton introduced.
Mr.. Dawes called attention to the resolu-
ton promising amnesty and grace, and
hAAANh Mdo Noi'lC0 nun bildt OAGACh AuN
other day by Mr.. Butler. 1t pledges the
faith of the government, not only that no
person should have used against him evil
dence that he may give before the COM
mittee, but that he shall not be tried at all
on any evidence. CAV
Mr.. Shanks admitted the resolution was
to say the least, precarious, and he would
withdraw it.
Mr.. Spalding argued that the subject
should be referred to Buffers select COM
mittee, expressing his opposition to APP
pointing of so many special committees.
Mr.. Shanks demanded the previous
question, and on she adoption of the reso-
luton the previous question was seconded.
The first resolution authorizing the APP
pointment of a committee, was adopted
yeas 100, nays Is.
The second resolution, authorizing a
committee TO send for persons and papers,
was adopted without a division, and the
resolution promising grace and amnesty to
witnesses implicated in crime, and which
had not been Withdrawn, bat modified, was
rejected, and the preamble was agreed
and modified so as to read, Whereas it is
expedient that the treatment of prisoners
Confederate authorities during rebellion
shall be thoroughly Investigated there
FORE etc.
Mr.. Stevens rose TO personal explana-
ton in reference to the correspondence
published in the New York Herald of
Monday, and questioned the propriety of
publishing a private conversation. He
admitted the political views attributed to
him to be correctly stated, but disclaimed
the remarks credited to him in reference to
his colleague.
Permission was granted Mr. Broomall to
have his name recorded in the affirmative
en- the passage of the reconstruction bill :;
similar permission was granted such other
members az desired it.
Mr.. Julian introduced bill to extend
and apply the provisions of the homestead
to Mississippi, Florida and Arkansas Re-
ferred to the Committee on Reconstruction.
Mr.. Robinson, of New York, offered a
resolution directing the Committee on For
eigl Affairs to report whether any Ameri-
can citizen had been arrested, tried, con-
victed or sentenced in Great Britain or Ire
land, for words spoken or acts done in the
United States. In support of the resolution
It StlA W Ailt GtCIh uCsh anu uhu lEdu d
statement of the case of s. P. Meany. He
trusted there was spirit enough in the ma
ton, and might and metal enough in the
army and navy to take Mr.. NJ. out of
prison and bring him back, even if on the
march to that prison it became necessary to
tread down the nation which held him.
Mr., Wood said that from personal obser-
walton within six weeks in Ireland, he was
satisfied as to the insecurity Of every Amer
lean in that country. He presented a state
mens of Col. w. j. Nagal, native of New
York, an officer of the Federal army, who
was arrested on his way to Waterford, and
now held prisoner. He asked his col
league, Robinson, to allow the resolution TO
apply to Maggie. Robinson assented.
Mr.. Stevens expressed the hope that they
would not adopt the principle of trying
here, the judgments of British courts
These were matters which every nation
managed for itself, and he should be I'M
willing TO allow any other nation to decide
an action of an American court, against
Rebels who might be subjects of such ma
tions, but as it was simply a resolution Of
reference, he could see no objection 10 it.
The resolution was adopted.
Mr.. Washburne offered resolution de-
claring that the burthen of the government
should be taxation, and should be in pro-
portion to property, and that the exemp-
ton of any material proportion Of the
wealth Of the country from It's due proper
ton Is wrong, and should be avoided, and
that TO carry out these views the right 10
tax the bonds of the government should be
given in any future system by funding
bonds. The House refused 10 second the
previous question on the adoption of the
resolutions, and they were referred to the
Committee on Ways and Means.
Mr.. Adams presented the protest Of J
r. Knott. member Of the fourth district of
Keutpexy. against the action Of the House
In his esse. Referred 10 the Committee on
Elections.
Mr.. Barnes asked leave TO offer joint
resolution 70 reduce the tax on distilled
spirits from two dollars 70 seventy cents
per gallon.
Mr.. spalding and others objected.
Mr.. Shnenck introduced ban to provide
for granting honorable discharges to sol-
diers CHASED as deserters.
Mr.. Ashley moved his bin, as introduced
a few DAYS ago, as substitute Tor II, and
moved that the rules be suspended TO hSTs
L considered.
Several amendments were suggested by
Messrs. Cobb, Garfield and others, which
were ordered 10 be printed and considers
ton SET down for tomorrow.
Mr.. Wilson, rising 10 question OF Prlsi-
lege, said the Judiciary COMMITTEES were
directed Al the last session 20 make a re-
port this session. on the impeachment Of
the President. am directed By the COM
mittee 10 state that they are not now pre-
pared TO make a report, bat viii De pre-.
pared TO make a report on that subject at
any session held on or after the 10th of
October next have been also requested
.s