Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1867-02-22
VOL. 6. NO. 81
CONGRESSIONAL.

FEBRUARY ll.--ln the Senate the bill
to prohibit members of Congress from serv-
ing as Directors Of Asylums was inde6-
nitely postponed. The resolution Of Mr..
Chandler introduced Saturday, instructing
the judiciary Committee 10 inquire
whether Andrew johnson had any author
ity for the appointment Of Provisional
Governors for tho late insurrectionary
States was taken up, aud Mr.. Chandler
made long speech in favor OF the reso.
luton. strongly censuring the President
aud advocating his impeachment. The
resolution was discussed by other Sena-
tors, and on motion Of Mr.. Grimes tabled.
The invalid pension and the post Office
appropriation bills were passed as was the
bin authorizing the Secretary Of the Treas
ury TO delegate TO an assistant the power
TO sign warrants Cor the payment Of mon
ey into the Treasury, and for tho disburse-
ment Of money certified by the proper 40
counting officer. The joint resolution TO
amend the constitution by declaring the
President ineligible for reelection, was
passed. TIE joint resolution giving 20
per cent. additional compensation to GER
tain civil employees Of the Government,
was passed.
In the House large number Of reso-
lutions were introduced, including one to
declare the ratification Of the 18th article
OF the Constitution, proposed last session,
and one providing government for Utah
Territory, both of which were referred.
Mr. Morrell, from the Ways and Means
Committee, reported bill to amend the
existing revenue laws, which was referred
TO the Committee OF the Whole, aud made
the special order for Wednesday evening.
Majority and minority reports from the
Committee on the New Orleans riot were
presented and ordered to be printed.
FEBRUARY 12.--ln the Senate Mr.
Chandler gave notice Of his intention TO
introduce to-day n bill TO repeal
the existing tariff laws and impose q
uniform duty of fifty per cent. al vdiorem
on all imported goods. Mr.. Poland, OF
Vermont, offered resolution instructing
the judiciary Committee to inquire into
the propriety of amending the Constitu :
ton so as to limit the tenure Of the Presi-
Dental Office to one term, extend its du.
ration to six years, provide for the elec-
ton of President by popular vote, aud
abolish the Vice Presidency. The vote
rejecting the bankrupt bill was reconsider
ed, aud the measure, after considerable
debate, was passedby a vote % to 20. Mr..
Sherman OF Ohio, from the Judiciary
Committee reported bill'for the purpose
of redeemng and retiring outstanding
compound interest notes by authorizing
the socretary nj iae Treasury 10 issue ten--
porary loan certificates, bearing interest
at a rate not to exceed 8 per cent. The
League Island Naval Depot bill was taken
up, and pending the discussion the Sen.
ate adjourned.
In the House several bills were intro
duced, including one creating the Office
of Surveyor General Of Montana Terrific
ry and establishing land Office for Mon
tana and Arizona, and one providing for
the safety of passengers on steamboats,,
etc, by making all vessels navigating bays,
rivers, etc., of the United States, except
ing foreign vessels, and those engaged in
foreign trade, amenable to the navigation
laws Of the United States. Mr.. Wilson,
from the Judiciary Committee, reported
new draft of a bill for temporary incrcas-
ed pay to army officers, &c. At the even
ing session the House considered Stevens
reconstruction bill, the debate continuing
till late hour.
FEBRUARY 13.-In the Senate sundry
petitions and memorials were presented.
House bill providing for a civil govern.
meut for Louisiana was taken up, but OBJ
lection being made, it went over till to-
day. The bill to punish larceny of any
kind Of government property by fine Of
$500, and imprisonment from one to ten
years, was passed. Dir. Wilson, from the
Military Committee, reported a bill for
the payment of additional bounty author
lied by law to soldiers whe have lost their
certificates of discharge. MIR. Howard
reported, without amendment, the bill
authorizing the payment Of the rewards
offered for the capture of jeff. Davis. Sew
eral other bills, unimportant in their char
acter, were reported from various Commit
tees. At the evening session the bill to
amend the act incorporating the National
Soldiers and Sailors Orphan Asylum was
passed.
In the House, nearly the entire day was
devoted to the discussion Of Mr.. Stevens
bill for the establishment of military gov
ernmeuts in the South, and after some
material amendments, the bill passed af-
ter an exciting discussion.