Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-07-14
House of Representatives.

HOUSE OF representatives
WASHINGTON, July 13.-Mr. Wash
burne introduced bill to extend the pro-
visions Of the homestead bill to any public
lands within the limit of any railroad grant
in any State or territory. Referred to the
Committee on Public Lands.
Mr.. Donnelly offered resolution for an
additional standing committee of nine as
Committee of Education Referred to the
Committee on Rules.
On motion of Mr.. Pile, the select COM
mittee on the treatment of Union prisoners
of war were authorized to set at such places
to take testimony by such members Of the
committee as it may deem proper
Mr.. Munger moved to suspend the rules
to allow him to offer resolution instruct
ing the select committee to inquire about
the treatment of Rebel prisoners of war,
confined in the camps and prisons of the
United States government during the war.
Also, as to the facts connected with the
cartel for the exchange of prisoners, and
why such speedy exchange had not been
effected.
Mr.. Judd asked what loyal men in the
North demanded such an investigation.
He regarded the proposition as reflection
on the loyal people of the country. r
Mr.. Munger disclaimed any intention to
reflect on the loyal people of the country,
and asked whether, if high officer of the
government had given as a reason for nom
exchange of prisoners that he was going to
exchange healthy, well fed for skeletons,
the fact ought not be investigated.
Mr.. Judd recognized on THAI statement a
development of what the gentleman meant
by his resolution. 1t was an attack on the
Union General for partisan purposes.
Mr.. Butler said he and all connected with
the exchange Of prisoners in 1864 court the
fullest investigation.
Mr.. Ingersoll advocated the adoption of
the resolution, contending that to refuse an
investigation would be greater reflection
on the honest Union gentlemen who had
charge Of the exchange of prisoners than
TO allow it.
After some debate the question was taken
on the motion to suspend the rules and the
motion rejected.
The question under discussion as to the
reception and reference of a memorial from
the Arkansas Legislature, asking an appro-
priation for repairing the levees on the
Mississippi river was received and referred
to the Committee on Appropriations.
The speaker presented the following COM
munications which were laid on the table
and ordered printed:
From the acting Secretary of the Inte-
rior submitting sn estimate to supply the
deficiency in the appropriation for the
relief of the Navajoe Indians at or near
Fort Sumner, New Mexico
From the Commissioner of Internal Rev
enue, relative to alleged frauds on internal
revenue in the Fifth district of North
Carolina.
From the managers of Antietam National
Cemetery, inviting the House to attend the
celebration on the 18th July. Letter en-
tered on the journal.
Mr.. Washburne was asked leave to offer
a preamble and resolution expressing the
belief that the prisoners of the United
States were in no instance treated other
wise than with kindness and humanity,
and this House will entertain no resolution
which implies the contrary, unless accom-
panied by responsible charge that they
were treated otherwise.
Mr.. Eldridge objected.
Mr.. Washburne moved to suspend the
rules, and which being done, the resolution
was agreed to los to l6.
Mr.. Stevens presented the report of the
conference committee on the reconstruction
bill, which was agreed to.
The following is the bill as passed
Sec. !. That il is hereby declared to have
been the true intent and meaning of the
act of March ID, 1867 That the govern
ment then existing in the Rebel States of
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana,
Florida, Texas and Arkansas were not
legal State governments, and that therefore
said governments, if continued at all, were
20 be continued subject in all respects 10
the military commanders Of the respective
districts, and TO the paramount authority
Of Congress.
Sec ,. That the commander of any dis.
trict named in said act, shall have power,
subject to the approval Of the General OF
the army OF the United States, and have
effect till disapproyed, whenever in the
opinion Of the commander the proper adj
ministration of said act shall require him
to suspend or remove from Office, or from
the performance Of official duties or exer-
else Of official powers, any officer or person
holding or exercising, or protesting to hold
or exercise any civil or military office or
duty / n such district, under any power,
election, appointment or authority de-
rived from. or granted by, or claimed IN
der any so-called State or government
thereof: and on such removal such COM
mander, subject to the disapProval Of the
General aforesaid, shall have power to
provide from time 70 time for the per
Torrance Of said duties Of such officer or
person 50 suspended or removed, by the
detail Of some competent officer or soldier
of the army, or By the appointment of
some other persons, TO perform me same,
and to I'll the vacancies occasloned By |
death or resignation OF otherwise
Sec. 3. The General Of the army OF the |
United States shall be entrusted with all the |
powers of suspension, removal and appoint
ment granted in the preceding section 70
district commander.
Sec. 4, That the acts Of the officers Of
the army already done in removing in said |
districts persons exercising the functions