Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-03-13
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS
senate.

WASHINGTON, March 12.-Mr. Wilson.
from the Military Committee, reported
back the resolution declaring, that whereas
arms and equipments for the militia Of the
State of Tennessee were taken and destroyed
by the Rebel authorities during the rebel
lion, and it being represented by the Ex-
eeutiye of that State that in order to enforce
the laws in that State, he deems it neces-
sary to employ militia, therefore the Secre-
tary Of War is authorized and directed to
furnish arms and equipments for $500
militia.
Mr.. Wilson asked an immediate con-
sideration.
Mr.. johnson objected, and it went over
Mr.. Sumner, from the Committee ON
Foreign Affairs, reported back the bill in
regard TO the French speculation claims,
and the bill to provide for the defense Of
the Northern frontiers, with favorable
recommendations in each case.
Mr.. Nye introduced preamble and re-
solutions declaring the sympathy of the
United States with the Irish people and
their struggle against British oppression );
and asked immediate consideration. Mr.
Sumner objected, and they went over.
Mr.. Pomeroy, from the Committee on
Public Lands, reportd bill relinquishing
the title of the United States to certain
public squares in the city Of Burlington,
Iowa Passed
Mr. Salisbury introduced a resolution
desiring the Secretary of War to return TO
the armoriei and arsenals Of Delaware
certain arms and equipments belonging to
that State, taken by the government during
the rebellion. Referred to Military Com
mittee.
Mr.. Trumbull introduced joint resolu-
ton to make valid certain laws passed by
the Legislature of New Mexico in 1866.
Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Mr. Morgan introduced joint resolution
for the survey of a ship canal from Lake
Erie to Lake Ontario, for military, naval
and commercial purposes. Referred to the
Committee on Commerce.
Mr.. Cole introduced a bill TO enable Cal
ifornia to reclaim certain unproductive
lands within her limits. Also, a bill to
grant lands to California for the construc-
ton of a canal for irrigation purposes. Re
ierred TO the Committee on Public Lands.
Mr.. Morton, of Indiana, moved that the
Senate take up the resolutions Of Mr.. Sum-
ner which were yesterday laid on the table
He said he voted agasnst laying the reso-
buttons onthe table because he was unwilling
to see them disposed of in that way. He
dissented entirely from the views expressed
by certain gentlemen that the act Of the
I'D March was a pledge. 1t could not be
regarded in the light of a contract, because
it takes two parties, one TO propose and
one TO accept, consequently, il is entirely
competent for Congress to alter, amend, or
repeal that bill, without dishonor or breach
of faith. There was much in the resolu-
tions which he could not approve, but he
did approve most heartily of what they
said about the education of the poop of
the Rebel States.
He commended that there could be no re-
publican form of government in the South
unless whites and blacks were alike admit
ted TO the benefits of common schools. If
Congress had the right to grant suffrage to
the blacks, they had the right to provide
that they shall be qualified by education
for the exercise of the franchise. Regard
ing the status Of the Rebel States, he
should always oppose the theory Of Sum-
ner that they were reduced to territorial
condition. He had always held that Con-
gress had full jurisdiction over them as
States since their act Of rebellion, and an
der this power, could do what il was now
proposing to do, reduce them to terrific
ries.
Mr.. Howe thanked Mr. Morton for bring
ing the resolutions before the Senate. He
voted Yesterday against laying on the table,
and found himself compelled to do so with
out giving his reasons. He proceeded to
address the Senate on the subject of the
resolutions, prefaeing his remarks with the
assertion of the control of Congress over
the whole subject Of reconstruction. He
regarded the provision on the subject Of
education a. more important than any
other. He did not think it could be CON
He assented to the proposition
that homesteads were necessary for freed
men, but was not prepared to say that this
could not be obtained under the existing
homestead law. .4i#. -..a
Mr.. Trumbull moved that the Senate
take up the supplementary reconstruction
bill. 1t was taken up and referred TO the
Judiciary Committee. jason
Mr.. Trumbull moved to go into Execu-
tive session.
Mr.. Sumner opposed It, and there was a
slight passage occurred between him and
Mr.. Fessenden, Mr.. Sumner finally saying
he would not proceed with his remarks,
but when the supplementary reconstruction
bill comes should move TO amend IL by
providing that education shall be secured
70 all alike in the Rebel States, and ON
that should address the Senate.