Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-12-19
House of REPRESENTATIVE.


WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.-Mr. Elliott
offered a resolution reciting information
received, that American whaling vessels
had recently been ordered off the Russian
coast of America, by Russian war vessels,
and directing the Secretary of State TO
furnish information in reference to such acts,
and whether Americans have or have not
a right to pursue our naval business in
these seas and on that coast without moles-
tation. Adopted.
Mr.. Poland, from the Election Com
mittee, reported that in the Missouri con
tested election VanKorn was entitled the
seat. Laid over.
Mr.. Kelly introduced bill TO amend
the bankruptcy law. Referred to the
Judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Garfield, from the Committee on
Military Affairs, reported bill providing
that all persons relieved from the charge
of desertion or absence without leave from
the army or navy, by act of July 10Th, 1867,
shall be furnished certificate of honora-
Bile discharge, under the limitation and
restrictions of that act. The second sec
ton repeats the second section of the act
Of March 3rd, 1865, which DISTINGUISHES
deserters, except that it is not the effect OF
decisions of court martial, and not entitle
any persons to bounty, pension, pay, or
emoluments of any kind. The bill was
discussed by Messrs. Garfield, Harding,
Brownwell, of Illinois, Washburne, Of
Indiana, Logan, and other members.
Mr.. Washburne opposed the second sec
ton, and moved to strike it ont
Mr.. Logan opposed the bill, as it was
entering a wedge for the restoration of
officers of the army and navy who was
directed to the service and Joined the ranks
of rebellion. 1t was of the same character
of legislation as that of the bill passed yes
terday.
Mr.. Garfield said the representations of
Mr.. Logan were very grave, very serious,
and very unwarranted. There was not the
slightest ground for the representation
that this bill could enure to the benefit
of Rebel officers, who had forfeited their
allegiance at the outbreak Of the rebellion.
Mr.. Logan said the style of charging
gentlemen with representations, or
mistatements of facts, was very common
to gentlemen from Ohio, but for himself
he wonld prefer that gentleman should
hereafter use softer phrases, if he desired
to apply them to him.
Mr. Garfield trusted he was net behind
the gentleman in courtesies of debate, and
if he saw a gentleman had mistreated his
position, Il was because he had no trick of
language which could say the same thing
in any less direct or decided way.
Mr. Allison inquired whether the repeal
of the Dist section of the act of March 3,
1865, would not virtually relieve from all
penalty those officers of the army and navy
who had abandoned their flag and embraced
the cause of rebellion.
Mr.. Garfield replied that it did not !;
they would still be liable to court.
martial and punishment for desertion.
This law simply proposed that the extra.
ordinary provisions of the act of 1865
should be repealed.
Mr.. Schenck asked him whether those
men, having gone back to civil life and
being no longer in the military service,
could be tried as deserters.
Mr.. Garfield replied he presumed they
could.
Mr.. Schenck then argued that the repeal
of the 2lst section of the act of 1865 would
let all these men go free.
After further discussion the morning
hour expired and the bill went over.
Mr.. Randall asked leave to offer a reso-
luton that the resolution of November
25th, declaring that it is not necessary to
proceed further in the building and equip
ping ships of war, shall not be construed
as an expression of opinion in favor of
the discharge of mechanics or laboring
men from the navy yard.
NJ Dsl-o 1lsootod Il - -
not received.
Mr.. Butler, from the Committee on Ap-
preparations, reported an appropriation bill
to supply the deficiencies in the execution
of the reconstruction laws, and for service
of quartermasters and supplies, S,2500,000
incidental expenses, ST., 900 for purchasing
cavalry and artillery horses, $4,000
transportation Of army S., $50, 900, making
in all S12,000.000. There are other items
in the bill making the whole amount Sl2,-
650,000
The House went into committee of the
whole on the state of the Union, Mr.. Dawes
in the chair.
Mr.. Spalding addressed the committee,
claiming that the House had, under certain
circumstances and conditions, a right to
ihteI Fehe ny treaty; NAMING IL the power
Of the government
The committee rose, and the Speaker
laid before the House message from the
President in commendation Of Major Gen.
Hancock. The reading Of the message
created some amusement on the Republi-
can side of the House.
Mr.. Covode was anxious 10 know
whether it was genuine or hoax.
The Speaker said it was message from
IL n-.,idnnt nf The Irn;AnI GAnfaa do