The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1867-03-15
XIth CONGRESS, 1st SESSION.


PENSIONS To mo ulre into the expedienCy
of putting pensions granted by special
act of Congress on the same footing as
those granted under the general laws.
Adopted.
Mr.. Trumbuu called up the suppla-
mentary Reconstruction bill. which
was read at length.
Mr.. Drake said he had several amend
ments 10 offer. The first was to insert
in the third section, a provision that
at elections provided for in the proceed
ing section, registered votes OF each
State, shall vote on question of hold
ing State Convention, and forming a
constitution; those in favor ofthe Con-
vention shall have, written or printed
on their ballots, "for n Convention, :"
those opposed shall have against a
Convention, written or printed on
their ballot The persons appointed to
superintend the elections shall make
returns OF the votes for and against.
The commanding General to whom the
same shall be returned, shall ascertain
the total vote, and if a majority ofthe
whole number of those in any State
shall have voted for such Convention,
it shall be held, if majority shall have
voted against the Convention, no such
Convention shall be held.
Mr.. Drake said he did not like the
provisions of the bill as reported on the
subject. BE did not think the indiyid-
E-
ton should have it in their power to
make an official expression of what
they choose to declare 10 be the wishes
Of the people, but that the people them
selves should by their votes directly de-
clare their wishes on that subject.
Mr.. Trumbul said the Judiciary
Committee had considered a PROPOSE
ton similar TO that now introduced by
Mr.. Drake, but had considered it was
best as now in the bill. Frauds were
ettectually guarded against by the pro-
visions that the constitution must be
ratified by a majority of the registered
voters He hoped the bill would be
passed as 1t came from the Judiciary
Committee. If many amendments
were adopted it would be homogeneous.
Mr.. Drake replied, arguing the neces-
sity for guarding the Southern people
against the possibility OF betrayal into
the adoption of a constitution against
their wishes. The very men who had
misled this people during the last six
years were now ready TO mislead them
again.
Mr.. Howard suggested amendments
as necessary to get full expression of
the popular vote.
Mr.. Fessenden favored and Mr.. Ere
linghuysen opposed the amendments.
Mr.. Morton was opposed to submit
ting the question of Convention or no
Convention to the rebels at all in the
beginning. If two-thirds of the lawful
voters of the South We're not in favor
of Convention let them stay at home
but let them not be able 10 defeat the
work of reconstruction. Let the Con-
yention be held and Constitution
formed. 1t is quite enough for them
to have a voice in ratifying the Consti-
tuition after it is formed.
Mr.. Howard contended for the right
of Congress, as such time and in such
~ NEaT- 81
rebel States. He was not in such a
hurry to complete this work as 10 ad-
NIT State without a clear and,fair ex-
preston of the will of the maiority of
its citizens. A minority government
could not exist in this country, and If
any State contained majority opposed
to returning TO the Union, he was for
keeping il out till doomsday, or until
its people repented in dirt and ashes of
their crimes.
After further debate, the amendment
was rejecIed-l7 against %.
Mr.. Drake moved to amend the fourth
section by adding the following: Pro-
Yided that no such constitution shal IL
be considered As emitting a State for
which to frame such representation
unless it provides that in all eIec
lions for State, county, or municipal
officers tue electors shall vote bv
closed ballot, and such mode of voting
Q =
sent of Congress.
a debate of some length followed.
during which Mr.. Drake expressed the
belief Congress has right to thrust ont
Senators and Representatives whose
State constitutions are formed with this
provision in it, and a1terward violated
it.
Mr.. Morton said he would vote for
Mr.. brakes amendment If the clause
referring to the future was omitted, and
provided that simply voting by closed
ballot shall be provided for in the Con-
stitution. He believed it very impor-
tant that the voting should be by closed
ballot, but doub ted the right of Con-
gress to impose a condition of this kind
which should be binding in the future.
Mr.. Henderson spoke against the
amendment.
After further debate and with out ac-
ton theSenate went into executive ses-
sion, and afterwards adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Covode asked leave to offer a res
olution reciting that charges of irregu-
larities in the Treasury Department
had been made through the press and
| in the House, and that such statements
are calculated to cause great uneasiness
| in the country, and providing for the
appointment of a Select Committee to
investigate all such charges, and re-
| ing government Indebtedness, as rep
resented by the currency bonds, com
! pound interes notes, land other promis-
DRY notes, to pay the deficiencies ex-
| hibited by the books and accounts; the
amount OF over issues, if anv, whether
compound interest notes or duplicated
bonds have been presented, and il so,
what amount OF such have been re-
deemed, and inquire into all other ir-
Irregularities.
Mr.. Chandler objected, as the clause
was indefinite, and opened up too wide
| field of inquiry.
Mr.. Covode gave notice that he would,
on Monday next, move to suspend the
| rules, so to offer the resolution.
Mr.. Julian introduced bill to fix
| the time for the election of representa-
/ tiyes and delegates in Congress; and a
bill to constitute eight hours as a days
work for all mechanics and laborers
employed by or on behalf of the Gov
eminent. Referred to the Judiciary
| Committee.
Mr.. Holman desired to have the lat
| ter bill put on its final passage now,
! but Mr.. Stevens objected.
Fernando Wood presented petition
! from Mayor Hoffman and citizens OF
/ New York, asking for an extension OF
I the same privilege 10 sailors honOrably
discharged as is now extended by Law
to sailors
The Speaker presented the reply Of
the congressional printer, to the inquiry
contained in the resolution of March II
respecting the purchase of printing
paper.
SIr. Schofeld offered resolution in.
structing the committee on elections tc
report whether Mr.. Hunt or Mr.. Chilli
cstr, claiming as delegates from Col
orado, is Prima facia, and entitled to {
seat.
Mr.. Randall moved that when the
House adjourned to-day IT adjourned
to meet on Monday Rejected