Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1868-12-11

The Forticth Congress assembled for
its third session on the 9TH inst. But
little was done in the Senate except per
feeling the organization; but in the
House the session opened more lively =
Bills and resolutions without number,
were introduced and sefcrred to their ap
propriate committees, which appeared
the only vent for the pent-up feelings of
the members after their four months va
cation. The House appointed a COM
mite to wait on the President and report
to him the organization of Congress,
and he, Ia turn, informed them that he
would deliver his message on Wedues
dav, the 9th inst.
The following are the most important
of the first Gays proceedings
SENATE.
Mr.. Cragin introduced an amendment
to the constitution, prohibiting States
from denying the right of suffrage to
any male citizen Of legal age except for
participation in rebellion and other
crimes.
Mr.. Pomeroy introduced joint reso-
luton proposing an amendment to the
constitution as article fifteen, providing
that the basis of suffrage in the United
States shall he that of citizenship, and
all national or naturaIized citizens shall
enjoy the same rights and privileges in
franchise. Laid on the table and order
ed printed.
HOUSE.
The folio wing bills and resolutions
were introduced and referred to appro
pirate committees
To provide against the undue expan-
sion or contraction of the currency
granting suffrage to all male citizens, not
less than 81 years of age; continuing the
Freedmen's Bureau in Virginia, Missis
sippi and Texas, making naturalization
papers issuable only By competent coun-
/ ty courts, and then not within three
months Immediately preceding the cleo
ton: reducing the number of assessors
of internal revenue; giving the Presi
dent the appointment Of the registers in
bankruptcy; giving uniformity to the
currency; to suppress Ku kIuxism and
declare its members outlaws.
Resolutions were offered to ascertain
whether any legislation was necessary to
secure uniformity of compen; alton under
| the eight hour law, to ascertain what
measures are necessary TO protect life,
liberty and property in Virginia. Missis
sippI and Texas; instructing Ways and
Means to introduce bill redeeming
| creenbacks in gold; calling for the in
structions to Minister Johnson and cor
respondence with the British government
in reference TO the Alabama claims; pro
posing an amendment to the Constitution
forbidding States from denying suffrage
TO any one on account of race or color
condemning the conduct of Reverdy
Johnson and asking his recall; iDQuiring
into the condition of affairs in Georgia ;
to modify the naturalization laws so that
no previous residence should be required j;
appropriating fifty thousand dollars to
reimburse Johnson for his impeachment
expenses: TO instruct the Judiciary com
mittee to inquire into the necessity Of
amending the naturalization laws; to in
quire into the expediency of making it
the duty of the Secretary of the Treasu-
ry to sell the surplus gold from time to
time; to inquire into the expediency of a
speedy resumption of specie payments;
to provide for an election in Virginia in
January next; for the correspondence
with England in relation to the impri
sonment of American citizens in Ireland
for words spoken and acts performed in
this country, declaring it the duty of the
u. S. TO recognize tue provisional gov
erument Of Crete.