The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1868-03-26
THURSDAY MARCH 26, 1868

10. 1868
him to explain each expenditure.
On motion Of Mr. Morrill,, of Maine
the Postofice appropriation bill was
made the special order for to-mor-
row.
Adjourned.
Bills were introduced as follows:
By Mr. Banks, regulating labor,
and compensation therefor, in Navy
Yards.
By Mr. Dawes, to aid in the con-
struction Of q railroad and telegraph
from New Orleans to Mobile.
Mr. Boutwell,, from the Judiciary
Committee, reported back Mr. Elliot's
bill relative to the Supreme Court,
with an amendment. The bill pass
de. G zlTu9
The bill provides that in the case of
the death or resignation Of the Chief
Justice, the duties ofthc.ofice shall de-
volve upon the Senior Associate JUS
tice.
Mr. Washburn, Of Ind. offered q
resolution calling on the P. N. Gen.
for information as to special agents of
the Postofice Dept. Adopted.
The House proceeded, in the NOR
ming hour to consider the action Of
the bill to continue for another year
the freedmen's bureau.
Mr. Wood addressed the House in
relation thereto, arguing against its
consttutionality and necessity. He
said the agents used their positions
to enrich themselves, &c. He said
he held in his hand q statement
charging Gen Howard with holding
revolving sentiments in reference to
the amalgamation of the races.
Mr. Wood went on to say that he
would make no accusations against
Gen Howard, but that officer had be-
come man of large wealth in lands
which he had bought for fifty dollars
an acre, and had sold to the Freed
men for 5000 per acre. Mr. Wood
did not endorse this platform; he only
repeated what he had heard.
Mr. Arnold spoke in support ofthe
bill, and Mr. Elliot closed the debate.
Mr. Elliot proceeded to vindicate
the character of Gen Howard, and
pronounced the statements published
by Mr. Wood to be foul slander, born
ofprivate i'll will.
Mr. Blaine added his denial to that
of Mr. Elliot, and declared that
more upright man than Gen Howard
did not exist in the u s.
Mr. Wood said he would prove
some ofthe charges, ifgranted COM
mittee of investigation.
Mr. Adams moved to table the bill.
Negatived.
The bill was then passed, yeas 96,
nays37.
The House proceeded to dispose Of
the amendments reported two weeks
since from the Committee on the
Whole, to the sundry, civil expense
appropriation bill.
Mr. Logan moved to amend the
flrst paragraph of the bill by reduc-
ing the amount appropriated for car
rying into effect the several acts of
Congress authorizing the loans and
issue of treasury notes from million
and q half TO $564, ,9O4
Mr.. Randall desired to offer an
amendment that no part Of the amt
should be used for paying a commits
sion for the sale of bonds,
Mr.. Washburne, Of Illinois, said
that it was entirely unnecessary, ~
it could not be used for that purpose.
Mr.. Washburne moved the previous
question on the bill and amendments.
Mr.. Wilson, of Iowa, desired nop-
portunity to discuss some of the
amendments.
The House refused the previous
question by vote Of 81 to e..
The House then proceeded to vote
on the amendments.
Mr.. Randall offered his amendment
before alluded to, which was agreed
to.
Mr.. Logans amendment as amend
ed was adopted.
Mr.. Spaulding spoke in opposition
to the amendment.
Messrs. Washburne, of Illinois, See
ley and Churchill in advocacy.
Mr.. Peters favored the sale of yes.
sells in preference to laying then up
and offered such an amendment.
Mr.. Washburne, of Ill, again moved
the previous question and the House
again refused to second it.
Mr.. Hurlburt, ofNew York, offered
an amendment. directing the Secre-
tary of the Treasury to withdraw
from the Commissioner every revenue
cutter on the Atlantic coast not ac-
tually needed for constant service.
After some discussion Mr.. Peters
amendment was adopted.
Adjourned.
Washington, March 20.
Mr. Chase submitted a memorial
asking appropriations for repairing
levees on the Mississippi river. Re-
ferred to the Committee on Com
merce.
Mr EdmundS moved TO take up
the bill regulating the presentation
Of bills to the President and return
of the same. Lost.
Mr. Drake desired to have a new
rule in the matter of impeachment
taken up, and disposed of before
Monday. He read it as follows:
When the Senate is sitting upon
the trial Of impeachment the presi-
ding officer shall be addressed as
the President, and all papers submit.
ted by either party, which in their
natvre should be addressed in terms
to the tribunal, shall be addressed to
it. Went over.
Mr. Williams offered resolution
inquiring Of the Sec'y of the Treas'y
how many clerks or employees have
been removed since January 1867
The form OF letters or circulars ad-
dressed to the heads of bureaus for
that purpose. How many have been
appointed since, and by whom p
How many heretofore removed have
i 4 a a 4