Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-12-10
Conversational.

In the Senate yesterday Mr.. Sumner
introduced bill TO carry out the recon-
struetion laws in Georgia, which was or
dered to be printed.
A message was received from the
House, stating that they had passed the
bill regulating the duties on imported
copper and iron ores, and restoring the
Bureau of Indian Affairs to the War De-
psrtment, which was laid on the table by
the Secretary of the Senate, when about
half of it had been read.
A recess was taken until pm, when
the Presidents message was read.
Mr.. Conness moved that the further
reading Of it be dispensed with, on the
ground that it was offensive and untrue.
Mr.. Davis opposed the motion, and Mr..
Howe followed in its support.
Mr.. White claimed that all considera-
tons Of propriety demanded the reading.
Mr.. Wilson followed Mr.. White, de-
nouncing the President, but said it ought
to be read.
Mr.. Hendricks stated that it was only
the Presidents right to state bis objec-
tons to the Congressional policy.
Mr.. Conness then withdrew his motion,
and Mr.. Cameron renewed it.
Mr.. Morton said he was surprised at
the motion, and that its adoption would
belittle the Senate. and indicate their
spitefulness.
Mr.. Drake suggested that as Congress
had received many of like character, it
might as well take one more.
Mr. Howe argued that it was the Pres
idents duty to communicate facts and
not opinions, aud the Senate was not
bound to hear bis argumentative and
insulting message.
Mr.. Edmunds said that the transaction
of business would be facilitated by de-
ferring the question until tomorrow,
and moved to adjourn, which was carried
by twenty six TO twenty-five, aud The
Senate adjourned.
In the House, Mr.. Washburn, as chair
man Of the Committee on Appropria-
lions, proposed an adjournment to the
fifth of January, but on some discussion
the matter was laid over
Mr.. Bingham. from the Committee on
Reconstruction, reported bill providing
for an election in Virginia, to be held On
Wednesday, January Both, the question
to be for or against the constitution as
adopted by the Convention which met in
Richmond, December 8, 1867. He ex-
planned the bill, and said it was the same
as the one passed last July, except as to
the time of holding the election, and be
hoped that the time was near when there
would be 10 further complaint in that
State as to the want of local govern
ment resting Oh th2 consent Of the gov.
erned.
Mr.. Eldridge inquired whether the bill
made any provision in reference to par
sons voting who are excluded by the laws
and constitution of Virginia, or under
the reconstruction acts.
Mr.. Bingham replied that the bill in no
way changed the Repatriation acts, or
as TO the disqualification Of citizens to
vote 10 the preliminary election.
Mr.. Washburu, of Illinois, called atten-
ton to the time fixed for holding the
election, aud expressed the opinion that
Congress should tx much later day.
He thought the s0lh Of January was TOO
early for holding the election, and de-
sired to offer en- amendment for substitut-
ing the same Tuesday in April, trusting
ct that time the loyal people Of Virginia
could be protected.
Mr.. Maynard remarked that. 10 addi-
ton to the reason assigned by Mr.. Wash
barn, the middle Of January vas or
dinarily a very Indictment season, and II
would be very difficult, il not ispractica
bic to SECURE anything like a full vote
then, and be was, therefore, in favor Of
posiponemeui, and after further discus
sion, particularly &c 10 the time TO be
fixed, Messrs. Washburn, Butler and
Boutwell, insisting on a day in May, and
before disposing Of it the Presidents
message vac reeeiYad sBi Iead. After
reading as far a. that portion relating 70
the public debt, Mr.. WashburR said it
vas disgraceful TO the country aud the
President Mossrs. Bsoomal and Schenk
expressed similar views, and the message
was laid on the table Sithout the order
10 prin' extra copies
The Virginia election blll VAS thea
amended and passed, aud 81 3.45 tie
House adjourned.