The Waynesburg Republican. [volume] (Waynesburg, Pa.) 1867-18??, 1868-01-22
xLth CONGRESS.

ing
WASHINGTON, D. c, January IS.
Congress had protracted session
to-day, both houses sitting for some
time after gas light. The Senate went
into Executive session early in the
day, and did nothing of Importance
while its doors were open.
In the House a large number of
bills were introduced. The following
only we're of general interest.
TO continue the Freedmen's Bu-
reau
To donate part of the Military
Reservation at Fort Leavenworth to
aid in building bridge across the
Missouri river.
To make appropriation for the i'm
provement of the Harbor at Port
Lincoln, Ohio.
To authorize the construction of a
railroad bridge across the Ohio River
at Paducah, Ky.
Bill in relation to the United States
Depository at Chicago.
TO confirm the title to Little Rock
Island in the Mississippi river
Also, d joint resolution authorizing
the Northwestern and Desmoines Com
panv to run through lands at Fort
Leavenworth.
Mr.. Bingham reported from the
Reconstruction Committee the bill
published to-day supplemental to the
reconstruction acts, and it was recon-
mitted and made the special order for
tomorrow. Mr. Bingham said he
had no disposition to cut Oft debate
upon this bill, and by unanimous con-
sent the resolution was so modified as
to permit debate from day to day
until the bill is disposed OF. His OBJ
ect in offering the resolutions was to
prevent dilatory motions. This was
acceptable to the Democrats, who
seemed to manifest unusual excitement
over this new bill.
Mr.. Wilson, under suspension of
the rules, yeas ll3, hearty vote, re-
ported from the Committee on the
judiciary, the Senate bill making five
Judges aquorum otthe Supreme Court,
with an amendment declaring that no
act of Congress shall be declared un-
constitutional except by a concurrence
of two-thirds Of the members of the
Court. A five hours debate followed
on this bill, in which the Democrats
actively participated. They declared
that it was brought in TO prevent the
Supreme Court from deciding the re-
construction acts unconstitutional, it
having been asoertained, it was stated,
that a majority Of the Court were
against the legality Of the reconstruo-
ton laws. The bill was passed By a
strict party vote, and goes back to the
Senate for concurrence.
The special message ofthe Presi-
dent, assigning reasons for the suspen-
sion Of Secretary Stanton, was reSum-
ed in executive session of the Senate
to-day, when an exciting and most
protractcd debate followed, lasting
until eight o'clock this evening. Sen
ators Buckalcw, Dixon, Doolittle,
Davis and Hendricks spoke in favor
sustaining the President and aga
inst the reinstatement Of Mr.. Stanton
in the War Office. Mr.. Fessenden
replied at considerable length in de-
fcnse of Mr., Stanton, and at one time
the debate became very spirited.
Finally the vote was taken on the
question, ReSolred, That the Senate do
not consent to sustain the President in
his suspension of Edwin NJ. Stanton
as Secretary of War, and it resulted
ayes, 50 nays, 6. The small negative
vote is explained in the fact that sev-
eral Democrats were paired off.
4 certified record Of the vote was
made out and delivered to the Presi-
dent at nine o'clock tonight.
There is considerable speculation as
to what will follow. 1t is affirmed
and denied that General Grant will
vacate the war Office, but the most
trustworthy information leads to the
belief that he will yield the depart
ment when Mr.. Stanton presents his
official certificate that the causes for
his suspension are not sustained. The
President may request Grant to re-
main and the latter will have to de-
eide between Congress and the Exc
cutive.
When renstated it is said Mr.. STAN
ton will tender his resignation to take
effect when his successor is appointed
and confirmed. The situation in this
particular is causing a vast deal of
speculation and comment in all quar-
tiers.
WASHINGTON, D. c., January II.
In the Senate to-day no business
was transacted. Two hours and
half were consumed by Garret Davis
in a speech on his proposition to es-
tablish tribunal for the determine
tion of constitutional questions.
The bill to stay contraction of cur
rency was then taken up, and just when
it was thought a vote was about to be
taken, Mr.. Sprague took the floor in
a prepared speech, only one half of
which had been gone through when
the Senate adjourned.
In the House to-day, the Ways and
Means Committee reported back the
Senate amendments to the House bill
repeating the tax on cotton, with a re-
commentator that the House non
concur in the Senate amendment, and