The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-12-15
Congress-.


This body re-assembled on Monday the 7tb
instant.
In the House, some half dozen bills and amend
ments to the Constitution, providing for the
regulation Of voting and naturalization in all the
States were presented and referred to appropriate
Committees
The correspondence with Minister johnson,
referring to the Alabama claims, was called for
A resolution censuring Hon. Reyerdy Johnson
and demanding his recall from England was re-
ferred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
The Committee Of Reconstruction was directed
TO examine into the Georgia affairs, with power
to send for persons and papers.
Dir Muliens introduced bill to suppress the
Klu Klux by national authority, and declaring
the members outlaws referred to the Judiciary
Committee.
Mr. Tiff presented memorial from the Geor-
gia Legislature, asking the removal of political
disabilities from all citizens which was referred
to the Reconstruction Committee.
a preamble and resolution, repeating the Ten
ure-of.ofice bill, was tabled
The Reconstruction Committee was directed
to enquire into the condition of Virginia. Texas
and Mississippi, and report what legislation is
necessary to support lite, liberty and property.
In the Senate, Mr. Sherman presented MIR
Hills credentials as Senator from Georgia Mr.
Drake objected and said he would never admit
Representative from reconstructed State where
in the supremacy of the loyal men was over
thrown. He contcnded that Congress had
right to see the reconstruction laws enforced
Mr. Sherman insisted that Hills presence here
would help to cure the wrong. Mr. Thayer said
that the real ground of difficulty was that the
Georgia Legislature illegal body, and re-
.quested the reading of the communication from
Governor Bullock, substantiating his statements.
Various documents were read, opening up the
whole question: when the matter was post poned
Mr. Rice, of Arkansas, introduced bill re-
quiring the Secretary Of War to deliver to the
Governments of North Carolina, South Carolina
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Ar
kansas, at the respective seats of Government
as many arms for the Militia as the Governors
may require. not exceeding two thousand rifles
and two field pieces for each Congressional Dis
trict. These arms must 90 into the hands of
loyal men. but remain the property of the United
States, subject to the order Of Congress.
DEC, Sin the Senate bills were introduced
for the election of President and Vice President
directly by the people; removing political dis
. abilities; abo6hlng the franking privilege: and
to continue the Frccdmens Bureau in certain
States.
DEC. 9.-Thc Senate refused, after few
paragraphs to hear the Presidents message read
Mr,Sumners Georgia Bill is as follows: At
ter promising that the Legislature has failed to
comply with the requirements OF the Reconstruc-
tlon Acts, by emitting TO exact the required oath
and required the intervention of Congress, the
Bill declares the existing Government provision
al only, and in all respects subject to the para
mount authority of Congress to abolish, modify
or control the same, until the Legislature com
plies with all the requirements Of the Recon-
etruntion Aotco pIo 1C I'll Al
ment and subject to the fundamental condition
that no. change will be made infringing on the
rights of suffrage of any class of citizens. The
Bill directs that the Governor elect shall call an
Assembly, at Atlanta. Oh or before Apr |
next, excluding unless relieved by Congress, all
who cannot take the prescribed oath. The Gov
erpor Is also to be empowered to suspend OF re-
move from Office State or Municipal officers and
appoint others instead Finally, the President
is ordered to place at the disposal of the Gcv-
eTnor such portion Of the army aud navy as may
be necessary to preserve life, property peace and
free expression of political opinion
The House passed the bill relieving the disa-
bilities of Judge Mos Of S T.
Contrary to the universal custom, the House
tabled the Presidents message instead of refer
ring it to a Committee of the whole, and passed
a bill directing the Virginia election to be held
on the fourth Thursday in May.
DEC. 10.-In the House. the bill authorizing
the sale Of Harper Ferry passed. The Speaker
announced several additions 10 Committees
Among them, Deweese of \. c., to Militia.
Dockery to Revolutionary Claims, and Lash to
Expenditures. A resolution for a recess from
the 23d of December to January 4th, passed
In the Senate, the Committee to investigate
corrupt influences to procure votes ON impeach-
ment, was renewed. Summers Georgia bill was