Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1868-01-13
90 sliRENelONAG.

WASHINGTON, Jan I1.-SRNATE MIR
Pomeioy presented the petition OF Jessie
Benton Fremont, OF New York, praying
that certain property in San Francisco. Cal
iiornia, taken possession Of by the Govern
ment, may be restored to her, stating that
she had resided on this property until 1867
when she Joined her husband, then in the
army, renting her property TO the Surveyor
General Of California. who retained posses
sion until 1863. when the military authori.
ties took possession Of it and have retained
Il ever since.
Referred 10 the Committee on Private
Land Claims
Mr.. Sumner introduced joint resolution
that,
WnRRRAs, An amendment to the consti
tuition passed by the seth Congress and
known ~ article four, has already been
adopted by the Legislatures Of twenty two
States, reciting their names. and,
WHEREAS, By the constitution an amend
ment duly proposed and ratified by three
fourths Of the States. is declared valid there.
fore.
Rssolpcd. That said amendment. having
received the requisite ratification, 10 valid to
all intente IN purposes.
He said it seemed important that the
country should know whether that article
is valid rs part of the constitution or not.
II had been the custom heretofore for the
Secretary Of State TO certify to the ratinca-
ton. aud, in his opinion, il came properly
within the cognizsnce Of Congress
Referred TO the Judiciary Committee
Mr.. Grimes introduced resolution that
the Secretary Of the Navy be requested &c
suspend until the further action OF Congress
a II pay ment to officers Of the Navy on the
retired and reserved lists, promoted under
the act Of March. 1851, except such as were
entitled to II at tie the time they we're
placed thereon. and at the time of the pas
sage Of said act
Adopted
Mr.. Doollttle gave notice that when Mr.
Martins resolution to invalidate the existing
governments in the Southern States was
again called up, he would move to amend
by instruc'ing the Committee on judiciary
IN any bill Tor reconstruction reported by
them. 10 i0sert proviso that Ia any election
oil officers for the ratification of the cousti
tuition persons voting must be possessed OF
one these qualifications: First, Have served
in the army enc year or more and have suf
ticiept education to read the constitution of
the United States and subscribe his name.
and, Second, Possessed Of freehold property
To the amount OF $250.
Inc proposed amenutnent, which Is cub
stantially the resolution heretofore offered
by him, was ordered printed.
On motion of Mr. Howard the Senate
went into executive session, and when the
d ors were opened, adjourned.
HOUSE, -Thc House, in Committee Of the
Whole, devoted the day to speech max ing
Mr. Baldwin replied 10 the speech Of Mr.
Brock smade last week. He combatted the
argument Of Brooks as 10 the natural
superiority OF the African race
Mr.. Burns addressed the committee on
the subject OF national finances He de-
uounced the bill introduced by Mr.. Morrill,
opposed contraction and expansion, and ad
ycc.ted fixing the currency at its presen,
nominal amount & q period of yeats
Mr.. Wood spoke against the position OF
Of the Judiciary COMMITTEE in reference 10
The law Of impeachment.
Mr.. Kerr spoke on The question OF Amer
citizenship. arguing IL 70 be the duty Of
Congress TO put into the hands Of the Exc
cutive the power to vindicate the rights
guaranteed 70 nalurali1ed citixens.
The committee rose.