The Republican journal., 1869-04-15
Washington Matters.
WASHINGTON, April


WASHINGTON, April 9.
The Legislative session of Congress ends at
noon tomorrow, not to reconvene until the
18th of December next. The President called
an extra session Of the Senate to meet on Mon
day for Executive business, which will prob
ably last week
The Senate judiciary Committee at their
meeting this morning, decided TO support the
bill which passed the House yesterday, giving
to the President authority to order electlons
in the states of Virginia, Mississippi, and Tex
as. and to submit such parts of their Consti
tutons to separate vote Of the people as he
may deem advisable The Committee also de-
cded to oppose the joint resolution Of Morton,
introduced to-day as an amendment to the
House BILL requiring those States to adopt the
18th amendment before they shall be allowed
representation in Congress. The Committee
regard it as unfair and unjust to impose any
condition upon these States to entitle them to
representation different from those imposed on
the other reconstructed States. The Senate,
however, took different view and passed the
bill with the amendment by A to 9. 1t was
sent to the House, and the indication is as this
dispatch is sent, that they will refuse to accept
this amendment. If the Senate recedes, then
the bill will pass in its original shape as it came
from the House.
The bill appropriatins two millions and half
of dollars for harbor defences and river i'm
provemehts has passed both Houses and was
signed by the President this evening. The
money is to be expended by the Secretary Of
War in such manner and at such places as he
may deem proper, no locality being specified,
but it requires him to report on every expendi-
ture to Congress.
The Iowa delegation have united in recon-
mending Jas. F. Wilson, ex Member of Con-
gress, for the mission to England, but Mr..
Wilson declines to be considered an applicant.
1t is said to-day that Hon. c. c. Cox of Mary
land, the Commissioner of Pensions, has been
notified by Secretary Cox that his resignation
will be accepted. 1t is understood that Hon.
Sidney Perham of Maine stands a very good
chance of receiving the appointment. Mr.
Perham was for many years Chairman of the
House Committee on Pensions and has acquir-
ed knowledge Of pensions affairs. His APP
pointment is very warmly urged by prominent
Republicans on the ground Of his distinguished
fitness for the place.
WASHINGTON, April 10.
The President this morning signed the bill,
which passed both Houses yesterday, provid-
ing foriimmediately submitting to the people of
Mississippi, Texas and Virginia the reconstruc-
ton constitutions of those States, and such
portions Of sad constitutions relating to dis
reimbursement, etc, as he may deem proper for
a separate vote. He also signed the bill amend
ing the Judicial system, which creates a new
Justice of the Supreme Court and nine Circuit
Judges, the latter not to be appointed until De-
cember next.
Both Houses adjourned till December 7th,
at noon. Neither of the presiding officers made
speeches. The adjournment was received with
great applause on the floor of the House and
in the crowded galleries. The failure of the
political disability bill, relieving several hun
dred Soatherners, creates great regret among
the latter class.
The Senate has confirmed the nomination of
James M. Ashley, of Ohio, to be Governor of
the Territory of Montana; T. Spencer, of New
York, to be Surveyor General Of New Mexico;
Edward S. Perkins, of Pa, to be Secretary of
the Territory of New Mexico
The President came to the Capitol about 10
O'Clock this morning, accompanied by Secreta-
rles Fish and Boutwell,, Attorney General Hoar
and his two Secretaries, Messrs. Porter and
Babcock, and the party were occupied up to
the time of adjournment in examining the va
rlous bills presented to the President for his
approval
Among the amendments TO the Mississippi,
Virginia and Texas election bill, which were
agreed to by both Houses, was one offered by
Senator Sawyer, providing that the elections
shall be held under the new registration list
1t is stated that this will admit about Is 900
additional white voters who were not enrolled
in the first list. 1t will also admit quite num-
Der OF additional white voters in Texas and
Mississippi.
Both Houses were in session till A. NJ.
when recess was taken till 10 A. M. The
senate was engaged all night in an animated
discussion, in secret session, on the nomina-
ton OF lmpeacher Ashley, Of Ohio, to be Gov
ernor of Montana but he was confirmed by
one majority. About one hundred other NOM
nations were confirmed. The House did moth
ing during the night of Importance except
passing a bill extending the time to nav taxes
on bonded whiskey till June }Oth, and to re-
fund taxes on all tobacco that has paid stamp
tax after paying the old tax. This passed the
Senate. In the House this morning the For
eign Affairs Committee reported resolution
authorizing the President, whenever he may
deem it expedient, to recognize any de tacto
Republican Government in Cuba.