The Union and journal., 1870-01-21
xLr coNoR1ss SECOND SESSION..


xLI CON0REss SECOND SESSION..
Jan. IL, srxAn.-Mr. Conklin pre.euted
the resolution Of the legislature Of New York,
withdrawing the assent Of that State to The rsti-
6cation Of the 6ftecuth amendment. Mr.. Sum-
ncr introduced bill 10 authorize refunding and
consolidation Of the national deb<. and establsh
spscie payment He explained the nature and
e1pciiency Of his bill. The Virginia bill wn
then taken up. several amendments cdsred,
memorial presented by Mr.. Sumner which elicit
ed discussion until the hour Of adjournment.
Housx.-Mr. Wood, Of New York, presented
the Joint resolution Of the New York Legislature.
Withdrawing In Assent, heretofore given, 10 tho
ratification Of the 18th Constitutional Amend
mont. Laid on the table. Mr.. Garfield, Of
Ohio, introduced bill amending the act estab-
fishing Q Department Of Eucatiou, and 10 g.
tablish the bureau Of Refugees and Freedmen
and abandoned lands. Referred. The bill
transferring the Philsdelphia Navy Yard to
League Island was taken up. After discussion
the bill went over until tomorrow. Several
bills and resolutions were then introduced and
rcfsrrci. Mr.. Judd, Of Illinois, gave notice that
he would call up the bin for superintendent Of
representation st the earliest opportunity. The
Virginia bill Was then taken up, and sftcr some
discussion, without coming TO any conclusion,
the House adjouncd,
Jan. Is. SExAn--Dills reported on Post
Offices, Post Roads. and the American line Of
Stcsmships between New York and Europe,
granting aid to railrvad from the Texas line 70
the Mississippi river. Tho consideration Of the
Virginia bill was then resumed, and . smart de-
bate took place In which was an animated colo
auy between Messrs, Sumner and Trumbull con-
cerning G. D. Porter, member elect from
Richmond, Virginia, until Mr.. Yates took the
floor and spoke at length upon tho general sub
jcct Of reconstruction At 4 O'Clock the Senate
went into executive session.
Housr.-Resolutiou were offered relative to
civilised Indians. and economy In public expcndi-
tures. Mr.. Morrill, Of Me-, by unanimous con-
sent. introduced bill making unlawful the
giving Of presents or the soliciting Of coutribu-
tons for such . purpose from subordinates to
any superior officer or employees and the re-
ceving Of such presents In violation Of this bill
TO be punished by summary dismissal and In
eligibility TO any ofical position for three yean.
The Bill Was amended by striking out the In
eligibility provision and passed without d.
vision.
Amer some time spent In explanation and dis.
Tribune Of Dec II. the Virginia bill came up.
Mr.. Logan, Of Illinois, inquired Of Mr. Law.
renee what remedy there would be II Virginia
amer her admission, should attempt TO subvert
any Of the fundamental conditions Of the bill.
Mr.. Lawrence replied that II Virgins, for In
stance, should undertake 10 disfnnchise her col
ored citisens, Congress would again have to 70
construct her..
Mr.. Logan again suggested that II there were
always 70 be . Republican Congress Il would be
all very well, but he wanted TO know how Il
would be II there should happen 70 be Demo-
cratic Congress when Virginia might change her
constitution.
Mr.. Lawrence replied, that II Il wsrc possible
for the American people to wander 20 fAr into
by-paths and forbidden ways a. 10 abandon the
great doctrines Of the Republican party and
hand the government over 20 the Democratic
party, he did not know that there would 30
anything left but to say, "May God have mercy
on her soul"
Mr.. Logan inquired whether that prayer was
going 10 become part Of the bill.
Mr.. Hdridgc Of Wisconsin, hope %.
Mr.. Lawrcncc-I viii vote for II.
Mr.. Brooks Of New York-we win oil vote
for Il.
Mr.. Lawrcnoe-If Virginia should subvert
any Of the fundamental provisions Of her sd-
mission she win be speedily reconstructed In the
name Of "God and the continental Congress-"
In conclusion he said, ~ the best that could
perhaps Be done. he would vote for the bill
onder the inspiration Of the poetic sentiment:
"D'., Lc;d Si'o myself a"ay' It's all that can
(LAushter).
Mr.. Woods, Of N. Y, then spoke at length In
opposition to the bill. sncr which the House ad-
journed.
Jan, IL. sExArx.-Cousiderabl time was
consumed In discussion, relative to seizure Of
liquor In Ban Francisco, In which Hsmlin Sher-
man and others took part. The Senate then took
up the Virginia bill. Mr.. Emons amendment
agreed 10. The Senate after . recess continued
the discussion until II was finally agreed that .
vote be taken at o'clock on Monday. Ad-
journed.
Housk-Aftsr several petitions were referred,
the Virginia bill was taken up, and after long
debate had closed, the House proceeded at 4.3O
o'clock 10 vote on the bill and amendments.
Mr.. Whittemorc's amendment providing pen
atty for taking On oath falsely, was agreed 10.
Tho next question was on Mr.. Blnghsm's
amendment ~ Q substitute. When the roll-call
was completed thcrc was great excitement on
the Aoor, - Il was the test question between
the opposite camps, and Il was known the vote
was very close, there being majority Of three
on Mr.. Bingham's amendment Finally the vote
was aunounced ~ % to 9S.
The New England members voted ss follows:
In the affirmative, Messrs. Banks. Bsrnum.
Brooks, Bawes, Hale, Hooper, Jenckes. Kellogg
Peters. Smith and Strong. In the negative,
were Measrs. Ames, Benton, Bufhnton. Dixon,
Els, Hoar. Morrill,. Stevens, Twichell. wash
burne and willard.
The question was next taken on the prcam-
ble 10 tho substitute, and was agreed to-76
to 81. ....
The bill ~ amended Vas then passcd-yeas
l42, nays 10.
The following b the bin ~ passed,
A Joint resolution declaring Virginia entitled 10
. representation In Congress
Whereas, The people Of Virginia have adopt
81 constitution republican In form. and have
In all respects conformed 10 the requirements Of
the aet Of Congres entitled IAN set author
king submission Of the constitutions Of Virginia
Mississippi ard Texas to . vote Of the people,
and authorizing the election Of State officers
provided by sah constitution and members of
Congress." approved April 10. 1869; there
fore. ...
Be Il resolved, &C., That said State Of vir-
ginla h entitled 10 representation In the Con-
grcrs cf the Unitcd States.
The House then, at go O'Clock. adjourned
till Monday.
We saw Jake mailing up \ box, the 9th
L., .x.s.s...- 4 l..