Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-01-18
FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS.

mttee on Foreign Affairs, to inquire whether
Henry Mohler, citizen of Russia, has any
claims against the proprietor or managers of
the French cable. so-caled, which should be
regarded or protected by the Congress of the
United States. He explained that his object
was to secure the introduction of a memorial
from the person referred to, which being from
the subject of foreign government, would
not under the usage of the Senate be read
without special provision for its reception,
Mr.. Wilson called up the bill prohibiting
retired officers being assigned to duty which
would entitle them to full pay for their SER
ces. The bill was passed by the House last
session, and provided that retired officers
should not be assigned to duty, a necessity in
time of war which did not now exist. The
President would thus be relieved of unneces-
sary pressure.
The bill was passed
Upon the expiration of the morning hour
the Virginia bill came up in order.
Mr.. Morton said he felt constrained to vote
for the admission of Virginia for two reasons.
First, because she has complied with the pro-
visions prescribed. and therefore we are in
honor bound to admit her; and in the next
place because he wanted to secure her vote
for the 10Th amendment, which he deemed in
dispensible for the safety of the whole system
Of reconstruction but he should vote with
great apprehension of what should be the re-
suit OF her admission at this time. If the
people of Virginia should be bored as the
people of Georgia and Tennessee, in six
months from this time Senators will encounter
a storm of Indignation for their action here.
If Virginia is admitted, it should be on the
distinct understanding that the power to re-
construct implies the power to protect the
reconstruction, and that that will continue as
long as protection shall be required.
If Congress simply has the power to set up
governments. and then the rebels knock them
down, reconstruction is idle. If the rebel
states are admitted on certain conditions that
are vital. then the violation of those condi
tons, after the states come in, will be fraud,
and Congress has the power to redress the
wrong; but the circumstances at the time will
point out the measure and the character OF
the redress, if the reconstruction of the civil
and political rights of all classes in the South
was the grand object to be obtained, and if
that fails reconstruction is 4 failure, and Con-
gress must follow out the doctrines of recon-
struction to their consequences; and having
undertaken the work must not cease until
equal rights and substantial justice and pro-
lection are secured TO all classes.
Mr.. Stewart moved to postpone the Senate
bill and take up the House bill, but debate
bill be laid upon the table.
The Chair sustained the point of order that
the latter motion could not take precedence
of the former.
Mr.. Stewer finally withdrew his motion, and
then moved to lay the Senate bill on the table.
Mr.. Morrill, of Vermont, said that the mo-
ton opened up the whole question at issue.
He desired to know upon what inducement
the republican party proposed by adopting the
House bill to commit suicide.
The Senate then voted, on motion of Mr..
Stewart to lay the Senate bill on the table,
which was agreed to-yeas %, nays 30.
Mr.. Pratt paired OFF with Mr.. Thurman,
who was absent on account of sickness.
On motion of Mr.. Stewart the House bill
was taken up and read second time.
Mr.. EdmundS submitted the amendment
which had been reported in the Senate bill re-
quiring the imposition OF an oath in the case
of each member of the legislature and state
officers, and that said persons are not ineligi-
bic to hold Office under the l4th amendment.
Mr.. Ferry said he was opposed to the
amendment for this reason.
Mr.. Stewart considered the amendment
superfuous, as the judiciary committee were
considering bill for the enforcement of the
l4th amendment as soon as it was ratified.
Mr.. Edmunds thought that men whose
hands had already been laid upon the consti-
tuition should be compelled to swear that they
were not traitors to it.
Mr.. Thayer addressed the Senate at length
in behalf of the loyal people of Virginia. who
he said were asking in vain for security and
protection He finally yielded to a motion for
an executive session.
After short executive session the Senate
adjourned.
House. Resolutions were introduced and
disposed of as follows:
BY Mr.. Lawrence of Ohio, for the delivery
of an address on the principles of the National
Labor Convention in the Hall of the House
some time during the present week by MEM
Der of the Union now in session in Washing
ton, and for the House to take part in the
ceremony.
The Hou.e refused to second the previous
question, so to 20, and the resolution went
over.
By Mr.. Beck of Kentucky, calling on the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue for in
formation as to the increase or decrease in
the manufacture of distilled spirits other
than high wines during the present distllery
season, as compared with the same time in
1868 and 1869 Adopted.
By Mr.. Arnell, calling on the Commissioner
on Education, for the information as to the
eAlstiHB system VI puoic euuSa'ioh III 'ho
District of Columbia. Adopted.
BY Mr. Orth of Indiana, declaring that
strict regard for the public economy required
that there should be no increase in the salary
and emoluments of any of the public officers
of the Government. Adopted.
By Mr.. Julien of Indiana, calling on the
Secretary of the Navy for statement of the
annual cost for foreign squadrons, and as to
American vessels or citizens who have re-
ceived aid or protection from the navy.
Adopted.
BY Mr.. Holmes of Indiana, declaring that
the benefits and profits of paper cur
rency ought to be secured to the whole
people, and that National Bank notes be with
drawn and like amount of United States
notes be substituted, and instructing the Com
mittee on Banking and Currency, to report =
bill carrying into effect these principles; also
disappearing the policy Of the Secretary Of
the Treasury, in purchasing $50 bonds at o
premium, the right of the United States to
pay such bonds in United States lawful money
being clear aud unauestionable, a.
The House refused to secuud the previous