The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-01-16
XLIID CONGRESs-.sECOND SESSION.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15.-Mr Goldthwaite of
Alabama was sworn in.
The galleries were crowded with colored peo-
Pile to hear Mr.. Sumner on his supplementary
civil rights bill
Several petitions were presented; among
them were two from Vermont, for free salt and
one from the Chinese in California for free
rice,
A joint resolution that the Ku Klux commit
Tee Immediately investigate affairs in Louisiana
was offered, but was laid over till the return of
Senator West
The supplementary civil rights bill came up.
WHAT Is IT?
Mr., Chandler from a Committee reported
without Amendment, bill to promote the con-
structon of the Cincinnati and Southern rail-
The following bills were introduced: by Mr.
Wilson, authorizing the President to appoint
Paymaster General of the army; by Mr.. Scott
allowing an outfit and yearly allegiance of
clothing to petty officers, seamen, SC, Of the
navy.
ID THE CIVIL RIGHTS BILL.
At O'Clock the amnesty bill came up as un-
finished business
Mr.. Summers civil rights bill being the pend
ing amendment it was read and Mr.. Sumner
addressed the Senate upon it. He said slavery
ip disguised and modified form, still existed
in so far as colored people were denied equal
rights and must be abolished before great work
is complete. He reviewed the hardships and
indignities suffered by colored people, and cited
eminent cases of Frederick Douglass and Lieut..
Governor Dunn, He denied the equal rights
before the law was question OF SOCIAL aquali-
ty. Equality in all institutions created or
recognized by laws, was not question of socie-
ty. Separate hotels, conveyances, ETC., were
but artificial substitutes for equality. The sub
stitute is invariably an inferior article. He cit
ed old English law on the subject of inns or no.
tells which were bound TO receive all petsoas
without distinction, and decisions in THIS coun-
try have sustained the same principle which ap-
plies with equal force to public conveyances,
common schools, theatres, etc. He dwet at
Length on the subject of public schools, giving
Illustrations of GafdshipsF imposed on cglored
children by their exclusion, He declared that
by the decree against slavery all sembance of
apology for prejudice of color YVES removed
In conclusion, Mr.. Sumner regretted that the
President, in his message, favored amnesty
while he said nothing Of disabilities inflicted
on colored people; but took courage when he
n 1asi a s preRea e &c 81 0oae
which he now invoked. He disclaimed any sem
timent of personal hostility toward those who
assailed the Republic; but while willing to be
gentle with former enemies, he could not forget
his duty to Ills fellow citizens, white and black
who stood by the Republic. There We're strong
reasons why measure of justice to the colOred
race should be united with amnesty especially
since the latter is pressed and clearly between
the two, ppe-amipence should be accorded to
that for equal rights i
Mr.. Vickers of Kentucky, said he would not
undertake to answer Mr.. Summers speech ON
his supplementary civil rights bill, because it
required no argument to demonstrate the gross
unconstitutionality of that measure He then
read 2 long argument in favor the pending gen.
The Senate held an executive session and adj
jQ9Fned. -----
sese HOUSE.
Bills were introduced and referred, among
them to repair the Custom House at Bath, Me-.
to remove all legal and political disabilities in
CURED during the late rehellion; to repeal the
tenure of office acts; for the improvement of
the harbors of Bridgeport and Westport, Conn;
to purchase bust Of Farragut for the capitol;
10 admit tea and coffee free after next July.
Mr.. Hale's (of Maine) bill In reference to
ships and ship-building was debated ten min
qtes and went over without action.
A resolution was adopted ordering special
committee on the Louisiana legislative troubles.
AMNESTY BILLs-MR. HALE's PASSED.
A bill for general amnesty was introduced by
Mr. Ackes Of Fennsyipania, and was rejected
by the House by a-vote of 1856 to 90, not two
thirds in the affirmative.
The House rejected another bill for general
amnesty, introduced by Mr.. Dawes of Massa-
chusetts, yeas 13l, nays 70 less than two-thirds
in the affirmative.
Another amnesty bill, being the one passed
by the House last session, was introduced by
Mr.. Hale of Maine, and passed, yeas no. nays
81. 1T excerpts members of Congress and Off
GERS of the army and navy who Joined the re=
bellion
Mr.. Pierce of Mississippi, from the Commit
tee on Education and Reform, reported bill to
establish an educational. fund and apply the
proceeds of public lands to the education of the
people. Recommitted.
Mr. Cox of New York, offered resolution
calling for unpublished correspondence relating
oner Adopted. Adjourned.