The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-01-17
LATEST NEWS.
FROM WASHINGTON.

Washington, Jan. 1.-THE principal.tea-
ture OF Congress to-day was the consldera-
ton of the amnesty question III both |
Houses. In the Senate an immense crowd
of spectators assembled, most of whom
were colored persons, to hear Mr.. Sum-
ner's speech on his supplemental civil rights
amendment to the amnesty bill pending
there. His appearance in the chamber be-
fore the hour of meeting was greeted with
a round of applause. Mr.. Sumner and
Mr.. Vickers made speeches. In the House
there were several votes on amnesty. The
first was on a bill proposed by Mr.. Acker
(Democrat,) of Pennsylvania, TO relieve all
persons from the legal as well as the polti-
cal disabilities of the fourteenth amend
ment. This was lost by 106 to 93, two
thirds not voting therefor.
Then Mr.. Dawes, of Massachusetts,, Of
fered bill to remove all political disabili-
| ties, but this was also lost by 13l to Co.
| Mr.. Hale, Of Maine, at this stage submit
ted bill removing all disabilities except
those imposed on officers of the army and
navy, and Senators and members who had
left the service of the United States to join
the rebellion. This was carried by ITO to
81. Among those voting in the negative
were Messrs. Hoar, Of Massachusetts,, Mer-
cur Of Pennsylvania, Porter, Of Virginia,
and Rainey (colored) of South Carolina
The only difference between this and the
other House bill now in the Senate is that
the latter adds to the list of exceptions all
members Of State conventions who voted
for ordinances of secession. 1t is now be-
lieved that the bill will finally become a
law in the latter shape, as it is evident thai
neither House is willing to go as far ever
as the President in favor of general amnes
ty.
The Spanish minister, it is said, will b,
= furnished with copy of the affidavit of tn
f captain Of the Florida,' to hear the re
? Spouse on that side as preliminary to fur
Their action. Confidence is expressed il
official quarters that Spain will promptl
make the required amends.
1t is denied in official circles that Their
is any unpleasantness between the Unite
n States and Russia, or that there is any trut
c in the report that Minister Curtin has bee
S recalled.
Vickers has been reelected Senator frol
y Maryland.
Gen. Emory telegraphs that all is quit
in New Orleans Tonight.
% Our government continues to manife
a interest in behalf of Cuba. Secretary Els
was before the House Appropriation Con
mittee yesterday pending the discussio
Is upon the legislative bill, and argued ii
l. necessity Of increased appropriations fl
maintaining our policy toward Spain.
ID Inquiries are now being made into Il
outrages on American citizens in the rev
lutionary South American colonies by the
action in illegally holding vessels belongil
to our citizens. The Foreign Relation
r. Committee in the Senate are ascertain
all the facts in the case, and will soon I
port the matter to the Senate for action.
The Senate substitute for the House bi
ty abolishing the duty on coal and salt, ]
duces the duty on coal from 81 25 to
81 cents per ton. The duty on salt is C
rt down one-half, and on tea and coffee abo
Ut one-third. 1t adds several hundred artic
u to the free list, and will reduce the reven
from imports about 1913 100000.