The Congressional Globe

1861.

THE CONGRESSIONAL GLOBE.

ripened into friendship. He was honest, kind-
hearted, genial, and true-

"Nature's own nobleman, friendly and frank,
A man with his heart in his hand."

Although suffering much from bodily ailments, he ever had a kindly greeting for all. When I shook his hand at parting last March, agreeing to execute a friendly commission for him, I little -thought the first tidings which should reach me on my return home would announce his death; I say not untimely death, for "not a sparrow falleth to the ground without our Heavenly Father."

But, sir, amid the sadness and grief which afflict his friends, they have the consolation of knowing that he died a Christian, and that "our loss has been his gain;" for amidst all the occupations of his busy life, in acquiring wealth and honors, he did not neglect to lay up treasure above.

For him, therefore, we should cease to mourn;
resting on the faith that on the morn of the res-
urrection, when the archangel's trump shall sound,

"He will burst his chains, in sweet surprise,
And in his Maker's image rise."

Mr. MOORHEAD. Mr. Speaker, although I
had no notice that these resolutions would be
offered to-day, yet I cannot permit this occasion
to pass without paying a feeble tribute to the
memory of GEORGE W.SCRANTON, As my col-
league (Mr. WRIGHT] has said, the day that
GEORGE W. SCRANTON died, a great man fell in
Pennsylvania. His loss will be mourned by the
statesman, by the financier, by the politician, by
the manufacturer, by the mechanic, but more
than all by the poor and destitute of the commu-
nity in which he lived, and whose true friend he
was. GEORGE W. SCRANTON was a man that
His active efforts have
we may well mourn.
been so fully set forth here to-day that I should
deem it now entirely out of place to rehearse
them. I did not know him personally until the
summer of 1859. Living in a portion of the State
of Pennsylvania remote from the scene of his
gigantic operations, and having but little inter-
course with his neighborhood, I had not the
pleasure of an acquaintance with him until we
were both elected members of the Thirty-Sixth
Congress. During the fall of 1859, in company
with the present Secretary of War and some
other friends, I paid a visit to the mountain re-
gion, the great coal field of Pennsylvania, and to
my astonishment, when I reached the town that
bears his name, I was met by him and other gen-
tlemen, and conducted to a hotel in magnificence
equal to the Astor House, the St. Nicholas, or
Willard's Hotel, right in the mountains, and with
the stumps of trees standing in front of it, where
but a few years before the forest had been cut
down. A city of ten thousand people had arisen
there by the touch of magic, and that touch was
from the hand of GEORGE W. SCRANTON.

Before him the partisan and the mere politician wilted. Look at the result when he was a candidate for Congress in his district, which was strongly Democratic. He was returned to this House by a majority of more than three thousand. That fact speaks his eulogy. But let me say, to the honor of his district, that while they mourn the loss of the man, for whom they had voted without regard to political considerations, they have pursued the same policy in the selection of his successor; and to-day the eulogy of my friend, [Mr. WRIGHT,] with whom I have acted for years in times past, whilst it has done honor to the memory of the dead, has done more honor to the eloquent living.

He was not a selfish man in any sense of the term. His greatest exertions were used, and his greatest achievements accomplished, for the public good. He built furnaces and rolling mills, railroads, cities, and towns, and developed the greatest coal field in the world-not that he might become a millionaire, but that "the wilderness might blossom as the rose;" that labor might find employment, and that the section of country in which he resided might become prosperous and happy. His benevolent heart expanded his ideas; and to the sacrifice of his own private interests he accepted a seat in Congress, that he might aid in protecting the interests of his adopted State. No man worked more faithfully and efficiently to see those interests protected, in the formation and adoption of our present revenue bill, than he did. He was the true friend of the American system.

But I will add no more, sir. I am happy in the
belief, with my friend, that although GEORGE W.
SCRANTON has been taken from us, he has been
transplanted into regions of eternal joy.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted; and
thereupon (at ten minutes past one o'clock, p.
m.,) the House adjourned until Monday next.

IN SENATE.
MONDAY, July 8, 1861.

Prayer by Rev. BYRON SUNDERLAND, D. D. The Journal of Saturday last was read and approved.

the Chamber of Commerce of the city of New
York, praying for an early and liberal appropri-
ation for the harbor defenses of that city; which
was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs
and Militia.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.

Mr. WILSON, from the Committee on Military Affairs and Militia, to whom was referred the bill (S. No. 1) to authorize the employment of volunteers to aid in enforcing the laws and protecting public property, reported it with amend

ments.

Mr. WILSON. The Committee on Military
Affairs and Militia, to whom was referred the

Hon. EDWARD D. BAKER, of Oregon, appeared joint resolution (S. No. 1) to approve and confirm

in his seat to-day.

DUTIES ON ARMS.

Mr. WADE asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to introduce a joint resolution (S. No. 2) to remit the duties upon certain arms imported into the United States; which was read twice. It is as follows:

Be it resolved, &c., That the Secretary of the Treasury
be, and he is hereby, directed to remit the duties and im-
posts chargeable under any law of the United States on
all arms imported since the 1st day of May last, where the
duties have not been actually paid thereon, or that may be
imported prior to the 1st day of January next, by or for the
account and use of any State which is in good faith aiding
to suppress the rebellion now waged against the Govern-
ment of the United States.

Mr. WADE. Before the joint resolution is
referred, I barely wish to say that there is a great
necessity for prompt action on the subject. Sev-
eral of the States have ordered arms from abroad,
and they are now arriving in the eastern cities.
They are wanted immediately for use, but they
cannot be got now without payment of the duties.
I believe everybody here agrees, so far as I have
consulted with members, that it is highly proper
these duties should be remitted, and that the Sec-
retary of the Treasury should have power to remit
them in cases of the kind, and in fact that he
I move that the res-
should be directed to do so.
olution be referred to the Committee on Finance;
on the subject.
and I hope they will take it up and act speedily

The motion was agreed to.

THE SENATE CHAMBER.

Mr. HALE. I laid upon the table, on Saturday, a resolution for a committee to do something about this Chamber. It costs us I do not know how many thousands of dollars a week to ventilate this Chamber. The thermometer is now between 800 and 900 inside-a good deal warmer than it is outside. I hope that resolution will be taken

up.

The motion to take up the resolution was agreed to; and the Senate proceeded to consider it. It is as follows:

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair, to consider the expediency and practicability of so altering and changing the construction of the present Chamber for the use of the Senate that it may be made a comfortable and convenient place for the meeting of the Sen

ate.

The resolution was adopted; and Mr. HALE, Mr. HARRIS, and Mr. BRIGHT, were appointed the committee.

PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS.

certain acts of the President of the United States
for suppressing insurrection and rebellion, have
directed me to report back the resolution without
amendment, and to recommend its passage. I
wish to say that the action of the President in
increasing the Army, and calling out the volun-
teer force, will be regulated by other bills, to be
brought in hereafter, with regard to the term of
service, and in other respects. I ask for the pres-
ent consideration of the joint resolution, if there
be no objection. If there is objection, of course
it must pass over until to-morrow.
Mr. POLK. Let it lie over.

The VICE PRESIDENT. It will lie over. Mr. FOOT, (after a pause.) Mr. President, there appears to be no legislative business for the consideration of the Senate at the present time, and as there is a large number of nominations to be considered by several committees, I move that the Senate do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; and the Senate adjourned.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

MONDAY, July 8, 1861.

The House met at twelve o'clock, m. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. THOMAS H. STOCKTON. The Journal of Saturday last was read and approved.

MEMBERS SWORN IN.

The following members appeared and took the usual oath to support the Constitution of the United States:

Hon. ROBERT H. NUGEN of Ohio, Hon. ISAAC C. DELAPLAINE of New York, Hon. JAMES E. KERRIGAN of New York, Hon. WILLIAM H. WADSWORTH of Kentucky, Hon. WILLIAM McKEE DUNN of Indiana.

ARSENAL AT ROCK ISLAND.

Mr. VANDEVER, by unanimous consent, submitted joint resolutions of the Legislature of Iowa, instructing the Senators and requesting the Representatives of that State to procure the establishment of an arsenal and armory at Rock Island; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

STANDING COMMITTEES.

The SPEAKER announced the following as the standing committees:

Committee of Elections-Henry L. Dawes of Massachusetts, James H. Campbell of Pennsylvania, Daniel W. Voorhees of Indiana, James B. McKean of New York, Dwight Loomis of Connecticut, Portus Baxter of Vermont, William D. Kelley of Pennsylvania, George H. Browne of Rhode Island, and John W. Menzies of Ken

Mr. HALE. I hold in my hand the petition
of Captain Roger Jones, of the United States
Army, representing that on the 18th of April lasttucky.
he was in command of the armory at Harper's
Ferry, Virginia, with a small force of forty-nine
men, besieged by some twenty-five hundred or
three thousand; and that, to prevent the arms
and property of the Government from falling into
the hands of the enemy, he destroyed them; that
in so doing he destroyed private property of his
own, and vouchers. This is a petition for relief,
which I move to refer to the Committee on Mili-
tary Affairs and Militia.

The motion was agreed to.

Of Ways and Means-Thaddeus Stevens of Pennsylvania, Justin S. Morrill of Vermont, John S. Phelps of Missouri, Elbridge G. Spaulding of New York, William Appleton of Massachusetts, Erastus Corning of New York, Valentine B. Horton of Ohio, John A. McClernand of Illinois, and John L. N. Stratton of New Jersey.

Of Claims-Reuben E. Fenton of New York, E. P. Walton of Vermont, William S. Holman of Indiana, John Hutchins of Ohio, James T. Hale of Pennsylvania, John W. Noell of Mis

H. Webster of Maryland, and John W. Wallace of Pennsylvania.

The VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Sen-souri, R. Holland Duell of New York, Edwin ate a letter of the secretary of State of Kansas, communicating an act of the Legislature of that State, providing for the taxation of the Wyandotte Indian lands, for the ratification of Congress; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

He also laid before the Senate a memorial of

On Commerce-Ellihu B. Washburne of Illinois, Thomas D. Eliot of Massachusetts, Elijah Ward of New York, John T. Nixon of New Jersey, Elijah Babbitt of Pennsylvania, John A. Gurley of Ohio, James S. Rollins of Missouri,

Cornelius L. L. Leary of Maryland, and William P. Sheffield of Rhode Island.

On Public Lands-John F. Potter of Wisconsin, John Covode of Pennsylvania, Clement L. Vallandigham of Ohio, George W. Julian of Indiana, Carey A. Trimble of Ohio, William Vandever of Iowa, Francis W. Kellogg of Michigan, John W. Crisfield of Maryland, and George C. Woodruff of Connecticut.

On the Post Office and Post Roads-Schuyler Colfax of Indiana, John B. Alley of Massachusetts, Charles A. Wickliffe of Kentucky, Anson P. Morrill of Maine, William Windom of Minnesota, Harrison G. Blake of Ohio, Chauncey Vibbard of New York, Rowland E. Trowbridge of Michigan, and Elijah H. Norton of Missouri.

For the District of Columbia-Roscoe Conkling of New York, Charles Delano of Massachusetts, James M. Ashley of Ohio, Charles B. Calvert of Maryland, Richard Franchot of New York, Edward H. Rollins of New Hampshire, William Morris Davis of Pennsylvania, and Charles H. Upton of Virginia.

uel S. Cox of Ohio, Albert S. White of Indiana, Robert McKnight of Pennsylvania, Alfred A. Burnham of Connecticut, Francis Thomas of Maryland, Theodore M. Pomeroy of New York, and George P. Fisher of Delaware.

On the Territories-James M. Ashley of Ohio, Charles H. Van Wyck of New York, James A. Cravens of Indiana, William Kellogg of Illinois, Fernando C. Beaman of Michigan, John W. Reid of Missouri, A. Scott Sloan of Wisconsin, Goldsmith F. Bailey of Massachusetts, and Aaron Harding of Kentucky.

On Revolutionary Pensions-Charles H. Van Wyck of New York, Samuel S. Blair of Pennsylvania, John S. Carlile of Virginia, John F. Potter of Wisconsin, William Morris Davis of Pennsylvania, John B. Steele of New York, Bradley F. Granger of Michigan, John Law of Indiana, and William G. Steele of New Jersey.

On Invalid Pensions-Alfred Ely of New York, Socrates N. Sherman of New York, John A. Logan of Illinois, Richard A. Harrison of Ohio, William P. Cutler of Ohio, Kellian V. Whaley of Virginia, John N. Goodwin of Maine, Benjamin Wood of New York, George T. Cobb of New Jersey.

On the Judiciary-John A. Bingham of Ohio, George H. Pendleton of Ohio, William Kellogg of Illinois, Albert G. Porter of Indiana, John S. Carlile of Virginia, Benjamin F. Thomas of Mas- On Roads and Canals-Robert Mallory of Kensachusetts, Henry May of Maryland, and Alex-tucky, John A. Gurley of Ohio, James T. Hale ander S. Diven of New York.

On Revolutionary Claims-R. Holland Duell of New York, Sydney Edgerton of Ohio, Thomas B. Cooper of Pennsylvania, John H. Rice of Maine, William Wall of New York, Nehemiah Perry of New Jersey, Henry Grider of Kentucky, Alfred G. Riddle of Ohio, Anson P. Morrill of Maine.

On Public Expenditures-John Covode of Pennsylvania, Thomas M. Edwards of New Hampshire, James E. Kerrigan of New York, Charles R. Train of Massachusetts, William Windom of Minnesota, Edwin H. Webster of Maryland, George W. Julian of Indiana, Luther Hanchett of Wisconsin, Chilton A. White of Ohio.

On Private Land Claims-Samuel S. Blair of Pennsylvania, Sidney Edgerton of Ohio, John W. Noell of Missouri, Luther Hanchett of Wisconsin, Burt Van Horn of New York, John P. C. Shanks of Indiana, Charles W. Walton of Maine, Samuel Shellabarger of Ohio, and Jesse Lazear of Pennsylvania.

of Pennsylvania, Burt Van Horn of New York, Isaac N. Arnold of Illinois, Robert H. Nugen of Ohio, Stephen Baker of New York, Philip Johnson of Pennsylvania, Fernando C. Beaman of Michigan.

On Patents-William McKee Dunn of Indiana, John H. Rice of Maine, Stephen Baker of New York, Philip Johnson of Pennsylvania, and Warren P. Noble of Ohio.

On Public Buildings and Grounds-Charles R. Train of Massachusetts, Owen Lovejoy of Illinois, Isaac C. Delaplaine of New York, Robert McKnight of Pennsylvania, and James R. Morris of Ohio.

On Revisal and Unfinished Business-John A. Logan of Illinois, Elijah Babbitt of Pennsylvania, John W. Menzies of Kentucky, Samuel C. Fessenden of Maine, and Edward Haight of New York.

On Mileage-James C. Robinson of Illinois, John W. Killinger of Pennsylvania, Augustus Frank of New York, Henry Grider of Kentucky, and Benjamin Wood of New York.

On Manufactures-John Hutchins of Ohio, || James K. Moorhead of Pennsylvania, Edward Of Accounts-James Buffinton of MassachuHaight of New York, John B. Alley of Massa- setts, Edward H. Rollins of New Hampshire, chusetts, Albert G. Porter of Indiana, Alfred Ely William E. Lehman of Pennsylvania, Samuel T. of New York, Isaac N. Arnold of Illinois, Syden-Worcester of Ohio, and George W. Dunlap of ham E. Ancona of Pennsylvania, and William G. Brown of Virginia.

On Agriculture-Owen Lovejoy of Illinois, Dwight Loomis of Connecticut, Charles B. Calvert of Maryland, Edward H. Smith of New York, Jacob P. Chamberlain of New York, John P. C. Shanks of Indiana, Joseph Baily of Pennsylvania, Samuel T. Worcester of Ohio, and Cyrus Aldrich of Minnesota.

On Indian Affairs-Cyrus Aldrich of Minnesota, Thomas M. Edwards of New Hampshire, Robert Mallory of Kentucky, Martin F. Conway of Kansas, William Mitchell of Indiana, Moses F. Odell of New York, William E. Lansing of New York, John Patton of Pennsylvania, and Andrew J. Thayer, of Oregon.

On Military Affairs-Francis P. Blair, jr., of Missouri, William A. Richardson of Illinois, James Buffinton of Massachusetts, Abraham B. Olin of New York, William Allen of Ohio, Gilman Marston of New Hampshire, Hendrick B. Wright of Pennsylvania, and James S. Jackson of Kentucky.

On the Militia-Robert B. Van Valkenburgh of New York, William M. Dunn of Indiana, Sydenham E. Ancona of Pennsylvania, Charles Delano of Massachusetts, Charles J. Biddle of Pennsylvania, Richard A. Harrison of Ohio, William G. Brown of Virginia, William P. Cutler of Ohio, and John N. Goodwin of Maine.

On Naval Affairs-Charles B. Sedgwick of New York, Alexander H. Rice of Massachusetts, Philip B. Fouke of Illinois, James K. Moorhead of Pennsylvania, James E. English of Connecticut, John P. Verree of Pennsylvania, Frederick A. Pike of Maine, Frederick A. Conkling of New York, and William H. Wadsworth of Kentucky. On Foreign Affairs-John J. Crittenden of Kentucky, Daniel W. Gooch of Massachusetts, Sam

Kentucky.

On Expenditures in the State Department-James B. McKean of New York, James C. Robinson of Illinois, John T. Nixon of New Jersey, William Vandever of Iowa, and Charles H. Upton of Virginia.

On Expenditures in the Treasury Department— Moses F. Odell of New York, James H. Campbell of Pennsylvania, John A. Bingham of Ohio, Alexander H. Rice of Massachusetts, and William G. Steele of New Jersey.

On Expenditures in the War DepartmentWilliam A. Wheeler of New York, Samuel R. Curtis of Iowa, Chauncey Vibbard of New York, William Mitchell of Indiana, and James S. Rollins of Missouri.

On Expenditures in the Navy Department-George W. Dunlap of Kentucky, Edward McPherson of Pennsylvania, Harrison G. Blake of Ohio, Portus Baxter of Vermont, and Thomas B. Cooper of Pennsylvania.

On Expenditures in the Post Office DepartmentJohn W. Killinger of Pennsylvania, Charles A. Wickliffe of Kentucky, Carey A. Trimble of Ohio, Francis W. Kellogg of Michigan, and Edward H. Smith of New York.

On Expenditures in the Interior Department William Allen of Ohio, Martin F. Conway of Kansas, Socrates N. Sherman of New York, Samuel Shellabarger of Ohio, and Thomas B. Cooper of Pennsylvania.

On Expenditures on the Public Buildings-Jesse Lazear of Pennsylvania, William D. Kelly of Pennsylvania, Jacob P. Chamberlain of New York, William Wall of New York, and Nehemiah Perry of New Jersey.

Joint Committee on the Library-Edward McPherson of Pennsylvania, Augustus Frank of New York, and John Law of Indiana.

Joint Committee on Printing-E. P. Walton of Vermont, Ambrose W. Clark of New York, and Joseph Baily of Pennsylvania.

Joint Committee on Enrolled Bills-Bradley F. Granger of Michigan, and George T. Cobb of New Jersey.

EXCUSED FROM COMMITTEES.

Mr. HICKMAN. I rise to a privileged question. I ask leave of the House to be excused from service upon the Committee on the Judiciary.

There being no objection, it was ordered accordingly.

Mr. BURNETT was then excused from service on the Committee for the District of Columbia; and Mr. CURTIS from service on the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. KELLEY. I ask the unanimous consent of the House to be excused from serving on the Committee of Elections. I do this because the seats of the sitting members from the two districts adjoining my own are contested, and I would rather that another gentleman should serve upon that committee than myself.

There being no objection, it was ordered accordingly.

Mr.WICKLIFFE. I ask the unanimous consent of the House for leave to be excused from service on the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. I do this from no disinclination to serve upon that or any other committee, but from my physical inability to attend its meetings. I hope that the House will excuse me.

There being no objection, it was ordered accordingly.

DRAWING FOR SEATS.

Mr. MCKNIGHT. I submit the following resolution:

Resolved, That the Clerk of the House place in a box the name of each member and Delegate of the House of Representatives written on a separate slip of paper; that he then proceed, in the presence of the House, to draw from said box, one at a time, the said slips of paper, and as each is drawn he shall announce the name of the member or Delegate upon it, who shall choose his seat for the present session: Provided, That before said drawing shall commenee, the Speaker shall cause every seat to be vacated, and shall see that every seat continues vacant until it is selected under this order; and that every seat, after having been selected, shall be deemed vacant if left unoccupied before the calling of the roll is finished.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I call for the regular order of business.

The SPEAKER. The first business in order is the call of members by States for the introduction of bills and joint resolutions of which previous notice has been given; but the resolution for the drawing of seats, in the practice of the House, has been regarded as a privileged question. The Chair decides the resolution to be in order.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. Can the resolution occupy any part of the morning hour?

The SPEAKER. The morning hour does not commence until this is disposed of.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I withdraw my call for the regular order of business.

Mr.MCKNIGHT. Idemand the previous question on the adoption of the resolution.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I appeal to the gentleman from Pennsylvania to accept, as a modification of his resolution, that the seats when drawn shall be for this and the next session.

Mr. McKNIGHT. I accept the gentleman's suggestion, as a modification of my resolution. Mr. STRATTON. I move that the resolution be laid upon the table; the members around me are perfectly satisfied with their seats.

Mr. McKNIGHT. Others, however, are not. The question was taken, and the motion was disagreed to.

The previous question was seconded, and the main question ordered; and, under the operation thereof, the resolution was adopted.

The House then proceeded, under the terms of the resolution, to draw seats for the present and succeeding session of Congress.

When Mr. McCLERNAND's name was called,

Mr. BURNETT said: Mr. Speaker, Mr. MCCLERNAND is detained in his room by illness, and I therefore move, by unanimous consent, that one of his colleagues be allowed to draw a seat for him.

Mr. STEVENS, Mr. VALLANDIGHAM, and others, objected, as the motion was against the uniform usage of the House.

COMMITTEE OF WAYS AND MEANS.

Mr. STEVENS. I move that, by unanimous consent, the Committee of Ways and Means have leave to sit during the sessions of the House. There was no objection, and it was ordered accordingly.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I call for the regular order of business.

The SPEAKER. Bills are now in order, of which previous notice has been given. They will be introduced and referred to the appropriate committees, and the call will commence with the State of Maine.

NEW JUDICIAL DISTRICT IN PENNSYLVANIA.

Mr. BABBITT, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to divide the State of Pennsylvania into three judicial districts, and to establish a district court to be held in the city of Erie; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

J. J. LINTS.

Mr. BABBITT, by unanimous consent, also introduced a bill for the relief of J. J. Lints; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee of Claims.

PORTS OF ENTRY IN REBELLIOUS STATES.

Mr. STEVENS, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to repeal all laws creating ports of entry in rebellious States; which was read a first and second time.

Mr. STEVENS. I move that the bill be referred to the Committee of Ways and Means.

Mr. WASHBURNE. Imove that it be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. STEVENS. 1 do not care to which committee the bill is referred; but I will say that a similar bill in General Jackson's time was referred to and considered by the Committee of Ways and Means.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

TARIFF.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to repeal the tariff act of March, 1861, and to revive the tariff act of March 3, 1857; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee of Ways and Means.

BOUNTY LAND.

Mr. HOLMAN, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been or shall hereafter be engaged in the military service of the United States; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

PACIFIC RAILROAD.

Mr. CURTIS, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to secure contracts, and make provision for the full, certain and more speedy transportation by railroad of the mails, troops, munitions of war, and military and naval stores, between the Atlantic States and those of the Pacific, and for other purposes; which was read a first and second time.

Mr. CURTIS. I move that the bill be referred to a select committee of five.

Mr. KELLOGG, of Michigan, I move to amend by increasing the committee to nine.

Mr. BURNETT. I hope the committee will consist of more than five. This bill involves serious questions, and is probably one of the most important measures we will be called upon to consider at this session.

Mr. KELLOGG's amendment was agreed to; and the motion as amended was then adopted.

HOMESTEADS.

Mr. ALDRICH, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to secure homesteads to actual settlers upon the public domain; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Com mittee on Agriculture.

BANKRUPT LAW.

Mr. ALDRICH, by unanimous consent, also introduced a bill to establish a general bankrupt law; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

MARINE SIGNALS.

Mr. ELIOT, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to provide for the general introduction of an international code of marine signals; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

NEW JUDICIAL DISTRICT IN NEW YORK.

Mr. DUELL, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to establish an additional judicial district in the State of New York and in relation to courts of the United States in said State; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

REDUCTION OF EXPENDITURES.

Mr. VAN WYCK introduced a bill to reduce the expenses of the Government; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on Public Expenditures.

INCREASE OF SOLDIERS' PAY.

Mr. VAN WYCK also introduced a bill to increase the pay of soldiers in the service of the United States; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

CADETS AT WEST POINT.

Mr. COX introduced a bill to increase the number of cadets at West Point Academy; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The States having been called through for bills, The SPEAKER announced that a call of the States for resolutions was the next business in order.

The States were called accordingly for that purpose.

NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE.

Mr. WALTON, of Vermont, introduced the following resolution:

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the expediency of fixing the number of the House of Representatives, from and after the 3d of March, 1863, at two hundred and thirty-nine members, being the present number, to be apportioned among the several States according to the act of May 23, 1850, entitled "An act providing for the taking of the seventh and

subsequent censuses of the United States, and to fix the

number of the House of Representatives, and to provide for their future apportionment among the several States." Mr. LOVEJOY. Is that resolution debatable?

Mr. LOVEJOY. If I correctly heard the resolution read, I hope it will not be passed. The SPEAKER. If the resolution gives rise to debate, it must go over under the rule.

Mr. WALTON, of Vermont. It is merely a resolution of inquiry. It can do harm to no one, and does justice to six loyal States, of which Illinois is one.

Mr. KELLOGG, of Illinois. I think my colleague will not object to the resolution if he will hear it again read.

Mr. LOVEJOY. I think the number of members should be larger than specified in the resolution.

The SPEAKER. If the gentleman objects to the resolution, it goes over under the rule.

Mr. LOVEJOY. I will move to amend the resolution by striking out "two hundred and thirty-nine" and inserting "two hundred and fifty;" and upon that I move the previous ques

tion.

Mr. STEVENS. I move to lay the resolution on the table.

The motion was not agreed to.

The previous question was then seconded and the main question ordered to be put; and under the operation thereof the amendment was disagreed to, and the resolution was adopted.

Mr. MORRILL, of Vermont, moved to reconsider the vote by which the resolution was adopted; and also moved to lay the motion to reconsider on the table.

The latter motion was agreed to,

INCREASE OF THE NAVY.

Mr. ELIOT introduced the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of providing by law for a temporary increase of the Navy, by authorising the President to purchase or procure suitable vessels, and commission for a limited time competent and skillful com

manders and officers; with leave to report by bill or otherwise.

CAPACITY OF SPRINGFIELD ARMORY. Mr. DELANO introduced the following resolution:

Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs be instructed to inquire and report at any time as to the present capacity of the national armory at Springfield, Massachusetts, for the manufacture of arms; also, what further expenditure, if any, is necessary for operating that armory to the utmost capacity.

Mr. BURNETT. If the gentleman will modify his resolution by leaving out the words "and report at any time," I will not object to the resolution; otherwise I must.

Mr. DELANO. I inserted those words because there is another bill, which has already been referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, looking to the establishment of an armory elsewhere. But if the gentleman insists upon his objection, I must accept the proposed modification. Mr. BURNETT. I insist upon it.

Mr. DELANO. Then I modify the resolution as the gentleman desires.

The resolution, as modified, was then agreed to. CONFISCATION OF PROPERTY.

Mr. LOOMIS introduced the following resolution; upon which he demanded the previous ques

tion:

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be, and they are hereby, instructed to prepare and report to this House a bill for a public act to confiscate the property of all persons holding any office whatsoever, either civil or military, under the governinent of any State of the United States or the so-called confederate States of America, who have taken up arms, or shall hereafter take up arms, against the Government of the United States.

The previous question was seconded, and the main question ordered to be put; and under the operation thereof, the resolution was agreed to.

RECIPROCITY TREATY WITH GREAT BRITAIN.

Mr. SPAULDING, by unanimous consent, presented the concurrent resolutions of the Legislature of the State of New York, in relation to the treaty between the United States and Great Britain, commonly known as the reciprocity treaty; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.

Mr. VAN WYCK introduced the following res olution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved, That a committee of five members be appointed by the Speaker to ascertain and report what contracts have been made by any of the Departments for provisions, supplies, and transportation; for materials and services; or for any articles furnished for the use of Government, without advertising for proposals, as required by the statute of 1861; the parties to whom given, the compensation and terms thereof, and the reasons therefor. Also, when proposals were received; if contracts were awarded to the lowest bidders; if not, the reason therefor. Also, whether the contracts, as let, are in accordance with the specifications inviting proposals; and if any alterations, the reasons for the same. Also, whether any person or persons have any interest in the contracts thus made and awarded, or obtaining the same, or profits therefrom, except contractors; that said committee have power to send for persons and papers, to administer oaths and examine witnesses, and report at any time.

ELMER E. Ellsworth.

Mr. DUELL offered the following resolution; upon which he called the previous question:

Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs be instructed to report a bill granting a pension to the mother of the late Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth.

The previous question was seconded, and the main question ordered to be put; and under the operation thereof the resolution was agreed to.

ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SOUTH.

Mr. DIVEN introduced the following resolution:

Resolved, (if the Senate concur,) That the following address be signed by the Speaker of the House and by the President of the Senate, and that the President be requested to approve the same and transmit a copy to the Governors of the respective States of this Republic.

The Clerk commenced the reading of the address accompanying the resolution; but was interrupted by

Mr. ELY, who proposed that the reading be dispensed with.

Mr. DIVEN. I desire either that it shall be read or referred.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I trust it will be referred to some committee, as it is evidently of considerable length. I will move its reference to the Committee on the Judiciary.

The motion was agreed to; and the resolution and address were referred accordingly.

series of resolutions is not in direct conflict with the resolution which has just been adopted, limitMr. DEVLIN. I move that the address being the House to the consideration of particular printed.

Mr. OLIN. I think it had better take the regular course. It is not usual to print at the time of reference.

Mr. LOVEJOY. I think we have talked with those men long enough, and we should talk to them now with the musket.

The SPEAKER. The Chair must remind gentlemen that this conversation is out of order.

CADETS IN THE NAVAL SCHOOL. Mr. CARLILE introduced the following resolution:

Resolved, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be instructed to report a bill providing for the appointment of the full number of cadets from such States as have not now in the Naval School the number to which they are entitled by existing laws; and if from any States recommendations are not made, the number shall be taken from such States in the same section of the Union as shall apply for places

in said school.

Mr. ELIOT. I would inquire if that resolution is not imperative? I ask that it be read again. It was accordingly read a second time.

Mr. WASHBURNE. I object to the resolution as it stands; but if it is modified to instruct the committee to inquire into the expediency of reporting such a bill, I shall not object.

Mr. CARLILE. I accept the suggested modification.

The resolution, as modified, was agreed to.

RELEASE OF PRISONERS.

Mr. UPTON introduced the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Secretary of War be directed to instruct the officers of the Army of the United States taking prisoners and releasing them upon their oath of allegiance to the United States, to report their names and residences to him, that the same may be recorded in his Department. CHARLES H. UPTON.

Mr. COX introduced the following resolution: Resolved, That the claim of CHARLES H. UPTON to a seat in this House, from the seventh district of Virginia, be referred to the Committee of Elections, who shall examine into the regularity of his election, and his eligibility as a member of Congress from the State of Virginia.

Mr. OLIN. I move to lay the resolution on the table.

The motion was not agreed to.
The resolution was agreed to.

BUSINESS OF THE SESSION.

Mr. HOLMAN introduced the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved, That the House, during the present extraordinary session, will only consider bills and resolutions concerning the military and naval operations of the Government, and the financial affairs therewith connected; and all bills and resolutions of a private character, and all other bills and resolutions not directly connected with the raising of revenue or affecting the military or naval affairs of the Government, shall be referred to the appropriate committees without debate, to be considered at the next regular

session of Congress.

Mr. LOVEJOY introduced the following resolutions, and called the previous question:

1. Resolved, That, in the judgment of this House, it is no part of the duty of the soldiers of the United States to capture and return fugitive slaves.

2. Resolved, That the Judiciary Committee be instructed to inquire into the expediency of the repeal of the law called the fugitive slave law.

3. Whereas Major Emory, of the United States Army, resigned his commission under circumstances showing sympathy with the rebellion against the Government: Therefore,

Resolved, That his restoration to the service was improper, unjustifiable, and this House, in the name of the people, demand of the Executive his immediate removal.

The previous question was seconded, and the main question ordered to be put.

Mr. ASHLEY demanded the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
Mr. EDWARDS. Is it in order to move to
lay the resolutions upon the table?
The SPEAKER. It is.

Mr. EDWARDS. I make that motion.
Mr. LOVEJOY. On that I demand the yeas
and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

Mr. BLAKE. I would like to have the resolutions read again.

The resolutions were again read.

Mr. HICKMAN. I wish to make a single inquiry of the Chair. I would inquire whether this

questions during the present session?

The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Pennsylvania raises the question of order that these resolutions are in conflict with the resolution which has just been adopted, on motion of the gentleman from Indiana, [Mr. HOLMAN.]

Mr. HICKMAN. As I remember, that reso-
lution-

The SPEAKER. Debate is not in order.
Mr. HICKMAN. I do not wish to debate. I
simply wish to call the attention of the House to
the facts.

The SPEAKER. The gentleman is not in

order.

Mr. HICKMAN. The resolution which has been adopted precludes the consideration of all business of this character.

The SPEAKER. The gentleman is out of order. The Chair appeals to the House now, at the outset, to sustain him in preserving order and enforcing the rules of the House. If the House will support him, he will do so without any reference to individuals. [Cries of "That's right."] The Clerk will now read the resolution which was adopted on motion of the gentleman from Indiana. The Clerk read the resolution, as follows: Resolved, That the House, during the present extraordinary session, will only consider bills and resolutions concerning the military and naval operations of the Government, and the financial affairs therewith connected; and all bills and resolutions of a private character, and all other bills and resolutions not directly connected with the raising of revenue or affecting the military or naval affairs of the Government, shall be referred to the appropriate committees without debate, to be considered at the next regular session of Congress.

The result of the vote having been announced as above recorded,

Mr. EDWARDS moved to reconsider the vote by which the resolutions were laid upon the table; and also moved to lay the motion to reconsider upon the table.

The latter motion was agreed to.

BUSINESS OF THE SESSION-AGAIN.

Mr. HICKMAN. I rise to a privileged question. I move to reconsider the vote by which the resolution of the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. HOLMAN] was adopted-the resolution limiting the business of the House during the session. make the motion on the ground that the resolution, as adopted, cuts off all questions of a judicial character. My purpose is to extend the resolution so as to embrace measures of a judicial character.

Mr. HOLMAN. I move to lay the motion to reconsider upon the table.

Mr. BURNETT. I ask the gentleman from Indiana to withdraw that motion until I can make an inquiry.

Mr. HOLMAN. I will withdraw it if the gentleman will renew it.

Mr. BURNETT. I will do so. I desire to know of the gentleman from Indiana whether his resolution, by its terms, will cut off propositions that look to a peaceful solution of our present difficulties?

Mr. WASHBURNE. That will lead to debate. Mr. BURNETT. I am entitled to the floor. Mr. WASHBURNE. The resolution is not debatable unless the gentleman from Indiana withdraws his motion.

Mr. BURNETT. He has withdrawn it, and I am upon the floor.

The SPEAKER. The Chair overrules the point
of order raised by the gentleman from Pennsyl-lution gives rise to debate.

The SPEAKER. The Chair thinks the reso

vania.

Mr. BURNETT. I do not propose to debate

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I ask if it is in it, but I have the right to debate it if it does give

order to move an amendment to the resolutions?

The SPEAKER. Not at this time. A motion has been made by the gentleman from New Hampshire [Mr. EDWARDS] to lay the resolutions on the table.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I should be glad
if the gentleman from New Hampshire would
withdraw that motion, to allow me to offer an
amendment to the resolutions.

Mr. EDWARDS. I cannot withdraw it.
The SPEAKER. Then no amendment or de-
bate is in order.

Mr. LOVEJOY. I demand that there be sep-
arate votes on the different resolutions.

The SPEAKER. The motion of the gentleman from New Hampshire is to lay the resolutions upon the table, and the Chair knows of no mode in which a motion to lay upon the table can be divided.

The question was taken on Mr. EDWARDS's mo-
tion; and it was decided in the affirmative-yeas
88, nays 62; as follows:

YEAS-Messrs. Allen, Ancona, Appleton, Babbitt,
Joseph Bailey, Francis P. Blair, George H. Browne, Bur-
nett, Calvert, Carlile, Chamberlain, Cobb, Cox, Cravens,
Crisfield, Crittenden, Curtis, Delano, Diven, Dunlap, Dunn,
Edwards, Ely, English, Fisher, Fouke, Franchot, Granger,
Grider, Haight, Hale, Harding, Harrison, Hickman, Hol-
man, Horton, Jackson, Johnson, Francis W. Kellogg,
William Kellogg, Killinger, Law, Lazear, Leary, Lehman,
Logan, McPherson, Mallory, Menzies, Moorhead, Justin
S. Morrill, Morris, Nixon, Noble, Noell, Norton, Nugen,
Odell, Olin, Patton, George H. Pendleton, Reid, Alexander
H. Rice, Richardson, Robinson, Edward II. Rollins, James
S. Rollins, Sheffield, William G. Steele, Stratton, Benjamin
F. Thomas, Francis Thomas, Train, Trimble, Vallandig-
ham, Verree, Vibbard, Voorhees, Wadsworth, Wall, E. P.
Walton, Ward, Webster, Chilton A. White, Wickliffe,
Wood, Woodruff, and Wright-88.

NAYS-Messrs. Aldrich, Alley, Arnold, Ashley, Gold-
smith F. Bailey, Baker, Baxter, Beaman, Bingham, Samuel
S. Blair, Blake, Buffinton, Campbell, Ambrose W. Clark,
Colfax, Frederick A. Conkling, Roscoe Conkling, Conway,
Covode, Cutler, Davis, Dawes, Duell, Edgerton, Eliot, Fes-
senden, Frank, Gooch, Gurley, Hutchins, Julian, Kelley,
Lansing, Loomis, Lovejoy, McKean, McKnight, Mitchell,
Anson P. Morrill, Pike, Pomeroy, Porter, Potter, Riddle,
Sedgwick, Shanks, Shellabarger, Sherman, Sloan, Ste-
vens, Trowbridge, Vandever, Van Horne, Van Valken-
burgh, Van Wyck, Wall, Wallace, Charles W. Walton,
Washburne, Wheeler, Albert S. White, and Worces-
ter-62.

So the resolutions were laid upon the table.
During the call of the roll,

Mr. MOORHEAD said, I voted "no;" but
believing that we should do nothing now but fur-
nish men and money to put down the rebellion,
I change my vote and vote "ay."

rise to debate. That is plain. I am one of those, and I frankly confess it, who have hoped for and have not yet abandoned all hope of a peaceful solution of our troubles.

The SPEAKER. The Chair suggests to the gentleman from Kentucky that debate is not in

order.

Mr. BURNETT. Then I do not desire to infringe the rules of the House. I hope the vote by which the resolution was adopted will be reconsidered, and it will be so extended as not to exclude propositions for a peaceful solution of our troubles.

Mr. LOVEJOY. I object to debate.

Mr. HOLMAN. The resolution does not have the effect of preventing an effort to adjust the unfortunate difficulties now distracting our country.

Mr. BURNETT. According to my promise to the gentleman from Indiana, I now renew the motion to lay the motion to reconsider upon the table.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I would like to know if the resolution includes privileged ques

tions also?

The SPEAKER. The Chair would state that debate is not in order; and he appeals to gentlemen to assist him in enforcing the rules, especially those gentlemen who have served here a long time.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I ask the gentleman from Kentucky to withdraw the motion to lay on the table for one moment.

Mr. BURNETT. I cannot do it unless the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. HOLMAN] is will

ing.

Mr. HOLMAN. I do not consent to withdraw it.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. The gentleman from Indiana does not understand my objectThe SPEAKER. Does the gentleman from Indiana withdraw the motion?

Mr. HOLMAN. I decline to withdraw it. Mr. COX. I call for the reading of the original resolution.

The resolution was read.

The question was taken on Mr. HOLMAN'S motion, and it was not agreed to.

The question recurred on Mr. HICKMAN's motion; and it was agreed to.

So the House reconsidered the vote by which the resolution was agreed to.

Mr. HICKMAN. I now move to amend the

resolution by adding to it the following words: "And the general questions of a judicial character;" so that it will read:

Resolved, That the House, during the present extraordinary session, will only consider bills and resolutions concerning the military and naval operations of the Government, and the financial affairs therewith connected, and the general questions of a judicial character; and all bills and resolutions of a private character, and all other bills and resolutions not directly connected with the raising of revenue, or affecting the military or naval affairs of the Government, shall be referred to the appropriate committees without debate, to be considered at the next regular session of Congress.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I rise to a question of order. I understand that the pending question is on the adoption of the resolution. I submit that it is not in order, because it changes the rules of the House, and no notice has been given of the purpose to introduce any such resolution.

The SPEAKER. When the resolution was originally introduced, the Chair inquired whether there was any objection to its introduction. No objection was made. The subject is, therefore, properly before the House; and the Chair overrules the point of order.

Mr. RICHARDSON. I ask the gentleman from Pennsylvania to modify his amendment, so that the House may take action in regard to contested elections.

Mr. HICKMAN. I must decline to do so. Mr. RICHARDSON. I ask the unanimous consent of the House to make a simple suggestion. There was no objection.

Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, one of the highest privileges of the House is its right to inquire into the qualifications of its members. That is constitutional also. The House has already decided who are prima facie entitled to their seats. There are questions of high order which demand the investigation of this House in regard to contested seats here, involving the most serious consequences-involving the whole question of the right of the people to elect. If the gentleman from Pennsylvania will not permit the modification which I suggested to be made to his amendment, I ask the House to vote down his proposition, so that we may get at this question.

Mr. COLFAX. I desire to make a remark. It is certainly not needful to make exceptions of contested-election cases, because they come under a clause of the Constitution which is higher than any of our rules-that clause which makes the House the judge of the qualifications, election, and returns of its members. Besides, this resolution refers to legislation; and contested-election cases are clearly not legislation.

Mr. RICHARDSON. I ask the gentleman whether, though it is a constitutional right, the House may not defer the consideration thereof to another time?

Mr. COLFAX. On the contrary, it has been uninterruptedly decided, from the commencement of the Government, that a question affecting the right of a member to his seat takes precedence of everything else.

Mr. RICHARDSON. I do not wish to quibble about this thing; but I ask whether, although the right of a member to his seat is a constitutional question, it may not be deferred by the action of the House? That is the question I make.

Mr. COLFAX. On the contrary, I apprehend that no constitutional provision can be deferred by the action of the House.

Mr. COX. Then what is the objection to putting it in the resolution?

Mr. COLFAX. Because it is a matter of the

Constitution and not of the rules.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I would suggest that it is already included in the term "judicial." Mr. RICHARDSON. No, sir.

Mr. BURNETT. I ask the indulgence of the House that I may offer the following as an amendment to the amendment of the gentleman from Pennsylvania

And all propositions that may look to a peaceful solution of the pending troubles of the country.

Mr. WASHBURNE. I object.

Mr. BURNETT. I hope that members will be permitted to offer such propositions as are right and proper, and let the House vote them down if it choose. Gentlemen have a right to do that. The previous question was seconded, and the main question ordered. Mr. WICKLIFFE. Is a motion in order to lay the resolution on the table?

The SPEAKER. Yes.

Mr. WICKLIFFE. In the name of my constituents, my country, and my God, I hope the legislation of this House will be left free. I therefore move to lay the resolution on the table; and on that I call for the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

The question was taken; and it was decided in the negative-yeas 52, nays 102; as follows:

YEAS-Messrs. Allen, Ancona, Joseph Baily, George H. Browne, Burnett, Calvert, Cobb, Cooper, Cox, Cravens, Crisfield, Crittenden, Dunlap, English, Fisher, Fouke, Grider, Haight, Harding, Harrison,Jackson, Johnson, Law, Lazear, Leary, Logan, Mallory, Menzies, Morris, Noble, Noell, Norton, Nugen, Odell, George H. Pendleton, Perry, Reid, Richardson, Robinson, James S. Rollins, Smith, John B. Steele, William G. Steele, Francis Thomas, Vallandigham, Vibbard, Voorhees, Wadsworth, Chilton A. White, Wickliffe, Wood, and Woodruff-52.

NAYS-Messrs. Aldrich, Alley, Appleton, Arnold, Ashley, Babbitt, Goldsmith F. Bailey, Baker, Baxter, Beaman, Bingham, Francis P. Blair, Samuel S. Blair, Blake, Buffinton, Campbell, Carlile, Chamberlain, Ambrose W. Clark, Colfax, Frederick A. Conkling, Roscoe Conkling, Conway, Covode, Curtis, Cutler, Davis, Dawes, Delano, Diven, Duell, Dunn, Edgerton, Edwards, Eliot, Ely, Fenton, Fessenden, Franchot, Frank, Gooch, Granger, Gurley, Hickman, Holman, Horton, Hutchins, Julian, Kelley, Francis W. Kellogg, Killinger, Lansing, Loomis, Lovejoy, McKean, McKnight, McPherson, Mitchell, Moorhead, Anson P. Morrill, Justin S. Morrill, Nixon, Ólin, Patton, Pike, Pomeroy, Porter, Potter, Alexander H. Rice, John H. Rice, Riddle, Edward II. Rollins, Sedgwick, Shanks, Sheffield, Shellabarger, Sherman, Sloan, Spaulding, Stratton, Benjamin F. Thomas, Thayer, Train, Trimble, Trowbridge, Upton, Vandever, Van Horne, Van Valkenburgh, Van Wyck, Verree, Wall, Wallace, Charles W. Walton, E P. Walton, Ward, Washburne, Wheeler, Albert S. White, Windom, Worcester, and Wright-102.

So the House refused to lay the resolution on the table.

Mr. FOUKE offered the following preamble and resolutions:

Whereas a fierce and unnatural civil war is now raging between the Government of the United States and a portion of our misguided countrymen, convulsing the whole land; and it being important to cultivate and maintain a fraternal feeling between the citizens of the several States still loyal to the Constitution and the Union, in order to strengthen the arm of the Executive of the nation: Therefore,

Be it resolved, That we, the Representatives of the ThirtySeventh Congress, in view of the distracted state of our beloved country, and in order to secure harmonious action, and believing the Constitution and the Union to be considerations far above party ties and affiliations, solemnly ignore, during the impending war, all political differences heretofore existing between the people of the loyal States of this Union.

Resolved, That we believe it would be wise in the Executive of this nation and the executives of the several States, in all their appointments to military or civil positions, to adopt the patriotic maxim of the immortal Jefferson, "Is he honest, is he capable ?" and place men in position and power without regard to past political opinions.

Resolved, That we approve the act of the President and his official advisers in summoning the citizen soldiers of the loyal States to the defense of the national capital and its archives.

Resolved, That this Congress has unbounded confidence in the patriotism, forecast, courage, and military skill and wisdom of Lieutenant General Scott, the great military commander of the age, who never lost a battle.

Resolved, That whilst some of the officers of the American Army, who had been reared, schooled, and fostered by our Government, have deserted and are now leaders in the disaffected forces, this Congress congratulates the present Administration and the country that Lieutenant General Scott still stands at the head of our Army in the full vigor of health and his great intellect to direct all its important strategic movements.

Resolved, That while we hold in one hand the sword of justice, to sustain, strengthen, and uphold the Executive in the maintenance of the Constitution and the Union, it becomes our solemn and Christian duty to offer with the other continuously to our deluded brethren the olive branch of peace.

Mr. LOVEJOY. I move to lay the resolutions on the table.

Mr. HOLMAN. On that motion, I call for the yeas and nays.

Mr. HICKMAN. I rise to a question of order. Under the resolution which has been adopted, on motion of the gentlemen from Indiana, limiting the business which shall be considered by the House, the resolutions are not in order. Otherwise the resolution itself is perfectly inoperative.

The SPEAKER. The Chair sustains the question of order, and decides the series of resolutions to be out of order, as not coming within the scope of the resolution adopted by the House, defining the character of the business which shall be considered.

CLERKS OF COMMITTEES.

Mr. WASHBURNE. I submit the following resolution, and call for the previous question on its adoption:

Resolved, That the standing committees of this House which in the last Congress were authorized to employ clerks, be and they are hereby authorized to employ clerks during the Thirty-Seventh Congress upon the same terms of compensation as were provided for like service in the Thirty-Sixth Congress, while actually employed.

Mr. RICHARDSON. I rise to a question of order. I submit that under the resolution submitted by the gentleman from Indiana and adopted, as amended, on motion of the gentleman from Pennsylvania, that resolution is not in order.

The SPEAKER. The Chair sustains the question of order, and decides the resolution to be out of order

Mr. WASHBURNE. 1 appeal from the decision of the Chair.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM. I move to lay the appeal on the table.

The motion was agreed to; and the appeal was laid on the table.

REFERENCE OF PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. Mr. STEVENS, by unanimous consent, submitted the following resolutions:

1. Resolved, That so much of the special message of the President of the United States to the two Houses of Congress at the present session as relates to our foreign affairs, together with accompanying correspondence in relation thereto, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 2. Resolved, That so much of said message and accompanying documents as relates to the finances; to the deficiencies in the appropriations for the year ending 30th June, 1862; to the deficiencies in the revenue; to the receipts into the Treasury, and public expenditures; to the provision of additional revenue by an increase of the present duties on imports, by loan, excise, and internal taxation, and the providing of the necessary ways and means for carrying on the Government in the present exigencies, be referred to the Committee of Ways and Means.

3. Resolved, That so much of said message and accompanying documents as relates to the execution of the laws; to the privileges of the writ of habeas corpus; to the armed neutrality of certain States; to the legal questions relating to the rebellious acts of citizens in the southern States, and to the power to enter therein with military forces to protect the loyal citizens of said States, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

4. Resolved, That so much of said message and accompanying documents as relates to the Army of the United States, to the increase thereof, and to the establishment and improvement of military posts, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

5. Resolved, That so much of said message and accompanying documents as relates to the Navy of the United States and the increase thereof, to provision for the protection of American merchant vessels, their crews and eargoes, against lawless seizure by privateers from southern ports in rebellion against the Government, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

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