XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, February 10.

SENATE. – The report of the committee of conference on the bill to raise certain troops in Missouri and Maryland was taken up. Mr. Henderson said they could be ordered out of the State, and even, if necessary to go to New Orleans.

The report of the committee was agreed to and the bill passed.

The Vice President appointed Mr. Conway on the finance committee, in place of Mr. Bright; Mr. Henderson on the post office committee, in place of Mr. Bright; and Mr. Wilson of Mo., on the committee on military affairs in place of Mr. Cowan.

On motion of Mr. Fessenden, the fortification bill was taken up.

Mr. Fessenden said he should call up the treasury note bill to-morrow and press it to a speedy passage.

The amendment of the committee, to the fortification bill, making an appropriation of $550,000 for the harbor marine in case of war with any maritime powers, was considered.

Mr. Trumbull thought it would be time enough to protect these harbors when there was danger of war with any great maritime powers. “Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.”

Mr. Doolittle was in favor of making the appropriation larger, and giving the President power to protect the harbors on the Pacific coast, the harbors on the Western lakes, &c. He did not believe there was danger of war with any maritime powers. He referred to the speech of the French Emperor as evidence of peace.

Mr. Dixon was in favor of the amendment, but did not like its phraseology, suggesting that there might be war with any maritime power. He would strike out the clause reading imminent dangers with maritime powers, so as to leave the matter subject to the President.

The amendment was so modified and adopted.

After further discussion Mr. Trumbull moved to recommit the bill to the committee on military affairs. If the armies of the Union will move forward and crush the rebellion, we will have no need of fortification on the lakes.

HOUSE. – The house took up and passed a Senate joint resolution authorizing a detail of naval officers for service in the War Department.

The House concurred in the Senate amendment to the bill providing for the purchase of cotton seed, so that one thousand dollars could also be expended for tobacco seed.

The house resumed the consideration of the Segur election case.

Mr. Maynard argued in favor of the justice as well as the propriety of enabling all persons to be heard here through their representatives. He said that Mr. Segur was known and appreciated hat home. For more than two years he was a member of the Virginia Legislature, and was a delegate at the breaking out of the rebellion. When the resolution was introduced in the Virginia Senate directing the governor to seize and hold certain cannon at the Bologna arsenal, Mr. Segur said: “Rather than thus vote for seizing the property of the U. S., so help me God, I will die in my seat.”

Mr. Maynard pointed out Mr. Segur’s eminent services in the Union cause, and his personal sacrifices. But for his conduct, as alleged in secession quarters, Ft. Monroe would have fallen into the possession of the south.

Mr. Crittenden argued that the pending case as a question of law in favor of Mr. Segur.

The House then, by a vote of 85 to 40 decided that Mr. Segur was not entitled to a seat.

The House agreed to the Senate amendment to the bill authorizing the construction of 20 iron-clad gun boats.

The House then adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1