WASHINGTON, March 6.
SENATE. – Mr. Harris presented a petition in favor of conferring the rank of Major General on Gen. John E. Wool. He also presented a petition in favor of the emancipation of slaves.
Messrs. Harlan and Collamer also presented petitions in favor of emancipating slaves.
Mr. Fessenden, from the committee of finance, reported back the P. O. appropriation bill without amendment.
Mr. Collamer, from the P. O. committee reported back the postal money order bill.
Mr. Hale, from the naval committee, reported on a joint resolution, tendering the thanks of Congress to Com. Goldsboro, his officers and seamen, for their gallant conduct at Roanoke Island. Adopted.
On motion of Mr. Sherman the bill in relation to the pay of members of congress was taken up. The amendment was adopted, making the mileage of member of 20 cents per mile. The bill, as reported, allowed 10 cents per mile. After some discussion, at 1 o’clock the Senate went into executive session.
HOUSE. – Mr. Buffinton introduced a bill authorizing the appointment of two Inspector Generals. Referred to committee on military affairs.
Mr. Aldrich repoted a bill to increase the medical efficiency of the army.
The House concurred in the report of the conference committee on the disagreeing amendments to the joint resolution providing for the payment of the claims growing out of the military operations in the Western department.
The House then took up the Senate bill providing for the organization of the staffs attached to the divisions of the U. S. regular and volunteer service.
Mr. Blair, of Mo., explained that the bill proposed no increase of the army, but allowed certain officers to be detailed for staff duty. The passage of the measure was deemed essential by military officers.
Mr. McPherson opposing the bill said it would increase the staff of every division, and proportionately the expense. Under present circumstances the President can increase the staff of any division, when an emergency requires it.
After further debate the bill, as amended, was passed.
The Speaker laid before the House a message from President Lincoln, suggesting the passage of a joint resolution providing for the co-operation with any State for the abolition of slavery with pecuniary compensation. The president proposes this as an initiative step, predicting important practical results therefrom.
On motion of Mr. Stevens the bill was referred to the committee of the whole.
The house went into committee of the whole on the bill regulating the franking privilege.
Mr. Perry spoke in opposition to extreme anti-slavery measures. This was a time for the exhibition of patriotism, and defense of the Union. He was at a loss to see how it was necessary to set the slaves free as an ally in the suppression of the rebellion. This was not a war for the destruction of the South, but for the restoration of the respect everywhere to the authority of the government. Behind the dark clouds of the rebellion the sky of the Union was clear and bright, and the stars were sparkling in all beauty. Soon it would be that the dark cloud would pass away, and one by one the stars would reappear in all their glory, and the people would thank God they were all there.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 7, 1862, p. 1
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