XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, March 11.

SENATE. – Mr. Sumner presented petitions for emancipation.

Mr. Latham gave notice that he should introduce a bill to repeal all acts prohibiting foreign vessels carrying the mails to Panama and Aspinwall.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass., offered a resolution that the committee on naval affairs be instructed to inquire into the late engagement with rebel steamers near Fort Monroe, and the destruction of property there.

Mr. Hale said he did not wish to make any objection, but he had reason to believe that since the commencement of the rebellion, no matter what disaster occurred, on sea or land, that neither the war or navy department, except in a single instance, had made the least inquiry in regard to the matter.

Mr. Wilson said from his absolute knowledge the attention of the department has been called to the rebel ship.  It has been known for months that she has been fitting out, and merchants and underwriters everywhere felt anxious, and the attention of the government was called to it over and over again, and he thought the matter ought to be looked into.

Mr. Grimes said in regard to the disaster at the mouth of the Mississippi, the government had done all it could.  The responsibility of the late disaster rests on the government for not long ago sending a military expedition against Norfolk.  Officers of the navy had been ready at all times to break the Potomac blockade, and the flotilla was under orders for that purpose, but the superior military officer, who had command of all the forces, forbid the expedition; and the responsibility did not rest on the Navy Department.

The House bill providing a new article of war, that no officer or soldier shall be employed in returning fugitive slaves, was passed 29 against 9.

Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, March 11.

HOUSE. – Mr. Baker introduced a bill, which was referred to the committee of the whole on the state of the Union, for the establishment of a national foundry at Chicago, Ill, and Pittsburg, Pa., and Poughkeepsie, N. Y., for the fabrication of cannon and projectiles for the Government.  It proposes the appropriation of a half million dollars for each foundry.  It also provides for the establishment of an Armory and Arsenal at Columbus, Ohio, appropriating half a million dollars therefore.

Mr. Kellogg, of Michigan, introduced a bill for the establishment of a naval department and Navy Yards on the lakes – referred to the select committee on lake defenses.

The House concurred in the report of the committee of conference, on the disagreeing amendments to the legislative executive and judicial appropriation bill.

Mr. Stevens reported back from the committee on ways and means, the bill to establish a branch mint at Denver City – referred to the committee of the whole.

The Speaker announced the next business in order to be the motion to postpone until Thursday the resolution introduced yesterday, providing for co-operation with any Sate for the abolition of slavery with pecuniary compensation.

Mr. Crittenden, of Ky., asked permission to make a statement.

Messrs. Stevens, of Pa., and Lovejoy, of Ill., objected.  Mr. Stevens said if consent was given to Mr. Crittenden, the House would have to give similar consent to others.

The House refused to postpone the resolution till Thursday by one majority.

The House by two majority refused to postpone the resolutions till Monday next, the resolutions now being open to debate.

Mr. Blair, of Va., offered the following proviso, that nothing herein shall be construed to imply that Congress will consent to any partition of the territory now held by the United States, but that on the contrary it is again affirmed as the unalterable resolution of this House to prosecute the war until the Constitution is restored to its ancient supremacy over every State rightfully a part of the Union.

Mr. Pendleton suggested an amendment, which was read for information as follows: And that Congress, in order to redeem this pledge at the present session, ought to pass a bill for the levying and collection of a tax within the current year for the payment of the pecuniary aid so tendered to the State.

Mr. Wyckliffe, of Ky., opposed the pending resolution as unwise and unconstitutional.

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