State Congressional Districts

On Monday night last the joint committee of the House and Senate made a final agreement as to the division of the State into six districts, the first election under this apportionment to take place next October.  On Tuesday the bill was introduced into the House and passed.  The districts are composed as follows:

FIRST DISTRICT.

Lee, Des Moines, Louisa, Henry, Washington, Jefferson, Van Buren, Davis.

SECOND DISTRICT.

Muscatine, Scott, Clinton, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Cedar.

THIRD DISTRICT.

Delaware, Dubuque, Clayton, Alamakee, Winneshiek, Howard, Mitchell, Worth, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Chickasaw, Fayette, Bremer.

FOURTH DISTRICT.

Appanoose, Monroe, Wapello, Keokuk, Mahaska, Marion, Johns, Iowa, Poweshiek, Jasper, Tama, Benton.

FIFTH DISTRICT.

Wayne, Decatur, Ringgold, Taylor, Page, Fremont, Lucas, Clark, Union, Adams, Montgomery, Mills, Warren, Madison, Adair, Cass, Pottowattamie, Polk, Dallas, Guthrie, Audubon, Shelby, Harrison.

SIXTH DISTRICT.

Marshall, Story, Boone, Greene, Carroll, Crawford, Monona, Buchanan, Black Hawk, Grundy, Hardin, Hamilton, Webster, Calhoun, Sac, Ida, Woodbury, Butler, Franklin, Wright, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Buena Vista, Cherokee, Plymouth, Hancock, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Clay, O’brien, Sioux, Winnebago, Emmett, Dickenson, Osceola, Buncombe.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 31, 1862, p. 2

Another Member of Congress

It will be seen by our dispatches this morning that the apportionment act which has passed both houses fixes the number of members at 241 – being an increase of eight over the number at present fixed by law and three more than the number in the present House. – These members are divided between Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Kentucky.  This gives us six members of Congress – an increase of four over our present number – the largest proportionate increase in the Union.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 2

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

The Treasury note bill as finally passed, provides for the issuing of $150,000,000 in Treasury notes, and $50,000,000 in lieu of the demand notes issued in July, and to be substituted for them as fast as practicable.  These notes are to be receivable for all debts due to and from the United States except duties on imports, which shall be paid in coin, or demand notes heretofore authorized to be received and by law receivable in payment of public dues, and interest upon bonds and notes, which shall be paid in coin.

The notes are to be lawful money and legal tender for all purposes, except as above stated.  Depositors of notes not less than $50 are to receive in exchange bonds bearing six per cent. interest, and redeemable after five years, and payable after twenty years.  Five hundred millions of such bonds may be issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, and sold at market value for coin or treasury notes.  Receipts on imports are to be set apart as a fund for payment in coin of interest.  The other provisions are formal.

The Secretary of War’s late order is intended to apply only to war news, of a nature affording aid and comfort to the enemy, as couching intended movements.

The House committee on the conduct of the war, had a long interview with the President last night.  I learn from a member of the committee, that its members have been unanimous in all things since its organization.

The Navy and Treasury Departments have not hitherto pulled together on the question of giving permits to trade to Port Royal and Hatteras.  Mr. Welles tells Mr. Chase that he has no objection to them, if Mr. Chase chooses to grant them.  The latter says he will grant them in all cases where Mr. Welles certifies that the shipper carries necessary supplies for the use of the army and navy.  He has sent every application to Sec. Welles, being apparently afraid of breaking the blockade.  It is said that Sec. Chase issues numerous permits to trade on the coast, as well as on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, countersigned by the surveyors of customs in the West and by special officer on the coast.  Applicants will be required to give bonds as security for their fidelity.

It is said that Gen. Sherman’s soldiers have been induced to sell their pay at discount of fifty cents on the dollar, by representations that treasury notes never would be redeemed.

The additional paymasters will probably be dropped from the rolls, the Paymaster General agreeing with the military committee that there are too many.

The amendment to the congressional apportionment bill passed both Houses; giving additional members each to Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Kentucky.

The armory committee agreed to a report in favor of a National Amory east of the Alleghanies, and armory, foundry and manufacturing arsenal west of the Alleghanies, the sites of all to be fixed by five commissioners appointed by the President, who shall send the result, together with the estimates of cost, to Congress.  These works are intended to be at different points.

Mrs. Lincoln and her youngest son, who have been quite unwell, are improving.

The steamer Baltimore, direct form Roanoke Island, reached the navy yard to-day.  She was not fired on, although the night was clear.

Dispatches from Flag-officer McKein announce the capture of a brig and two schooners, off the Southwest Pass.

The amendment of Mr. Sumner, to the effect that Stark, whose case in now pending in the Senate, being charged by affidavits with disloyalty, is not entitled to his seat until an investigation of the truth of the charges, will put the naked question to the Senate of its right to exclude a traitor, who bears credentials from the Governor of his State and is ready to take his seat.  There is an opinion that Stark will be admitted, although several Republicans protested against their votes being considered a precedent.

The Senate committee on naval affairs agreed to report a bill, reducing the salaries of the highest naval officers 20, intermediate grades 15, and in the lowest 10 per cent., and abolishing naval agencies and store keepers, and hemp and live oak agencies, these duties to be henceforth performed by regular navy officers.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

Herald’s Correspondence.

The roads on both sides of the Potomac were getting into good condition rapidly, until a rain storm set in this evening, which has again rendered tem almost impassable for loaded teams.

A report that Gen. Sickles was shot at in his camp to-day is quite current this evening.  It is disbelieved.

Special to the Tribune.

A vote will probably be reached in the case of Benj. Stark, applicant for the seat of a Senator from Oregon, to-morrow or next day.  The first question will be upon the amendment of Sen. Sumner, which in effect, declares that Stark is charged by affidavits and otherwise, with disloyalty, and is not entitled to his seat until the truth of these charges shall have been investigated.  Should this amendment be voted down, Mr. Stark will be admitted to his seat.  Should it be adopted, a fair question upon the sufficiency of the evidence of disloyalty will remain.  The vote upon Mr. Sumner’s amendment will be a close one, but there is reason to fear that it will be defeated.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

The following is a copy of the bill, as passed, authorizing the issue of certificates of indebtedness to public creditors:

Be it enacted, etc., That the Secretary of the Treasury be and hereby is ordered to cause to be issued to any public creditor, who may be desirous to receive the same, upon requisition of the head of the proper Department, in satisfaction of audited and settled demands against the U. S. certificates for the whole amount due or parts thereof.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 1

Local Matters

NEW goods constantly arriving at Wadsworth’s.  he his selling more goods and at lower prices than any other house in town.  Call and examine his stock and prices before purchasing.

CONGRESSIONAL APPORTIONMENT. – The Des Moines correspondent of the Muscatine Journal says that the Congressional apportionment of our State published by the Democrat of this city is bogus.  We judged as much and did not copy it.

WASHINGTON’S BIRTH DAY. – Citizens are requested to meet at the office of D. H. Wheeler, Esq.., in LeClaire Block, at 10 o’clock a.m. (this morning,) to devise ways and means for a suitable celebration of Washington’s Birthday, Feb. 22.  All citizens are invited to attend.

WE LEARN from the Iowa City Press That Mr. C. F. Westphal, son of Mr. J. C. Westphal, the horticulturist of that place, has left for this city with the intention of taking charge of the Scott Nursery, which they have purchased.  We welcome Mr. W. to Davenport, and, judging from the parent stock, he will be a fine addition to the horticultural talent of our city.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, May 2. – HOUSE. – Mr. STEVENS, from the committee on Ways and Means, reported a bill making appropriations for the support of the army for the year ending with June 1862.

The House then took up and finally discussed the bill granting pensions.

Mr. GOODWIN said the bill had been carefully prepared and was unanimously reported from the Committee on Invalid Pensions, after being submitted to the Commissioner of Pensions for all persons whether regulars or volunteers, engaged in the military and naval service who have been disabled or wounded since the 4^th of March, 1861, and while in the service of the United States, in line of duty, &c.

The further consideration of the subject was then postponed until Tuesday next.

Mr. ODELL presented a memorial from the Chamber of Commerce in favor of a tax upon all sales of merchandise, by which it is estimated that $115,000,000 can be annually collected.

The house went into consideration of private bills.

Messrs. MORRILL of Vermont, BIDDLE and VORHEES the first named having rose to a special explanation made remarks exculpating Gen. Smith from the charge of drunkenness.

Mr. WASHBURNE also defended General Grant on similar charges.

Mr. RICHARDSON thought all these things ought to be left to the military authorities.  If the riot act was read dispersing congress the army would get along much better.

Mr. FISHER vindicated Delaware from the remarks of Senator Saulsbury.

At the conclusion of Mr. FISHER’S remarks the House adjourned till Monday.

WASHINGTON, May 2. – SENATE – The president pro tem presented a message from the President in regard to the arrest of Gen. Stone which has already been reported.  The President says he will be allowed a trial without unnecessary delay.  Charges and specifications furnished him and every facility for defense afforded him by the war department.

The Confiscation bill was taken up and discussed by Messrs. Doolittle, Cowen and Wade and adjourned till Monday.

WILSON of Mass. From the Military Committee reported back the bill to facilitate the discharge from enlistment for special disabilities.

Mr. HALE offered a resolution that the Naval Committee inquire into the expediency of providing for appointments to the naval corps the same as to the Naval academy adopted.

Mr. SUMNER gave notice that he should introduce a bill to abolish coast wise traffic in slaves and to prevent the transportation of slaves through the United States.

On motion of Mr. WADE the Homestead bill was taken up.  An amendment was adopted excluding from the benefits of the bill any person who has been in arms against the U. S. or who has given aid and comfort to the enemy.

On motion of Mr. POMROY the bill was postponed until Monday.

Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, May 5. – SENATE. Mr. HARRIS presented a petition in favor of a general Bankrupt Act.

Mr. TENEYOK offered a resolution that the Military Committee enquire into the propriety of extending provision of the Act offering $100 to volunteers honorably discharged and to such volunteers as may have been or hereafter may be disabled by warrants and discharged. – Adopted.

HOUSE.  Mr. ALDRICH introduced a bill indemnifying the people of Kansas for losses and depredations.  Referred.

The House passed the bill to provide increased revenues from imports and to pay the interest on the public debt, &c.

The House then went into Committee of the Whole on the Pacific Railroad bill.

Mr. FREDERICK A CONKLING immediately moved that the committee rise with an intention to move the postponement of the bill till the second Monday in December next.

The Motion was lost by a vote of 34 against 61.

WASHINGTON, May 5. – Mr. WILSON from the Military Committee, reported back the bill to limit the number of Major Generals and Brigadier Generals with an amendment making the Major General 30 instead of 20.  The amendment was adopted.

Mr. HALE moved to strike out 200 and insert 180 as the number of Brigadier Generals.

Mr. WILSON of Massachusetts hoped the bill would pass.  He thought 150 Brigadier Generals enough.  About 150 had been sent in here.

Mr. CLARKE thought we ought to make the bill according to the service and not according to the appointments.  The chairman of the Military Committee (Mr. Wilson) thinks that 150 Brigadier Generals is enough and yet we refuse to put the number down because we have got these appointments here and have not [illegible]ness to strike them out.

Mr. WILSON said he thought 150 enough but the President and Secretary of War seemed to think more were necessary.

Mr. HALE.  That would look to the country as if we were legislating for the salvation of the Brigadier Generals and not for the salvation of the country.

The bill was laid over.

Mr. WADE introduced a bill donating public lands to several States and Territories which provides for the benefit of agriculture and public acts.  Referred.

Mr. WILSON of Massachusetts offered a joint resolution to suspend all business under the act entitled an act to secure to the officers and men employed in the Western Department and Missouri their pay bounty and pensions.  Carried.

He also presented a joint resolution relative to an exchange of prisoners that humanity and sound policy require that the officers and men of the Army and Navy of the United States held as prisoners by the force now in arms against the authorities of the Government should be released from captivity by such exchanges as may be needful and such exchanges as a measure of humanity and military expediency would recognize solely admitted facts that these forces in arms against the authority of the United States held in captivity in prisons whom it is desirable to release by necessary practical measures.  Referred.

Mr. HALE moved to take up the resolution offered by him some time since in regard to a debate in the Senate.  Rejected yeas 17 nays [22].

The homestead bill was then taken up.

Mr. POMEROY opposed it.

The confiscation bill was then taken up.

Mr. HOWE against it.

Executive session – adjourned.

HOUSE – Various amendments were made when the committee rose and reported the bill to the house.  The previous question was ordered of the bill which was ordered to be printed in order that the House might examine the amendments with the understanding that the vote was to be taken on its passage at 2 o’clock to-morrow.

Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, May 6. – HOUSE. – Mr. COLFAX by unanimous consent introduced a bill to prevent frauds on the Government, which provides that all persons engaged in furnishing supplies of any kind for any Department of the Government by contract or otherwise or performing any service therefore who shall be found guilty in any United States Court, and all accessories therefore shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than 10 years and a fine not exceeding double the amount of the fraud and all officers are required when fraud is discovered to institute suit.  Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. BINGHAM from the committee on the Judiciary offered a resolution that a committee of two be appointed to go [to] the Senate and at the bar there in the name of the House of Representatives and of the people of the United States impeach West H. Humphreys Judge of the District Court of the United States for Tennessee for high crimes and misdemeanors, and acquaint the Senate, and the House will in time exhibit particular articles of impeachment against him and make good the same and that the Committee demand that the Senate take measures for the appearance of said West H. Humphreys to answer said impeachment.

In response to a question, for information, the report of the Judiciary committee was read which in effect charged that the Judge acted out his secession proclivities.

Mr. MAYNARD showed the justice of the present proceeding for impeachment.

The resolution was adopted.

Mr. DAVIS called up the California election case reported form the Committee on Elections, declaring that F. F. Lowe is not entitled to a seat as a Representative from that State.

Mr. DAWES explained that the prayer of the memorialists was founded on a statute of the United States as well as the Constitution of the State of California claiming three Representatives in the present Congress, the number to which she is entitled under the apportionment taken on the last census.

The Pacific Railroad bill passed by 80 majority.

WASHINGTON, May 6. – SENATE. – Mr. SHERMAN offered a resolution that the Secretary of War communicate to the Senate all copies of reports of the officers in command at the recent battle of Pittsburgh.  Laid over.

Mr. KING presented petitions in favor of a bankrupt act.

The Homestead Bill was then taken up.  The question being on Mr. CARLISLE’S amendment, which was rejected by yeas 11, nays 28.  The bill was then passed, yeas 33, nays 7.

YEAS – Anthony, Browning, Chandler, Clark, Collamer, Cowan, Dixon, Doolittle, Fessenden, Foote, Foster, Grimes, Hale, Harris, Henderson, Howe, Kennedy, King, Lane, of Indiana, Lane, of Kansas, McDougall, Murrill, Penny, Sherman, Simmons, Sumner, Ten Eyck, Wade, Williamson, Wilson, of Mass., Wilson, of Missouri, Wright.

NAYS – Bayard, Carlisle, Davis, Powell, Saulsbury, Willey.

Mr. ANTHONY moved to postpone the special order.  Negatived – Yeas 14, Nays 23.

The Confiscation bill was then taken up.

Mr. WILSON of Mass., offered an amendment to the amendment of the Senate, striking out all after the first section and substituting the second section.  It provides that the act shall not be construed in any way to effect the punishment of any person for treason.  The third section authorizes and requires the President to seize the property of the leading rebels substantially as the Sherman amendment to the original bill.  The fourth section provides that whenever it becomes necessary to suppress the rebellion, the President be authorized to seize the personal property of other rebels not included in the list.

The 5^th section provides that when the owners of property flee so that they cannot be brought to trial and do not appear by a certain day specified by the Constitution, the property be confiscated and the slaves freed.

The 6^th section provides that the President be authorized and required to make proclamation and fix the day not more than 30 days after those persons who continue rebellion, their slaves shall be set free.

The 7^th section provides for voluntary colonization and emigration.

The 8^th section gives the President power of amnesty.

Mr. WILSON briefly explained his substitute.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 4

Congressional Districts

The Congressional Apportionment bill which passed the General Assembly on the last night of the session divides the state into six Districts, as follows:

1st – Lee, Van Buren, Davis, Jefferson, Henry, Des Moines, Louisa and Washington.

2d – Muscatine, Cedar, Scot, Clinton, Jackson, Jones and Lynn.

3d – Dubuque, Delaware, Buchanan, Clayton, Fayette, Bremer, Chickasaw, Floyd, Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek and Allamakee.

4th – Benton, Tama, Jasper, Poweshiek, Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Wapello and Appanoose.

5th – Wayne, Decater, Ringgold, Taylor, Page, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Clark, Lucas, Warren, Madison, Adair, Cass Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Guthrie, Dallas and Polk.

6th – Marshall, Story, Boone, Greene, Carroll, Crawford, Monona, Woodbury, Ida, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Hardin, Grundy, Blackhawk, Butler, Franklin, Wright, Humbolt, Pocahontas, Buena Vista, Cherokee, Plymouth, Sioux, O’Brien, Clay, Palo Alto, Kossuth, Hancock, Winnebago, Worth, Cerro Gordo, Emmett, Dickinson, Osceola, and Buncome. – {State Register

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday April 19, 1862