WASHINGTON, May 8.
SENATE. – The resolution impeaching Judge Humphreys was read
from the House, and referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs.
Foster, Doolittle and Davis.
The bill establishing a port of entry at Hilton S. C., was
received from the House and passed.
Mr. Wright presented a petition from citizens of Florida,
asking for a confiscation bill.
The bill making appropriations for the deficiencies in the
payment of volunteers was taken up.
After debate relative to the number of men now in the army, the bill was
passed.
The bill limiting the number of Brigadier and Major Generals
was passed, Mr. Hale’s amendment being rejected. It limits the number of Major Generals to 80,
and Brigadiers tow 200.
Mr. Sumner offered a resolution saying that it was inexpedient
that victories obtained over our own citizens be placed on the regimental
colors of the U. S.
The bill establishing the department of agriculture was
taken up and passed.
After debate, the question was taken on Foster’s substitute,
making a bureau of agriculture in the Department of the Secretary of the
Interior. Lost 18 against 18. The bill as reported to the Senate passed –
25 to 12.
The bill for the appointment of medical storekeepers was
amended so as to authorize the President to appoint Chaplains for hospitals,
and passed.
Mr. Doolittle called up his bill to collect taxes on lands
and insurrectionary districts. – He explained its provisions, when the bill was
postponed until to-morrow.
The bill for the education of colored children in the
District of Columbia, providing a tax of 10 per cent. upon the colored
residents therefore, was taken up.
Mr. Wilson, of Mass., moved a new section, making all
persons of color in the District amenable to the same laws as whites. Adopted.
The amendment repeals the black code of the District. On the passage of the bill, no quorum voted.
Mr. Hale introduced a bill to abolish the office of Marshal
of the District of Columbia, and establishing that of Sheriff.
Mr. Grimes presented the petition of Gen. Sigel and other
officers, asking for a German professorship at West Point, and recommending
Reinhaldt Solger for the office.
HOUSE. – The Iowa contested election case was taken up. It involves the question whether a member of
Congress can hold a seat and commission in the volunteers at the same time, and
refers especially to Vandever, who commands a regiment.
On motion of Mr. Washburne, it was postponed till the first
Wednesday in December.
The bill organizing the territorial government of Arizona
was taken up and passed. The bill
repeals all laws in the organizing of territories recognizing the relation of
master and slave, and prohibits slavery therein.
The bill extending the eastern limits of Nevada sixty miles
was passed.
Mr. Lovejoy called up the bill abolishing slavery within the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government. The house refused by 50 to 60 to table the
bill.
Mr. Mallory raised a point that the bill was not regularly
before the House, which the Speaker overruled.
Mr. Lovejoy called for the previous question.
Without coming to a vote the house adjourned.
– Published in The
Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862,
p. 2
