engaged in the military service of the United States. Mr. KASSON. Mr. Chairman, in regard to this paragraph the question is reduced to a very small compass. The Committee of Ways and Means has deemed it proper, finding an existing business, to provide for a responsibility in that business, and for such revenue as may come from it. Touching the propriety of continuing the business, the Committee of Ways and Means has deemed it proper to leave all such questions to the proper committee of the House-perhaps the Military Committee-which may report a bill to prohibit it altogether. If members intend that the business shall continue, let the terms on which the license will be given be such as are consistent with its continuance. If they wish to prohibit it, the whole section should be stricken out, and the Committee on Military Affairs should report a bill prohibiting it entirely. I am satisfied that the opinion of the committee is that this tax is probably all that is consistent with the continuance of the business as such. Finding it existing as a business in the community, they have proposed the highest tax consistent with its continuance. If it is to be abolished, let an amendment striking out the section be adopted, with the understanding that the business shall be prohibited by law, a suitable bill for that purpose emanating from the proper committee. That, I understand, will meet the views of the Committee of Ways and Means. The amendment to the amendment was rejected. drafted, or desiring representative recruits for the military Mr. Chairman, in explanation I will only say The amendment was adopted. Senate had passed, without amendment, bills of the following titles: "An act (H. R. No. 705) for the relief of collectors and surveyors of customs in certain cases; and An act (H. R. No. 517) to incorporate the National Union Insurance Company, of Washington. Also that the Senate had passed the bill (H. Mr. NELSON. I move to add the following R. No. 364) entitled "An act authorizing and re proviso: Provided, That persons appointed in any State, county, Mr. JOHNSON, of Pennsylvania. I hope the Mr. MORRILL. I offer, pro forma, an amend-ing of substitutes-it is of some importance that ment to the amendment, to make the amount of license $150. it should be put under proper regulations. If you I ask whether it is not best that the committee should pass this clause as it now stands, and await I think, Mr. Chairman, that we have already had sufficient experience in the imposition of licenses as fines. In the case of lottery tickets, this system resulted in yielding no revenue. It is well known to all of us that the business of substitute brokerage is carried on in all parts of the country, and is extremely profitable. We propose to obtain from that business all the revenue that we think possible. The gentleman from New York [Mr. DAVIS] has shown to me an amendment which he intends to offer at some sub-ing the military aspect of the case. My own sequent period, and which proposes to obtain a certain revenue upon every recruit that may be offered by a substitute broker. It would, perhaps, be proper to adopt such an amendment. But so far as the license is concerned, I believe that $100 is all that we can reasonably expect. I hope the amount will not be increased. I withdraw the amendment to the amendment. Mr. GARFIELD. Mr. Chairman, I believe that this House is ready to coöperate with the members of the Committee on Military Affairs in the passage of a measure which will sweep away almost entirely this business of substitute broker age. I may mention that that committee have already introduced a bill on this subject, which, I believe, is next in order after the reconstruction bill. It provides that all substitutes shall be credited to the town or district in which they reside. The adoption of such a provision would, I believe, break up the business of the substitute brokers. I hope, therefore, that this amendment will be voted down, and that I may have an opportunity to offer an amendment to strike out the whole clause; for I dislike to see upon our statute-books anything that seems to give a kind of countenance to so nefarious a business. The amendment was rejected. Mr. DAVIS, of New York. I move to amend by adding after the word "license," in the two hundred and forty-ninth line, the following words: And in addition thereto, ten dollars for each substitute procured by him and actually mustered into the military service of the United States. The amendment was agreed to. Mr. GARFIELD. I move to strike out the entire paragraph. Mr. BROOMALL. I move to amend the original text in line two hundred and fifty-two, after the word "drafted," to insert the words "or desiring representative recruits;" so that it will read: 51. Substitute brokers shall pay $100 for each and every hcense. Every person who shall furnish, or offer to furnish, for pay, fee, or reward, volunteers, representative recruits, or substitutes for men drafted, or liable to be opinion is that we should allow the continuance substitute brokers. Mr. MORRILL. I think that the amendment Mr. DAVIS, of New York. I move to add And provided further, That such person or agent shall receive no compensation except such as is given by such State, county, district, city, or town. Mr. STILES moved that the committee rise. Mr. MORRILL. Let us get through another paragraph. Mr. STILES. I withdraw my motion. Mr. COBB. I move to amend by adding at the Provided, That every substitute broker shall, upon con- The CHAIRMAN. The Chair decides that MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE. The committee informally rose, and the House received a message from the Senate, by Mr. HICKEY, one of their clerks, announcing that the quiring the opening of Sixth street west," with an amendment in which they requested the concurrence of the House. Also, that the Senate had passed bills of the following titles, in which they requested the concurrence of the House: An act (S. No. 167) to incorporate an insurance company in the city of Washington; An act (S. No. 368) to incorporate the Sisters of Mercy in the District of Columbia; An act (S. No. 393) to authorize the corporation of Georgetown to levy certain taxes; An act (S. No. 421) to amend an act entitled "An act to incorporate the Columbia Institution for the instruction of the deaf and dumb and the blind," approved February 16, 1857; and An act (S. No. 439) to change the name of Dorsey Edwin William Towson, of Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, to that of Dorsey Edwin William Carter. TAX BILL-AGAIN. The committee resumed its session; and the Clerk proceeded with the reading of the bill, and continued it to the three hundred and sixty-fifth line, when Mr. MORRILL moved that the committee rise. So the committee rose; and the Speaker having resumed the chair, Mr. POMEROY reported that the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union had, according to order, had under consideration the state of the Union generally, and particularly the bill (H. R. No. 744) to amend an act entitled "An act to provide internal revenue to support the Government, to pay interest on the public debt, and for other purposes," approved June 30, 1864, and had come to no resolution thereon. PENSION BILL. Mr. WHALEY. I ask unanimous consent to report from the Committee on Invalid Pensions a bill supplemental to the several acts relating to pensions, that the same may be printed and recommitted to the committee, with leave to report at any time. Mr. SCHENCK. I object to giving the committee any authority to report back the bill at any time. Mr. WHALEY. This session is drawing rapidly to a close, and it is important that the pension law should be amended. I only ask that it may be reported, printed, and recommitted, with the privilege to the committee to report it back at any time, so that it may become a law before the session expires. Mr. SCHENCK. My objection goes only to the leave to report the bill back at any time. That would be equivalent to making it a special order, and I know no reason why one committee should have that privilege over another. The SPEAKER. The Chair would state that this is partly a private and partly a public bill. Would there be objection to allowing it to be printed and recommitted, with the privilege of reporting it back on the next private bill day? Mr. SCHENCK. I have no objection to that. Mr. HOLMAN. I suggest that it be printed and recommitted. No objection being made, the bill was received, ordered to be printed, and recommitted to the committee. Mr. HOLMAN. I move that the vote by which the bill was recommitted be reconsidered. Mr. ROLLINS, of New Hampshire. I move that the loase do now adjourn. Mr. SCHENCK. I move to lay the motion to reconsider on the table. The SPEAKER. That motion is not in order pending a motion to adjourn. The motion to reconsider will be entered. ENROLLED BILL SIGNED. Mr. COBB, by unanimous consent, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported that the On motion of Mr. FOOT, and by unanimous consent, the reading of the Journal of Saturday was dispensed with. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the Senate the report of the National Academy of Sciences for the year 1864, which was ordered to be printed; and a motion of Mr. WILSON to print five hundred additional copies for the use of the Academy was referred to the Committee on Printing. PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS. Mr. JOHNSON presented a memorial of merchants, mechanics, and manufacturers of Baltimore, remonstrating against the passage of the bankrupt bill; which was ordered to lie on the table. He also presented the petition of William H. Watkins, late captain company K, Purnell legion, Maryland volunteers, asking for pay due him as such from October 25, 1864, to January 5, 1865; which was referred to the Committee on Claims. He also presented the memorial of Andrew J. Wilcox, praying for certain amendments to the Constitution of the United States with a view to the settlement of our unhappy difficulties; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and the Militia. Mr. WILSON presented the memorial of the Boston Board of Trade, praying for the passage of the bill for the construction of a ship-canal around the falls of Niagara; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and the Militia. He also presented the petition of Mary Howard Schoolcraft, praying payment for services rendered by her husband in superintending the collection and publication of statistics of Indian tribes; which was referred to the Committee on Claims. Mr. LANE, of Kansas, presented resolutions of the Legislature of Kansas in favor of indemnifying the citizens of that State who suffered loss by reason of Sterling Price's raid in that State in October, 1864, and for damages sustained by acts of our own Army; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and the Militia, and ordered to be printed. Mr. HENDRICKS presented the petition of J. W. Gordon, late major eleventh United States infantry, praying that the proper accounting offcers of the Treasury may be authorized to credit him for payments of bounty to enlisted men; which was referred to the Committee on Claims. Mr. LANE, of Indiana, presented a petition of citizens of Indiana and Illinois, praying for the establishment of a mail route from Newport, Vermillion county, Indiana, to Ridge Farm, Vermillion county, Illinois; which was referred to the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads. Mr. DIXON presented a petition of colored persons in the city of Washington, District of Columbia, praying for a charter under the name of the Colored Benevolent Association of Washington city; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia. Mr. GRIMES presented a petition of officers in the Navy praying compensation for clothing lost on board of vessels destroyed, of which they were part of the ship's complement; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. Mr. HARLAN presented resolutions of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Nebraska in favor of the payment of the Nebraska militia while actually employed in the service of the Government in repelling hostile Indians and guarding the United States mail and Pacific telegraph, and protecting the border settlers; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and the Militia, and ordered to be printed. Mr. SUMNER. I present a memorial from the Boston Board of Trade, signed by their president and secretary, in which they say that they have heard with great satisfaction of the passage by the House of Representatives of a bill for the construction of a ship-canal around the falls of Niagara, and they earnestly hope the Senate will concur with the House in sanctioning and providing for this public work. I understand that bill has been referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. I move that this memorial be referred to the same committee. Mr. MORRILL. I suggest, as that does not seem to be a military matter, whether it should go to that committee. Mr. SUMNER. The Senator understands there is a bill on the subject which is before the Committee on Military Affairs, and I move that this memorial be referred to the same committee. The motion was agreed to. STEAMSHIP LINE TO CHINA. Mr. CONNESS. I move to postpone all prior orders and to take up the bill (S. No. 407) to authorize the establishment of ocean mail steamship service between the United States and China. The motion was agreed to. It proposes to authorize the Postmaster General to invite proposals by public advertisement, for the period of sixty days, in one or more newspapers published in the cities of Washington, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and San Francisco, respectively, for mail steamship service between the port of San Francisco, in the United States, and some port or ports in the Chinese empire, touching at Honolulu, in the Sandwich Islands, and one or more ports in Japan, by means of a monthly line of first-class American sea-going steamships, to be of not less than two thousand tons burden each, and of sufficient number to perform twelve round trips per annum, and to contract with the lowest responsible bidder for the service for a term of not more than ten years, to commence from the day the first steamship of the proposed line shall depart from the port of San Francisco with the mails for China. No bid is to be considered which shall amount to more than $500,000 for the twelve round trips per annum, nor unless it is from a citizen or citizens of the United States, and accompanied by an offer of good and sufficient sureties (also citizens of the United States) for the faithful performance of the contract. The second section provides that any contract which the Postmaster General may execute, under the authority of the act, shall go into effect on or before the 1st day of September, 1866, and shall, in addition to the usual stipulations of ocean mail steamship contracts, provide that the steamships accepted for the service shall be constructed of the best material and after approved models, with all the modern improvements adapted to sea-going steamships of the first class, and shall be subject to inspection and survey by an experienced naval constructor, to be detailed for that purpose by the Secretary of the Navy, whose report shall be made to the Postmaster General.. The Government of the United States is to be entitled to have trans Mr. MORGAN presented the petition of book-ported, free of expense, on each and every steamer, sellers and newspaper publishers of Buffalo, New York, praying for the repeal of the import duty on chemicals, feltings, wire-cloths, and other artícles used in the manufacture of paper, and also the abolition of the excise tax; which was referred to the Committee on Finance. He also presented a petition of merchants and citizens of the city of New York, praying for the passage of the bill to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States; which was ordered to lie on the table. a mail agent, to take charge of and arrange the mail matter, to whom suitable accommodation for that purpose shall be assigned. In case of failure from any cause to perform any of the regular monthly voyages stipulated for in the contract, a pro rata deduction is to be made from the compensation on account of such omitted voyage or voyages; and suitable fines and penalties may be imposed for delays and irregularities in the performance of the service, and the Postmaster General is to determine the contract at any time in case of its being underlet or assigned to any other party. The Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads reported two amendments to the bill. The first amendment was in line twelve, section one, to strike out "two" and insert "three," so as to read, "steamships, to be of not less than three thousand tons burden." The amendment was agreed to. The next amendment was in line four of section two, to strike out "September, 1866," and insert "January, 1867," so as to read," shall go into effect on or before the 1st day of January, 1867." The amendment was agreed to. The bill was reported to the Senate as amended, and the amendments were concurred in. Mr. HALE. Will somebody be so good as to state what the annual expense of this line will be? Mr. COLLAMER. The provision of the bill is that it shall not exceed $500,000. Mr. HALE. How much do the committee expect will be realized from postages on this line? Mr. COLLAMER. They do not expect any very large sum at present. The contract is not. to go into effect until 1867 at any rate; so that there is no present outlay. The bill merely invites proposals to set up a line of steamers of not less than three thousand tons burden, and it will take till 1867 to do it; the parties will have to build the steamers in the mean time. The amendment of the committee requires the ships to be at least three thousand tons burden, and I will state the reason for that. That is not as large as the steamers the Pacific Mail Steamship Company now have on that ocean. If small steamers are used, they will just about carry their own fuel, and their commercial capacity will amount to but a trifle, and the moment the subsidy of the Government runs out they will fall, whereas if large steamers are used so that they can carry some fifteen hundred tons of commercial burden beside their fuel, the line may, when the subsidy expires, at the end of ten years, be able to sustain itself. A bill for this purpose was passed by the Senate three years ago by a very strong vote. It was at that time moved by Senator Latham, of California, and sustained by a very decisive vote in this body. This is a renewal of the same proposition, but on a less expensive scale. There is one part of the world which British enterprise has not yet covered with subsidized mail steamship lines, and that is the trade across the Pacific ocean. They have a line down the west coast of South America, but they have none across the ocean commanding the commerce between the continents. It is, I believe, almost the only track that is left in this world of which we can avail ourselves without competition, and unless we attend to this at once they will soon, in all probability, possess themselves of this, and American enterprise and American commerce must entirely succumb. I cannot occupy at present the attention of the Senate with the tables I have before me, showing the present commerce on the Pacific, but if gentlemen will look at them they will find them very interesting; and this commerce will be very much increased if we get our railroad made to the Pacific, and in the mean time secure some measure of communication across the Pacific ocean between the two continents, making that trade subsidiary to our enterprise and our interest. The door is now open to effect it. If we do not do it soon, we lose it forever. I do not think it worth while to take up the time of the Senate by saying anything more on the subject now. Mr. HALE. As I read this bill, the Senator from Vermont is mistaken in saying that it does not go into immediate operation and effect. The second section, as I read it, is that any contract which the Postmaster General may execute under the authority of this act, shall go into effect on or before the 1st day of September, 1866. Mr. COLLAMER. The contract is to take effect, but the pay is not to commence until the steamers are actually built and running on the ocean. They have got to build them, and it will take two years to build them. Mr. HALE. Where is that provision? They may be bought and put in operation to-morrow. Mr. COLLAMER. There are not any in America to buy. They have no other resource but to build them. There are no ocean steamers of three thousand tons burden in the country, except those of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, that run from Panama up to California. Mr. HALE. I hate to oppose this measure, particularly as it comes from California Mr. CONNESS. Will the Senator allow me, in a single word, to give him some information on the point he is now discussing? Mr. HALE. Yes, sir. power than California; but I have the same objection to this bill that compelled me to vote against the "little nothing" of $160,000 for the Library, which was opposed by me on Saturday. The objection applies with equal force to this other "little nothing" of $500,000. If we go on and make these appropriations of $160,000 and $500,000, and God only knows what, the question will then be, not have we any commerce, but have we a country? I think the first we should conMr. CONNESS. The object in seeking to sider is the war and the debts of the war, and we pass this bill now is that capitalists may engage should not go launching out in any of these in the enterprise, and lay the keels of ships of a schemes. I think favorably of this scheme. I certain magnitude and tonnage, vessels that will appreciate with great force the suggestions made carry at least from fifteen hundred to two thou- by the Senator from California; and when the sand tons of freight as merchandise, and at the war is over I should be willing to engage in this same time be able to carry sufficient fuel to last thing, and I should be willing to pass the bill with during the entire voyage. There are no vessels an amendment that the contract should not be afloat at the present time able to do that. Even entered upon as long as there was anything due the great ships that are owned and run between to our soldiers. I will not occupy time, but simPanama and San Francisco, a distance of thirty-ply ask for the yeas and nays on the passage of two hundred and fifty miles or more, by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, could not perform the service. The purpose of putting the tonnage at the rate inserted in this bill is to ex- clude from the service all inferior vessels now used as transport ships and chartered vessels by the Government, and to secure, in all respects, a first-class line of steamships. If this encouragement is offered, capitalists stand ready to engage in building the finest ships that were ever yet put afloat by our country, to enter upon this service. It is not expected that they will be able to enter upon the execution of the contract the Postmaster General is authorized by this bill to advertise for before the time stated, the 1st of January, 1867. I make this explanation and suggestion to the Senator that he may understand the magnitude of the enterprise, and what is earnestly desired and contemplated by the merchants who are prepared to enter upon this service. I can add nothing to what the chairman of the Committee on Post Offices and Post Road has briefly stated, and what he is further authorized and prepared to state from the data in his possession, without consuming unnecessarily the time of the Senate, but to say that it is of the first consequence to our country, to its commerce, to its nationality if you please, to its dignity, to its power, and to its best interests, that we at once enable our people to grasp this great commerce and to connect it with the contemplated and now building Pacific railroad. The schedule of time now required between London and China is some sixty-two days. It is proposed to make the time by this route, not only between our country and China, but between China and London, by this route over our country, at the outside fifty days, and thus give us an advantage that they never can reach, nor be able to cope with us. I hope the Senator will see in this, not simply a demand upon the Treasury, for it is very moderate in that respect, but a proposition having a scope as wide as our country, and contemplating an interest as deep as any connected with it at the present time. Mr. HALE. I am sorry to feel obliged to say a single word against this measure, and particularly as it comes from California. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair is obliged to interrupt the Senator from New Hampshire to call up the special order of the day at this hour, being the report of the committee of conference on the bill (H. R. No. 51) to establish a Bureau of Freedmen's Affairs. Mr. CONNESS. I ask the Senator from Massachusetts to agree to let that lie over for a few moments. I suppose we shall soon be able to get a vote on this bill. the bill. The yeas and nays were ordered. Mr. TRUMBULL. I was struck with the fact, in the remarks of the Senators who were advocating the passage of this bill, that neither the chairman of the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, nor the gentleman from California who called it up, has said one word in his ad vocacy of the bill about the object for which it is brought before the Senate, namely, to establish || mail steamship service between the United States and China for the purpose of carrying the mails. Not a word was said by them about carrying the mails. It is manifestly a bill to build up a steamship company; and it is placed upon the ground which was assumed by the Senator from Vermont, and which had the approbation of the Senate and of Congress, I believe, at the last session, and I suppose will have the approbation of both Houses at this session, that because Great Britain has thought proper to establish certain lines of ocean steamships therefore the United States must do it. Now, sir, if it were a new question I should like to know by what authority this is proposed to be done. The Senator from Massachusetts [Mr. WILSON] the other day submitted a proposition in some shape that the Government of the United States should go into the manufacturing business, and should manufacture the cloth that was needed for the Army; and now, under the idea of carrying the mails between this country and Japan, or some islands in the eastern Archipelago, we are to build vessels of large tonnage. I suppose.it would take large vessels to carry the mails between the two countries! There are large seas to be traversed, and I presume it would take vessels of large capacity to carry the correspondence that takes place between the semi-barbarous people inhabiting the eastern countries and the people of the United States! Everything is being thrown into this vortex; the Federal Government is about to do everything. During these times of war, I know (and I regret that it is so) that the Federal Government has had to assume vast powers, drawing to itself all the powers ever exercised by any Government; and we are setting the example, not only in regard to military matters, but, under the name, or under the pretense, of carrying the mails between some far-off country and this country, the funds and the moneys of the people are to be taken to build vessels. That is what this measure is for; and yet not one word is said, in arguing the necessity for the establishment of this line, as to the amount of correspondence that takes place between these countries. It is simply an undertaking of the Government of the United States to establish steamship lines for commercial purposes. I am sorry to see such bills introduced and passed. I should be very glad to see a line of ocean steamers between San Francisco and China or Japan; but I do not know what authority the Government of the United States has to Mr. HALE. I was about to say that I was establish that line of steamers, any more than it sorry that I feel compelled to vote against this has to tax the people of the country and appromeasure, particularly as it comes from California,priate money for sailing-vessels between the same as it has been intimated that I do not vote liberal appropriations for that portion of the country. Sir, 1 do not know any part of this country for which I would vote appropriations sooner than I would for any other portion, and certainly no portion of the country could appeal to my feelings with more Mr. HALE. I will not speak three minutes. Mr. SUMNER. I will let it lie over informally for a short time. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. That course will be taken, if there be no objection. ports, or between any other ports. If we embark do not as a nation appropriate money to keep our vessels afloat, we have to run a race in this respect with the other nations of the world. I do not think such was the intention in the establishment of this Government; and although I believe it right and proper, and that we have ample authority to appropriate money to carry the mails, wherever there is any correspondence to be carried, I have never believed in the authority of Congress, under a pretense of carrying the mails, to build vessels and establish lines of steamers costing the Government millions and millions of dollars, many more times what it would cost, to hire somebody to carry the mails. I shall vote against this measure; and I am glad that the yeas and nays have been called upon it. I voted against a similar proposition at the last session of Congress. I have never voted for the establishment of one of these ocean lines of steamers. We tried it some years ago with what was known as the Collins line. We kept up that line at a vast expense for several years, and finally abandoned it, I believe to the satisfaction of Congress, and the great satisfaction of the people of the country. Mr. COLLAMER rose. Mr. SUMNER. If this debate is to go on, I must call for the special order. I gave way Mr. CONNESS. I do not suppose it will go on more than a moment longer. I shall have nothing further to say on the subject. I leave the explanation to be made in a few words by the chairman of the committee, and then we can come to a vote on the subject. Mr. COLLAMER. Perhaps we might as well let the vote be taken without saying anything further. Mr. CONNESS. I am perfectly willing to let the vote be taken, and leave the measure to be decided by the Senate on its merits. The bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, and was read the third time. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. On the passage of the bill the yeas and nays have been ordered. The question being taken by yeas and nays, resulted-yeas 25, nays 11; as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Anthony, Brown, Chandler, Clark, ColJamer, Conness, Dixon, Doolittle, Farwell, Foot, Foster, Harris, Henderson, Howard, Lane of Kansas, Morgan, Nesmith, Nye, Pomeroy, Ramsey, Stewart, Summer, Wade, Wilkinson, and Wilson-25. NAYS-Messrs. Cowan, Davis, Grimes, Hale, Harlan, Hendricks, Powell, Riddle, Sherman, Ten Eyck, and Trumbull-11. ABSENT-Messrs. Buckalew, Carlile, Harding. Hicks, Howe, Johnson, Lane of Indiana, McDougall, Morrill, Richardson, Saulsbury, Sprague, Van Winkle, Willey, and Wright-15. So the bill was passed. BILL RECOMMITTED. On motion of Mr. MORRILL, the bill (S. No. 311) for the relief of W. H. & C. S. Duncan was recommitted to the Committee on Claims. FREEDMEN'S BUREAU. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The special order for half past twelve o'clock, which was laid aside informally, is the report of the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the bill (H. R. No. 51) to establish a Bureau of Freedmen's Affairs. The report was read, as follows: The committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the bill (II. R. No. 51) entitled “ Au act to establish a Bureau of Freedmen's Affairs," having met, after full and free conference have agreed to recommend to their respective Houses as follows: That the Senate recede from their amendment to the said bill, and the committee agree to the following as a substitute: An Act to establish a Department of Freedmen and Abandoned Lands. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there is hereby established at the seat of Government of the United States a Department of Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, whose object shall be the good of the freedmen and the administration of lands and other property falling to the national Government in the rebel States not heretofore appropriated to other uses. And this Department shall be under the care of a Commissioner, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, with an annual salary of $1,000. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the Commissioner of Freedmen and Abandoned Lands shall appoint a chief clerk, with an annual salary of $2,000, who shall act as disbursing officer, and who in all cases during the necessary absence of the Commissioner, or when the principal office shall become vacant, shall perform the duties of Com missioner; and also such number of clerks, not exceeding two of each class, as shall be necessary. And the Commissioner and all persons appointed under this act shall, before entering upon their duties, take the oath of office prescribed in an act entitled "An act to prescribe an oath of office and for other purposes," approved July 2, 1802. And the Commissioner and the chief clerk shall, before entering upon their duties, give bonds to the Treasurer of the United States, the former in the sum of $100,000 and the latter in the sum of $10,000, conditioned for the faithful discharge of their duties respectively, with securities to be approved as suflicient by the Attorney General; which bonds shall be filed in the office of the First Comptroller of the Treasury, to be by him put in suit for the benefit of any injured party upon any breach of the conditions thereof. SEC. 3. And he it further enacted, That the Commissioner shall, under the direction of the President, create districts of freedmen and abandoned lands within the rebel States, not to exceed two in each State, so far as the same may be brought under the military power of the United States; and each district shall be under the supervision of an assistant commissioner, with an annual salary of $2,500, under bond as required for the chief clerk, to be appointed by the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and with authority to appoint local superintendents and clerks, so far as the same may be needed, not, however, more than four in each district, each of whom shall have an anmal compensation not exceeding $1,500. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That the Commissioner shall have the general superintendence of all freedmen throughout the several districts, and he shall watch over the execution of all laws, proclamations, and military orders of emancipation, or in any way concerning freedmen; and he shall establish regulations from time to time, and cause the same to be enforced for their needful and judicious treatment, protecting them in the enjoyment of their rights, promoting their welfare, and securing to them and their posterity the blessings of liberty. And every such freednian shall be treated in all respects as a freeman, with all proper remedies in courts of justice, and no power or control shall be exercised with regard to him except in conformity with law. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That the assistant commissioners, under the direction of the Commissioner and within their respective districts, shall take possession of all abandoned real estate belonging to disloyal persons, and all real estate to which the United States have title, or of which the United States have possession, and not already appropriated to Government uses, and all property found on and belonging to such estate, and shall rent or lease such real estate or any portion thereof to freedmen, or permit the same to be cultivated, used, or occupied by them on such terms and under such regulations as the assistant commissioner and such freedmen may agree; and if the lands with the property aforesaid shall not be required for the freedmen, then they shall rent or lease the same to other persons on such terms and under such regulations as shall be mutually agreed upon, and no freedman shall be employed on any estate above mentioned otherwise than according to voluntary contract reduced to writing and certified by the assistant commissioner or local superintendent: Provided, That no lease, permission to occupy, or contract, shall be for a longer period than one year, and all papers required or authorized by this act shall remain valid and effectual although no revenue stamp is attached thereto. But nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent the due execution of process against the real estate or property above named issued in due course of law from any court of competent jurisdiction; but the possession of such real estate or property by any purchaser thereof at a judicial sale shall be postponed until the termination of any outstanding contract duly made and executed under the provisions of this act. SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That the assistant com missioners and local superintendents shall, as advisory guardians, aid the freedinen in the adjustment of their wages, or in the application of their labor; that they shall take care that the freedmen do not suffer from ill-treatment or any failure of contract on the part of others; that they shall do what they can as arbitrators to reconcile and settle any differences in which freedmen may be involved with each other or with other persons; and, in case such differences are carried before any tribunal, civil or military, they shall appear as next friends of the freedmen, so far as to see that the case is fairly stated and heard. And in all such proceedings there shall be no disability or exclusion on account of color. SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That leases heretofore made by the supervising special agents of the Treasury Department, under the authority of the General Order, three hundred and thirty-one, of the Secretary of War, dated October 9, 1863, and in accordance with the regulations of the Treasury Department, shall have the same effect as if made by assistant commissioners under this act; but such lease shall not continue beyond the period of one year from its date; and immediately upon the organization of any district of freedmen and abandoned lands such agents shall cease to execute their functions within such district, and shall deliver over to the assistant commissioner thereof all property and papers held by them as agents. But all expenses necessarily incurred by such agents in any district prior to its organization under this act shall be defrayed by the Secretary of the Treasury out of any moneys in his hands arising from the leases made by such agents. SEC. 8. And be it further enacted, That the Commissioner shall apply the proceeds aceruing under this act to defray the expenses of this Department, so that the same may become at an early day self supporting; and any proceeds over and above such expenses shall be paid into the Treasury of the United States. Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That whenever the Commissioner cannot otherwise employ any of the freedmen who may come under his care, he shall so far as practicable make provision for them with humane and suitable persons, at a just compensation for their services. SEC. 10. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States is charged with furnishing the military and other support neeḍful to carry this act into effect, and any military officer may be appointed under this act without increase of salary. SEC. 11. And be it further enacted, That the Commissioner shall, before the commencement of each regular session of Congress, make full report of his proceedings, with exhibits of the state of his accounts, to the President, who shall communicate the same to Congress, and shall also make special reports whenever required to do so by the President or either House of Congress. And the assistant commissioners shall make quarterly reports of their proceedings to the Commissioner, and also such other special reports as from time to time may be required. And it shall be the duty of all officers, civil and military, charged with the execution of any law, proclamation, or military order of emancipation, or in any way concerning freedmen not mustered into or regularly engaged in the military service, to make return to the Commissioner of all their proceedings in execution thereof, under such regulations as shall from time to time be prescribed. SEC. 12. And be it further enacted, That all assistant commissioners, local superintendents, and clerks, as well as supervising special agents, shall be so far deemed to be in the military service of the United States as to be liable to trial by courts-martial or military commissions, to be ordered by the commanding general of the military department within which they act as such assistant commissioners, local superintendents, clerks, or supervising special agents. And for all offenses amounting to a felony; for any act of embezzlement or willful misappropriation of public or private property; for any w 1ful act of oppression of any freedman, or of any loyal inhabitant; for any act of taking or receiving, directly or indirectly, any money or thing of value on account of any act done or omitted by them in their official capacity, or for being in any manner interested in any purchase of cotton, tobacco, sugar, or any other ar ticle produced upon any lands leased or worked under the provisions of this act, or for any other willful violation of their official duties, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to punishment by fine not exceeding $10,000, or imprisonment at hard labor for a period not exceeding five years, or by both such fine and imprisonment. SEC. 13. And be it further enacted, That the last clause of a joint resolution explanatory of “ An act to suppress insurrection, to punish treason and rebellion, to seize and confiscate the property of rebels, and for other purposes," approved July 17, 1862, be, and the same is hereby, repealed. SEC. 14. And be it further enacted, That all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed. THOMAS D. ELIOT, WILLIAM D. KELLEY, Managers on the part of the House. CHARLES SUMNER, J. M. HOWARD, Managers on the part of the Senate. Mr. DAVIS. I will state several objections that I have to the adoption of this report. The first is to the reception of the report itself. It begins in these words: That the Senate recede from their amendment to the said bill, and the committee agree to the following as a substitute. According to parliamentary law and the rules of this House, I think the proposition is true that a committee of conference cannot decide any questions whatever except those that are in issue between the two Houses and upon which they have disagreed. This question was made formally some two years ago, and the Senate then solemnly adjudged in favor of the proposition which I have laid down, if I remember right. I had hoped that the honorable Senator from Massachusetts whose name is signed to this report [Mr. SUMNER] would have explained to the Senate the points and matters outside of the issues between the two Houses that are introduced into this bl. I should like the honorable Senator to make that explanation before I proceed further in my remarks, if it is agreeable to him. Mr. SUMNER. Very well, I can do so now. Mr. President, the Senator from Kentucky [Mr. DAVIS] raises a question of form, or rather of order. He suggests that the committee have erred in reporting a new bill. The Senator is mistaken. This was done in the case of the difference between the two Houses on the confiscation bills, and also in another difference on a tariff bill. I have in my hand the Journal of the Senate for August 2, 1861, where may be found the report of a conference committee, which was followed by the committee on the present occasion. A new tariff bill, from beginning to end, was reported as a substitute, and the report was adopted. This is all that I think it necessary to say on the question of form. Mr. POWELL. The Senator from Massachusetts will allow me to ask him if there was any objection made to that report in 1861. Mr. SUMNER. It does not appear that there was any objection. Mr. POWELL. passed in that way. That was the reason it was Mr. SUMNER. I think if the Senator reflects he will see that there could be no objection. There was no objection, I think, certainly none that was sustained, to the report of the conference committee on the confiscation bill. I trust that there will be no opposition to this most important, and, as I solemnly believe, most beneficent measure. But I shall be happy to make any explanation with regard to it. Senators have not forgotten the bill to create a Bureau of Freedmen, which, after careful debate for several days, was passed by the Senate at the close of the last session as a substitute for a House bill on the same subject. For some time the difference between the two Houses has been under the consideration of a conference committee, whose report is now before you This report embodies substantially the Senate bill, including various propositions moved by different Senators; among others the proposition relating to the forfeiture of estates, moved by the Senator from Illinois, [Mr. TRUMBULL;] that relating to the care of freedmen unemployed on the lands, moved by the Senator from West Virginia, [Mr. WILLEY;] and that relating to trials by courts-martial, moved by the Senator from Wisconsin, [Mr. DOOLITTLE.] All of the Senate bill, in substance, and generally in language, is preserved, with one single exception. By the Senate bill a bureau was created in the Treasury. The committee of the two Houses unite in recommending a separate Department, holding directly under the President, and therefore free from the control of either the Treasury or the War. In point of fact, the only substantial difference between the two Houses was on the place where the bureau should be. Each was for a bureau; but one was for it in the Treasury and the other was for it in the Department of War; and there were strong arguments in favor of each. There were also strong feelings expressed against each. Sometimes it was compendiously said that the freedmen could not be trusted to "the harpies of the Treasury," and then again it was said, with equal point, that they could not be trusted to "the blood-hounds of the War." These were the exaggerations of opposite opinions; but they serve to disclose the irreconcilable discord on the subject. In attempting to avoid Scylla we were carried to Charybdis. If the freedmen could have been provided for without reference to the lands, the question would have been relieved from much of its embarrassment. But it was the conviction of the committee, in which they were sustained by all most familiar with the matter, that the care of the freedmen and the care of the abandoned lands ought to be in the same hands, and that they could not be separated without exposing the freedmen to all the mischiefs of two conflicting jurisdictions. But the War Office was not adapted to manage the lands, as many insisted that the Treasury was not adapted to manage the freedmen. There was another consideration which was not without influence. It was felt that each of these great Departments of the Government was already so severely burdened, so weighed down with manifold duties, that it was hardly in condition to assume a new trust, so grave and onerous as that now under consideration. For such reasons, sir, and yielding to such influences, the committee, after most careful and conscientious deliberation, determined to recommend a new Department, not unlike that of agriculture, which should not be subject either to the Treasury or to the War. It was felt that in doing this they were doing the best for the cause, and they were not insensible also to the consideration that in this way they should be able to se cure a high order of talent and of character for this branch of public service. Men fitted for Treasury agents, or fitted for War, might not always be the best for the care of freedmen. The man for this humane service should be humane by nature, and should sympathize especially with that race which has so long been neglected and outraged. They must be versed, if I may so express myself, in the humanities of the ques tion. Senator from Ohio, the chairman of the Committee on Finance, that he will require to-day to pass one of his bills from the Committee on Finance; and I am also informed that the Senate will not be in session to-morrow, because of the announcement of the death of Mr. HICKS. I gave notice that I will not antagonize the House bill No. 307, which is the special order for this hour, against any bill from the Committee on Finance. therefore move that it be made the special order for Wednesday at one o'clock, instead of to-day. The motion was agreed to. Subsequently, the order relative to the bill (H. R. No. 307) to regulate commerce among the several States, was changed so as to make that bill the special order for to-morrow at one o'clock, Mr. CHANDLER stating that he understood the announcement of Mr. HICKS's death would not be made till Wednesday. Mr. SHERMAN. With the consent of the honorable Senator, I move to take up the resolution fixing the duty on paper, and then I will yield to the Senator from Massachusetts to finish his statement. The motion was agreed to. Mr. SHERMAN. I have no objection now to yield to the Senator from Massachusetts to conclude his statement. Mr. SUMNER. Mr. President, in confirmation of the views of the committee, I ask attention to a letter which I have recently received from Captain Wilder, who is superintendent of negro affairs at Fortress Monroe. He writes me under date of 6th February, as follows: "I am glad to learn that Congress is considering the expediency of establishing an independent Department of negro affairs, &c. If it is the purpose of its friends by this to throw additional safeguards around the colored people, and between them and their enemies and speculators, and to secure to them the reforming and elevating influences of education and the gospel of the Son of God, which I do not doubt, I would respectfully suggest that one great obstacle to our success in this work has been the want of some general policy, at once practical and operative, securing protection, removing obstacles, and affording to them opportunity and encouragements to make their accustomed labor available, not only for their own support and elevation, but a source of power and wealth to the country. If this can be so arranged as to prevent a perpetual conflict of control and rights between the military and Treas. ury or civil agents, with the use of rebel and abandoned lands, at least for a time, we shall be out of the woods and on a fair field to test every other mooted question, and save to the Government very large and continued expanditures. "Without this, or its equivalent, freedom will be to them a doubtful boon, and the Government will become, by neglect at least, an abettor of degradation.” The views so strongly enforced by military experience at Fortress Monroe are enforced with equal strength by military experience at New Orleans. I hold in my hand an elaborate letter from Major General Hurlbut, commander of the Department of the Gulf, under date of January 21, relating to the treatment of freedmen, from which I will read an important passage: "A central bureau, then, of selected men of character, courage, and knowledge of the subject, at Washington is desirable. Subordinate bureaus still more carefully selected in the several States possessed by our arms will be established, who shall locally enforce regulations. "If possible to be obtained, these should be constituted of men having knowledge already of the peculiarities of negro character in its several distinct races, truthful and of undeniable integrity, who will render justice to the poor, and resist blandishments and bribes. "The burden of this important affair should as speedily as possible be taken from the military authorities, and permanently and systematically vested elsewhere. Military commanders are often changed, and the system fluctuates with each change." It may be easy to find fault with the proposed measure, to criticise it in its details, or to object to the creation of a separate Department. But the question has arrived at such a stage that you must take this or nothing. I err. There is another system which will continue, if you reject this. By the act of Congress, passed at the close of the late session, relative to abandoned property, it is provided that the agent of the Treasury "shall take charge of and lease for periods not exceeding twelve months the abandoned lands, houses, and tenements within the districts therein named, and shall also provide in such cases or otherwise for the employment and general welfare of all persons within the lines of national military occupation within said insurrectionary States formerly held as slaves, who are or shall become free." (Sec. 2.) Under this statute the Treasury Department has proceeded to establish regulations, of which the first is as follows: "The regulations relative to the employment and general welfare of freedmen will be carried into effect by the same agents and under the same supervision as are provided under the regulations concerning commercial intercourse." Such is the system which now exists, under which the freedman is the mere accident of the Treasury. Sir, this is not worthy of the Republic at this great period of our history. Already the President, by irrepealable proclamation, has declared all slaves to be free. An amendment to the Constitution will, in the course of a few weeks, place their freedom under the sanction of constitutional law. But this is not enough. The debt of justice will not be paid if we do not take them by the hand in their passage from the house of bondage to the house of free dom; and this is what is proposed by the present measure. The temporary care of the freedman is the complement of emancipation; but the general welfare is involved in the performance of this duty. Without it emancipation may for a while seem to fail, and the general wefare will surely suffer. Mr. GRIMES. Before the Senator closes I should like to have him explain Mr.SHERMAN. It would be better to let the report go over. Mr. GRIMES. I wish an explanation of the ninth section in connection with the Senator's remarks. Mr. SHERMAN. I think we had better go on with the paper-duty bill. The Senator desired to make his explanation; he has made it, and the subject goes over. Mr. SUMNER. I am perfectly ready to go on and take the vote. Mr. SHERMAN. I call up the pending busi ness. Mr. SUMNER. I ask that this be made a special order for half past twelve o'clock to-mor row. The PRESIDENT, pro tempore. That can be done by unanimous consent. Mr. POWELL. I object. Mr. SHERMAN. It comes up as unfinished business in the morning hour. Mr. POWELL. There is a motion to reconsider a bill of mine which I want disposed of. Mr. SUMNER. If this report comes up as unfinished business in the morning hour, very well. Mr. COLLAMER. I wish to make a single inquiry in regard to this bill: is it open to amendment? Mr. SUMNER. It is not. The PRESIDENT, pro tempore. It is not open to amendment. The report is an entirety. Mr. COLLAMER. Then it cannot have three readings, nor can it be amended. The PRESIDENT, pro tempore. The question is simply on the acceptance of the report. It will now go over till to-morrow morning. MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE. A message from the House of Representatives by Mr. MCPHERSON, its Clerk, announced that the House had passed a joint resolution (H. R. No. 164) authorizing a contract with William H. Powell for a picture for the Capitol, in which the concurrence of the Senate was requested. The message also announced that the House had concurred in the resolution to appoint a joint committee to notify the President and Vice President-elect for the ensuing term of their election, and had appointed Messrs. J. F. WILSON of Iowa, and J. L. DAWSON of Pennsylvania, the committee on its part. ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED. The message further announced that the Speaker of the House had signed the following enrolled bills and joint resolution; and they were thereupon signed by the President pro tempore. A bill (H. R. No. 517) to incorporate the National Union Insurance Company of Washington. A bill (S. No. 281) for the relief of Alexander J. Atocha; A joint resolution (S. R. No. 91) appointing General Richard Delafield to be a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution; and A bill (H. R. No. 705) for the relief of collectors and surveyors of the customs in certain cases. DUTY ON PRINTING PAPER. The Senate, as in Committee of the Whole, resumed the consideration of the joint resolution (H. R. No. 141) reducing the duty on printing paper, unsized, used for books and newspapers exclusively, the pending question being on the amendment of the Committee on Finance, to strike out "three per cent." and insert "fifteen per cent. as the rate of duty. دو Mr. SHERMAN. Before the amendment is adopted I desire to submit a statement of the reasons that induced the Committee on Finance to report it. The present rate of duty on printing paper is twenty per cent. The proposition of the House of Representatives is to reduce the rate of duty to three per cent. The leading objection of the Committee on Finance to the proposed rate of duty was that it is less than the rate of duty levied on the home manufacture. The duty now levied on printing paper made in the United States is equivalent to eight to ten per cent., and is assessed in various forms. We levy a direct tax on the manufacture of three per cent. We levy on the income derived from it from five to ten per cent. We levy a tax on the coal, lime, and many of the materials entering into the composition of paper; soda ash, bleaching powder, alum, sulphuric acid, and other articles indispensable to its manufacture must pay a large import duty, or, if manufactured in the United States, must pay an excise duty. I have a statement which approximates the duty paid by the home manufacturer on one ton of paper. It is as follows: In producing one ton of paper from wood, straw, fax, or hemp tow there are used 12 bushels of lime, at 43 cents per bushel, $5 37; excise on which is 3 per cent. $0 16 1,220 lbs. soda ash, import duty per cent. per b., $6 10 in gold, or, in currency, with gold at 225.. 13 72} 813 lbs. bleaching powders, import duty 30 cents per 100 lbs., $2 44 in gold, or, in currency, with gold at 225 57 lbs. alum, import duty 60 cents per 100 lbs., 34 Wood feltings, duty 20 cents per lb., and 35 per cent. 31 tons of coal, for boiling and drying.... 5 49 761 924 1.20 20 174 Showing that Government receives on each ton of paper as above made in the United States...... 40 634 When printing paper is made entirely of rags, the consumption of lime, chemicals, coal, &c., is much less; but estimates made in same manner as above, in detail show that Government receives from one ton of printing paper, made from rags alone, a revenue of......... ........ 21 21 It is thus shown that the amount of revenue received from a ton of paper made here is forty dollars, and cannot be less than twenty dollars. If the House resolution passes, what revenue will be derived from a ton of imported paper? Let us see. Paper abroad is $160 a ton; three per cent. will yield $4 80 in coin, or in paper, at present rates, about ten dollars. Thus the resolution of the House would reduce the revenue from ten to thirty dollars on every ton of paper imported. Are we prepared to thus reduce the revenue? But this is not the worst effect of the proposed duty. It is an actual discrimination against home manufacture and in favor of foreign manufacture of about seven per cent. The Canada mills across our boundary line may manufacture paper and sell it in our markets, paying less tax than the home manufacturer. I venture to assert that no such discrimination has ever been made in any tariff or revenue law of the United States. If we must admit paper duty free or at a nominal rate we should at least reduce our internal duties to the same rate. When we are searching through all branches of industry for subjects of taxation we are not disposed to reduce the present revenue from any articles. Cheap paper is demanded by the press, by the people, and by the House of Representatives; but in yielding to that demand we must not, at one blow, destroy seven hundred paper mills, giving employment to fifty thousand persons and $70,000,000 of capital. It is idle to say that they could continue their operations when we not only invite competition with the labor of |