Confederate States Congress.
[adjourned Session.]Senate.
The consideration of the Exemption bill was resumed, and pending a discussion on the policy of the exception from exemption of Justices of the Peace, the hour for the special order (half-past 12) occurring it was dropped, and the special order — the new Conscription bill — was taken up.
Mr. Yancey presented a substitute, which provides that the President shall call upon the States for their respective quotas of troops, between the ages of 18 and 15 years. He had not the slightest doubt that the Conscription bill which was passed at the last session was entirely constitutional; but, unfortunately, that bill had produced a slight collision between the people of one or two of the States and the Government. It was the object of his substitute to avoid difficulty.
Mr. Wigfall of Texas, opposed the substitute on the ground that it was not the thing wanted in order to increase and strengthen the army; but, on the contrary, it would produce some confusion and prevent its thorough organization. Mr. W. considered the subject in its connection with the general laws of the land, in order to demonstrate that the conscript system was by far the most appropriate, while it was perfectly constitutional. The Conscription law, he believed saved Richmond from the invader and plunderer, and gave us the victories of the Chickahominy, the Rappahannock, and more recently, of Manassas.
Mr. Gedham, of Texas, took issue with his colleague that the conscript system was the means of saving the city or of giving glory to our arms.--The law scarcely added a mite to the army in the field, by which the city was saved and the latter victories were won.
Mr. Wigfall, contended that the army consisted chiefly of twelve months men, who came under the operation of the Conscript law at the very time when they expected their discharge, and they were consequently, conscripts, and as such won the victories that have followed.
Mr. Oldham replied that the Conscript law was adopted after the French system, inaugurated by Marshal Jourdan, in order to bring into the service citizens from the civil walks of life. Our army in the field at the time of its adoption were to be considered as State militia, and consequently coming under the coercive policy of the Government. They were not, therefore, to be considered conscripts. Mr. Oldham briefly reviewed the objectionable features of the Conscript act, both as a measure of impolicy and unconstitutionality. He withheld argument upon the constitutional question as unnecessary at present, but was prepared to give it if occasion occurred.
Mr. Clark, of Mo., opposed the substitute, favored the original, and urged immediate action on the subject.
After some further desultory debate, the substitute was put and defeated by a vote of ayes, 7; noes 14.
House of Representatives.
Mr. Holt, of Ga, moved a suspension of the rule requiring the call of the States, which motion was agreed to.
Mr. Strickland, of Ga., asked unanimous leave to present the following resolution, which was granted:
‘ Resolved, by the House of Representatives, That the special committee on Hospitals in the Department of Henrico be directed to inquire into the expediency and propriety of the immediate abolition of the Medical Board of Examiners of the sick soldiers for furlough and discharge; and that they report to this House at the earliest practicable moment. Referred to Special Hospital Committee.
’ Mr. Kenner, of La., from the Committee of Ways and Means, reported back a bill for the relief of the collectors at Norfolk and Portsmouth, with a recommendation that it do not pass, and placed upon the calendar, and that the committee be discharged from its further consideration. Motion agreed to. Also, a bill to provide for the further issue of Treasury notes, and after some discussion, moved that it be printed, and made the special order of the day for Saturday morning, to be taken up immediately after the reading of the Journal. Motion agreed to.
Mr. Gartrell., of Ga., from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported back a memorial of Martha D. Morris and others, with reference to the sequestration of the property of the infant children of Stephen A. Douglas, and moved that said memorial lie upon the table, and the committee be discharged from its further consideration. Agreed to.
Mr. Russell, of Va., from the same committee, reported a number of bills, which, upon his motion, were placed upon the calendar.
The House then proceeded to the consideration of the bill for filling up existing companies, squadrons, battalions, and regiments, and for the increase of the Provisional Army, which continued to occupy its attention until 3½ o'clock, when the House adjourned. Mr. Crockett, of Ky., addressed the House in opposition to, and Mr. Hartridge, of Ga, in favor of, the bill as reported by the committee.
