House of Representatives.
Saturday, March 15, 1862.
The House convened at 12 o'clock, and was opened with prayer by Rev. M. D. Hoge.
Journal of yesterday read.
The States were then called for memorials, resolutions, &c.
Mr. Curry, of Ala., introduced a bill to authorize the appointment of drill masters.
Referred to Committee on Military Affairs.
Mr. Davis moved to suspend the rule with a view to take up the bill for the defence of the Confederacy.
The motion was lost.
Mr. Lyon, of Ala., introduced a memorial from citizens of that State with reference to the destruction of cotton and tobacco.
Referred.
Mr. Conrad, of La., introduced the following resolution, which was agreed to:
Resolved, That a committee of five members be appointed, whose duty it shall be to inquire and report to this House whether or not there has been, on the part of any of our military commanders, a want of proper economy in the expenditure of money, or an unnecessary waste or destruction of public property.
Mr. Baresdale, of Miss., presented a memorial relative to a claim from Mr. Leighman, which was referred to the Committee on Claims.
Mr. Davidson, of N. C. offered a resolution that the Committee on Indian Affairs he instructed to report a bill for taking the consus of the Cherokee Indians east of the Mississippi.
Mr. Swann, of Tenn., introduced two designs for a flag.
Referred to Committee on Flag and Seal.
Mr. Foots, of Tenn., introduced the following resolution, which was agreed to:
Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire and report to this House, as soon as practicable, whether or not the true spirit, intent, and meaning of the Constitution of the Confederate States, be not such as to demand an early organization under the permanent Constitution of the Executive Department of said Government, under the joint action of the President and Senate, with a view to giving full assurance to foreign powers, as well as to our own citizens, that a permanent Government, both de facte and dejure, is now in existence, acting under the authority of said permanent Constitution, and prepared to carry into faithful and effective operation said Constitution.
Mr. Chambliss presented a claim for pension, which was referred to Committee on Claims.
Mr. Baldwin presented a memorial, which was referred to same committee.
Mr. Barksdale, from the Committee on Printing, reported the following bill, which, after a third reading, was passed.
A bill to be entitled an art to provide for the election of Printer to both houses of Congress.
The Congress of the Confederate States of America do exact, That the Senate and House of Representatives of the Confederate States shall, by a joint vote, elect a Printer during the present session and hereafter at the beginning of every Congress, whose term of office shall continue for two years from the date of election.- 2. The Printer so elected may be removed by the concurrent action of the two Houses; but unless removed he shall remain in office until his successor shall be elected and qualified.
- 3. The Printer, before entering on the duties of his office, shall take an oath to support the Constitution of the Confederate States of Americs; to discharge faithfully the duties of his office, and keep the secrets of Congress and of each House. The said cath shall be administered to all persons in his employment, who shall be engaged upon, or have access to, any matter ordered to be printed.
- 4. The compensation of the Printer shall be the same as that allowed by the Provisional Congress until altered by law.
