House of Representatives.
The House was opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Burrows.The Speaker announced the following special committees:
The committee of one from each State to prepare a memorial, to be addressed to the several State Legislatures, under a resolution of Mr. Staples, of Virginia.--Messrs. Rives, of Virginia; W. E. Smith, of Georgia, Marshall, of Kentucky; Rogers, of Florida; Kenner, of Louisiana; Keeble, of Tennessee; Gilmer, of North Carolina; Clark, of Missouri; Batson, of Arkansas; Sexton, of Texas; Chilton, of Alabama; Orr, of Mississippi.
[Mr. Staples desired not to be appointed on the committee.]
Committee of investigation, under the resolution of Mr. Welsh, of Mississippi, to inquire into the condition of the Stuart Hospital.--Messrs. Welsh, of Mississippi; Blandford, of Georgia; Turner, of North Carolina; Herbert, of Texas.
Committee on the claims of the States, under the resolution of Mr. Smith, of North Carolina. --Messrs. Smith, of North Carolina; Perkins, of Louisiana; Clopton, of Alabama; Johnson, of Virginia; Barksdale, of Mississippi; Farrow, of South Carolina; Hartridge, of Georgia; Burnett, of Kentucky; Rogers, of Florida; McCallum, of Tennessee.
Mr. Farrow, of South Carolina, introduced a resolution that the House resolution calling for the ages of the clerks in the several departments and bureaux of the Government had no reference to the female clerks. Adopted.
Mr. Foote continued his remarks on the Monroe doctrine; and his resolutions on the subject were referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Foote offered a joint resolution that Congress has no power to emancipate slaves. Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Also, a resolution that the passport system is incompatible with Republican institutions, and ought to be abolished. Referred.
Mr. Foote offered a series of resolutions deprecatory of separate State action for peace, but tending to peace.
Mr. Foote stated that his object was to arm the Government with additional power in the prosecution of the war.
Mr. Clark, of Missouri, moved to strike out all after the word resolved, and substitute a series of resolutions declaring that the Confederacy would never listen to propositions of peace unless every foot of its territory was surrendered by the Yankee Government.
Pending the consideration of the resolutions, the House went into secret session. Adjourned.
