The Daily Dispatch: April 9, 1862., [Electronic resource]

House of Representatives. Tuesday, April 8, 1862.

The House met at 12 o'clock. Journal of yesterday read.

The call of the States was commenced, when Mr. Fosters, of Ala., introduced the following joint resolutions:

‘ Resolved, That with gratitude to the Divine Arbiter of human events, and to the skill and wisdom of our brave Generals and officers, and the indomitable valor and courage of our gallant troops, this Congress halls with joy the advent of a new and brighter era in our revolutionary struggle, and that we look upon the future with increased hope and unshaken confidence.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Congress are due our excellent President, and all officers in authority, who have so wisely and judiciously used the powers conferred by this Congress and State authorities in suppressing the manufacture and sale and use of ardent spirits, believing, as this Congress does, that this wholesale regulation meets with both human and Divine sanction, and, if earnestly persevered in, will ultimately secure our independence.

’ In offering these resolutions he did not suppose that they would meet with opposition from a single member on this floor, particularly the latter portion of them. He believed that the great success that had recently attended our arms, was mainly attributable to the efforts of the Government to suppress intoxication. Heaven had smiled upon us for these efforts.

Mr. Gartrell, of Ga., hoped that the House would adopt the resolutions. There was certainly nothing in them to condemn and much to approve.

Mr. Foster moved that the rules be suspended so as to consider the resolutions, and on this motion the ayes and noes were called, with the following result — ayes 36, noes 10 Two-thirds being required, the rules were not suspended.

The resolutions were then referred to the Military Committee.

The Speaker announced as the committee on the resolution of the Senate for the appointment of a joint committee to report what questions shall be acted upon in secret session--Messrs. Curry, of Alabama; Russell, of Virginia; and Kenner, of Louisiana.

Mr. Jones, of Tenn., moved that the rules requiring the call of the States be suspended, with a view to a call of the committees.--Agreed to.

Mr. Kenner, from the Committee of Ways and Means, reported back a bill entitled "an act for the relief of the State of Missouri," passed January 27, 1862. He reported a substitute in the form of an amendment; which was adopted.

Also, Senate bill entitled "an act to increase the number of depositories of the public funds," and asked that it be acted upon at once. The bill was taken up and passed.

Also, a bill to authorize the suspension of the collection of the war tax in certain States. Postponed.

A message was received from the President, which the Speaker laid before the House, and it was read by the Clerk and referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Barksdale, of Miss, moved that 2,500 copies of the message be printed, and the motion was agreed to.

Mr. Miles, of S. C., asked permission to call up for consideration the bill reported from the Military Committee, some time ago, in reference to the Government taking control of the railroads of the country.

Mr. Garnett, of Virginia, hoped that the gentleman from South Carolina would not insist upon calling up the bill to-day, as he wished to offer an amendment, which he was not prepared to do at this time.

Mr. Miles from the Committee on Military Affairs, also reported a bill to prohibit the transportation to, and sale of, certain articles in any port or place of the Confederate States in possession of the enemy. Placed upon the calendar.

Also, a bill for increasing the efficiency of the cavalry corps, with a recommendation that it do not pass, and asked that the committee be discharged from its further consideration. The committee was discharged.

Also, a bill to authorize volunteers now in service to extend their term of service. Placed on the calendar.

Also, a bill with reference to the payment of officers of Virginia militia, for service rendered. After some discussion, the bill passed.

Also, reported back a memorial on the subject of impressment of stock. Report that no legislation is necessary.

Also, a bill to be entitled an act to pay musicians in the army, not regularly enlisted. Read a third time and passed.

Mr. Chambers, of Miss., from the same committee, reported a bill to amend an act for the establishment and organization of a general staff for the Confederate States Army.--Agreed to.

Also, a bill to enforce prompt returns from tax collectors and disbursing agents. passed.

Mr. Wilcox, of Texas, from the same committee, reported back a memorial for the increase of the pay of chaplains. Committee report that no legislation is necessary, and asked to be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial.

Mr. Villeen, of La., from the same committee, reported adversely upon a memorial of members of Captain W. A. Morgan's company of cavalry, petitioning for pay for horses lost in the service.

Mr. Botelee, of Va., moved that the memorial be recommitted to the committee.--Motion not agreed to.

Mr. Kennan, of Ga., moved to reconsider the vote by which the motion to recommit was lost, and called for the ayes and noes on his motion.

The call being sustained, the vote was taken, and resulted — ayes 41, noes 34 So the memorial was recommitted to the Committee on Military Affairs without instructions.

Mr. Bayson, of Ark, from same committee, reported back a memorial of an Acting Quartermaster, asking compensation for services rendered, and asked that it be referred to the Committee on Claims. It was so referred.

Also, Senate bill entitled an act relative to pay and allowances of deceased soldiers. The bill was taken up, read twice by its title, and referred to the Military Committee.

Mr. Conrad, of La., from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the bill entitled "an act to encourage the manufacture of iron and copper and the production of ores," reported back the bill, and asked that the committee be discharged from its further consideration.

Mr. Russell, of Va., from the Judiciary Committee, reported back the bill relating to the sequestration and confiscation of estates, property, and effects of alien enemies, and asked that it be postponed, placed upon the calendar, with a recommendation that it do not pass.

Mr. Mocer, of Ky., from the same committee, reported a bill to increase the penalty now imposed by law in certain criminal cases. Placed upon the calendar and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Gartrell, of Ga., from the same committee, reported a bill entitled an act for the establishment of Judicial Courts for the Confederate States. Placed on the calendar and ordered to be printed.

Also, reported back the resolution instructing the committee to inquire whether any constitutional obstacle exists to making treasury notes a legal tender. He stated that the committee had carefully considered the question, and as a result of their deliberations five of the committee were found to be of the opinion that such obstacles did exist, whilst the other four were of the opinion that it was not unconstitutional.

Mr. Chilton, of Ala., moved to recommit the report and resolution, with instructions to report in secret session. Agreed to.

Mr. McLean, of N. C., from the same committee, reported a bill for the relief of Mrs. Caroline Miller, of Salem, Roanoke county, Va., with a recommendation that it be acted upon at once.

Some objection was raised to the bill, but it was finally passed by an aye and no vote, as follows — ayes 65 noes 21.

Mr. Ewing, of Ky., moved that the vote adopting the bill be reconsidered and, pending this motion, a long discussion ensued as to the constitutionality of the bill. The motion to reconsider was lost.

The House took up and passed joint resolutions of the Senate with reference to the recent victory at Shiloh, in Tenn.

On motion, the House adjourned.