The Daily Dispatch: November 15, 1864., [Electronic resource]

Confederate Congress.

Senate.

The Senate met at 12 o'clock M., and the proceedings were opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Burrows, of the Baptist church.

Mr. Garland, of Arkansas, introduced a bill to exempt from Confederate taxation cotton and woolen cards, paper and other articles purchased by the State of Arkansas for the use of its people and for the State Government. Referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Barnwell, of South Carolina, introduced a bill to repeal that part of the twenty-sixth section of the act to alter and amend the act entitled "an act for the sequestration of the estates, property and effects of alien enemies," &c., which authorizes the payment to the Confederate receiver of debts due alien enemies in four per cent. bonds. Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Barnwell, from the Committee on Finance, reported the following bill to amend the third section of the "act to organize forces to serve during the war," approved February 17, 1864:

‘ "The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the bonds authorized to be issued by the Secretary of the Treasury to non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates by the third section of the act entitled 'an act to organize forces to serve during the war,' approved February 17, 1864, shall be redeemable October 1, 1894, and the interest on the same payable semi-annually on the first day of April and October in each year. " Passed.

’ Mr. Barnwell also introduced the following bill to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to exchange coupon bonds for seven-thirty treasury notes:

‘ "The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized, upon application, to exchange coupon bonds, redeemable January 1st, 1895, bearing six per cent. interest per annum, payable on the first days of January and July of each year, for treasury notes issued under the authority of the third section of the act entitled 'an act authorizing the issue of treasury notes,' approved April 17th, 1862; said treasury notes being of the denomination of one hundred dollars each, payable six months after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States and the United States, and bearing interest at the rate of two cents per day." The bill was passed.

’ A ballot was taken to fill a vacancy in the Committee on Post-offices and Post-roads, and Mr. Garland, of Arkansas, was elected, the vote being: Garland 15, Caperton 1.

The President pro tem. laid before the Senate a communication from the Secretary of the Treasury relative to the cotton bonds, to be read in secret session, which, on motion of Mr. Sparrow, was transferred to the secret calendar.

On motion of Mr. Orr, the Senate resolved into secret session; and the doors being opened, adjourned.

House of Representatives.

The Chair laid before the House a communication from the President, transmitting reports from the Secretaries of War and of the Treasury, in answer to a resolution of the House making inquiry concerning the tax in kind, called for in 1863. Ordered to be printed.

Also, a communication from the President concerning official reports of battles fought by General Forrest. Ordered to be printed.

Mr. Chilton, of Alabama, introduced a bill to abolish distributing offices for mail matter and to send it direct to its place of destination. Referred to the Postal Committee.

Also, a bill to increase the compensation of mail agents. Referred.

Mr. Garland, of Arkansas, introduced a bill to provide payment for property illegally impressed in the Trans-Mississippi Department. Referred to the Committee on Illegal Seizures.

Mr. Shewmake, of Georgia, introduced a resolution of inquiry as to the expediency of increasing the pay of commissioned officers of the army below the rank of brigadier-generals. Referred.

Mr. Bell, of Georgia, introduced bill providing for the discharge of soldiers in certain cases. Referred.

Also, a resolution as to the expediency of framing a general tax law on the basis of ad valorem duty. Referred.

Also, a resolution of inquiry as to what legislation is necessary for the relief of bonded agriculturists now in the military service. Adopted.

Mr. Echols, of Georgia, introduced a resolution recommending the strictest observance of the Sabbath by the army and navy of the Confederate States, and to dispense, as much as possible, with inspections, parades and reviews on that day. Referred.

Mr. Read, of Kentucky, introduced a bill to authorize the Medical Committee to examine into the condition of the military prisons of this city, and that they have power to send for persons and papers. Adopted.

Mr. Clapp, of Mississippi, introduced a resolution of inquiry as to the expediency of the Confederate Government receiving certificates of indebtedness in return for taxes. Adopted.

Mr. Miles offered a resolution that the Military Committee inquire into the expediency of supplying the commissioned officers of the army with clothing, arms, insignia, &c., at the expense of the Government. Adopted.

Also, a bill to provide for the payment of officers' horses lost in service. Referred.

Mr. Foote, of Tennessee, offered a joint resolution of thanks to General Forrest and his men for their numerous victories, by land and water, over the enemy. Referred.

Also a resolution declaring it inexpedient to fix a maximum of prices for provisions; but that it is desirable that the families of soldiers should be supplied with food at Government prices.

Mr. Foote introduced a resolution requesting the Finance Committee to bring in, at as early a day as practicable, a general financial bill, which shall reflect as much as possible the views of the Secretary of the Treasury. Adopted.

Mr. Cluskey, of Tennessee, introduced a bill to amend the law providing the tobacco ration.

Also, a bill for the general organization of hospitals.

On motion of Mr. Russell, of Virginia, the House resolved itself into secret session.

Adjourned.