Smyrna Times

Among the important measures before Congress at the close of last week were those concerning Mexico, and further amendments to the Constitution. As regards Mexico, concurrent resolutions were moved, strongly reasserting the Monroe doctrine, and requesting the President to indicate a recognized policy on the subject. Of the proposed amendments to the Constitution, some aim at universal suffrage. Another demands that the representation in the lower House be based upon votes instead of population. A resolution to give the privilege of the floor of the House to the Southern members was lost—42 yeas, 111 nays.

In the Senate, on Monday, resolutions were introduced appropriating money for the support of destitute Indians, &c. The bill for furnishing the White House, introduced by Mr. Riddle, was passed. Resolutions upon the death of President Lincoln were introduced, and Mrs. Lincoln voted the sum of $25,000.

In the House an unsuccessful attempt was made to give the privilege of the floor to an Arkansas Representative. A resolution was defeated declaring that negro suffrage should be left to the States, and another declaring that the test oath shall never be dispensed with.