The Clerk read as follows: Sac. 31. Abife: That immediately after the passageof this actthe POTUS shall convenea council of officersto as sembleat Washington city. which council shall be composed of 3 general officers of the Army. 3 officersof infantry. 2 officersof artillery. 2 officcre of cavalry. 2 officers of the medical dept.one officer of the Adjutant Generafs dept. One officer of‘ engineers. One of ilccrofordnanec. Oneofficer of the quarterinaster's departnicn t. oneofficer of the subsistence dept, one officer of the Inspector Generafs dept.andoneofficerofthe pay dept; all to begselect d for their high characterfor intelligencegiiscrctionhiusticc, patriot ism and professional ability and who, being thus selected, 5 all be retained onthe Army list. It shall be the duty of this council to inquire into and consider the capacity, character.record of services and fitnessto be continued in the militar. service of every officer below the grade of brig ier general. whomay be in the Army at the time of the passage of this bill and with a viewtothis they shall befarnished with all information. papers, records, and other documentary evidence they may require from the War Dept. As they proceed with this investigation. they shall From time to time make written report of their conclusionsin eachcase to the SecyWar. When the report of a minority of the council is not adverse in ‘t 0 caseof any officer.he shall thereupon be immediately markedon thcArmy list to be retained in the service in the DOBHIOH‘OI' rank which he is then holding. of which due notice shall begiven in general orders: but if the minority of the council report that in their opinion and for reasonswhich they shall assign.the caseof any ellicer ought to be further inquired into. he shall there upon be summoned by order, to appear before a board. to consistof 3 general officersor.officersof his corps or arm of the service senior to him in rank. to undergo further examination. Onsu chexamination. besidesother inquiry asto his capacity and qualifications.mental. moral and physical. the officer shall he allowed.if the case requires it. full and reasonable opportunity for explanation and defense, and may produce witnesses and other testimonyto meet any objections or charges made against him. If the board thercu on re art that ho is not qualified to reiiinin in the riny orrcasous other than any which involve admoral character he shall be placed on the retired list. as is providedin other casesfor the retirement of Army officers and on the same conditions but he be found unfit for the serviceon account of moral disqualification! he shall at'once be droppedfrom the rolls of the Army. And in making such inycsligations into the fitness of officers to be retainedin the service.the said military council. And such boards as may at any time be appointed and organized under the provisions of this section shall take into account the casesof anywho may have beencmplo edin no active dnt‘in the field dnri any part of the late war and shall inquire special into the reasons for their not being so employed: and any oficer whose absencefrom activefield serviceduring the war shall be decided by a board of examiners.after full hearthe rebellion or his unmllingness to serve actively againstthe socalled confederate States or any pur tieular State, or the people of anyState engagedin rehellion shall be reported ally the same as if foun mor disqualifiedfor the service. No amendment being offered,