Mr. Sumner submitted the following resolution, which was considered by unanimous consent and adopted. RESOLVED, That a Special Committee of seven be appointed by the Chair to take into consideration all propositions and papers concerning Slavery and the treatment of Freedmen, with leave to report by bill or otherwise. January 14th, the Vice-President appointed on this Special Committee, Mr. Sumner, Mr. Howard of Michigan, Mr. Carlile of Virginia, Mr. Pomeroy of Kansas, Mr. Buckalew of Pennsylvania, Mr. Brown of Missouri, and Mr. Conness of California. Reports from this Committee will appear in subsequent pages. FOUNDATION OF THE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY IN BOSTON. LETTER TO A COMMITTEE IN BOSTON, JANUARY 20, 1864. In 1850, Hon. John P. Bigelow, Mayor of Boston, declined to receive a costly vase as a tribute to the faithful discharge of official duty, and suggested that the funds obtained for that purpose be devoted to founding a Free Public Library in Boston. Accordingly, one thousand dollars was paid to the city in the name of Mr. Bigelow, and this was the first contribution to this important object. There was a dinner at the Tremont House to commemorate this benefaction, with speeches and letters. Among the latter was the following. SENATE CHAMBER, January 20, 1864. MY DEAR SIR,--It is too late for me to send anything for your meeting to-morrow evening; but it is not too late for me to express the gratitude and admiration with which at the time I witnessed the appropriation of that first thousand dollars to a Free Public Library in Boston. The money collected as a testimony to a favorite mayor became the corner-stone of a favorite institution, destined to be cherished with pride so long as our beloved city endures. Believe me, dear Sir, faithfully yours, CHARLES SUMNER. DR. DAVID K. HITCHCOCK. LOYALTY IN THE SENATE: THE IRON-CLAD OATH FOR SENATORS. SPEECH IN THE SENATE, ON A NEW RULE REQUIRING THE OATH OF LOYALTY FOR SENATORS, JANUARY 25, 1864. By an Act of Congress of July 2, 1862, a new oath of office was prescribed in the following terms:-- “That hereafter every person elected or appointed to any office of honor or profit under the Government of the United States, either in the civil, military, or naval departments of the public service, excepting the President of the United States, shall, before entering upon the duties of such office, and before being entitled to any of the salary or other emoluments thereof, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation.” Then follows the oath or affirmation, as follows:--