Page images
PDF
EPUB

intrude a delegate on the other house, and should; for a due estimate of the various refuse lands, for act only by virtue of application from that body

Mr. Norvell said he believed the measure, would have a salutary effect on the affairs of the district; and the chairman of the committee for the district in the other house had recoinmended that it should be first taken up in the senate.

On motion of Mr. Grundy, the resolution was laid upon the table.

Mr. Davis offered a resolution, which lies over one day, (and which Mr. D. stated had reference to the subject of economy, much insisted on yesterday in the case of the Cumberland road,) calling on the secretary of war for information as to the number of fortifications completed, of those commenced and unfinished, of those not commenced, but comtemplated, to complete the system, with other particnfars respecting them; and whether in his judgment, if a system of steam batteries should be addopted, many such fortifications could either be dispensed with or diminished.

Also, inquiring of the secretary of the navy whether in his judgment a system of defence by armed steamers would not be more efficient than any other, and requiring from him an estimate of the expense of a system of defence by armed steamers.

The senate then took up and discussed at great length the bill for the relief of William R. Taylor, involving the question of the allowance of interest on money due from the government.

their classification according to value, and for a
reduction less gradual than the preceding, to the
minimum price of fifty cents per acre.

it could not well be too severe, unless their severity should prevent their being carried into execution. But he believed the moral sense of every commu nity, in the country would pronounce the provi At the desire of Mr. Clay, of Kentucky, the bill sions of this bill, as amended, rather too lenient was then laid on the table, with the understanding than too severe. He also argued that the constithat it would be called up on Monday next. tutional power of congress over the subject was The senate took up the bill to prohibit the giving clear, inasmuch as they would provide for the panand receiving of challenges to duels within the dis-ishment of ao crime committed except those withtrict of Columbia, and for the punishment thereof. in the limits of their jurisdiction, which would be Mr. Clayton, of the judiciary committee, explain-aggravated by the degree of the evil intent. ed the provisions of the bill, and the amendments The bill being still up, the senate adjourned. reported to it by the committee on the judiciary, one of which substitutes for the punishment of death, confinement from ten to twenty years in the penitentiary; and the other amendment provides that persons going out of the District with a view to evade the provisions of this bill should still be punished in the same manner as if they had reinained in the District.

Mr. Prentiss spoke briefly in favor of the constitutional power of congress to pass this bill, and to have it carried into effect.

Mr. Norvell, expressed some doubt in relation to such power.

Mr. Roane was understood to start a difficulty in relation to punishing a crime consummated in Vir. ginia or Maryland, in which states process against the perpetrators might at the same time be issued He was also understood to doubt or deny the con[The rule of the senate on this subject has been stitutional power of congress to enact the above to allow no interest on any debt due from the gov-second amendment offered from committee. ernment prior to the time when the claim is presented, nor even afterwards, except in cases of culpable refusal or neglect on the part of government authorities to pay or to examine the claim. The alleged ground of this rule is, that without it the public creditors might leave their dues in the hands of the government for the very purpose of securing the money, and drawing interest upon it.]

The motion by Mr. Hubbard, from the committee, to postpone the bill indefinitely, was negatived: Yeas 10, nays 21. [This vote was understood as not infringing the above rule, but as depending on peculiar circumstances and on difference of opinion respecting them.]

The bill was then ordered to a third reading.
The senate concurred in the amendment of the
house to the senate bill for the relief of Michael
Cassady.

Several bills from the house were read twice, and referred.

The bill to revive and continue in force the act allowing pensions to persons disabled by wounds received during the revolutionary war, was considered, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. The senate adjourned, after an executive session. March 29. Among the petitions, &c. were the following:

By Mr. Fulton: from the legislature of Arkansas, joint resolutions urging the establishment of the boundary line between that state and Texas. Re

ferred.

Mr. Morris argued also against such supposed constitutional power.

Mr. Smith, of Connectient, insisted on the power of Congress to pass the bill and the amendments, inasmuch as congress have as good a right to put ish the first moiety of a crime as a state to punish the latter moiety.

Mr. Grundy explained the manner in which the above and other difficulties might be obviated, and argued in favor of the constitutional power of congress over the subject.

Mr. Smith, of Indiana, was decidedly in favor of the objects of this bill. He felt disposed to go all constitutional lengths to suppress this cruel and inhuman practice of duelling-a practice at once in violation of all laws, human and divine. He had examined this bill carefully, and he had exerted his mind to approve of that part of the bill which punished the offence of leaving the District where the the crime was committed in the states. He had great doubts on the question of conflicting jurisdic. tion, for the offence of killing in a duel in Mary land was murder. The bill punishes, as amended, with penitentiary. What would be the state of the case if the criminal was confined in our penitentiary for twenty years, and the state of Maryland should convict him, and order him to be hung? Would he serve out his time in the penitentiary first, or what would be done with the case? He threw out these suggestions for the purpose of having the difficulties removed by argument. He should certainly do all in his power as a senator to suppress

On notion of Mr. Linn, the committee on private land clains were instructed to inquire into the ex-duelling here and elsewhere. pediency of confirming the clain of Francis Le Clerc to an island in the Mississippi.

Mr. Grundy argued that if a man should steal a horse in the District, and ride him into Maryland, he would be guilty of larceny in both; and when he had been punished by the authorities of one who first got hold of him, it could not be much cause of

The bill to give effect to the 8th article of the treaty of 1819 with Spain was considered, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. The senate took up the bill making appropria-regret if he should be punished also by the other. tions for the construction of certain roads in Wisconsin.

The bill was discussed at much length by Messrs. Walker, Norvell, Linn, King, White, Sevier, Tipton and Young, chiefly on the objection that commencing roads by congress had been construed by some into a virtual contract for their completion; and on the ground, in favor of the bill, that those who denied the right of congress to construct roads within the states had heretofore admitted the right in relation to the territories.

The bill was amended, on motion of Mr. Lyon, by appropriating $500 for the survey of a route for a road from Green Bay to the Mississippi; and, on motion of Mr. White, by providing that said survey should not be construed as imposing any obligation on congr to construct said road. Yeas 23, nays

17.

The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.

The senate proceeded to consider the bill to reduce and graduate the price of the public lands. Mr. Clay, of Alabaina, spoke, at some length, in favor of the bill.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thursday, March 22. A number of gentlemen having memorials on the subject of the late duel, obtained leave to present them; and they were referred to the select committee on that subject.

Mr. Henry presented the petition of a number of the citizens of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, pray. ing for an investigation of the late duel that result. ed in the death of the hon. J. Cilley, and that efficient means may be adopted to put a stop in future to this murderous practice; which, on motion of Mr. H. was referred to the select committee to which that subject is referred.

Mr. Davies presented the petition of David Wit mer and 53 others, citizens of Lancaster county, Penn., and the petition of Robert Jenkins and 33 others, of the same county, praying for the passage of a law to prevent the inhuman practice of dueling.

Mr. C. Morris, of Ohio, asked and obtain dirare to present the petition of John C. McCoy and 83 others, of Washington county, Ohio, on the subject of the late duel; which was referred to the select committee on that subject.

A number of committees made reports upon private claims, &c.

On motion of Mr. Hopkins,

Resolved, That the committee on the post office and post roads be instructed to inquire into the expediency of providing by law for additional compensation to postmasters whose commissions are unequal to the duties which they perform.

The Speaker laid before the house a letter from col. Hunter, assistant doorkeeper, announcing the death of Overton Carr, late doorkeeper of this house, on Wednesday last; whereupon,

Mr. Mercer offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the house will adjourn at four o'clock this afternoon, to attend the funeral of their deceased doorkeeper, Overton Carr; that the expenses thereof be defrayed out of the contingent funds, and that his widow be paid the salary of the deceased for the present session of congress.

The resolution was agreed to without a division. The residue of the morning hour was occupied by Mr. W. Cost Johnson, i.. continuation and conclusion of the discussion, on his part of the resolu tion moved by him on the subject of an appropriation of land for the promotion of education in the old states.

The Speaker laid before the house a communication from the secretary of war, transmitting a copy of his answer to the letter of major general Jesup, dated Fort Jupiter, Feb. 11, 1838, called for by a resolution of the house of representatives on the 19th instant.

Also, a communication from the secretary of war,
transmitting reports and statements prepared by
the adjutant general and the paymaster general of
the ariny, in reply to the resolution of the house of
the 19th ult., respecting the number of volunteers
and militia engaged in the service of the United
States within the last six years, and the relative
cost of their employment and that of the troops of
the regular army. Laid on the table, and ordered
The house then again went into committee of the
Mr. Knight split the difference of the supposed whole on the state of the union, (Mr. Casey in the
concurrent jurisdiction, by adducing a supposed chair,) and resumed the consideration of the appro-
example of a man's robbing the mail in the Dis-priation bill for the civil and diplomatic expenses
trict, and then killing the driver in Virginia, in
which case he should be punished in the District
for robbery, and in Virginia for murder.

Mr. Clayton distinguished more nicely the precise
objects of the bill. It pretended to no jurisdiction
over any thing not done in the District: the bill
expressly and only provided to punish for what
should be actually done in the District. The pun-
ishment might in some cases seem disproportioned
to the offence; but it could not be so regarded if
the intent, by which all crimes are measured, to be printed.
should be taken into the account.

Mr. Niles spoke for some time in favor of taking all practicable measures to put down the practice of duelling, urging as motives all the considerations of honor, decency, respectability, civilization, duty, and humanity. He also argued that there was no want of power in congress; they might even punish an individual for symply going out of the District, if he should go with a known intent to commit a crime.

of government; and the question still being on the motion to strike out an item of $4,000 for a jet d'eau on the grounds of the capitol.

Mr. Halsted, of N. J., again addressed the house on that subject, and in rejoinder to the remarks of Mr. Lincoln, expressing the astonishment which an attack from that quarter had occasioned; avowing his attachment to the state from which that genfleiman came, as well as high respect for himself; disclaiming all purpose of allusion to him in his speech of yesterday, since, when he made it, he did not even know that that gentleman belonged to The amendment from committee was read, pro- Mr. Strange argued that the propensity to duel. the committee on the public grounds; but still inposing to strike out that portion of the bill which ling was so strong in the community, that duels, sisting on his objection to the appropriation, both provided for reducing the price of all lands ten more or less, would be fought, in violation of all for the jet d'eau and the printing and papering done cents for every four years that they might be in laws, however severe, divine and human; but on in the president's house. To the repairs of the market, till the price should sink to the minimum this very account, especially in consideration of roof, &c. he had not intended then, or now, to obof fifty cents; and to insert a substitute providing its collateral and consequent evils, the laws against ject. He regretted that he had interfered with a

item of the bill.

favorite proposition of the gentleman from Massachusetts, since he might as well have based his speech, which was intended to be a general attack on extravagant expenditures under the existing administration, on some other objectionable He replied to Mr. Cambreleng's objection as to the urgency of the wants of the treasury, by noticing the constant recurrence of that objection whenever an investigation was proposed of the measures of government. It never recurred the right ti.ne.

Mr. Boon commented with very great severity on Mr. Halsted's speech of yesterday, and avowed his intention to skin" that gentlemen. He said his speech evinced the advantage of being high born and college bred; characterized its strain of language as low and vulgar, and every way unworthy of a representative: referred to Mr. Halsted's consu.nption of pens and paper as being ten times greater than his own; he remarked upon his dress as being that of a dandy, &c. and concluded by comparing the whole speech to butter churned without a cover, which splashed on all around, &c.

&c.

and its effect had been, by paying government of answer to a letter of gen. Jesup, of the 20th De-
ficers in gold and silver, to raise, virtually, the sa-cember, 1837.
laries they received, and in the same proportion to The secretary states, that the letter of gen. Je-
diminish the means enjoyed by the debtor class in sup did not, in the opinion of the department, re-
the community to pay their debts. The reduction quire any reply, and consequently was not an-
was, therefore, perfectly fair; and if execssive swered.
banking was hereafter to be curtailed, the reduction Also, a letter from the secretary of war, trans-
ought, of right, to be permanent. He was content, mitting copies of papers relating to the title of the
at present, to make it a temporary arrangement. United States to Friend's Ore Bank, near Harper's
Mr. Mercer, though not disapproving the gentle Ferry, required by the resolution of the 19th in-
man's object, could not support his motion, as it stant.
was not according to usage to reduce salaries by an
appropriation bill; it ought to be done, if at all, by
law.

Mr. Reed regretted the debate; but how could it be avoided? Which was the proper place and the fitting opportunity to animadvert upon the measures of the administration, and the extravagances of the government, if not upon the appropriation bills? He referred to abuses in the post office department, and in the proportion of collectors' salaries; but could not surport Mr. Bell's proposal to reduce all in the same proportion; some ought to be reduced one half, but others should not be diminished at all. Mr. Williams, of N. C. thought it according to Mr. Lincoln made a very brief reply to the re-law and usage to reduce salaries as well by an apmarks of Mr. Halsted, explaining that the chief propriation bill as in any other manner. reason of his former remarks had been an unwil Mr. Bell remonstrated with warmth against Mr. lingness to see others attacked on the ground of a Mercer's position. The appropriation bills were measure which he had himself proposed. the great citadels of the people, in resisting the oppressions of government. This had been admitted even in aristocratic, monarchical England; how much more should the doctrine be cherished under our own free government! He lamented that it seemed his fate always to be resisted by his own political friends and allies.

Mr. Ewing made a very spirited reply to the remarks of Mr. Boon, and in support of the ground taken by Mr. Halsted, to whom he retured his cordial thanks for his speech. It had been unfortunate as interfering with Mr. Lincoln, but well merited by the extravagance of an adininistration which had co ne into power on promises of economy. He referred to an implied threat of personal vio. lence in the speech, of Mr. Bynum yesterday, on which subject he said he was entitled to speak, having once suffered in that way, being taken unprepared; but it should be the last time he would be caught in that situation.

The debate on this item was closed by a motion of Mr. Mercer to amend it by striking out the detail, and inserting a gross sun for completing the improvement of the public grounds according to a plan adopted by the last congress; which was agreed to.

Mr. Mercer explained. He did not deny the naked power, but only the previous usage of the government.

The question being put on Mr. Bell's amendment, it was rejected.

The committee then rose, and reported the bill, and the house adjourned.

Friday, March 23. Mr. McKennan offered a resolution, fixing Monday next, at two o'clock, for the choice of a doorkeeper, vice Overton Carr, esq. deceased.

Mr. Boon proposed to postpone the further consideration of the resolution until the first Monday in December next.

The latter motion, having precedence, was decided in the negative. Mr. Williams's motion, to postpone the consideration of the resolution till Monday week, was agreed to.

Also, a letter from the secretary of war, transmitting a report from the commissioner of indian affairs, accompanied by copies of a contract inade between gen. Jesup, certain creek chiefs, and J. C. Watson, & co.

Also, a letter from the secretary of the treasury, transmitting a report from the director of the mint at Philadelphia, containing the information called for by the resolution of the house of the 5th inst. relative to the cost of erecting and establishing the principal mint and its branches, fixtures, &c.

The bill, making appropriation for the civil and diplomatic expenses of the government for the current year, again came up for consideration, as amended in committee of the whole.

After several amendments had been adopted, and while the consideration of the items of the appropropriation for the post office department were under consideration,

Mr. Cambreleng proposed an amendment to this section, by which the specifications were to be stricken out, and the appropriation for all the items there named were to be stated collectively, with the aggregate of the sums affixed thereto. This amendment, together with a communication from the post office department, in relation to the subject, he moved to have printed; which being ordered, he was about to propose an adjournment, when

Mr. Underwood gave notice of an amendment it was his intention to offer to the bill, whereby the salaries of government officers, employed in the various states, were to be reduced, and restricted to the amount of salaries received by the judicial officers of those states.

The Chair said that an amendment to an amend

of his intention to offer the proposition he had read. Mr. Underwood had intended to give notice only He would be glad to have the opinion of the chair on the question of order, supposing the amendment in time.

The Speaker said that he had no difficulty in making up his opinion on that point. Under the rules, he considered the amendment proposed to be

Mr. Lewis Williams moved to postpone the con-ment, (moved by Mr. Cambreleng,) was pending; sideration of the resolution until Monday week. Mr. McKay moved to amend the bill farther by Mr. Wm. Cos! Johnson, suggesting that the com- that moment, not in order. and that any other amendment was of course, at striking out the item for clerk hire and the salary mittee on accounts intended to make some propoof a messenger in the "clothing bureau," and in-sition regarding the police of the house, named creasing, to the same amount, the appropriation for next Wednesday. the office of coininissary general of purchases: which amendment, while it left the expenditure the same, would avoid any implied sanction, by the house, of the establishment of a new bureau by the simple authority of the head of a department. Mr. Millory, of Virginia, took the present occasion to read a communication addressed to him by coinodore Dallas, in consequence of certain ani- The following among other reports from com. madversions in a speech made by him at the Sep-mittees, were made by Mr. Cambreleng, from the tember session, accompanied by certain sta e-committee of ways and means, reported a bill to ments of lieutenants McIntosh and Saunders: by authorize the issuing of treasury notes. all which Mr M. declared himself not convinced. This bill being read twiceMr. Bell renewed the presentation of his amend ment to reduce all salaries one-fourth; but modified by ad nitting the contingencies formerly inserted as a condition, viz. that the sub-treasury bill should pass.

The Chair still persisted in the opinion that the amend.nent, even in this form, was still not strictly in order.

Mr. Cambreleng said that a report accompanied it, disclosing the necessity for the adoption of the measure recommended, and this report, with the bill, he moved to have referred to the committee of the whole, and that both be printed; which was ordered.

Mr. Sergeant presented a report of the views of the minority of the committee of ways and means in relation to the sub treasury bill. He moved its printing, and reference to the committee of the whole, to which that of the majority had already

After a brief discussion of the point of order by Messrs. Haynes and Bell, the decision of the chair was sustained by the house. Mr. Bell then moved to amend the bill by strik-been referred. Ordered accordingly. ing out $567,63) for pay and mileage of members, and inserting $125,760. Also by striking out $49,400 for the clerks and officers of both houses, and inserting $30,300.

Mr. B. had no wish to commence with these items, but as they were the first in order, he had been compelled to do so; he wished to proceed and propose a si.nliar reduction in all the salaries throughout the government with the exception of the president, vice president, and judges. He was not opposed to liberal allowances for public services, nor desirous of reduction for its own sake, but he thought the great disparity between the salaries of state and federal officers called for some measure of the kind. It would be vain to rely on state rights as a bulwark against the encroachments of the general government, while that disparity continued. It was gradually, in practice, working a change in our institutions; as an instance of which, he alluded to the fact of an ex-governor of a state accepting a subordinate station in one of our departments, or in the custom-house. But whether the sub-treasury bill should pass or no, the thing it proposes to authorize did already exist in fact;

Mr. Rives, of Virginia, moved that 10,000 extra copies of each report be printed; which motion prevailed.

decidedly not in order.

Mr. Underwood. Then of course it is of no use

for me to move for its printing.

the amendinent, (to wit, the above section,) the Pending Mr. Cambreleng's proposition to amend house, on motion, adjourned, at half past four o'clock.

Saturday, March 24. Among the reports presented was the following by Mr. Patton from the library, which was read and postponed to Tuesday next, after Mr. McKay of North Carolina, had given notice that he would oppose it.

Resolved, That the clerk of the house of representatives be directed to subscribe for ten numbers of "Niles's Register," for each member of the house, to be delivered once a week; provided the editor of said Register will agree to publish in, or as a part of said work, at least once a week, under the direction of the clerk of the house, the journals of the house, with the yeas and nays on all questions. Provided, further, that the editor of said Register will also agree to publish at the end of every session of congress, under the direction of the said officer of the house, a supplement to said work, containing all the laws passed thereat, and Mr. Hall of Vermont, sent to the chair a state-treaties ratified by the senate, to which shall be ment from the Globe," in reference to a former vote on the sub-treasury bill, and went into an explanation in reference to it, for all which we will try and find room in our next.

[We will publish the bill of the committee, with both reports in the next" REGISTER."]

A number of memorials, &c. were presented and referred.

[ocr errors]

The resolution of Mr. W. Cost Johnson in relation to this subject, and upon which the mover had occupied the morning hour for several days, coming up in order

Mr. Lawler, of Alabania, took the floor in reply to the remarks of Mr. Johnson, and occupied it till the expiration of the morning hour, without concluding. [These remarks, as well as those of Mr. Johnson, will be given hereafter.]

The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the secretary of war, in reply to the resolution of the house of the 19th inst. calling for a copy of the

prefixed a copious index, to be approved of by said officer, and furnish one copy thereof, free of charge, to each member of congress for the time being.

A letter of the secretary of war, transmitting copies of papers relating to the title of the United States to Friends' Ore Bank, near Harper's Ferry, required by the resolution of the 19th instant, was laid before the house yesterday, and, with the papers, was referred to the select committee on the national foundry.

To-day, Mr. Mercer moved a re-consideration of the vote (which prevailed,) for the purpose of moving the reference of the subject to the committee on the judiciary; inasmuch as there was a question of legal title involved in it.

Mr. McClure was in favor of the reference as made yesterday. There was no question of title involved.

Mr. Thomas and W. Cost Johnson were in favor of the reference proposed by Mr. Mercer, whose motion prevailed.

The Speaker laid before the house a communication from the secretary of war, transmitting a report from the acting quarter master general, in reply to a resolution of the 5th instant, requiring various information respecting the measures taken to carry into effect the act of July 2, 1836, authorising the laying out of a military road along the western frontier, and the erection of posts thereon,

The Speaker also laid before the house a letter from the secretary of war, transmitting the report and estimates of lieut Stockton, superintendent of public works of Michigan city and St. Jaseph's, required by the resolution of the house of the 19th. Mr. Cambreleng noved that the house take up the general appropriation bill.

Mr. Rice Garland claimed the day for the cousideration of private claims, under the rules of the house. About six hundred hills were to be acted on; and it was not, in his opinion, doing justice to the country to postpone the consideration of that business.

But the house, on motion of Mr. Cambreleng, decided that the rules be suspended-Ayes 94,

noes 39.

The house then took up the general appropriation bill, the amendment moved yesterday by Mr. Cambreleng to the section in reference to the post office department being under consideration, Mr. Adams arose and commented at some length upon the amendment and "the extraordinary document" from the postmaster general in which it was recommended; which went to the annihilation of every thing like specifications or appropriations. We will give place to Mr. A.'s remarks hereafter.

The amendment was also opposed by Messrs. Whittlesey, Tillinghast, Ewing, and Rice Garland, and advocated by Messrs. Cumbreleng and Connor, Finally, the amendineut of Mr. Cambreleng was rejected-yeas 64, nays 66, and the amendinent reported by the committee of the whole, agreed to. A motion of Mr. Robertson to strike out the item of $40,000 for miscellaneous expenses was rejected.

Mr. Rariden moved to recommit the bill to the committee of the whole on the state of the union, with instructions to strike out $225,000 for stationery, &c. for the house, and insert $273,000, so as to cover an appropriation to pay for printed debates and documents ordered to be supplied to the members.

The house adjourned.

The Speaker decided it to be in order.
Mr. Cambreleng appealed from the decision. He
thought it clashed with the requisitions of the 63d
rule of the house. The object of the amendment
was inconsistent with the whole course of the forin-
er action of the house in regard to supplying mem-
bers with books.

Mr. Rariden moved to recommit the bill to the objections to the purchase and distribution of books committee of the whole, with instructions to report among the members did not apply in this case, inan amendment, striking out $225,000 for stationery, asmuch as a number of copies were proposed to be &c. for the house, and inserting $273,000, so as to furnished to each member, not for his own personal cover an appropriation to pay for printed debates advantages, but for distribution among his constiand documents, ordered to be supplied to the tuents. The effect of the measure would be to dismembers. seminate full copies of the house journal and of all Mr. Williams opposed this motion. the laws to 6,000 persons, at the aggregate expense Mr. Cambreleng wished to know if the motion of $5,000 per annum. The publication of the laws were in order. alone, in newspaper and in pain phlet form, and for the use of the officers of the government costs now three times that sum. The additional expense to the editor would nearly equal the whole amount of subscription now proposed; but the addi tional popularity of his paper was deemed by him a sufficient inducement. The subscription, therefore, was not a gratuity either to him or to mem. bers of congress, but an expedient and cheap mode of disseminating useful information among the people generally. The journals of congress had never been, to this day, so published as to meet the spirit of the direction of the constitution on that subject Mr. Parker, of New York, opposed the resolu If the resolution was to pass, he would move to strike out "Niles' Register" and insert the Demo cratic Review." In conclusion, he moved to lay the resolution on the table, and demanded the yeas and nays, which were ordered, and, being taken, stood as follows: Yeas 86, nays 79. So the resolution was laid on the table.

The Speaker defended his decision. There was nothing in the pending proposition that looked like the object alluded to by the gentleman last up. It was a simple proposition to amend that section of the bill which appropriates money for the contingent fund. Mr. Cambreleng, at the suggestion of Mr. How-tion. The subscription would amount to $12,100*. ard, withdrew his appeal.

Mr. Cushman moved the previous question (which would be on the engrossment of the bill, cutting off the motion to commit.)

Upon seconding this motion, by tellers, the divi sion was-ayes 47, noes not counted. So there was no second.

Upon the motion of Mr. Rariden to recommit, the vote (the yeas and nays having been ordered,) was as follows-Yeas 71, nays 96. So the motion to recommit the bill was rejected.

Mr. Reed moved to amend by adding an appropriation of $52,040 for additional light-houses in certain states, being the same amendment as that member offered in committee of the whole.

Mr. Ingham proposed to amend this amendment by stating the several objects of the proposed additional appropriation, with the several specific sums to be appropriated to each.

Mr. Reed explained the proposed amendment, and showed the interest that the people in twenty states had in its adoption.

The following reports from standing committees of the house were received:

Mr. Whittlesey, from the committee of claims, made an unfavorable report upon the case of col. Joseph Brown.

Mr. Smith, from the committee on commerce, reported a bill making appropriations for the erection of custom-houses at New Orleans, Philadel phia, and Savannah.

Mr. Sherrod Williams moved a reconsideration of the vote by which the house laid the report of the library committee on the table.

Mr. Boon moved to lay this motion on the table, and demanded the yeas and nays, which were order. ed, and resulted as follows: Yeas 88, nays 84. So the motion of Mr. Boon was decided in the affirma

Mr. Whittlesey, of Ohio, made some remarks to show the great necessity which exists for the adoptive. tion of the proposed amendinent, either in this or The Speaker laid before the house a letter from some other bill. the secretary of the treasury, transmitting a supple

Mr. Ingham contended that this is the proper billment to the annual report of the commissioner of for the proposed appropriation. All these works the general land office, in relation to the preservahave been ordered and begun, and no new original tion of the evidences of the surveys of the public proposition was made. He urged the great impor-lands in charge of the surveyor general; which was tance and necessity of the amendment. referred to the committee on public lands, and ordered to be printed.

The Chair having reported to the house, among other senate bills sent to the house for concurrence, the bill known by the name of the sub-treasury bill

M. Cambreleng moved that that bill be referred to the committee of ways and means.

Mr. Cambreleng thought the light-house bill, or the supplemental appropriation bill, hereafter to be presented to the house, would be the proper bill On this motion a call of the house was moved by into which to introduce the proposed amendment. Mr. Cambreleng, and refused; when, before taking Mr. Cushman moved the previous question. On the question, and after a resolution had been adopt-seconding this motion, the division was (by tellers) ed, on motion of Mr. Bell, calling for information ayes 73, noes 42, no quorum voting. On the seon the subject of treasusy notes, cond count, the vote on seconding was as follows? Mr. Pickens said that, before that motion should ayes 72, noes 67; so there was a second; and the be acted upon, he desired, considering the great imprevious question being ordered, the question re-portance of the subject, to be informed as to one or curred on engrossing the bill for a third reading, which was carried; and the bill was read a third time. Pending the question of its final passage Mr. Gar and, of Louisiana, noved to recommit the bill to the committee of the whole, with instructions to report it with certain amendments; and on this motion he demanded the yeas and nays, which were ordered.

Monday, March 26 A large number of petitions were presented, and referred. The following among other resolutions were of fered:

On motion of Mr. Ogle, Resolved, That the secretary of state of the United States be directed to communicate to this house the names of all ministers and other diplomatic agents of the United States in foreign countries on the 4th March, 1829; the names and grade of all who have been recalled since that date; the names, grade, and date of subsequent appointments; the several periods of service of the persons so appointed; the sum allowed to each for such service respectively, as well as the amount of contingent expenses paid to each.

On motion of Mr. Sergeant, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to in quire into the expediency of encouraging and aiding meteorological observations throughout the United States.

The bill for the restoration of certain courts to the western district of Virginia, which had passed the house, came up, as amended, in a single particular, from the senate.

Mr. Garland, of Virginia, moved that the house do disagree with the senate in its amendment; which motion prevailed.

The Speaker laid before the house a communication from the secretary of the treasury, in answer to a resolution of the 19th instant, directing the secretary to report the names of such of the deposite banks as have availed themselves of the benefits of the first section of the act of the 12th of October last, by giving the requisite security, &c.

The house then, upon motion, resumed the consideration of the general appropriation bill.

Mr. Garland defended his proposition at some length. He dwelt particularly upon the custom of keeping up appropriations for temporary service of clerks, &c. in the diferent departments, and thought that custom should be discontinued.

Mr. Cambreleng opposed the motion, and de fended the practice alluded to, so far as it had ob. tained, as a matter of absolute necessity, under the circumstances of those cases in which it did so obtain.

Mr. Conner demanded the previous question, on seconding which the following division (by tellers) took place: ayes 69, noes 57. So the previous ques. tion was seconded, and the house decided that the main question be put, which being done, the bill was passed, and ordered to be sent to the senate for concurrence.

two preliminary points. He must apologise to the house for thus interposing, nor should he have done it, but for an article which appeared in the official paper of this morning, which seemed to him to have an ominous bearing. He desired to know from the chairman of the committee of ways and means whether it was the intention of that committee to give this bill from the senate any, the least, degree of preference over a bill on the same subject, which had been reported by that committe to this house? In the article he had alluded to, he perceived there was an intimation that perhaps some of the obnoxious features might be stricken from the bill, or the same purpose accomplished by having an independent or supplementary bill. In the whole article there was not the slightest reference to the bill of house. Now, Mr. P. considered the entire subject as one peculiarly within the jurisdiction of the house; and on that ground alone, if on no other, he should prefer that the action of this body should be had on its own bill, rather than on that from the other legislative branch. He anxiously desired to know which of the two bills was to have priority? He put this inquiry honestly, for information, not having had the slightest communication or concert with the honorable chairman on the matter. He

At 5 o'clock the house adjourned. Tuesday, March 27. Mr. Paynter, of Pennsylva-thought the information he asked for due to the nia, presented a petition from a number of citizens house and to the country. He wanted to know of Philadelphia on the subject of the late duel, whether this emasculated thing, which, though in which was referred to the select committee on that the shape of a man, was destitute of all manliness, subject. and all the spirit of a man-a eunuch, in all its at

The report of the library committee, in relation to
Niles' Register, coming up in order, the report was

read at the clerk's table.

whole expense would be but $215 per week, or $980 *The gentleman from New York was in error. The per month; or, estimating the long and short session at an average of five months in each year, $4,900 per e

Mr. Pullon, from the committee, explained and
defended the report, arguing to show that the usual' num-[Editor Register,

tributes-was to be preferred to the house bill on the same subject.

Mr. Cambreteng would answer the gentleman most cheerfully. For himself, as a member of the committee of ways and means, and he thought he could almost answer for every one of his colleagues on that committee, that he and they did infinitely prefer the bill reported to this house to the bill of the senate. They had seriously and thorougly examined all the provisions of the latter, and they had serious objections to many of its details; for some of its details besides those advocated by the gentleinan from South Carolina, involving principles of very grave importance; and the bill reported from the committee of ways and means was, almost twothirds of it, a new bill entirely. For one, he should not depart from one single section or feature of that bill, and should certainly feel it his duty, as a ineasure of this character should emanate from the house, to give the house bill the preference.

Mr. Cumbreleng said that of course he did not mean to include those who were opposed to the

measure.

[ocr errors]

Mr. Haynes here rose and said, that though he had not been expressly called upon, he would say that he had a decided preference for the bill from the committee of ways and means. He had a strong desire to answer the remarks of the honorable gentleman from Pennsylvania, but this was not the time. He then resumed his seat.

proposed. Such a step would be attended with this
additional advantage: as long as the friends of this
bill retained the faintest hope of carrying it through,
they would strenuously resist all substituted propo-
sitions which should go to attack the vitals of the
measure; but if the house gave, at once, a decided
indication that such a bill as this could not pass,
they would then be prepared to transfer their sup-
port to the next best measure, if there were any
such, to be resorted to with a view to the purifica-
tion of the currency. With these views, he moved
to lay this bill upon the table.

Mr. Glascock appealed to Mr. Patton, as he had
now had an opportunity to make such remarks as
he chose, not to prevent others from a reply; and
he therefore hoped he would consent to withdraw
the motion for that purpose.

Mr. Patton said that he had not discussed the bill.

Mr. Glascock pressed his request, and promised, if it were granted, to renew the motion to lay the bill on the table.

Mr. Patton, on that condition, consented, and withdrew the motion accordingly.

Mr. Sergeant resumed. He, for one, certainly was not among those who infinitely" preferred the Mr. Gluscock regretted exceedingly that this mobill of the house to that of the senate, for he really tion to lay on the table had been made at the predid not know which of them was the worst and sent time; and he regretted the more to see the that was about the amount, at present, of any opi- motion come from the quarter it did. The house nion he had on the matter. If the bill from the se- was well apprised of the situation which the gennate was what the gentleman from South Carolina tleman from Virginia occupied at the present time. (Mr. Pickens) had stated it to be, it was a sort of It is well known that that gentleman had been prothing to which treasure was often committed in vided for by his own state; and it is a question some parts of the world; (a laugh;) and if he be- whether, whenever any action shall be had on this lieved it to be really as impotent as that gentleman bill here, he will be representing the majority of his represented it to be, he should have less objection constituents, which an election, however, to fill his to it: but he could not but think it still possessed vacancy will test. But independent of these consufficient vigor to do much mischief. It was possi-siderations, it is well known that at the present ble, for those who were entrusted, even with gold time one of the states of the union is unrepresented. and silver, sometimes did great harm by betraying It is well known that there are certain districts in those who trusted them. The machinery proposed different states unrepresented; and it is equally to be employed was the same in both bills: only by well known that at this present time, there were a the one it was to be employed in keeping bank large number of the representatives of the people notes, and by the other, in keeping gold and silver, absent, from the indisposition of their families and if we could get any. For himself, he had no "in- other causes, absent and necessarily absent of this finite preference" for either, but, on the contrary, city, and from the house. If we are to have this was at a loss, as he had said, to determine which question tested, and fairly tested, let us have it tawas the worst of the two. ken when every member is in his seat. Where is the necessity of the motion which had been made by the gentleman from Virginia at this time? Has it been made because the gentleman is himself about to take a farewell from us all, and is it from such motives as these, that he now asks us to take this question, when he well knows there are many individuals friendly to this bill not present to vote, Mr. Patton said he was opposed to this untried and are particularly anxious to do so? If the genexperiment, in any of its foruis; and Le objected to tleman exercised that courtesy which is usual, on the reference of this bill to the committee of ways all great national questions, he would have delayed and means, because it was wholly unnecessary. his motion until every member could be here in his The subject had been twice referred to them, and place to represent his constituency. He asked the the house had received, in the form of a bill, the re- house, whether it was not best to act on whatever sult of their labors and meditations. It was ex- bill the committee of ways and means may report, tremely important to the best interests of the coun- at a time when there may be a full and fair attend try that this question should be decided promptly; ance of the representatives of the people present. and it was his purpose, before he resumed his seat, He knew not what effect this might have on the to make a motion which, he hoped, would bring to minds of others, but he was prepared to say the test what was the judgment of a majority of the for himself, that this movement, at the present house on the principle of this measure. In order to crisis, was far from being such a one as he had exquiet the apprehensions of the country, which had pected from the gentleman from Virginia, for on all been justly excited by the continued confidence of other occ sions he had looked upon that gentleman gentlemen in a measure which must be productive as acting with candor and fairness. At this very of extensive mischiefs to the great business con- moment there are some twenty or thirty members munity, aside from its relations as a political mea- absent from their seats-in fact, it had been suggestsure, the question ought to be decided promptly ed by some gentlemen near him, that there were at and speedily. This object could not be obtained least forty who were absent. No such proposition save by a vote which, though not an actual rejec- as this had been anticipated by those gentlemen, tion of the bill, should give a decisive indication of and it is a question on which it is expected by the the opinion of a majority of the house in opposition whole country, that every member should be preto any and every bill which should contain the sent to give his vote. He would ask the gentleinan principle which distinguished this. He did not then, whether in order, that absent members might urge the fact that the chairman of the committee of be present, and to have a full vote of the house on ways and means had told the house that a majority the question, he would not consent to withdraw his of that committee had examined this bill and were motion, and permit the bill to go to the committee opposed to it; because he did not desire that the of ways and means, and be reported upon by that vote upon his motion should depend on any differ- committee, in order that some measure night be ence of opinion as to particular details, and which brought before the house, in order that the people did not reach the great principles of the measure. of the country might see whether a majority of the Mr. P. said he was aware that there were gentle- house were not opposed to the principle contained men present who had various propositions which in the bill: namely, the divorce, of the government they were desirous of presenting to the house as and banks. He knew there were some who were substitutes for the bill, which went essentially to in favor of the principle of this measure, but who change, and some of them to defeat, its present pro- differed as to details, and all he asked was, that the visions; and such gentlemen might, at first, feel op- country might be properly informed, whether there posed to the motion he was about to make. But he was, or was not, a majority in favor of the principle desired them to recollect that there were several which he had referred to. On this subject, he must other bills which would come up for discussion, un-avail himself of the privilege he now had of showder which they could debate at large this entire ing the impression attempted to be made on the peosubject of the currency, and that, therefore, they of the "Old Dominion." A report had gone forth, had no good reason for opposing a motion to lay the stating that there were fifteen or twenty of a mapresent bill on the table, and thereby show to the jority in this house opposed to the divorce. Then, country that there was a majority of the house of sir, if the gentleman from Virginia intends that the representatives decidedly opposed to the measure it people of his state shall be fairly informed on this

important subject, let the question be brought up fairly, and let us have such a vote as will truly test the principle. Do this, and he [Mr. G.] had nothing to fear; and so far as it was concerned, he hesitated not in giving it as his decided opinion that there was a majority in favor of a divorce of government and banks, notwithstanding all that had been said in certain papers to the contrary.

Mr. Mercer rose to order. He wished to know whether the remarks of the gentleman were pertinent to the question under consideration.

The Chair was of opinion that the gentleman from Georgia, as well as the gentleman from Virginia, [Mr. Patton,] had not confined themselves strictly to the question pending. Mr. Glasscock, in conclusion, would only say that he regretted that this motion had been made, as it was an evidence of unfairness which he little expected from the gentleinan from Virginia. He should renew the motion, as he had pledged himself to do it, but he did it with the greatest reluctance, because whatever vote was now taken could not be considered a fair test of the question. He looked upon the motion as an act of illiberality towards the absent members, and as an act of injustice to the states and districts which were now unrepresented, and from causes well known to all. Mr. G. then renewed the motion to lay on the table. Mr. Adams hoped the gentleman would withdraw this motion, so that his remarks might be answered. Mr. Glascock said he would not do this, unless the gentleman from Virginia and others agreed to have it withdrawn for a general discussion of the subject. Mr. Cushman called for the yeas and nays, which were ordered. Mr. Filmore moved a call of the house, which was ordered. The call was then proceeded in for some time, when Mr. Cushman moved that it be further dispensed with.

Mr. Patton said he hoped the motion would not prevail, especially after the very rude reply of the gentleman from Georgia, and the allusions in which that gentleman had indulged, and which he must pronounce to be wholly unfounded. Mr. Patton had not taken the least pains to ascertain who were absent and who were present; and he desired the call should proceed with the express view of ascertaining who were absent; and if it should be found that any injustice to any gentleman would result from the motion he had made, he should be entirely willing to withdraw it, so far as depended on him; though he would not ask the gentleman from Georgia to withdraw it, after the rude and uncourteous reply of that gentleman.

Mr. Duncan, with some emotion, wanted to know why others could not have withdrawn it?

Mr. Pickens said that he hoped the motion of the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Cushman) would prevail. This could not, under the circumstances, be considered as a test vote on the general question.

Mr. Grennell demanded the yeas and nays on the motion to suspend further proceeding in the call, which, being taken, were-Yeas 92, nays 94; so the motion was negatived, and the call pro

ceeded.

The doors of the house were closed.

The absentees having then, in part, been called, and having nearly all been excused,

Mr. Harlan moved that farther proceedings be suspended; which was agreed to; and the doors were opened.

The question was thereupon put from the chair on laying the senate's sub-treasury bill upon the table, and decided in the affirmative by yeas and nays as follows:

YEAS-Messrs. Adams, Alexander, H. Allen, J.W. Allen, Ayerigg, Bell, Biddle, Bond, W. B. Calhoun, J. Calhoon, Win. B. Campbell, W. B. Carter, Chambers, Cheatham, Childs, Clark, Corwin, Cranston, Crockett, Curtis, Cushing, Darlington, Deberry, Dennis, Dunn, Evans, Everett, Ewing, R. Fletcher, Fillmore, J. Garland, R. Garland, Goode, J. Graham, Wm. Graham, Graves, Gray, Grennell, Hall, Halsted, Harlan, Harper, Hastings, Hawes, Henry, Herod, Hotman, Hopkins, H. Johnson, W. C. Johnson, Kilgore, Lawler, Lincoln. Lyon, Mallory, Marvin, S. Mason, Maury, May, Maxwell, McKennan, Menefee, Mercer, Milligan, Mitchell, M. Morris, C. Morris, Naylor, Noyes, Ogle, Patterson, Patton, Peck, Phillips, Pope, Rariden, Randolph, Reed, Ridgway, Russell, Sawver, Sergeant, A. H. Shepperd, C. Shepard, Shields, Sibley, Slade, Smith, Southgate, Stanly, Stuart, Stone, Stratton, Taliaferro, Thompson, Tillingbast, Toland, Underwood, A. S. White, J. White, E. Whittlesey, L. Willliams, Sherrod Williams, C. H. Williains, Wise, Yorke-106.

NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Andrews, Atherton, Beatty, Beirne, Bicknell, Birdsall, Boon, Brodhead, Bronson, Bruyn, Bynum, Cambreleng, John Campbell, Casey, Cleveland, Clowney, Coles, Connor,

Craig, Crary, Cushinan, Dawson, Degraf, Drom-
goole, Duncan, Elmore, Farrington, Fairfield, Fos.
ter, Gallup, Glascock, Grantland, Grant, Griffin,
Haley, Hammond, Hamer, Harrison, Hawkins,
Haynes, Holsey, Howard, Hubley, R. M. T. Hun-
ter, Ingham, T. B. Jackson, J. Johnson, N. Jones,
Keim, Kemble, Leg re, Leadbetter, Lewis, Logan,
J. M. Mason, Martin, McKay, Robert McClellan,
A. McClellan, McClure, Miller, Montgomery,
Moore, Morgan, S. W. Morris, Murray, Palmer,
Parker, Paynter, Pennybacker, Phelps, Pickens,
Plumer, Potter, Pratt, Prentiss, Rhett, Richardson,
Rives, Robertson, Sheifer, Sheplor, Snyder, Spen-
cer, Taylor, Thomas, Titus, Toucey, Turner, Vail,
Vanderveer, Wagener, Webster, T. T. Whittlesey,
J. W. Willians, Worthington, Yell-98.

So the bill was laid upon the table.
Mr. Gray, of New York, gave notice of a mo-
tion to reconsider this vote.

Various senate bills having been read and referred, and several house bills having received their third reading and passed,

On account of public lands, saine

destroyed by fire, be made the order of the day for Amount of moneys on account of
Tuesday next. (The bill proposes an appropria customs, first quarter of the pre-
tion of $150,000, and directs the use of the old
sent year, about
materials in the construction of the new building.)
Mr. Cambreleng remonstrated, and Mr. Lincoln
modified his motion so as to refer the bill to the
committee of the whole on the state of the union;
in which form it was agreed to.

On a motion made by Mr. Hopkins, of Va., to
reconsider the adoption of Mr. Slade's resolution
calling on the land office for certain information
touching the the pre-emption laws and the sales of
lands in the different states and territories, a brief
discussion arose, in which Messrs. Slade, Hopkins,
of Va., Lyon, of Ala., Boor.. of Indiana, and Wil-
liams, of North Carolina, took part. In the course
of this discussion-

time

Whole amount of money in the

treasury available is, nominally But deducting $592,212, which belongs to certain trust funds, and 400,000, which is deposited in the mint, and the balance available is

2,560,000

384,660 2,299,544 03

1,307,332 03

whole on the state of the union, (Mr. Dromgoole The house then again went into committee of the in the chair,) on

of the sitting, was ordered to be engrossed for a The bill having been gone through in the course third reading, and was read a third time, passed, and sent the senate for concurrence.

The house began on the navy appropriation bill, and occupied the remainder of the day's sitting up

on it.

Mr. Lyon, of Alabaina, said the motion to reconsider the vote of the house on the adoption of the resolution under consideration was made at his instance, and he would state the reasons why, in his opinion, the resolution, in its present form, ought The house went into committee of the whole on not to be adopted. If the mover would modify it was upon a motion of Mr. Montgomery, of North The question pending when the house adjourned the state of the union, (Mr. Dromgoole in the so as to call for the aggregate quantity of land dis- Carolina, to recommit the bill for the purpose of chair,) when Mr. Cambreleng moved the consider-posed of under the several pre-emption laws, he striking out so much of it as proposes appropria ation of the bill directing a transfer of moneys, would willingly vote for it. But if the call is made tions for the expenses of the exploring expedition. unclaimed by pensioners, to the treasury; which so as to require a report of the particular quantity In the course of debate on this motion, Mr. Wise was passed through committee without opposition, disposed of in each state and territory under each intimated a purpose to move such amendinents as read a third time in the house and passed." one of the several pre-emption laws heretofore pass-would convert the exploring squadron into a squadThe committee then took up the military appro-ed, it would, in his judgment, impose unnecessary ron for coast survey. priation bill; which was passed through commit- labor upon the land office, and interfere with the tee without amendment, and reported to the disposition of other more important matters of busihouse.

The house then adjourned. Wednesday, March 28. A number of memorials were presented on the subject of the late duel, and referred to the select committee on the subject.

ness.

And then the house adjourned.

CHRONICLE.

Villainy Extra. The Detroit Daily Advertiser of the 12th inst. states that on the Saturday evening preceding, a number of vagabonds thought proper to amuse themselves by firing muskets and pistols at the town or village of Windsor, on the Canada side, from which the fire was returned. Governor Mason was quickly on the spot, and brought the folly to a close. Whether any mischief was done at Windsor was not known. Some of the balls fired there, struck the buildings on the Detroit side. We do not find that any body was arrested.

He had no objection whatever to a fui: report upon each and all the branches of inquiry embraced in the resolution; but he could see no reason for requiring information a to the particular quantity Among the bills reported was one by Mr. Whitt- of land disposed of under each of the several laws, lesey, from the committee on claims, to establish a embracing a period of 15 or 20 years. He supposboard of commissioners to examine and decide certained the object of the mover would be attained by a claims against the United States; which was twice report showing the aggregate quantity sold under read, referred to a coininittee of the whole, and ma:e the pre-emption system since it was commenced, the special order of the day for Friday week but if the report is to designate the particular quanAfter some business of minor importance, tity under each law, an examination would have to Mr. Bell, from the committee on Indian affairs, be gone into of the returns made by registers and moved that that committee be discharged from the receivers for many years past, and he was convincconsideration of the ineinorial of John Ross and ed that this examination would require much time The Republic of Hayti owes France 60,000,000 others, remonstrating against the Cherokee treaty of and occupy a large number of the clerks of the office, francs, as indemnity money, which it has agreed to 1836, and that the said memorial do lie upon the to the exclusion of other necessary business. All pay at the rate of about 1,500 Trancs a year. A the pre-emption laws, he believed, granted to set-treaty to this effect has been recently concluded. After a debate, of which a brief notice is neces-tlers the same quantity of land 160 acres, and he sarily deferred to-day, the motion of Mr. Bell was agreed to.

table.

The residue of the day was spent in consideration, in committee of the whole, of the inilitary appropriation bill; which was still left in the committee of the whole when the committee rose, and

The house adjouned.

Thursday, March 29. Messrs. Adams, Birdsall, and De Graff, presented memorials in relation to the late duel, which were referred to the select committee on this subject.

Reports of committees were next called for, when the following, among others were presented. Mr. Coles, froin the committee on military affairs, reported a bill to authorize, for a limited time, two additional clerks in the office of the commissary general of subsistence; and against the reso lution of the house of the 5th instant, relative to assimilated pay of officers of the army and navy. Mr. Lincoln, from the cominittee on the public buildings, reported a bill providing for the removal of the walls of the treasury building, and for the erection of a fire-proof building for the post office department.

On motion of Mr. Craig, Resolved, That the committee on revolutionary claims be instructed to inquire into the expediency of placing the officers of the United States navy, engaged in the war of the revolution, on the same footing in respect to commutation, bounty land, and half-pay, with the officers of the army of the revoJution.

saw no particular benefit to result from the labor
and delay necessary to ascertain the quantity sold
under each law. He hoped, therefore, the vote of
the house would be considered, and he resolution
modified.

The bill abolishing lotteries has passed the legis lature of Louisiana, received the signature of the governor, and thus becomes a law.

The governor of Louisiana has appointed Wm. C. Claiborne, esq. secretary of state, in place of Martin Blache, resigned.

The Shark left Mahon the 24th of December, Malaga 13th January, Gibraltar 21st January, Tenerite 8th February, and St. Thomas 8th March.

He said a call had already been made for i formation as to the quantity of public and heretofore sold, the quantity remaining unsold in each state Schooner Shark. The United States schooner Norfolk, March 26. Arrival of the United States and territory, &c. and his only object was that the Shark, lieut. commandant Pearson, from the Medipresent call should be confined to necessary infor-terranean via St. Thomas, arrived yesterday morn mation, and he believed a report showing the quaning. tity of land sold under the pre-emption system, and the quantity disposed of under the auction systein, would be sufficient for all useful purposes. He said his constituents had complained, in some instances, of the delay which had occurred in issuing their patents, and in transacting other matters of business, in which they were interested, at the general land office; and if such calls as the one embraced by the resolution before the house are made, requiring, as he thought, unnecessary detail, there would be still greater delay in transacting the ordinary and necessary business of the office. For this reason alone he desired the resolution to be modified.

The resolution was opposed on the ground of the vast amount of labor required by the resolution to no valuable purpose. An answer to this call would, of itself alone, occupy the whole force of the land office more than two months.

nodore Elliott, was at Mahon when the Shark The United States frigate Constitution, com

sailed.

The United States, captain Wilkinson, was at Cadiz, January 19. All well.

We learn from Norfolk, that the destination of the United States ship Columbia, com. Read, bas been changed. She will proceed to the Mediterranean instead of the East Indies; the Constitu tion, com. Elliot, it is said, will return to the United States.

The Richmond Enquirer, of Tuesday, says: "The house of delegates made two more steps yesterday. They passed a bill, for appropriating 3-5ths of $1,200,000 to make a railroad from Fredericksburg to Alexandria-that great and essential link in the chain, which will extend from Georgia to Maine. They also ordered the bill for establishing the great south-western railroad, to be en

Mr. Slade advocated it as necessary to expose
the system which was growing up in the manage
ment of our public lands, and whereby the sales of
land were likely to be in the end, wholly superse-grossed."

Mr. Howard, from the committee on foreign af-
fairs, moved the following resolution:
Resolved, That the bill to provide for the satis.ded by the pre-emption laws.
faction of claims due to certain American citizens The reconsideration did not prevail.
for spoliations cominitted on their commerce prior to
the 31st of July, 1801," be taken up for considera-
tion at the hour of one o'clock on Friday and Sa-
turday, the 13th and 14th days of April next.

Mr. Cambreleng opposed the resolution, and called for the yeas and nays upon agreeing to it. After a remark or two from Messrs. Mercer and Williams, of North Carolina, the question was put, and the resolution was rejected by yeas and nays, as follows, viz. Yeas 79, nays 62, (not two-thirds.) Mr. Lincoln moved that the bill providing for the removal of the walls of the new treasury building, and for the erection of a fire-proof building for the post office department on the site of that recently

[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]
« PreviousContinue »