Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-01-29

vorahle report on the petitions of H.
Gates and Michael Nash, which were
laid on the table.
Mr.. EDwARDs, from the Committee
on Revolutionary Pensions, made an
unfavorable report on the petitions of
John MINI and Bissel Phelps; which
were laid on the table.
PENAL CODE OF THE U. STATES.
The House then resumed the unf-
nished business of yesterday, being
the bill further to provide for the pun
ishment of crimes against the United
States.
Mr.. LIVINGSTON offered an amend
ment to the bill, which was negatived.
Mr.. LIvERMoRE also offered an a.
mendment, which was negatived.
The bill was then ordered to be en-
crossed and read third time on Fri
day next.
POWERS OF THE SUPREME COURT.
On motion of Mr.. LErcHER, of Ken
lucky, the House then went into COM
mittee of the whole on the state of the
Union, and took up the resolutions
moved by Mr.. L. at the last session, as
! follows:
"Resolced, That provision ought to be made
by law, requiring, in any cause decided by the
Supreme Court ofthe United States, in which
shall be drawn in question the validity of any
part ofthe Constitution of state, or of an .Act
passed by the Legislature ola State, that -
Justices shall concur in pronouncing such part
OF the said Constitution, or act to be invalid
and that, without the concurrence of that num-
Der of said Justices the part of the Constitution
or act Of the Legislature, Gas the case may
be- so drawn in question, shall not be deem
| &c or holden invalid.
"ReSolred, That the Justices aforesaid, in
pronouncing their Judgment in any such
cause, as aforesaid, ought to be required by
law to give their opinions, with their irrespective
reasons therefor, separately and distinctly, if
the judgment Of the Court be against the valid.
| ity of the part of the Constitution, or act,
drawn in question, as aforesaid.
"ReSolred, That the committee on the Judi.
ciary be instructed to report bill, in confor-
NIFTY to the preceding resolutions"
A debate arose on these resolutions,
and was finally terminated on the sug-
gestion of Mr.. Webster, by deferring
the further consideration of them, at
this time, when the committee rose and
obtained leave TO sit again.
Mr.. WEBSTER, abiding to the con-
versation which had passed in the
committee, said, that there were two
important subjects now under special
notice, for the consideration of the
House. He meant the appropriation
bill, and the measure in charge Of the
honorable member of South Carolina,
for compromising the state of Massa
chusetts for her militia expenditures
during the late war. He could not Ger.
tainly interfere to prevent the progress
Of either of those important measures
but, he intended, as soon as they should
be disposed of, 10 call up the bill ma.
king further provision for the admins
tration of justice by the courts of the
United States. He would now give
notice for Tuesday, and would call up
the bill either on that day, or as soon at
forwards, as the measures to which he
had referred, should have been acted
on.
ROAD TO CANToNMEST GIBSON.
! On motion of Mr.. CONWAY, the
House then went into committee of the
whole, Mr.. MErcALFE in the chair, on
the bill to authorize the laying out and
making a road from Little Rock, in
the territory Of Arkansas, to Canton
ment Gibson, in the same territory
The blank for the number Of commits
sioners was filled with the word three,
and, after a few general, but very ap-
propriate remarks, in explanation, by
the Delegate from Arkansas, the com
mittee rose, reported the bill without
amendment, and it was ordered to be en-
crossed for third reading.
On motion of Mr.. T. JOHNSON, the
House then went into committe of the
whole, Mr.. SAUNDERS in the chair, on
the bill to regulate the Post Office De.
partment.
Mr.. JOHNSON presented S general out
line of the provisions in the different
sections of the bill; after which, it was
taken up by sections. Attempts were
made to increase the salaries of Post
masters at Washington, New Orleans.
Warrenton, Wheeling, Fredericksburg
and McKimville, each of which were
advocated with great warmth by the
respective movers; but, after a pro-
longed debate, they were all rejected
and, at late hour, the committee rose
and, having obtained leave to sit agar
The House adjourned.