Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-01-12

that the work is practiea5ls-at an expense whcn
the object justifes-and within the means winch
we can.fairly devote to it. -,
At present, more than one-half the territory
of the United States depends on the MisSissiP,
nj river, and one-third of the population, and
this proportion constantly increasing, have theif
commerce through the Bay of Mexico II is
the object of this bill to supersede the passage
round the Gulf of Florida. Ofthe polltlcai and
commercial advantages Of this communication,
| shall reserve the exposition until the oi'' Is
reported to the House.
The bill was then, on motion OF Mr.. john
sion referred to the Committee on Roads and
Canals.
The Senate then spent near two hours IN the
consideration Of Executive business, and then
adjourned.
In THE HOUSE OF REpREsENTATivEs.-Mr
MsLane. from the Committee OF Ways and
Means, reported, without amendment, bill
from the Senate entitled "An act to provide
for the seizure and sale Of property brought in
TO the United States in violation of the revenue
laws, in certain cases." which was referred to
the committee Of the whole.
MIR Beecher, from the Committee OH Roads
and Canals, reported bill in addition to an
act for the continuance of The Cumberland Road;
which was twice read, and committed to the
same committee of the whole which has been
charged with bill making appropriations for
certain Notifications Of the United States.
sTENoGRAPHERs
The resolution yesterday offered by Mr..
Campbell, for the admission of stenographers,
not exceeding three in number, to occupy seats
in front Of the Clerks table, having been taken
up
Mr.. Campbell observed, that in calling up
this resolution, it might be considered proper
tina, he should submit remark or two. lie
did not think that the resolution was indispen-
sable for the purpose of enabling the Speaker to
make the arrangements adverted to, as he be-
lieved, for his own part, that the Speaker alrea-
dy possessed the power; but the practice OF the
House having assigned to the Reporters diff
ferent situation, unless it was disposed to i'm
pose on the Speaker the responsibility of chang
ing the practice simply by his own authority,
the alteration in the rule ought to be made
Mr.. {. here quoted the rule of order on this
subject, which is in the following words:
"Stenographers, wishing to take down the
debates, may be admitted by the Speaker, who
shall assign such places to them, on the floor
or elsewhere, to effect their object, as shall not
interfere with the convenience of the House."
Mr. c. observed, that he could not perceive
any inconvenience that could possibly result
from placing the reporters in front of the clerks
table. 1t was the only point in the House from
which it was possible they could hear SO as to-
report with correctness all that passed, espe-
cially since the erection Of the partition behind
the Speakers chair. If gentlemen considered
il important 10 have the Debates and Proceed
ings reported at all, it was certainly important
that they should be reported with accuracy. 1t
had been proposed by some gentlemen, that the
Reporters should be placed on each side of the
steps ascending to the Speakers Chair; but it
must be manifest, that if so situated, they will
bs wholly unable either 10 or hear what
passes on the side of the House opposite to
them. The most expedient place, on every
account, was Immediately in front of the clerks
desk
MIR. Forsyth said he should like to understand
whether this rule was intended to stand in lieu
Of that which now existed on this subject.
Mr. Campbell replied, that he did not intend
it as substitute, but rather as an amplifcation
Of the powers at present given to the Speaker
on that subject.
Mr. Forsyth said, that in that view he was
opposed to the rule. He thought it would
make an improper distinction among the STEM
ographers, to give a preference to some over
Others.
Mr.. Campbell replied, that he knew only Of
two gentlemen who at present reported the De-
bates OF the Horse to any extent, and there was
room before the Clerks table for three.
Mr. Forsyth replied, that he did not know
how many might be actually reporting, Blu, he
was certain that six or seven were allowed to
enter the Hall.
Mr.. Little, Of Maryland, observed, that he
apprehended thatno serious inconvenience was |
a, present experienced by the Reporters, and as
no permanent arrangement had yet been resolv-
ed on in relation to the partition, which was
supposed to stand in the way of their report
ing, he moved that for The present the resolution
lie on the table.
This motion prevailed-Ayes 80, Noes 50.
On motion of Mr.. Edwards, of N. c. it was
RESOLVED, That the Committee on the Judc-
airy be instructed to inquire into the expedien-
cy of passing law to give the assent of the
United States to the provisions Of an act Of the
State of Alabama, entitled San act for impro-
wing the navigation of the bay and harbor of
Mobile" passed the Goth Of December, 1925,
so far as the same may be necessary.
JUDICIARY SYSTEM.
On motion of Mr. Webster, the House again
went into Committee Of the Whole, Mr.. Tom.
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