Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1835-02-23
In SENATE. FEB. 20. /.

MIR. Prentiss moved to consider the vote re-
iectng the bill for the reliefof Charles Catlett
MIR. Prentiss said, he was induced to move for
a reconsideration of the vote given yesterday,
in order that the bill might be recommitfed TO
the Committee on Finance. A difference ofopin-
ion was understood 20 exist among Senators in
regard TO the facts in the case, and Mr.. r deslr-
ed recommitment for the purpose OF obtaining
q more full and distinct report ofthe facts. Al
though he could not say that bis opinion had as
vet Undergone any change, he might hnd occa-
sion TO alter it on further statement OF facts.
Mr.. p. said he was clearly of opinion that the
petitioner was entitled to compensation Tor the
property destroyed by the public enemy at Nc
Gruder's Ferry Although the American troops
did not occupy the building by an actual en-
trance and possession Oft they sheltered them
selves behind if, and used il as an entrenchment
for their protection. There was anobvious dis.
tinction between the general occupation OF
city by troops, and the occupation or use OF a.
particular building in an open country. But the
facts in relation to the property destroyed at
Nottingham and Cedar Point, did not bring the
claim of that property within the principle which
had been established by Congress, and, as the
Senate refused to amend the bill, so as to con-
form it to his views, Mr.. L. said he was oolseo
To vote againstlt.
The petitioner had lost the whole property
mentioned in the BILL and so far as Mr.. P's. feel
ings were concerned, he was disposed to com
pensate the petitioner for the entire amount put
he did not feel himself at liberty to depart from
the principle adopted by Congress, and grant to
the petitioner what would not be allowed 10 oth-
efs in similar circumstances ,
AT the same time, Mr.. P. said, he was unwil-
ling that any injustice should be done to the Pc
tti0ner His case was hard one, and Mr. +.
would Give him the whole benefit OF the prlncl
nile which had heretofore been acted upon, ana
carry the principle 10 It's utmost extent In MS Ia
yor. fit should appear, on further statement
of facts, that the destruction OF the property at
Nottingham by the enemy could.be larry lmpu-
ted to the use of the property by. the American
troons for their defence, he should consider it as
coming within the principle established, and
should not hesitate to allow Il compensation Tor
il notwithstanding such use of the property was
two months before the destruction OF 1t. Mr. +.
said he had no objection, il it was desired, that
the motion for the present should be LAID upon
the table.
|. On motion of Mr.. She nley, the motion to re-
consider was laid on the table.
| Mr.. Frelinghuysen gave notice that he should,
on tomorrow, move to take up the bill to amend
the Circuit System.
The resolution offered by Mr.. Kent some time
since. proposing amendment TO the CohStltu-
ton concerning the Veto powercomlng up,
| Mr.. Kent addressed the Senate at consldera-
bic length in illustration OF his views, ana OF the
necessity for the adoption of the resolution.
| Mr. Clay then, after briefly comphmentns
the mover Of the proposition for the correctness
OF his views and the ability with which he had
presented them, for which the whole country
rowed him its thanks, stated that the proposition
was one which ought to be adopted, only after
the most deliberate examination. He regretted
that the lateness Of the period OF the session
would, in all probability. prevent the measure
from receiving that deliberate consideration al
This session. 1t would not, at any rate, be pro-
per to continue the discussion OF the resolution
| TODAY. He would, therefore, move 10 lay II on
the table, promising to call it up again, II any
favorable opportunity should occur LOT ao''"s
upon it. uo,. ~
GThe proposition Of Mr.. Senator Kent, OF
MARYLAND, to amend the Constitution, so as 10
reduce the absolutism Of theVeto upon bills that
have PASSED Congress, which tue Constitution
now allows to the President OF the U. States
Yesterday came up for consideration In Inc Sc
nate. MIR. Kent delivered, in support OF II, an
effective speech Of some length, which we shaI
take care to report at large hereafter. and wnieh
in fact, deserves to be widely circulated. hite1
which. in consequence of the lateness OF the
Session. leaving no sufficient time for the tho
/ rouuh discussion of question OF so much I'm
nortance, the resolution was ordered 10 lie on
the table with the understanding that II was no
to be called up gain at this Session. J-Nae' mt
When the bill relating to Executive Patron
It'd IN, fhn 60