The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-04-24

Correspondence of the N. Y. Express.
WASHINGTON, April II

"
third reading in the House, and under circum-
stances somewhat interesting since It's passage,-
or what is equivalent to it's passage,-ts thlrd
reading decides successfully the fate OF the Elk
nIorinv Expedition. Motions were made to strike
from the Bill every thing in relation to the Elk
pedition ia the form of all Appropriation. Speech
npon speech, and appeal upon appeal was made
10 abandon, or if not TO abandon, to change the
objects of the Expedition. Mr. Wise was for turn
ing the proposed Exploring vessels into coast
SQUADRON Others were tor statioping them off
Ocracock and Barnegat to CATCH Land Pirates
Some were for sending them to Mexico to whip
Bustamente andsome of his unruly sea-dogs who
made an attempt upon the American steamer
Columbus. One member was for sending them
TO cruise off Florida TO catch "Injuns." TIE
majority however, were for having them, where
they were designed to be, along the Pacific and
on the South Seas, and thus destined, presume
by and by they will leave our coast. The vote
i'm the House upon the motion TO reduce the APP
preparation for the Navy and for the Expedition
were very decisive,-9l TO 81 in favor OF the Tx
petition and full appropriation for the Navy.
In the Senate, MIR. Davis and Mr. Benton,
measured swords awhile upon resolution intro-
duced awhile ago by Mr. D., calling for informa-
ton as 10 the propTiety of reducing some appro-
pratons already made, and some proposed new
apnroprations for fortiications,- calling also
for information rs to the propriety OF adopting
system of steam batteries for protection, which
il is thought are the most economical anu SAFE
Notifications.
Mr. Davis briefly gave his reasons why appro-
priations should be reduced. His reasons were
the bankruptcy of the Government,-the impov-
erished condition of the Treasury, necessity
of creating Government debt of twenty millions
of dollars in addition to all the receipts for pub
lie lands, imposts, and all the revenues of the
General Government Mr.. Davis pressed his
reasons warmly but with great earnsstness of
manner and in the very spirit of kindness and
cancellation. He repeated publicly only what
a hundred Administration men, in Congress, will
tell YOU to your face, that the Treasury is empty
and the Government too poor to pay its debts.
Mr. Benton, however, to-day was in rage at
Mr.. Davs's true and simple recital, giving brief
statement of the condition of the Treasury De-
partment Mr.. Davis and the Wings were abus-
ed in some of the round and set terms oflhe Great
Expunger Even the ''Inonster" in this casual
outbreaking of Benton did not escape unscathed
and the " Federalists," -(Mr. Hubbard, MIR. Wall,
and Mr.. Buchanan, were all in the Senate,) re-
ceived liberal share of the noise and roar OF the
now "roarng lion" of the Administration.
Mr.. Davis, had said nothing to call forth the
ire of the great Ball Roller" and was not there
fore prepared to receive the ruffian-ike rebuffs
of even Thomas II. Benton. He rejoined, there
fore, sternly, pointedly, and with effect Mr.. b.
was mum for the day, and the Resolution was
adopted, mem con.
WASHINGTON, April 1lth.
The two Houses had interesting sessions to-
notwithstanding mainly, subjects OF much in
stance to the whole community. First, perhaps,
in importance is Mr.. Hamer's Resolution in ref
erence to Banks, Specie Payment and the Cen
eral Government 1t was understood that Mr..
Hamer would bring forward his Resolution again
this morning, with view of having It adopted
by the House-such at least, was the impression
of the House. Mr.. Hamer, however, has been
taught in the Van Buren, school, and is one of
your Z" slippery elm" politicians Put your fin
ger on him. and he aint there. There is no way
of finding out what his intentions are until he has
done The thing intended.
Mr. WISE however, the member from Virgin
ia, was determined to bring him to his bearings
this morning, and for this purpose asked leave of
the House to submit question to the honorable
author of this Conservative Resolution.
A brief dialogue ensued something after the
following order
Mr.. Wise.-May ask the honorable member
from Ohio who Introduced The resolution the
other day to the House, in regard TO banks and
the resumption ofspecie payments, if he intends
TO have it again, and now brought before the
House.
The Speaker.--(rather uneasy 1.-The question
is not in order, but may be put 10y consent of the
House.
The House made no objections
Mr.. Hamer rose and was about to answer Mr.
Wise's question, when the Speaker interfered.
The Speaker.-The answer is not in order
but may be given if no member object.
The Speaker made his remarks in NEST sig
nfcant manner, and with evident wish that some
one would object.
Mr.. Petriken, queer fellow, from Pennsylya
nia with a slouched hat, cue hanging to hi
HEELS broad grin, and very loafer-like dress
and carriage, cried out in sort of squeakins
time-trumret tone of manner,-"I object"
The House was more amused than angry will
Mr. Pstriken's objections. Mr.. P. before object
ing to, this same resolution and it being under
stood in the House by all parties, that he objects
to every thing except his mileage and per diem
The members of the House laughed outright a
Mr.. Petriken's object"
Mr.. Wise asked for a suspension of the rules
of the House for the purpose of giving Mr. Ha
mer an opportunity to answer his ueston.
The yeas and nays were called. A vote Of
two thirds being necessary to suspend the rules
the attendance was thin, and the motion was
lost by vote of about sc to SIS. Thus remains
the question at present.