The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-04-10

Mr. Mallory during the discussion made some re
marks upon tho Army Bill. Mr. M. asked Mr. Gam
brelong, as Chairman of the Committee Of Ways
and Means, why appropriation was not made
in this bill for the Exploring Expedition. Mr. IA
said this appropriation was made ~ The Army Blll
two wears since aud he should like 20 know why II
was not renewed in tho bill before the House Mr.
Cambreeng auswercd as well as he could, although
his answer was eyasiye and not to the purpose
SIR Mallory went and said that he bad intended
to make "A motion to strike from the Bill Tor the
civil aud diplomatic expenses Of the Government,
tho appropriation there made for the salary of the
Secretary of the Navy. But the Secretary Of the
Navy had made himself so ridiculous m the eyes of
tho nation, that he had thought il not best.
Mr. NJ. continued his remarks briefly, and spoke
of tho wretched and bungling manner in which the
Secretary Of the Navy had executed the duties of
his Office. The Secretary of War had even been
compelled to take the subject from the Secretary OF
the Navy, so incompetent was the latter to fulfill
duties Of his office
Some member from North Carolina spoke against
the Exploring Expedition and suid if the Army Bill
embraced any appropriation for thar expedition,
he should move to strike it out whenever an oppor-
tunuy offered.
Mr. Cembreleng said he was originally opposed
10 the expedition, but now thar much III pney had
been expended--money which could not be recalled,
and men employed who could be discharged -
he thought it best for the Exploring Expedition to
go on
Mringham, Chairman IF tho Committee on Naval
Affairs, begged gentlemen not to condemn the Sec
rotary Of the Navy unhedrd. He should not Justify
and he would not assal-but in behalf Of the Sec
rotary of Navy lie begged the members of the louise
TO read what he said IN excuse OF his conduct.
Mr. lngham said he hoped the Exploring Elk petition |
would be ready IN the course Of two months sail
such were the promises and expectations of the !
Navy Department. The Expedition would 90 out |
reduced and economical plan. Four small |
vessels were to 60 out and would soon be ready to |
sail two Of the four vessels were now ready to |
sail; one was in the dry dock, and another was in
state Of preparation.
Mr. Montgomery, Of N c., was opposed to any
appropriation for tho expedition, and was opposed
TO it altogether Eia wished the money spent in
that expedition expended in a coast survey MIR
M. was also for throwing the responsibility laid
upon the Secretary Of the Navy, upon the Board OF
Navy Commissioners.
Mar Wise made some remarks, in reference 10 the
Secretary of the Navy, and the Board of Navy
Commissioners, rejecting their ineficiency and
misconduct.
Mr. Mercer spoke of the expedition as a good
Naval School. He said there were men in the
Navy who bad not been TO since they came into
the United States Navy-ton. eleven, twelve and
years.
After n general discussion the Army Bill was
reported to The House and there discussed at some
length The House adjourned without taking the
question.
March 20.
In the SENATE, Mr. Webster presented three me-
MORALS from different sections of the country re.
monstrating against the adoption of the Sub Treas
ury Bill, and in favor of National Bank.
The Senate then proceeded 20 discuss the 3 i'll
for reducing and graduating the price of Public
Lands. An amendment of some Importance was
proposed, when at the request of Mr. Clay, Of. Ky.
the bill was laid on the table for the present.
The Senate then took up the Bill reported some
days since 10 the Senate. from the judiciary Com
mtee, In relation TO the giving and receiving Q!
challenges dues within the; District of Columbia
and for the prevention Of ducis
Mr. Clayton of Delaware xplained the provisions
Of the bill. He Thought the original bill Of Mr.
Prentiss furnishing the crime with death was too
severe. He thought imprisonment preferable. He
thought tho bill of the judiciary Committee better
therefore, than the bill of Mr. Pfentiss
MIR Clayton and Mr. Prentss advocated the con. q
stitunonaiy of the bill, which doubted.
Mr. Ncrvell of Michgan doubted the constitution r
atty Of the Bill
MIR Rome did not believe that Congress had
power to punish crimes committed in Virginia and e
Maryland. r
Mar Roane also doubted the constltutionality of '
the Bill reported from the Judiciary Committed :
Mr. Morris, Of Ohio, also doubted The constitutional
power.
MIR Smith, of Conn, insisted that Congress had {
power 10 pass this bill n
Mr Grundy believed in the constitulionaty of :
the bill, and thought that aho' duel was fought
out of the District, the giving and receiving cla
ienge in the District might be punished +
Mr. Knight thought that the crime might be pun. ,
ished in the place where committed, and in the
District. The crime was committed in both places
Mr. knight illustrated the right of jurisdiction by
the supposed example Of mans robblng the mail
in the Dietrct of Columbia and then killing the
uTiN6E III virginia Cucn a criminal could be
sbsd for robbing the mail in the District of Column.
bia and for murder in Virginia.
Mr. Niles, of Conn, spoke warmly in defence OF
the Bill.
Mr. Grundy begged him, as it could do no good,
to make no reference TO the late duel.
Mr. Niles said he had dispositson to do Con
tinuing his remarks, he expressed himself warmly
against the practice of dueling.
Mr. Strange made some remarks, when the Senate
adjourned without taking the question
March 80.
In the SENATE, to-day the Anti Duelng Bill was
under discussion. AS the bill has been amended on
the recommendation OF the Committee on the Judi.
ciary, it now provides, that for the offence of send
ing, accepting or receiving challenge, when the
duel is attended by fatal result, whether within
or without The District, the surviving parties shall
be liable to Imprisonment at hard labor in the PEN
ltentary, not less than ten, nor more than twenty
years; and when the result is not fatal to like
imprisonment of FIVE years
Clayton, Of Delaware, argued that these penalties
were too severe The object to make a law
that could be carried into practical operation PEN
aes must be prorortioned not only to the magni
nf thn <.ti.