The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-30
IN SENATE,
MONDAY, January 20.

A communication from The Treasury Department
transmitting the correspondence between the Secre
tary and the Banks Of the District OF Columbia.
Also, from the War Department transmitting
report of commissioners, appointed 10 examine the
claims for losses sustained by Seminole depreda-
lions.
Also, from the same, report of the Chief Engi-
neers, relative 10 the amount expended in the inn
proyement of The navigation Of the Missouri river.
Also, from the same, report of the Chief Engi-
neer and District Attorney ofNew Jersey, relative 10
the claims Of III. Gull, and others, TO Pea Patch
Island, near Philadelphia.
Also, IRON the same relative TO a survey for the
improvement of the Mississippi at lie Moisne and
Rock River Rapid with map.
Also, from the Treasury Department, report ofthe
Commissioners of the Navy Severally ordered TO
Petitions presented BY Messrs SWIFT, CAL
HOUN, RIVES, OF Surveyors and Assistants Of the
Navy for the establishment Of the office OF Naval
Surveyor General: referred.
Mr.. McKEAN.
Mr.. BUCHANAN, Of "a Jews OF Philadelphia
for the abolition of slavery.
Mr. WALL, of citizens of New Jersey for the
same.
Also of citizens OF Philadelphia for completion
! of the frigale Raritan; referred
Mr.. WEBSTER memorials for the same; re-
| fcrred.
Also, 3 memorials from merchants of Boston,
against reduction Of duties on woollen blankets; re-
ferred.
Also, of Hannah Leighton for pension, and of
citizens of Middlesex county, Mass in aid ofthe
same.
SPENCE, YOUNG, Of citizens OF Pike county, III
for right of way through public lands for Rail
road, &c.
MIR McKEAN, memorial of 80 women of Tioga
county Penn PRAYING Congress TO abolish slavery
in The District OF Columbia and Territories Of The
U. S. and to suppress the slave trade between the
different States motions to receive laid on the table,
Mr.. McKEAN gave notice that he would on to-
| u. az
ing of wrils Of Error and suits for penalties in the
courts OF the United States.
The Committeeon Claims r~-oried bill for the re-
lief Of the widow and heirs of Col McCauley.
Also, of the heirs of Capt Robert White.
Also, of Francis L. p. Goodwin: severally order
ed 10 ID reading.
On motion Of Mr. NORvELL,
Resolred, That the Committee on Roads and Ca
mails inquire into the expediency OF constructing a
McAdamized or rail road from Milwaukee through
the Mineral Region to Wisconsin.
Mr.. LINN from the Committee on Private Land
Claims, reported bill for the reiefof Michael Am
brister, which with report ordered 10 be printed
Same committee requested that documents relative
to claims Of Col Wade Hampton, be printed agreed
On motion of Mr.. LINN,
Resolrcd That the Committee on Commerce in
uuire into the expediency of making appropriations
for Improvement of the navigation Of the Missouri
from its mouth to Fort Leavenworth.
Bill for the relief Of the heirs of James Newman
was passed TO be engrossed
ORDERS OF THE DAY.
Bill granting right of pre-emption TO settlers on
the public land, come up in order, was read third
time.
Mr.. BAYARD explained, that his reason for yo-
ing against the bill principally that by its adop-
ton government would establish policy TO depopu-
late the thirteen old States, and 10 aggrandize and
extend the powers Of the new ones in which the pub
lie domain may BE- located.
Nj wFpSsTEp snid hc should oira he hill The
support of his vote on its final passage He was not
fully satisfied with its provisions, but as from the
present state OF things some measure Of The kind was
absolutely necessary, and 1t was moi probable thatthe
Senate could at this time agree upon plan more
feasible. 1t was by no means the first time that
similar course Of legislation had become necessary
in relation to the public lands and such course when
adopted had been attended with beneficial effects
The reason why such large number Of settlers were
found on the land which not yet surveyed, 10
him evident the public sales the best Of the land in
market purchased by SPECTATORS TO be held for
in prices, and remain in the market but Of infe
rior quality, they compelled to anticipate the
vcys 10 secure desirable location.
Mr.. CLAY expressed his surprise and regret
at the announced TO be pursued by the Sena-
tor from Mass, (Mr Webster, but though almost
alone as he now stood and had all along done in this
matter, he was determined TO the last TO advocate the
support OF the laws, and to protect what in his
view the common property Of the whole nation.
Messrs. NILES and FULTON remarked at
length in favor Of the bill.
Mr.. CALHOUN expressed fully his sentiments
in opposition 10 the whole BILL il in his view
fraught with principles at war with and derogaory
TO the policy and plighted faith of the government
to the citizens of every part of the Union In this
as in many other measures, he had been snguiarly
unfortunaie-on the unpopular and minority side
OF the question. Yet he would not finch, nor tire,
heshoud ever urge due Observance of the Conslitu-
ton and the laws.
MIR. LYON sholld vote for the bill as ne ever
had done heretofore.
The debate was continued till 5 o'clock by MesSrS
Clay, Clay, of Ala, Webster, Davis, Hubbard,
Walker, and White when without taking any ques-
ton, on motion Of Mr.. BENTON,
Tho Gonafa adjourned