The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-12-26

they were represented to be, both in French
and English publications, our country would
be placed la most unfortunate condition
III case Of a war with either of these nations
Mr. b. hoped that. The Committee on Ma
val affairs should satisfy themselves of the u
tility of steam vessels for warlike purposes,
we should not close the session without pro-
iyiding for the construction of one or more
lof them. Even the most skillful officers of
our Navy would require much experience,
he presumed, before they could become we'll
qualified to command and manage a steam
vessel Of war. The French md English
were both, at this very moment, training
their naval officers in this important service
on board ofsuch vessels" Mr.. Benton said
that appropriations had been already twice
made for fitting out steam vessels of war, and
statements nad been received from the War
Department, recommending the kind Of
steam vessels 10 be used in our waters. The
resolution was agreed to. Mr.. Rives sub
mhted a resolution calling OH the Secretary
of the Treasury for very minute and specific
information as to the sale Of the bond of the
Uaited States Bank, the arrangements for
the payment Of the sum made with Mr..
Biddle and all the transactions of the Trea-
sury with Mr.. Biddle's Bank in relation to
the money due on the bond.
In the HOUSE, on Wednesday, Mr.. Ad-
ans, from the select committee on Duelling,
reported bill to prohibit the giving or nc.
cepting (wiihn the District of Columbia) of
challenge to fight duel, and for the pun
ishment thereof; twice read and committed.
Mr.. Cambreleng, from the committee of
ways and means, reported bill making an
appropriation for the protection the North
ern frontier of the United States also bill
making appropriations for the payment of
the Revolutionary and other pensioners of
the United States for the year 1889. A
message was received from the President of
the United States, concerning the late oc-
currences in Pennsylvania, transmitting sew
eral voluminous documents. 1t appears
from these that a cali for an armed force
was made on the President by Governor
Ritner. Some debate took place, in which
Mr.. Naylor, Mr.. Underwood and Mr.. Pot
ter were engaged.- Potter remarked,
that the difficulty was now settled in Penn
sylvania. The message and documents were
ordered to be printed. The House took up
the motion Of Mr.. Cambreleng to refer such
portions of the Presidents message as rela-
ted to the dcfalcn,ions of Mr.. Swar,wout to
a select committee. Mr.. Wise moved that
it be referred to a committee of the whole
House, and addressed the House Mt much
length on the subject. The House adjourn
ed before the question was taken.
In the SENATE, on Thursday, MIR. Rives
called up his resolution requesting informa-
zion of the Secretary of the Treasury, con-
cerning the circumstances of the sale of tine
Bond of the United States Bank, and the
VI H'i 'bS WIN
Biddle's Bank, growing out of that sale.
Mr.. Rives took the occasion to make u
speech, attacking the Independent Treasu-
ry scheme, and the general inanrial policy
Of the Administration. He was replied TO
with some animation by Mr.. Wright. Mr..
Niles commented with much severity on the
zeal and ardor of new converts in any cause.
Mr.. Calhoun, took the floor in vindication
of constitutional treasury, against the sys
tenn of deposite with the banks, and in IA.
vor of a complete divorce Of the banks from
the government. He adduced the late de-
falcations at New York as instances to prove
the expediency and necessity of the Indo-
pendent Treasury Bill.
On Thursday the HoUsE was exclusively
occupied in the receipt of petitions. Mr..
Adams occupied the time of the house near
ly two hours in presenting more than one
hundred Abolition petitions. Petitions were
called from oil the States before adjourn
ment. Additional papers were received
from the President of the United States in
regard to the Harrisburg affair.