Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1838-12-27

/
chauan from Mr.. Epsy, ofPhladelPhia,
stating that hc had discovered the means
of making il rain in tracts ofcountry, and
proposing Ia make the experiment at his
own expense, provided, if he succoed,'hal
Congress would give him premium o'
so much Tor five miles, and al a like ratio,
or any greater extent of surface. The
peti,ioner prolessed still higher powers,
viz. TO raise at his pleasure, the Ohio
river.
MIR. buchanan admitted that all these
things were strange, passing strange -
and though he did not profess to have full
faith in the powers Of the petitioner, yet
there were more things in philosophy
than were usually dreamed of. This he
would say, lhat he was personally ac-
quaifted with the gentleman and that he
was not only very respectable, but highly
intelligent and besides the petition was
signed by some of the most scientific and
literary gcntlemen in Philadelphia, who
state that his views are founded on strict
philosophical principles, and that it was
highly probable that he would succeed.
Mr.. Benton moved tina, the petitioner
have leave 10 Withdraw his papers.
Mr.. Niles also opposed the motion,
mostly with indistlnciness to the Rcpor-
ter. He desired that no further pro
gress mi Iht he made in this business, for
he who could create could destroy and
ifa human being could bring us rain, he
might also destroy us with drought. lie
hought that it this memorial should go
to any Committee, it ought TO be to the
Committee on Finance, for he consider
ed it MS part and parcel Of the paper sys-
TEN ; which he argued philosophically
10 prove.
Mr.. Buchanan said he hoped, if the
petition could not be referred, that il
would he laid OH the table which was
acquiesced in.
HOUSE OFREPRESENTA 7YVES.
/ Proposed Intercourse wiM Hayh.
Tho unfinished business yesterday.
was the petition presented by Mr.. Reed,
of Mass. praying that commercial and
diplomatic relations might be established
with the Republic of iIayti.
The pending question being on the
objection Of Mr.. Wise, "ShaIl the peti.
,ion BE- received I"
Mr.. GrenncIl addressed tho House ai
length in favor OF the reception Of the
petition, and Of lis reference 10 the Com
miltec on Foreign Affirs. ..
Mr.. Wise moved that the question On
The reception of the petition be laid on
The table.
Mr.. Gushing inquired Of the Chair
whether the effect Of the motion of the
gentleman from Virginia Mr.. Wise)
would not be to refuse to receive the
petition :!
The Chair said that if the motion to
lay the question Of reception on the table
was agreed 10, the petition itself would
remain in the hands Of the gentleman
who presented il, and that the que. ton
of reception would be subject to be called
up at any time hereafter at the plousulc
| If the House.
/ So the House decided that the motion
should be received.
h Mr.. Stewart, of Virginia, moved to lay
il on the table.
The yeas aud nays were ordered, and
were, yeas "a, nays lO3.
So the House refused to lay the me-
mortal on the table.
Mr.. Legare asked for the reading oI
the petition.
1t was read accordingly, and then was
referred 10 the Committee on Foreig
Affairs.
UNITED STATES BANK.
| In SENATE, "Wednesday, Dec. 49, to da,
/ MIR. Rives offered resolution calling upol
the Secretary of the Treasury for very mi
mute and precise information in regard to tn
transactions connected with the purchase &
| the u. s. Bank Bonds by the U. 5. Banl
aud the employ mant of the U. :. Bank as a
agent or depository of the Govcrnment.-
| The resolution lies over till Tomorrow
/ There is no doubt of It's adoption, and W
shall then sec how much truth there is in tn
suggestion that Mr.. Bddle is in the employ
ment Of Mr.. Woodbury..
II STEAM FRIGATEs.
| Mr.. Buchanan offered resolution for al
inquiry into the cxpedicncy Of providing fo
the construction Of one or more steam reSSei.
of igar, for the naval service, which wns n
greed 10. The introduction of steam will
in the event Of another war, produce com
plete revolution in naval warfare, and cspccl-
ally IN sea coast and harbor defence.
IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT.
Mr.. Tallmadge asked leave to introduce {
Bill to abolish Imprisonment for Debt in Ger
tam cases.
Most Of the time of the Senate, to-day
was taken Up in the consideration OF private
Bills.
In the House., Of Representatives, to-day
Mr.. Adams, from the Committee 10 whlcl
was referred the subject Of dueing, reported
Bill to punish the sending or receiving
challengc in the District Of Columbia, whicl
was ordered to n second reading.
II NORTHERN FRONTIER.
Mr.. Cambrelcng reported bill making mp
| preparations for the protection OF the North
crn frontier; also, bill making appropriation
for the payment of revolutionary pensioners
also, several private bills.
II RECOGNITION OF HAYTi.
H The House resumed the consideration O
the petition presented by Mr.. Satonstall, al
objected to by Mr.. Legarc, for the rocogn
ton Of Hayti.
Mr.. Harrison moved the previous question
and the petition was received by the House
| without a division.
II I'm tnotinn az NJ S,ttonctoll tho petitio