Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1839-03-06
TWENTY-FIrTH CONGRESS.

IN SENATE

1
PRrnAy, FnnRuARy 22.--On natiou
Of Mr.. Davis, the Secretary Of the Trea
sury was directed TO report to the Senate
such Information as he may possess as t'
the following particulars:
|. The amount OF coin made at tho
Mint, and The amount at each of is bran
ches, for one year preceding the first day
OF February last.
,. The amount Of bullion deposited at
or obtained for, each establishment for the
same time.
3. The expense incurred IN carrying
on and in sustaining each establishment
during the same time.
The bill for the protection oicitlzens oil
the United States residing in Oregon and
trading on the Columbia river aud its tr-
butaries was taken up, and, after being
explained by Mr.. Linn at some length, and
some further discussion between Messrs.
Sewer Niles, and Wright, it was passed
over informally.
" hen the Senate adjourned.
SATURDAY, FEeRAuRy 23.--The Sen
ate proceeded to consider the bill 10 estab.
lish Board Of Claims to hear and exam
inc claims against the Unitcd States.
Mr.. Benton moved to lay tho bill on
the table. Negntlved by Yeas 10, Nays
ri.
On motion Of MIR. Hubbard, the nun
Der Of commiss oners was reduced from
three to two, by Ayes 10, Noes l3.
MIR. Sewer moved to reduce the number
of commissioners from two to one. Neg
etivei by Ayes IL, Noes 20.
Ga motion of Mr.. Bayard, the commits
sionefs were authorized by the bill 70 pun
sh cont,mpts: Ayes IL, Noes not coun.
ted.
Mr.. Sewer moved that the salary Of
the commissioners be reduced from So, 900
10 Sl,500. Negalved without divl.
sion.
MIR. Swlll moved TO reduce il to
$4,000. Neganved by Ayes Is, Noes
II.
Mr.. Smith, Of Indiana, moved 10 reduce
it to $1,000. Nega,ived by Yeas IL,
Nays II, tthe yeas and nays having been
ordered.)
On motion of MIR. Wall, the bill was
amended SO MS TO require the commission-
ers to report to Congress only on those
claims which they might allow, insteadIoi
all The claims brought before them.
Ga motion OF Mr.. Norvell, the term
during which the bill was TO continue
10 force was reduced from four to two
years.
On motion of Mr.. Bayard, members Of
Congress aud all officers under the Co
vernment were prohibited by the bill from
acting as agents in the case Of any claim
against the United States.
On motion of Mr.. Sewer, the commits
sioners were required by the bill 10 con-
tlnue their sessions as long as there should
be any business before them.
Mr. Calhoun suggested the proprieiy OF
printing the amendments, as the bill, even
as an experiment, was very important
one, and he argued against the bill, and
in favor OF improving and pcriecling the
present system.
After few remarks by Mr.. Prentiss
and Mr.. Smith, OF Conn, M favor Of the
bill,
The amendments were concurred IN,
and the bill, as amended, was ordered TO.
be engrossed for third reading.
The Vice President, IN accordance with
usage, took his leave of tue Senate for the
remainder Of the session, thanking the
Senators individually aud collectively, for
The courtesy and kindness which they had
ever extended towards him IN the dis
charge Of the duties Of the Chair, and
wishing them safe return to their homes.
The Senate then adjourned.