Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1840-02-14

CONGRESS. In the Senate. on Tuesday.
the following resolution. submitted by Mr.
Webster. was taken up and agreed to -
Resolred. That the committee on CON-
merce be instructed 10 inquire whether the
laws respecting vessels propelled by steam
do not require amendment. and whether il
be not expedient, among other provisions, 10
make the following. viz
lst. That the owners or masters of all
steamboats, or vessels propelled in whole or
in pait by steam, employed in transportation
Of passengers. or OF goods, wares. or mer-
chandse. or OF both for hire, shall be deem
ed 10 all intenls and purposes common car
riers thereof, and shall be liable to all the
duties and responsibilities imposed on such
carriers by the common law. And every
restriction, limitation, or qualification. OF any
such duties and responsibilities. by any spec
ial notice or contract, or other proceeding on
the part of such carriers. shall be deemed Ut
terly void and ofno validity. or force, or ef-
feet whatever
I'd. That whenever any loss. damage or
j injury, shall occur 10 any passenger, or 10
any goods. wares or merchandise on board
of any such steamboat or other vessel pro-
PEELED in whole or in part by steam. from
fire or steam. or collision with any other YES
sell the same shall be deemed full prip,a facie
evidence of negligence sufficient to charge
the proprietors Of such steamboat or other
vessel propelled by steam. and those in their
employment, with the full amount Of such
loss OF damage or injury, until they shall
show. beyond any reasonable doubt, that no
,ha,a 49, L.. :.
part.
Sd. That il any inspectors. appointed IN
der the law TO which this is supplement-
shall carelessly or neg'igently perform the
duties required OF them by law. or shall
make or sign any certificate required by
the same act. knowing the same TO contain
Amy false statement. he and they shall be
deemed guilty Of high misdemeanor, and
shall, on conviction thereof before any Cour
ofthe United States. having competen, juris
dctlon. be punished by fine not exceeding
: $500. g. by Imprisonment not exceeding 81
DAYS, according TO the aggravaion Of the Of
ence, s. shall also be liable in civil action 10 oil
: damage W hich shall be occasioned thereby Il
any person or persons whatever; andthat III,
committee be instructed farther 10 lnqnir,
. and report to the Senate what judicial decs
! ions have been made under the existing
law. and especially whether it has been TIL
effect oiany such decision 10 render the exis
ting law imperative in any part Of the coun
, try.
The resolution Of Mr. Preston. calling OF
the President for the causes OF the remova
Of Gov. Call, Of Florida. was taken up and
after being so amended as 10 strike out a
much as requests the President TO give hi
reasons" was adopted
. After the passage Of some private bills
e the report .he Select Committee was cal
4 led up relative TO
a STATE DEBTS
!. Mr. Phelps OF Vermont, was entitled I
# the hoor--tle said that he should not hav
: sposep upon this question. had not the chail
i man OF the select committee said tina; III
r report Of his committee was in part occa:
e Toned by the resolutions he had presente
:. from the Legislature Of Vermont, askin
b Congress to distribute the public domain
,. as il was public property
c Mr. Phelps said that the resolutions wer
Il passed by the Legislature Of Vermont
/ October last, The object Of the resolution
IS was rather for the purpose Of defeating III
4, project Of an assumption Of State Debt
g. But suppose that the States had propose
THAI Congress should ask Distribute