Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1840-02-20
U. =. G. 0ngreHS.

The Senate did not sit on Saturday
Feb. 9th.
In the House, there was debate ol
no interest on a proposition to instruc
the Committee Of Ways and Means Ia
bring in a bill for continuing the Cum
berland road.
In the SENATE, on Monday, Feb. 10,
many petitions were presented and re-
lerred; among the number we notice one
from Pennsylvania, praying that no new
State may be admitted into the Union
whose Constitution tolerates Slavery lone
for the erection of Lig ht Houses on the
Mail routes between New Orleans and
Mobile; and one from Pcnnsy lvania, ask
ing Congress to impose a moderate duty
on silk.
An important report in relation 10 The
Oregon Territory was presented from the
select committee on that subject; which
was laid on the table and $500 extra
copies were ordered to be printed.
The Report and Resolutions Of Messrs.
Grundy, Benton & Co. relative 10 the
State debts was taken up, and Mr.. Crit
teBden moved TO substitute two resolu-
tons, declaring, in substance, that the
States which have incurred debts have,
in doing so, acted under their own prop
er and constitutional rights; and that
there is no reason or room to suppose a
want Of disposition or ability on the part
Of those States TO meet and discharge
faithfully oil their engagements, and fur
Their, that it would be expedient and
proper To- distribute the proceeds Of the
Public Lands among the several States
pro rata.
Mr. Critcnden defended the substitutes
in some remarks in which he urged the
Justice and oxpediency Of a distribution,
and also, IA eagerly desired by large
majority oi tho people Of the Union. Mr..
Clay of Ky. also offered few remarks
in support Of the resolutions submitted by
Mr.. Crittendcn; not (he said because they
proposed the assumption by National Gov
crnment Of State debts; but because they
provided FOR THE PAYMENT OF AN HONEST
DEBT TO TIE STATES, and he protested
against such monstrous pcrversion OF
the letter and spirit Of tho resolutions as
had been made in holding them up ~
presenting the policy OF assumption.
The subject was passed over informally
and after an Executive session, the Se-
nate adjourned.
In the House., Mr.. Lowell Of Me. Of.
iered resolution calling upon he Pres.
dent OF the u. S. for information in rela-
ton to the seizure Of vessels eng aged in
the Whale Fishery on the Moth East.
ern coast. Mr. Gushing of Mass. Offered
a resolution calling for information IN re-.
lation to the posse ssion OF the North West
ern Territory.
A large number Of petitions and rcso-
lutions were offered aud appropriately
disposed oI.
Mr. Bell introduced his bill, which has
been before the House Tor three sessions
past, IN relation To the Freedom of Elec-
tions, designed 10 check and punish the
improper Interference OF Executive Off
GERS IN Elections.
In SENATE, on Tue sday. Feb. u, q
report was submitted from the Secretary
Of War, showing the expenditure at the
National ArInories, since the year 1899
which was laid on the table aud ordered
10 be- printed. A memorial from the
Friends in Philadelphia, New Jc,sry aud
Delaware. and fourteen memorials from
citizens oi .he city and county oi phlla.
dtiphia, demonstrating against lbc tnl.