Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1841-03-08
CONGRESS ON TUESDAY.
Correspondence Of the Baltimore Patriot
WAsHIseros, March 2, is4i.
UNITED STATES SENATE.

Mr. BENTON brought in, to-day, from the Com
mittse on Military Affairs, a report ON the ResoIu-
ton which had been referred to that Committee.
asking appropriation for Fertilization Sellers
PoinL-The repor, was not read; but, understand,
nsvery long, careers over tho whole subject OF
National Defence, and concludes with calling on
the coming Administration to state what they are
going to do for the defence of the country. The
appropriation requested is of course refused.
MIR. PRESTON took the occasion to speak on
the important matter OF National Defence, with a
degree OF eloquence and power which has seldom
been surpassed in the Senate.
He hoped the next Administration would direct
its attention, at the earliest day. this subject; and
he held that 1t was equally important also that it
should present a retrospective view ofthe condition
Of things up to the time OF its ascendancy to pow
er. Let there be an exact and circumstantial re-
port of the condition OF the country up TO the 4h of
March; and it would be then found that the next
Administration would begin from nothing to do
Mr.. PRESTON expressed his deep regret a, the
melancholy and dsgracetu state of the country in
this respect. TWAS more destitute OF dciences than
was sSyears ago. So far from having progress
ed, u has refrigerated. Distinguished individuals
IN Congress had often urged the attention Of the
Government TO the matter; and yet now at the end
OF an Administration Of twelve years DURATION
we have only reports and expositions, instead OF
having any thing done.
Me PESTON went into a number of details
showing the deapidation of the orrcsses in differ
ent parts OF the country-where the guns were not
mounted--where there were only few field pieces
and no mon. Ia those places whsre deCences wers
most reaured-from Passamoquaddy TO Key West
there was not position capable OF being defend
ed against British frigate, or preventing a levy
upon the adjacent country. New York is not be.
gun 70 be defended. Ii cannot prevent the insress
Ola single armed steamer. Boston also is defence
less. Philadelphia IN like condition.-Old Point
Comfort not much better; and Charleston Harbor
hardly able to fre salute. He spoke OF these
things, TO deplore, not TO complain.
Out of the harbours of the United States we have
not Five Hundred guns afoai, while Great Britain
mas drawn around US belt of fire, and has occupied
points OF attack, over the whole face of the ocean
ana the land, with which she hold continual in
accommodation by her Steam. vessels of War
This state OF things part ought TO have bees
prevented long ago. Tie administration, which j,
now gong out, rails the b prov de for fen
ces; they might have done so at any time they had
the power, the means, and the majorities in both
Houses TO accomplish ii, but they have failed to do
so. He trusted the next Administration would 20 |
all lengths IN repairing the evil Twelve years had
oeen lost which could never be regained, however.
on ths continent is honor and duty 10 be pre-
dominant, and not IN state to fear aggression but
rather TO threaten aggression.
After Mr. PRESTON finished, Mr. HUBBARD
moved TO lay the whole subject on the table
Mr. BENTON started up, and with passjonate |
voice and GESTURE roared out that he did not intend
10 debate H. lie would not make speeches for the
gaheriesi-out he gave 10 the declarations of Mr.
Preston Tue most peremptory contradiction which
Cries OF "order ~ arose from ali sides
Mr.. PRtS TON Sc, and saiG that the Senator's
emphasis OF allegation would 60 for nothing. He J.
hsd the proofs IN the documents before him.
Mr. BEN TON, On load and angry tone) 81
make no speeches for the galleries-bui will pgovs
my positions at the Extra Session.
"Order! order!" from the Chair and the Sen.
ate. $50 S'
Mr.: PRESTON. "The catch speeches for the
s',ls'ies come from the other side not from thisn
Of
violence OF smartins Loco FocOsm, was brought 10
a close, and The report ordered to be printed.
- The Senate then resumed the consideration of the
General Appropriation Bill.
NEW SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY
Mr.. WALL presented the credentials of MIR
Muller, elected Senator from New jersey for SIX
years IRON the 4th Of March, ls4l
NAVY BILL.
Inc Committee on Naval Affiirs reported with
numerous amendments, the Bill from the House
making appropriations for the Naval Service
=, LIFE BOAT STATION.
Mr.. WALL moved TO amend by apnronris,;,,
$4,000 for a Life Boat Station at Rockawav' and
an9tner at Long Branch, N. Jersey.
The amendment adopted-Ave,
EXPLORING EXPEDITION.
Mr. PRESTON moved to amend bv ,nnror,;,,
ing eo,OOO Tor bringing home the curiosiries and
EXPEDITION, whIchwus agreed 10. 'O''"s
Inc question upon concurring with the Cor,o,;, |
tee oil the Whole on the amendment ofMr wall 70.
lailve to Life Boat Stations, was next taken and
decided IN the negaIive-so it was lost
The Bill was then ordered to a third reading
Ihe Senate proceeded TO the Consideration 9of,b,
INDIAN APPROPRIATION BILL.
"h'ch, aitef some amendments, providing for III.
removal and pacihcltion of the Seminole indi,ns
was read third time and passed.
ARMY APPROPRIATION BILL
Inc Bill making appropriations for the suppor,
oil the Army, which passed the House, was taken
various amendments were suggested, which con.
tn9ed TO occupy the Senate, until the hour At
which this package was closed