Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1841-01-16
CONGRESSIONAL.

Thursday, December 24.-Alier the pIeseuta
ton of various memorials, aud the disposal Of
several bills reported, SIR Benton asked leave TO
Introduce The bill Of which he had gwen previous
notice, to impose q tax on bank notes and other
paper issued as circulation. lie stated as the
object Of the bill: 10 revive the tax on circulation
which EXISTED IA 1913, aud to impose tax on all
bank notes over $50 Of the same amount as
was then imposed, aud on notes below 40 a high.
er rate Of duty-accordlng to the revenue prluci-
pie that requires higher payment foI that which
is most profitable to The possessor, and most III
FURIOUS 10 the country. Tbs would compel men
engaged IN the banking business to contribute
something TO the support OF the burdens OF the
country. Another purpose OF this bill was TO ann
at the suppression Of all notes under $50. lie
would gladly suppress all under 500. But The
country was not yet nps Tor such measure
perhaps not iol suppressng notes under 500
lie would put a heavy tax on small notes, and he
would steadily and regularly increase the tax, un.
I'll it should reach twelve per cent
Mr.. Benton then anticipated and rebutted such
objections as might be raised against the bill on
the ground OF beng unconstitutional Mr.. Hun
nndon objected to the propnely Of originating a
bill of revenue ia the Senate. This objection led
10 an animated discussion. At length a motion.
was made by Mr.. Pierce 10 lay the motion to re-
ce,ve on The table, and long debate arose, Oh
ly on points of order; IN which MessTs. Hubbard
Huntington, Webster, Calhoun, King, Pierce and
Preston took part Mr.. Plerces motion was f.
nay decided in the negaIlve-yeas IL, nays 81
Mr.. Benton then said has object was attained. and
re would Withdraw his motion for leave 70 intro.
duce tho bill, On this point another discussion a
rose which lasted for considerable tune, Mes.
srs. Hunllndon, Calhoun, Webster, and Preston
conlesung the right Of the Senator 10 Withdraw
bis motion, aud Messrs. Hubbard, Pierce, Sewer
and others maintaining it. The Vice President
decided that MIR. Benton had right to withdraw
his motion. Mr.. Preston appealed from the de.
| cisIon OF The Char. THIS led 10 further discus
sion, which lasted till late hour. AT length Mr.
Benton waved his right, and asked leave TO with
draw his motion, which was granted, and the
Senate adjourned to Monday.
| In The House Of Representatives the Speaker
presented several Executive communications,
| Some petitions were received and referred, altv
which the speaker announced that the first bust
ness IN order was the memorial from The Legs
laluie Of Illinois, presented the day before b,
Mr.. Reynolds, demonstrating against the mode
of dlsposIng and price Of the public lands ly
ing within he Stale recently admitted IN the I'm
lou, which he moved should be referred 10 til,
Committee on the Public lands, with the follow
ing instructions:
"To report bill to grant prospective pre-emp
| tons to settlers on the public lands, and 10 re
duce the price to settlers according TO the value Q
said lands"
MIR. Reynolds spoke at considerable length II
favor Of his motion and was followed by Mr.
Pickens and MIR. w. Cost johnson who boil
dIsapproved ofm,roducing the subject at present
Mr.. Hubbard took the floor and proceeded II
reply TO Mr.. W. &. johnson: but had moi procee
d far when he expressed u wish lor an adjourn
ment, which was acceded to, and the House al
lourned TO Monday.