Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-12-22
Esecafy-seressh Congress.

WAsurNGToN, Dec. Ia, 1912.

ed by the usual morning business.
! Mr.. Graham introduced a Bill 10 pro-
vide indemnity for the loss oil Slaves on
board the Comet and Emporium, at Mas
sau, n. P.
Mr.. Linn introduced a Bill TO ind,mn
Ify MAior General Andrew Jackson for
damages sustained IN discharge of bis Of
fetal duty. The Bill was no; referred,
but, or motion of Mr.. Linn, made the spe-
clal order for this day week.
Mr.. Benton's Resolution calling uoon
the President Of the United States for in.
formation in relation to the squadron de-
signed for the African Coast, was taken
from the table, aud with Sigh, mod
Ificat:on adopted.
BANKRUPT BILL.
Mr.. Benton's Bill 20 repeal the Bank.
rupt Law coming up, Mr.. Berrlen moved
the reference to the Committee on the Ju.
dietary, and gave his reasons very brief
ly, which were the importance ofthe SUBJ
iect, with view of inquiring whether
Bin would not be framed which would
meet the public necessities, and be in &C.
cordance with public opinion. The Bill
he thought ought to be referred Tor sever
al reasons. system Of mercantile
| Bankruptcy to a commercial community
was mol inconsistent with the present state
ni public opinion.
Another reason of reference was 10 pro-
tect the Legislature from that instability
which WAS at least fatal to its character.
It was at leas, proper before this measure
was disposed Of that il should be dehber-
arrd upon. He, therefore, moved lis ref
erence 10 the COMMITTEES on the Judicia.
Try.
Mr.. Benton was vehement in bis oppo-
siiinn 10 the motion, and al once launch
ed form into an opposltion 10 the Bill. -
| The law now in force was nothing but
/ the British Insolvent d. bto,s' law. franz
ed TO abolish debts in the United States.
/ Ii was franco upon the principle that
| Bankrupt Law was the same thing as an
| Insolveni Law. The recent decisions of
some Of the Judges Judge Story was
named made il so. The act of is4l was
worse than the law Of 1900, for ihst pro-
tec,ed the insolvent law Of the States
and the Federalists If that day, Mr.. Ben
ton inferred, were more hoDt S, than the
| tederalists of this day.
| Mr.. Benton protested against the refer
ence to the Committee. A reiere0ce
wuull be fatal to the measure itself, and
| the Committee were hostile TO the mca.
sure, which wa, unparliamcntary. Mr..
/ Benton spoke at considerable length a
gainst the Bankrupt Law, and drew a
comparison between the Bankrupt Law
of the United States and Eogland. The
assets under u Bankrupt Law were, Mr..
Benton said, but rs a lump Of butter 10 a
dogs mouth which the dog swallowed at
gulp.
Mr.. Benton said ia conclusion the mo-
ton presented vital principle, and be
called for the yeas and nays, which were
ordered.
Mr.. Tallmadge did not think the ques-
ton involved ID the motion was vital
one. He rather inferred from what he
had seen that the Bankrupt Bill was TO
be repealed, but if It was to be done he
hoped that :he question would be present.
ed and acted upon after the examination
of one of the Committees ofihe body
| No unnecessary delay need take place in
conseq uence.
Mr.. Berrien also denied that the ques.
ton involved was vital. II wos the usu-
al courtesy Of The Senate to refer such
Bills, and there was question beyond
repeal which the Committee might con.
slider. This was the framing Of q law APP
piled TO commercial men.
Mr.. Benton said he would withdraw
the call for the yeas and nays if any one
should feel himself embarrassed by vote.
Mr.. Crttenden said he should vote for
reference and repeal in some form, though
not in the form presented by The Senator
from Mo.
Mr.. Merrick said he was about to make
the same request. He would like TO graf
ify the Senator from Georgia by refer
ence, and at the same time he should vote
for the repeal of the law, and perhaps 10
the very form in which the Bill had been
introduced.
Mr.. Benton then withdrew the call fol-
the yeas and nays, and the Bill was re-
lerred by vote of IL to IL.
After the reference Of several docu.
ments from the President, the Senate went
into Executive session, aud soon after adj
journed.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr.. Fillmore, from tho committee O
Ways and Means, reported bill making
appropriation for the Civil and Diplomat
ic expenses OF the Government for tht
half calendar year, ending the 3Olh June
1s43.
The bill was read twice and referred
to the committee OF the whole.
ELECTION OF CHAPLAIN.
On motion Of Mr.. Briggs the Hous'
proceeded TO the election ola Chaplain o
Of the House.
Mr.. Tiffany having the necessary mum
, Der of votes, was duly elected Chaplain.
A message was laid before the Hous