The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-05-17
CONGRESS-.

In the House Of Representatives, on Satur-
day, a resolution, submitted by Mr. Graham,
was adopted, directing the Committee on Naval
Affairs, to inquire into the expedency of report
ing bill providing that all appointments of Of
fcers and midshipmen shall be made in con-
formity with the ratio of Representatives from
each State, Territory, and the District of Co
umbia, so that all of the States and parts Of
the Union shall enjoy equal rights and equal
advantages in proportion to their Federal popu
lation.
| In the course of some conversation to which
the resolution gave rise, it was stated that the
reason why some States had apparently been
4 neglected was owing to the fact that some Of
them had not made applications. Therefore,
no censure could with propriety be thrown upon
the Secretary Of the Navy.
On the motion of Mr.. Henry Dodge, it was re-
solved that the Secretary of the Treasury inform
| the House in what manner the Gov. of Wiscon-
sin, ]. D. Do'y, had accounted for the expendi-
ture, BY him, of the $4,000 appropriated by
Congress for the erection of public buildings in
that Territory
The House took up the amendments to the
Appropriation bill, which had been insisted on
by the Senate; and after receding from some of
their own, and insisting upon others, a COM
mittee of conference was appointed, consisting
of Messrs. Fillmore, Adams, and Cave John
son-to meet similar committee which might
be appointed on the part of the Senate.
A large number of private bills were read
fret 81,
ferred. Among them was one for the relief Of
the Howard Institution of the city of Wash
ington, and another incorporating The Washing
ton Manual Labor School and Male Orphan
Asylum of the District of Columbia The
House then adjourned.
In the Senate, Mr.. Evans presented the me-
mortal of citizens of St. Johns county, Florida
covering the presenlment of grand jury, re-
presenting that the condition of the sea-wall at
ST. Augustine was such as to occasion stagnant
water, which was highly injurious to the health
of the inhabitants of that city They, therefore,
recommend an appropriation of money by
Congress to remedy the evil of which they
complain.
Mr.. Evans moved that the memorial be refer
red to the Committee on Commerce.
Mr.. Huntington said that, as it involved a
judicial question, it should be referred TO the
Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr.. Linn (smiling) observed that ii was
medical question.
Mr.. Berrien remarked that if proposition
should be brought before them for the erection
of a sea-wa, 1t would of course be referred to
the Committee on Commerce and, as the sea-
wall at ST. Augustine had been commenced,
and some action was now necessary with refer
ence to it, the memorial ought to take the same
direction
Mr.. Huntington dissented from the views Of
the Senator, for, on the same principle, if any,
the public lands were covered with water in
consequence Of defect in sea-wall, the COM
plant would have to go the Committee on the
Public Lands.
Mr.. Sewer said that the Grand Jury co n
planned of nuisance, and therefore he thought
that the memorial would be referred 10 the Com
mlttee on the Judiciary, in order that they might
bring in bill for the infection of fines and pc
nalties
MI. SlaytOD TeuldIhcu side .Ho ia hio'ia
asked for further appropriation to complete
the sea wall, and hence it ought to be referred
| to the Committee on Commerce.
The question was taken on the motion Of
| MIR. Evans, and it was agreed to. ~
Mr.. Benton gave notice that he would, on
Monday next, ask leave to introduce a bill pro-
viding for an armed occupation of Florida.