The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-12-27
Congressional Proceedings.


Ia senate TO day, petitions presented by
rious Senators.
Leave was asked and obtained for the introduction
of several bills, among which were the following; BY
Mr. Bates for the settlement of the Revolutionary
claims of Massachusetts; by MIR Graham for the salts
faction of claims for indemnes for loss of slaves
board the Comet and Encomium: by Mr. Linn to
fund the fine 10 Gen jacksoa.
The resolution OF Nr Benton inquiring OF the Pres
dcnt the estimated value of vessels required for the
African squadron under the late British treaty, the
cost of repairs number of men, the whole number
of cnnnons it is expected to have aoat in the United
States Navy for Is4S, &c.,was adopted.
The hill of Mr. Benton for the repeal Of the Bank
rupt Act, with the proposed amendment of Mr. Ora
ham providing that it shall not affect applications
made before the 5th inst coming up,
Mr. Rerrien moved its reference the Committee
on the Judiciary lie said that public opinion which
WIS now considered in favor of the repeal of the bill,
was, in his estimation, opposed only to- the provision
for voluntary bankruptcy He opposed such an ex-
ample Of instability legislation would be present
ed by the preciptate repeal Of the BILL but thought
that after deiberaton might be modified so
rs to retain the provision for involuntary bankruptcy
and in that form be coasonant with the public Ish
Mr. Crittepden believed a temporary Bankrupt Law
better adapted the condition of the country than
permanent one He had been in favor of the law,
and believed that it had done much good but in ODE
diencc to what ne deemed the public sentiment, he
was inclined think he should feel constrained to
vote for the repeal unless modified render
unobectionabe.-
The question was then taken and the hill re-
ferreA TO Committee on the Judiciary.
In the House Mr. Fillmore leave, reported from
the Committee Of Ways and Means bill making ap
preparations for the civil and diplomatic expenses OF
Government for the half calendar year ending seth
june IS43 Will CHI was twice read, referred to the
Committee of the whole on the Union, and ordered
printed.
On motion of Mr. Briggs the house proceeded to
the election of Chaplain. On the second ballot Rev.
Mr. Tiffany, of the Episcopal church, having re-
ceved ll9 out OF Is9 votes cast, declared duly
elected
A Message was received from the President Of the
United Statcs per John Tyler, Jr, Esq, his private
Secretary stating that the last Session two bills or
rinating in the House were presented to him and not
approved or returned with jections, the bill to
repeal the 20 per cent clause Of the distribution Act,
I~@tN"-S''J
contested Elections.
His reason of 'pockcting' these bills was the late
ness o the period of their presentation, rendering
impossible for him to give them sufficient exarninn
tim His opinions on the former were well known,
as EXPRESSED in his previous communications TO Con-
uress: as to the latter (relatve the contested cleo
ons as the bill might aguin be brought forward de
mono. he RETAINED from any expression ofopnIon on
the subject except to refer them to his views oil the
mower of each House deci lie on the quaticafions
gifts own members, as given in document deposit
cd bv him at the State Department at the late ses-
sion, accompanying his approval of the ApPortIou-
ment Act sc.
The Message on motion of Mr.. Fillmore was
laid ON the table, without debate, and ordered PRINT
ed. -. IS
A resolution of Mr. Briggs to amend a JOINT rule OF
the HOUSE to prohibit the sale of Intoxicating (nseao
oC espirituous' as before provided. liquors IN ihe
capital OF the adjacent grounds, amended on motioh
of Mr. Aycrigg to provide for the Immediate renoVai
or the n staprateurs from the capitol, was auePteu
without division, (the rules having been susponoed
for it, reception by Yeas l25; Maya 81