The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-06-01
Washington.
Correspondence of the Herald
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Correspondence Of the Herald1
WASHINGTON, Monday-3P. M.
Proceedings In Congress-Secretary of the
Navy-nIr. southard-Attempted Assassi-
nation.
Mr. Benton stated in the Senate this morning.
that he intended to ask leave to introduce bill to
repeal the bankrupt law. He was convinced that
this law was not bankrupt law, in the meaning and
intent of the constitution, and therefore null and
void. He said he had been informed tina, the ques-
ton of the consitutionality of the law would be
carried to the Supreme Court, and if, as he belev-
ed this tribunal should decide against the law all
proceedings under it would be reversed and thrown
into confusion. 1t was on the presentation of me-
mortal praying for repeal of the law, that Mr.
Benton took occasion to make these remarks
The remainder of the morning business was of NO
public interest. A half hour was consumed in
discussion respecting the reference of private
claim, and at one O'Clock the apportionment bill
came up upon which the Senate is still engaged.
Mr.. Gwinn offered resolution this morning that
the House should, from and after the 9Th of June.
meet at ten O'clock, and take recess from one tc
three, tor the remainder of the session. Objection
was made, and Mr.. Gwinn moved TO suspend the
rules but the motion was rejected.
Mr. Fillmore moved resolution TO take the Ar
my Appropriation Bill out Of Committee tomorrow
afternoon at five O'Clock On motion of Mr. An
drews of Kentucky, the resolution was laid on the
table by vote OF 100 to 20,
Mr.. Merriwether offered resolution calling up
on the Secretary of the Navy for information, &c,
respecting his orders 10 the different Navy Yards to
discharge workmcn and arrest the launching of YES
sels Objection was made, but the rules were sus-
pended, and the. resolution adopted. The Army
Appropriation Bill was taken up few minutes after
twelve O'Clock, and will occupy the House for the
remainder of the day.
The prompt steps taken by MIR. Upshur to curtail
expenses OF the several navy yards, rendered neces
hut t,n @t
have excited great deal Of indignation in the
House. The ultras are determined to cut down the
navy and yet compel the administration to bear the
oa,u h *, refuse the
then abuse the Secretary for arresting the
movements OF vessels about to be launched. But
the people will understand this thing, and place
the responsibility where 1t belongs. II was the
dictate of wisdom and economy to keep every
vessel newly set up, the stocks. II Con-
gress withhold the suppies the Secretary must hus
minish the force noa stop the increase at home.
The former could not be done without much useless
expense, and when the wishes of the people SO
plainly expressed that Congress cannot disregard
them, the vessels ordered home under this parox-
ysm of economy must be sent to again at a fur
Their expenge equally useless, Retrenchment at home
is the most feasible and economical There must
but il is not the practice Of this administration to
incur debts without the authority of law and the
honest workIpen who have been thrown out of en-
ploy summafily, will hold their representatives re-
sponsible
The object Of the resolution calling upon the Sc
crctary for the correspondence respecting this mat
ter is TO find occasion TO abuse him, but the gen.
tlemen will all be disappointed. There was no I'M
due haste petuance on the part Of the Secretary
lie acted precisely his sense Of duty Dictated
The House Of Representatives had declared that the
novel establishment of the country must be cut
down. Mr.. Upshur knowing that the vessels at the
several yards, about to be launched, could be better
and more economically preserved on the stocks i'm
medately despatched messengers TO stay the launch,
and now the House are about to quarrel with him for
it. We shall see who gets the better of it.
Mr.. Southar is still at Fredericksburgh in very
feeble condition. His resignation as President OF
the Senate will take place tomorrow, if he is able
TO sign the letter. He ought TO have resignad be-
fore he left town. Some Inconvenience has already
been experienced from the absence Of presiding
officer authorized to authenticate such laws have
been passed by the two houses. An election OF a
President 1yofem. will probably take place to-mor-
row. 1t is difficult 10 say upon whom the choice
will fall Col King is the best fitted for the station
OF all the members. He has always been a Demo-
crat, and the wings have large majority in the Sc
nate, but there have recently been strange al
liances and combinations in the BODY and il would
be more gratifying than surprising if he should be
chosen. II the ancient discipline OF the whig party
is revived, Mr. Bayard may be the man.
There was an attempt al assassination in this city
last night uuder circumstances OF great atrocity.-
Mr.. Pettrich. sculptor of considerable reputation,
and man of inohensive demeanor, was assaulted
in his studio between eight and nine O'Clock and
stabbed In the breast and side in three places
with sword cane. The ruifians had entered the
room during his absence, and as he went IN one
of them seized his arms from behind, while me
other inflicted the slabs Both the men had tneir
faces and hands blackcned, but in thc,scufie poor
Pettrich tore of the shirt bosom from one Of ihen
and saw white skin beneath. Pettrch remsms ~
very precarious state. No traces OF the villains
had been discovered, nor will there Do. un'e~ o0n'