The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-12
CONGRESS-.

On Thursday, the House went into Commit
tee of the Whole immediately after the reading
of the journal, and took up the General Appro-
pration bill. Mr.. Gentry, who was entitled to
the floor, delivered his views respecting the
amendments proposed in relation to the appro-
prations for contingencies, and advocated the
motion to strike them all out Of the present BILL
He wandered into remarks of party character,
which were pronounced TO be out Of order-and
his speech was arrested. He appealed from the
decision of the Chair, but the decision was sus-
tanned by vote Of 80 to Sc.
Mr. Gushing appealed to the House on the
necessity of the immediate passage OF the ap-
preparation bill He was willing to strike out
theitems of contingencies from the present bill,
provided separate bill should be formed on a
feasible plan. Mr. Everett gave information
that he would move to strike ont half Of the
contingent appropriations, with the proviso that
separate bill should be framed. Amid cries
of question, Mr.. Giddings rose to object to the
contingent appropriation item tor the State De-
partment, unless it were amended in a manner
which he deemed proper. He found in the
paid to printers for publishing advertisements re-
speeding the compensation for slaves. An APP
preparation for such purpose, he maintained to
he unconstitutional. He was called to order,
and after confused debate of much length, In
which many members participated, the Chair
having decided that Mr.. Giddings was in order,
an appeal was taken, and the decision of the
r. nod
remarks for few moments, when Mr. Wise
said that if Mr. Caruthers would move to strike
out the proviso with all the contingent items, he
would withdraw his amendment.
At this moment discussion arose on point
of order as to which member of the three was
entitled to the floor. When it terminated, Mr..
Caruthers moved to strike out the whole fifteenth
clause, with the proviso. His motive, he said,
for this course was, that he wished to have no
items in the appropriation bill except such as are
authorized by law.
Mr. Brown, of Pennsylvania, rose merely to
observe that his friends were not answerable
for the delays in the passage of the BILL He
observed, in addition, that the members OF Con-
gress were agents oft the people, as well MS the
Secretaries at the other end of the avenue. He
thought the inquiry, therefore, should be made,
whether fancy and scientific books, &C., were
not bought for Congress as well as Tor the De-
partments He wished the reform at both ends
of the avenue He was in favor of establish
ing public press.
Mr.. Everett said he would vote against the
amendment of Mr.. Caruthers, because appro-
prations for contingencies would be immediate
ly required. He would therefore vote to strike
out half the sum proposed in the 18th clause
and in all other cases where there should be
doubt of the immediate necessity OF the contln-
gent appropriations. In this manner time would
be given for maturing bill for contingencies
without emb rrassing the Government
After some remarks from Mr.. Mckay, the
question was taken on the amendment of Mr..
Everett to strike out 1926, 900 and insert IL $780,
which was carried by a vote of 69 to sc.
The question required on the amendment as
amended-that is, whether the 18th clause, with
the amendment, should be stricken out. The
motion prevailed by vote of 81 to 81.
The committee then rose and the House ad-
journed.
Mr.. Woodbury. addressed the Senate yester-
day upon the resolutions of Mr.. Clay III relation
to an adjustment of the duties on imports, the
limitation of the expenditures of the Govern
ment, and the observance of rigid economy.