The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-04-19
Correspondence ofthe New York Express.


The House of Representatives to-day. in
Committee of the Whole, On the state of The
Union, acted upon the Bill from the Senate
uppropriating quarter Off million of dollars
for the building of new war steamer for har-
Dor defence, the vessel 10 be bomb and shell
proof, and the builder to be Robert l.. Ste
vers, There was no effective opposition TO
the Bill, and as soon as brought TO the atten-
ton Of the Committee, il was carried TO almost
sub silentio,--a fact which proves 10 you that
Congress is no; quite indifferent TO the expo
sed condition of the country.
The Civil and Diplomatic Bill was next
considered in Committee of the Whole. The
pending amendment at the adjournment last
evening, was in referance 10 Florida. All
wen. On smoothly enough for an hour or two.
when at halfpast 2 o'clock, the House found
itself lyithout q quorum. The occurrence,
though common one, and disgracefu as 1t Is
frequent. seemed 10 create moro than an ordl-
nary degree of feeling in the House. The
Committee rose the Chairman vacated his
seat. and the Speaker resumed the Chair. A
call of the House was then ordered, and per.
severed in most vigilantly almost TO tho end
of the session. The Tine consumed was well
spent, there rot having been 4 thorough call Of
she house before for the session, and the ma.
jori,y of tie members having become shame
fully negligent and Indifferent in the discharge
oflheir public duties. A sniriied debate went
ON while the house were sitting with closed
doors,--Mr. Adams. among other members,
taking part in it, and speaking of the griov-
nncc,-1 the want of Il quorum at half past 2
O'Clock as one of the great causes not only
for the contempt in which Congress was held
but as one ollie most just grounds of com.
plant.
About thirty of the members who were with
out the Hall were brought in conspicuously
conducted by the Sergeant alarms. All eyes
were upon them. an6 the modification of ex-
posure was followed by The imposition ola fine
Of some two dollars. 1t was half past five be-.
fore this play was over. The lesson of the
House viii BE- a good one and will las. some
month or two at least. A day has been lost
hnt month may be gained. Members of
Congress will learn that although a dinner is
very good, public business is more important.
The Senate were two hours and half en-.
gagged IN the discussion ofthe Loan Bill. Dir.
Wright finished his Speech the beginning,
middle, and ending Of which was the Dis,ribu-
ton Bill. Mr.. Walker made the Argument of
the Senator peg upon whichto hang an n.
mendmcrt 10 procure the repeal. y brief
speech followed to which mr.. Smith Of lndi.
ana: as Chairman of the Committee on Public
Lands made briefer reply. Mr. Allen re-
joined when Mr.. Buchanan procured delay Of
another day in order TO get hearing. The
majority, always courteous, grati6ed him from
feelings Of courtesy merely, md thus to crafty
one man il the indulgence of little vanity and
parade,-for nothing new or important can be
said on the subjeci,-the country have to suffer.
II Mr.. Buchanan is SO far lost TO sense Of all
proprety, when such measure IS this is
Ender consideration, the Senate should teach
him that although courtesy is always TO be
appreciated and observed, the first prinaipe of
il is truth and justice. These are not the
times lie make long party speeches, or long
sDeeches of any character whatever The SEN
ale closed lis session in Executive business.