The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-12-28
House Of Representatives.

WASHINGTON, Tuesday night, Dec. g.
Reduction Of Postage-Abolitton Pituioms-Er-
As soon as the journal was read
Mr.. WILKINS offered resolution to the effect
hat an additional humber of iron steam vessels be
built at Pittsburgh, for the purpose of defence in
the Gulf of Mexico, revenue service, &C., and to
aid and protect the commerce Of the western
ters.
SpEAKER-It is not in order without suspension
WILKINs-I move to suspend them then, SIR
This is very important subject, sir, to the coun-
try.
The House, however, refused to suspend the
rules.
Mr.. ADAMS said the committee on commerce
ought to have given a full report upon the subject
Mr.. JAMIEsoN-l call the gentleman to order, SIR
The subject is not debateable.
Mr.. ApAMs-I've done, sir (Laughter)
CAvr JoHNsoN-What is the first business in
der, Mr.. Speaker!
SrEAKER-The resolution of the gentleman from
New York preston King), instructing the commit
post Offices and roads to enquire into the ex-
pedency OF speedy reduction of postage, abolish
ing the ranking privilege, and an adoption Of the
federal currency in the rates of postage.
Mr.. HoPKINs-That committee need no iustruc-
lions, sir; they are giving their whole time and
most patient attention to the matter making the
fullest enquiries into the subject in all its bearings
md will soon report fully upon it.
Mr.. ADAMS asked if the reference of the remain
ing part Of the Presidents Message was not in order
SPEAKER-Not without going into committee of
the whole, sir.
MrKlNa-I don't wish to consume the fine of
this House, sir, there's been too much of that done
,lready. Uaughter) But this subject Of postage
is very important one. II excites imrlense in
terest in the State of New York, andS Need all
over the Union. don't wish to instruc Eie COM
mittee, sir, but want the whole subecfk .Jbeforc
so that we may act upon it as soon ast kipsfe for
it has to be disposed of somehow this ell eon.
Mr. CARRoLL-The resolution prov j, that the
Department should maintain itself. Now, if the
people desire the postage to be reduced Il shall vote
Tor it, whether the Department does or does not
support itself. But | don't want this acted upon
too soon, or before we have full information upon
r. D. DAvIs-I wish to see the House and Com
mlttee act Understandings and promptly upon the
matter
A Voice, I'm an under tone)-"Oh, take your
time, Miss Lucy" Uaughter.)
The resolution was finally not referred TO the Post Office
Committee.
G J IsernsoLLWhat is the regular order of business
before the House now srl
SrEAKER-Petitions from the States and Territories
INGERsoLLl move the House go into Committee Of the
Whole, and take up the only bill there, that relating to
Gen. Jacksons fine Laughler)
The refused suspend the rules Petitions were
then presented from the various States and Territories
Among these was one from Indiana praying reduction
of33 cent postage w or three from Ohio and
raj from Pennsy and New York to the effect
but from no other States
Mr.. GrDprscs--T have petition, sir, that no free
shall hereafter he sold In the District of Columbia and
that slaves shall be brought here for sale.
A MEMBER--Here they come again.
SPEAKER-It comes within the 2lstrule.
GIppiNes-I think not sir; il prays only for general
alteration of the laws ofthc District
SrEAKERWhin the rule, sir, and can't be received "a
BIpLacKT have several petitions sir praying for
duction of postage do not know what disposton to
be made fthem.
A MEmBrR, Gn an under tone)--Put EN- in the fire
put 'em in the fireburn em. Why, where the devil do
all these petitions for reduction ofposage FRONT
Mr.. ADAMS have here petition, sir praying Con.
gress pass laws to abolish slavery the slave trade
srEAKEn-Tt comes within the rule sir
ADAMs-Vcry well, sir; give IL back (Laughter)
have another praying Congress 10 abolish all laws that
affect the right Of petition its reference TO the
Judiciary, sir.
SPEAKER--It's so referred.
ApAM--T have here Sir, containing f,,r nraxa,s