Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-12-26
CONGRESS-.

TOT Information in regard to the debt Of Texas,
&c. coming up, Mr. Isppan asked why the in
qui!y should be made; we could annex Texas
without assuming her debt He did not lock,
che said,) 1.-The payment of the debt as neces-
sary consequence. Mr.. Phelps replied that no
such consequence would certainly ensue from any
action on his part; but many gentlemen enter
tanned the view that the debt would he assumed
II we annexed the coun,ry.-It was necessary,
therefore, he thought, that the amount should he
known. The resolution was adopted wthou, far
Their debate. Mr. Johnson's resolution on the
subject Of amending our present Naturalization
laws gave rise to an interesting discussion. Mr..
Johnson opened the debate by setting forth that
great frauds had been committed during the re-
cent elections, and urging the necessity of guard.
ing the purity of the elective franchise. He
wished not to deprive any naturalized citizen of
single right he now en)oyed-he was willing to
give every protection necessary to the property of
the foreign resident-bu. he wished to remedy
existing evils by prospective act Of legislation
MIR. Archer expressed himself gratifed at the in
PRODUCTION of the subject. Had it not been BROUGHT
forward he would have done it himself. He was
Tor thorough correction of existing abuses
Mr.. Allen, OF Ohio, said he was not willing that
there should be any alteration of the naturaliza-
ton laws, but he had no objection TO the resou-
ton of enquiry being adopted. Mr.. Rives said
the subject was most momentous one, and he
was In favor oil the most extended inquiry i'm re-
gard to 1t. lie thought re-enactment of The
laws which had been repealed during the admin
istraiions of Jefferson and Monroe would be The
right remedy for the abuses. An extension of
time was not the important thing, but an honest
naturalization. Mr.. Merrick thought also that
there ought not to be any extension of time. He
did not doubt that frauds had been committed,
but he hoped to correct them all by an honest and
efficient observance of the laws. Messrs. Dick
inson and Foster (the Senators from New
York; both expressed themselves opposed to any
amendment Of tho Naturalization laws, but rose
as they said to vindicate their Courts from as
sault The resolution was adopted.
In the House, the bill TO provide for holding
the elections of President and Vice President on
one and the same day in all the States, was or
dered to be engrossed by vote of 1877 to l.
t.. A. Woodward, Of S. Gland then finally
passed. The bill to organize the Territory of
Oregon was read by its title, ordered 10 be print.
ed, and referred TO the committee on Territories.
An attempt was made to suspend the rules for
the purpose of getting in resolution to print 900
copies Of Mr.. Burke's jacobjncal report in favor
of Dorrism, which failed. Three of the Virginia
delegation voted for the Observation-Disclosures,
Chapman and SteenTod.
On Tuesday, in the Senate, Mr. Buchanan pre-
scented memorial from Pennsylvania asking an
amendment of the Naturalization laws He took
occasion to say he was opposed to an extension
OF time, but If there had been such frauds as were
stated yesterday. he was in favor Of making such
amendments as would prevent their recurrence
MIR. Archer also presented memorial on the
same subject.-He regretted to hear the views
by Mr.. Rives and Mr.. Merrick.-He
said he was in favor of a complete revision of the
present laws. The memorials were referred to
he committee on the Judiciary. Mr.. Barrow
submitted a resolution inslructing the committee
IN the Judiciary TO inquire whether naturalization
papers have been granted to foreigners by any
federal or State Court, in violation of the laws
If Congress, and that the committee have power
o send for persons and papers. Also, to inquire
,
District Court of the u. States to annul such pa
'ers when fraudulently Obtained. Mr.. Benton
'fered resolution directing the committee on
'oreign relations to inquire whether any provi- !
ions are necessary to protect the U. States from
peculations in Texas scrip or land in case of an
also that it be instructed to get |
of "the private letter." if possible,
rom London, quoted in Mr.. Upshur's first des-
latch, and supposed by the President to have
een carried away among private papers, &c.
In the House, number Of calls for information
we're made. MIR. c. ]. Ingersoll proposed in the
orm of resolution summary change Of the |
Tariff Of 1912, SO far as it conflicted with exist
NC Treaties. as well such portions of it as
we're deemed Objectionable. Also, that there be
nominal duty imposed on free articles, with
'iew to ascertain their amount. The Speaker de-
ded that law could not be amended bya Joint
Resolution, and suggested that it be made one of
inquiry. Mr.. Ingersoll said he wished the House
o understand that he introduced the subject on
lis own responsibility. "Personal", enquired
'ne. "Certainly," replied Mr.. Ingersoll, "and
my where" Laughter The resolution was
made one of inquiry, and being objected to was
aid over Mr.. Phoenix, Of N. Y, brough, in a
bill to remit duties on Railroad Iron-on which
! debate arose between Messrs. Bidlack, Morris.
.. J. 1ngersoll, and Messrs Holmes, Phoenix
Ind King. Mr.. Ingersol spoke with warmth of
he hostility to the Tariff, and especially in refer
'nce 20 iron. Mr.. Morris said the people of Penn
ylvaDia had been assured that James X. Polk
vas the friend Of protecton-and that if Alaba-
ma, S. Carolina, and other States, went for Re-
'enue Tariff, Pennsylvania did not. Mr.. Holmes
epIIed that pennsvl yania had beon BALLAD Tho