The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-05-14
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS.


Mr.. CAVE JOHNSON moved that the Dis
trict business be postponed until the resolution
fixing the day of adjournment was disposed of.
A call of the House was ordered, and 1875
members answered the absentees were called,
and 1875 members appeared to be present, where
upon further proceedings in the call were dis
pensed with.
The yeas and nays were then called on the
motion Of Mr.. JOHNSON for taking up the SEN
ate resolution, and stood ayes 1877, noes 60.
The joint resolution fixing the time of adjourn
ment was thus before the House.
The SPEAKER assigned the floor to Mr.
CAVE JOHNSON, who was about to address
the House; when
Mr. C. j. INGERSOLL begged leave to ask
hi,a question, to wit: whether he intended to
make speech, and then move the previous ques-
ton, (Laughter.)
Mr.. JOHNSON seemed somewhat confused at
this direct thrust and hesitated to reply for mo-
ment or two. Meanwhile Mr.. PARMENTER
asked the Chair another question, viz whether,
the resolution being adopted, the House would
not be obliged to sit here year, inasmuch as the
resolution fixes 9th of May nsrts Laughter
again.
Without making any speech, Mr.. J. moved to
strike out the word next in the Senate reso-
luton, and moved the previous question.
Mr.. Ingersoll's question was pronounced I" a
fair inquiry" and cries were heard of "answer
that case" &c.
The SPEAKER called to order.
After scene of confusion, the vote was taken
by tellers, and the House refused to second the
previous question by 81 to 66.
Mr.. HOUSTON, of Ala, then moved to amend
the Senate resolution by substituting the 18th of
June for the 9th of this month, and moved the
previous question
Mr. G.. J. INGERSOLL who had been trying
hard to get the floor, moved to lay the resolution
on the table.
This motion was rejected by l70 to %.
Several gentlemen asked that the previous
question might be withdrawn, but the request
was not needed
The previous question was seconded, and the
vote taken on the amendment fixing the 18th OF
June for the adjournment, was passed by yeas
la, nays S8.
The resolution, as amended, was returned to
the Senate.
DISTRICT BUSINESS.
The House then resumed in Committee of the
Whole, the business of the District of Columbia.
The bin regulating arrests on mesne process
was taken up, and the question of abolishing i'm
prisonment for debt was further argued.
Several amendments were submitted and re-
jected.
Mr.. GIDDINGS at length offered onegbich
brought the committee to stand. The amend
ment was, to repeal all laws authorizing the i'm
prisonment Of fugitive slaves, excepting the act
Of 1893. which is declared TO e in force.
On this amendment Mr. Giddings insisted upon
a vote, but there was quorum present, and the
committee were compelled to rise and report the
fact.
The SPEAKER having taken the Chair, call
of the House was moved and partially made
The House having gone into committee again,
the amendment was rejected, and the bill was
laid aside to be reported.
The next business moved by Mr.. CAMPBELL
was the consideration of the charter for this city.
Mr. Chiffon, after explaining that the ctl-
zens Of Washington had, by delegates in conven-
lion, Unanimously agreed to adopt certain form,
which he held in his hand, moved the substitution
of this form for that before the committee.
Zone would suppose that no democrat