Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-02-01
CONGRESS-.

In the Senate, on Monday the 22nd, Mr. Buch-
anan presented petition from citizens of Phila-
delphia, asking Congress to purchase the U. S.
Banking house, for a Custom-house. They saw il
Will not cost one-third the amount of the New
York Custom-house. Mr.. Merrck reported his
long expected bill OH the subject Of hostages
Letters not exceeding half ounce il is proposed
shall pay cents per 100 miles, and 10 cents for
any greater distance-grea,er weight to nav in
proportion. Newspaper postage is also reduced.
The bill gives unlimited ranking privilege to the
President, Vice President, ex-Presidents and en-
Vice Presidents, and the Heads Of Departments
Members of Congress it is proposed shall receive
limited number of stamps from the Post Office
department. Other Government officers invested
with 1t are required to keep account of its exer-
else by them. The bill was read. and takes its
place upon the calendar. Mr.. Evans, chairman
oil the committee on Finance, addressed the Sem
ate in reply to MIR. M'Duilie, and in support of
the present Tariff. lie spoke till 3 o'clock, when
he gave way for a motion TO go into Executive
session.
In the House, OSmyn Baker, the new member
from Massachusetts, appeared and took his seat
hr. Douglass, from the Committee or Elections,
reported In favor Of the members elected from the
four States, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Mis-
sour and Georgia, by general ticket; retaining
their seats. MIR. Davis, of Ky, gave notice Of a
counter report which would be presented in few
days. Mr.. Gidjings, of Ohio, presented a me-
mortal from 200 citizens Of Hampshire i'm Massa-
chusetts, asking Congress to pass law prohibit
Ing the interference Of any officer of the IT, States
government, In the capture of any person esca-
ping from slavery. The memorial was of course
not received. MIR. Giddings allowed with other
MISUNDERSTANDING them one from n York,
asking Congress that if Texas should be annexed
to tie Union, Canada might be annexed to New
\ ork and the Union--ihe motion to receive which
was laid upon the table. Mr.. Rhett presented
the remonsirance of the Free Trade association of
New York against the present Tarlfl'-and Mr.
ir"in presented memorial from merchants of
new York tesiliying IN behalf of the beneficial
elects OF the Notwithstanding that under its
influence business had revived, and the coun-
try every where was becoming more prosperous
Both We're referred to the committee of WAYS and
means. Numerous petitions were presented du-
ring the day for reducing the rates of postage and
changing the ranking privilege. There seems to
be general movement all over the country on
this subject.
On Tuesday, ia the Senate, Mr.. White. of In
diana' presented the resolutions of the Legisla-
lure OF that State, insructing him to vote for the
bill to refund the fine imposed upon Gen Jack
son, and against William Cost Johnson's plan, or
for any plan providing for the distribution of the
proceeds of the public lands. In reference to the
first branch of his instructions, Mr.. White said
he had voted heretofore against refunding the
hne, because 1t had been uagracously asked for
by the friends of Gen. jackson. How he would
vote now, would depend upon the manner in
which the bill is presented. lie did not see how
the Legislature could resolve itself into court of
inquiry TO revise the decision of Court of Lou
isiana, given more than thirty years ago. In re-
ference to the public lands, he said he considered
Indiana pledged 10 the policy of distribution, and
as to the scheme Of VIM. Cost Johnson it was
not before the Senate, nor was it likely to be.
Mr. Bates presented important resolutions from
the Massachusetts Legislature asking for an a.
mendment TO the Constitution, in reference to the
subject OF direct taxation and slave representa-
'ion. Their introduction caused a good deal of
feeling among Senators. The resolutions were
received and laid upon the table, but the Senate
refused to have them printed. They are the same
as were passed at the former session Of the Mas
sachusetts Legislature, with some verbal correc-
lions. Mr.. Evans resumed his speech in defence
OIL the larf, which he closed between and 5
O'Clock In the evening. The conclusion of his
argument was very forcbe Part of il had refe-
renee to the proper markets for the sale of cotton
Mr.. M'Duffe contended that Great Britain was
tie natural market for the sale of this article
Mir. Evans commended that Lowell and Walham
were as much natural market as Manchester or
Leeds; and TuDis, he remarked, would have been
as much natural market as Great Britain if
Arkwrght had lived in the Bashaw's dominions.
instead OF Great Britain. In answer 10 Mr. NJ,
DUTIES question what would New England do if
South Carolina became a manufacturing State.
Mr.. Evans said he would not object to it New
England had objections to rivals in the mar.
ke In Boston, and in his own village, he had
seen cotton goods for sale which had been manu-
iactnsed in Virgina-at Petersburg. New Eng
land found support from other sources than ma
nuldcturIng. The transportation, sale, &C. af-
foTjcd business, and so far from dreading such
competition, he had no objection TO it. In con-
cfusIon, he remarked that I've regretted this discus.
slon-theTe was no probability Of The repeal Of
The Iardf at present; and if let alone for five
years, he said that he believed even the South
would be in favor oft. Mr.. Woodbury, Of n. H.,
gave notice that he would continue the debate
next day.
In the House, the report Of the Select Com
rnittee on the rules and orders was under discus
sion. MI Saunders delivered a rampant speech
IL