The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-03-21
House OF Representatives.


Rhode Island Wdr-Fgorida War again-G General
Gaines and Scott-Abuses in the Post Office
Isras-Fortifcation Bill
Two or three corrections of the journal were
made, and resolutions of the State of Louisiana
tor improving the Western waters, were disposed
OF.
RHODE ISLAND WAR.
Mr.. M CLERNAND occupied the morning hour
with the discussion of this most unnteresting sub
ject. He charged the President with an appare
violation OF the Constitution in sending United
States troops TO Rhode Island; it was the duty OF
the House To enquire whether he had done SO OF
not; and how could they ascertain all the facts I'M
less they sent for papers and persons, The Constr
tuition guarantees to every State IN the Union re.
did not enjoy; and the people had perfect right to
rise in their majesty, and endeavor 10 obtain such
government He denied that there had been an IN.
surrection In Rhode Island or anything like one; land
there occasion for the interference OF the general
government either by sending troops or by calling ont
the militia OF the State He in favor Of Gov Dorr and
the rights people, and opposed the charter
ofthat corrupt monarch Charles the Second He hoped
the day not far distant when the people of Rhode
Island would enjoy their proper privileges
Mr. SrErsoN, Of New York next got the floor.
communication was then received from the War De-
partmen asking for further appropriations for payment
OF the expenses of the Florida This proposition
received and referred amid shouts of laughter.
The Postmaster General sent in list Of the Contracts
Isaac Hill has
Mr.. HARRISON, from the Military Committee, reported
back the bill to divide the United States great
military districts stating that the Committee could
agree uPont and asked to be discharged thereirom.
lr. q.
Committee so discharged.
Mr. PETIT presented resolution calling on the Post
Office Committee to enquire what Dr. Jones. the city post
master here did with all the Congressional documents
sent away by members He MR. had ranked over 5000
himself and sent them to the city post otce and scarcely
any had reached his constituents
Several other members made similar Complaints, and
said that there great abuses in the post Office
nagement it very inefficient and wanted thorough
reform. The resolution agreed ia.
Mr. HAMErr presented the resolutions of the State of
Mississippi asking for the annexation Of Texas They
referred.
y Mr. MCDONNELL presented resolutions of the State Of
Alabama against the Massachusetts resolutions. They
were referred to the Select Committee
The Bill reported by Gen. Saunders to change the place
OF holding the s. District Court of Ohio from Cncin
natl to Columbus, was passed So to 40.
The House then went into Committee of the Whole on
the State OF the Union, and took up the Fertilization APP
sMr srErsoN moved to appropriate $4,000 for the out
let Of Lake Champain instead Of $4,000 He SAID this
the by which the British entered and desolat
ed our frontier during the last war; and the old wars.
Mr. HAMMErr took the same view.
EMF MCKAY said he was Tor striking out the whole
oft.
On vote on the amendment only II voted.
The Committee then rose, and the Chairman reported
that they had done nothing for want OF a quorum!
A motion for adjournment was lost, Al to II.
The House again went into Committee, and rejected
Stetsons amendment Ayes 80, nays 66.
The appropriations for the harbor OF New York
passed.
Mr. INeERsoLI moved 500 900 instead of 1000, for Pea
Patch Island. This rejected.
Mr. HARRISON moved $40 900 instead of $l3 600 for Sa
vannah Eabor. This rejected
ME- mohAY saiu the committee had reduced all the ap
preparations for the next year. Of the low state
oil the Treasury He would consent to increase any
where.
Two or three times the Committee were called on to
vote upon amendments, but there not aquorum pre-
sen and at last the Committee had to rise without
coming to any conclusion the bill for want of quo.
rum, and the House then adjourned to s Pm.
NorE.-Ths shows the gross folly of the House meet
ing early and sitting late. There is scarcely quo
rum in the House at any time during the day and
at prayers Members of getting their dinner their
glass of toddy smoking cigars gallanting ladies' doing
any such agreeable chores rather than business You
cannot get them to sit five six hours at stretch ex
cept few like Mr.. Adams Parmenter Rsdding, Went
worth, Owen, Benton, w. j. Brown Winthrop
Moseley Pratt Fish, Schenck e. Johnson, and a few
others Of the old The last Congress last winter did
more work in three weeks than this has done sixteen
weeks. This plan is killing members and doing the
country good. Already has died Gen. Besser is
said to be dying several others sick bed; and
can name five or six who am firmly persuaded will be
dead before the close of the session Poor fellows you
can see it in their eyes Their days. aye hours
beYed. YouR Rrpoprrp