Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1845-02-26
CONGRESSIONAL NEWS.
Correspondence Of Charleston Patriot.
WASHINGTON, Feb. II.

u0Or.
MIR. Fairfield submitted resolution
calling ou the Presideu, for information as
To whether the British Government has
made satisfaction for the illegal capture OF
the fishing schr. Argus.
A number Of unimporIant matters hav-
ing been disposed of, the Froaeh Spoia'
tions bill was taken up.
The question pending was on the mo-
lion of Mr.. McDufie, 10 reconsider The
vote on the clause approprialiug five mil
lions Of dollars. lie commenced speech
against the whole bill but The morning hour
having expired, lie yielded the floor, and
the consideration of the Texas resolutions
was resumed.
Mr. Woodbury. made powerful speech
in favor of immediate annexation.
Mr.. Choa,e next obtained the floor, hut,
preferred speaking Tomorrow. So the
subject was laid over.
The remainder Of the day was devoted
TO private business.
In The House, the joint resolution of the
Senate providing for the distribution of
copies Of the History of The Exploring
Expedition amoug foreign Governments,
was taken up and passed with an amend
ment including Texas and China.
The Senate hill regulating tie payment
ofpensions in certain cases, was also passed
with scme amendments.
The House then resumed lle considera-
lion of the bill 10 reduce the pay Of the
army.
Mr.. Adams went for the bill, because
he thought retrenchmcni was necessary in
,his branch Of The service. He argued
however, that the majority Of The House
are inconsistent in their profession of a wish
10 reduce The army. when al The same time
they are grasping al Oregon and Texas,
measures which will require greal in
crease of tho army.
MIR. Rayner, who during The Texas de.
bate could not re, the floor, seized this
opportunity 10 get in his intended speech.
lie accordingly occupied his hour by a
slntement ofhis reasons against annexation.
MIR. Black, The author o. the bill, aller
disclaimiug any idea of reducing the army,
or any thing else olher than the correction
Of abuses, moved the previous question,
which was seconded.
The bill was then read third time aud
passed by large majority. Ii is said there
is not The least chance of its passage in the
Senate.
WAsuISGroN. FEB. IS.
In the House, The bill providing $4,000
for furnishing aud repairing the Presidents
Il ~ ,F
the Whole.
MIR. Henley moved TO reduce The amount
10 $4,000. He supported his amend
uncnt by speech. in which lie vehemently
denounced what he called The exlrava-
gance hitherto displayed in this quarter.
Mr.. Jones. Of Tennessee, supported the
amendment. He argued that the slmpli'
city of our institutions does not warran,
such a ldisplay-es-eome rrquiret,ra'- the
White House. He was also in favor Of
reducing the salary Of the President to
$4,000 per annum. He thought that
would be enough for any mortal man.
MIR. Dillingham; contenderl That The whole
of the money was necessary. lflhe peo-
pie would build so large house for the
President, they were bound TO furnish il in
suitable style. He advocated nothing,
however. but plain substantial furniture.
MIR. Douglas con,ended that The pre-
sent state Of the White House is such as
10 morti(y every one who visits it. lie
said the chairs are broken backed, The
carpets full of holes, aud the spoons not
Fl, for use. He was ashamed TO hear OBJ
jections so unworthy Of the magnanlmlty
of our Government.
Mr.. Holmes, of South Carolina moved
TO amend by appropraIinS the White
House for the use of the Executive De.
par,meut, and providing for smaller
house for the accommodation Of the Prcsl-
dent, so tha, we might return to our Re-
pubIican simplicity.
This proposition gave rise 10 much
Laughter.
Mr.. Burt moved to amend by striking
opt,he sum named in the bill and inserting
$50 much as may be necessary" 1t was
rejected as were many other proposed
amendments.
Finally, the bill was reported to- The
House, when by vote Of 62 10 70, it was
rejected. As there was not full House,
it is probable another bill will be intro
duced.
WAsHlSGToN, Feb. 10.
The refusal Of the House yesterday to
pass the bill providing for the furnishing
ofthe Presidents House, has excited much
indignation among our citizens Of the Dis.
trict, who know the dilapidated condition
of The mansion. am told on good au-
,hori,y that the window curtains swarm
with vermiu, and The furniture isin such
a STATE that no decent man can use it.
In the House, this morning, Mr.. Sldell
moved reconsideration of the vote by
which the bill was rejected.
ln The course Of discussion WHICH en.
sued, Mr.. Pratt, Chairman of the Com
n1it,ee on Public Buildings. said that such
was The miserable condition Of The House,
that he had ordered considerable amount
of furniture on his own individual respon-
sibility, and if members refused to pay for
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