The Columbian fountain., 1846-02-17


stltuuonal argument against the powers OF the
executive and Senate, TO ALLEVIATE the lands OF
the people. We had no more power 10 cede
oregon than TO cede Wisconsin or Illinois, or
this District, in case it should happen that
England might want IT, He appealed TO Sc
majors that II they were so welded to ''trafhc"
still that they would not traffic away either
the rights, soil, or honor of the country. His
conclusion was most beautiful, solemn, and
impressive; and, il is the impression that his
speech, when published, will be more effective
10 lay before the people, than anyone hereto
fore given. Mr.. Colquitt obtained the floor
for to morrow and the Senate adjourned
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
1t was resolution day and multtudes were
submitted.
Mr.. Garrett Davis wished the tariff project of
Mr.. Walker printed but this resolution was
laid on the table.
On motion of Mr.. Jones, the District Com
mittee were instructed to enquire into the ex-
pediency of complying with the offer Of the
State of Virginia, to accept retrocessIon OF
Alexandra, and also for the county OF Wash
ington to Maryland
Mr.. Tibbatts moved to make the Harbor bill
the special order for Monday next, but It re-
curing two thirds he failed-l08 to 64.
One resolution was adopted directing the
committee on foreign affairs TO take into eonsl-
deration the claims our citizens have against
Hayt. Also, one directing the p. Q. commit
tee to enquire into the expediency OF allowing
the people to elect deputy postmasters. Ihls
would disarm and relieve the executive OF
much of the influence which is considered SO
dangerous but which, in fact, is an migrate
ful, onerous, and injurious duty to the execu-
tive personally. There was another requiring
the postage to be paid; and, in failure therof,
the postage to be doubled. This is the English
cheap penny postage system that works SO
well.
On a resolution, that the hour of meeting
for the House should be eleven A. NJ, three
votes were given in the affirmative.
A resolution was adopted breaking ground
upon the expediency Of prohibiting the sale OF
lottery tickets in the District
A resolution approving of giving to deputy
postmasters the franking privilege was
adopted
Mr.. Thompson Of Mississippi, offered re-
solution Yesterday requesting the Clerk to fur
nish the reporters of the daily papers of this
city with copy of all public documents.
This would ensure more accuracy IN the re-
ports Much confused discussion arose. Some
wished one copy Of each document furnished
to each reporter, city or distant; others daily or
tri-weekly, or semi-weekly or weekly. One
half the documents are worse than wasted
that are furnished to members, yet it is fire.
quently impossible even to borrow one when
the knowledge Of details is Indispensable. Ma
nv members refused to vote on the question at
all; and there was no quorum voted, though a
full house was in attendance. Pending the
question the House adjourned.
ALEXANDRIA, Feb. l6, 1916.
Mr.. EDIroR: Among the many excellent
and useful associations depending for support
upon the young men Of our town the most de-
serving of encouragement and yet the most
feebly sustained, are societies for mental i'm
provement of their members and the culuva-
ton of oratory. Strange as it may seem and
discreditable to the younger portion of our COM
munity, as it undoubtedly is; we have but two
of such a character among us. and OF these,
one, sitter struggling for an existence nearly
three years, has been compelled TO suspend its
operations until more favorable opportunity
should offer for continuation of its benefits.
These societies are the Patrick Henry Debat-
ing Society, instituted lS43; which holds its
IlleelluSb dl Tic HAL VI Tic II HhC
Company every Tuesday evening, and the
Mechanical Liberty Association, formed lS45,
meeting at the same place, every Wednesday.
The officers OF the former are George T.
Wilmington, President; Richard L. Carne, Jr.
Vice President; George r. Blackjack, Secreta-
ry; John Nc G. Bowen, Treasurer and of the
latter Samuel Benton, President; John Zim-
norman, Vice President; George Davis, Sr.,
Secretary, and John w. Darby, Treasurer.
Both, am informed, are making preparations
for celebration Of the natal day of our coun-
try's father, as should these exercises be open
to the public, it is to be hoped that every friend
of youthful improvement among us will give
their assistance and encouragement to those
engaged, by attending.
The canvass for Mayor and Council goes on
with increased vigor. Charles t. Stuart, Esq.
who has been nominated by public meetings
in the third and fourth wards, stands fair
chance of success, but will be warmly opposed
by VIM. Veich and Thomas M. White, esqs.
The issue on the election of Councilmen
seems to be whether the Alexandra Canal
| shall be continued TO Queen street or not, a
strong party being arranged on each side of the
question.
An alarm offre, Every unusual nowadays
was sounded on Thursday night last, abont 81
| O'Clock, but after race of about quarter OF
| a mile, the fremen discovered that their rou-
\ BILE was of no avail the alarm having been