American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-03-25
FRepored for the American Republican,
FIRST SESSION of the goth CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, March "a, ls46.
SENATE
SENATE.

Memorials were presented by Messrs. Dick
inson, Dix, Turney, flanagan and Davis
The last named gentleman presented a memo
rial from 3l2 fishermen and owners of vessels
in the ancient town of Marblehead, Mass,
which place, according to their statement, has
been for more than two hundred years engaged
in the Cod fishery. They hope that the boun-
Twill not be withdrawn, but fit is that the
injustice will not be done them of allowing for
eign fish to he imported free ofduty. Ordered
TO be printed.
Mr.. Spreight called up the special order,
and
Mr.. Chalmers then rose and addressed the
Senate in a short speech, in favor of the notice
in some form, IN defence of the President, and
IN favor OF compromise.
A message was received from the President,
and read, in reply to the resolution of inquiry
by Mr.. Dayton, which resolution was submit
ted some time since, and calls upon the Presi-
dent, to inform the Senate whether, in his
Judgment, the condition of our Foreign rela-
lions is such as to require any increase of the
military force. To this the President replies
in message of moderate length, saying that
in his annual message he recommended an in
crease Of the army and navy, and also stockade
forts on the route to Oregon. He has seen no
reason since to change the views he then set
FORTH but on the contrary much TO substantate
them. Great Britain had increased her arma-
ments, and the whole world knew that it was
done with an eye to this country. We ought
to be prepared for any emergency, and if hos
tiites should ensue while we were engaged in
the maintenance of our Just rights, and find us
unprepared, the responsibility to the country
would be ofthe greatest character,
The President refers to the estimates that
have been furnished to the Naval and Military
committees. He says that the Executive will
use every effort to preserve all honorable peace
both with Great Britain and Mexico
Mr.. Webster did not rise, he said, to COM
ment upon the Message, but to make an nqui-
~ which it suggested. He wished to ask Of
the chairmen Of the Military and Naval conf
mittees concerning these estimates which were
referred to. Had they the sanction of the Pre-
sidenG Was there any reason why they should
not be made known to the whole Senate?
Messrs Benton and Fairfield respectively an
swered. The estimates had the sanction of
the President.
Mr.. Benton said portion of those commu-
ncated to him might be properly published,
and part ought not to be.
MIR. Fairfield said that part of his had been
returned to the Department.
Mr.. Webster was aware that there was pre-
cedent for this course, but was sorry for it, and
had hoped that 1t would be discontinued. He
hoped that the Senator from Missouri would
furnish the Senate, as soon as convenient so
much as proper, of this Uncomfortable rest,
he was perfectly willing should remain in the
discretionary keeping of the committee.
The message was ordered to be printed, and
the Senate passed into Executive session.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The business first in order being the motion
of Mr., HARRISON to terminate all debate, on the
bill to raise two regiments of rifemen, at three
o'clock, this day. Adopted.
On motion of Mr.. HARRISON, the House went
into committee of the Whole, (Mr Mckay in
the chair,) and resumed the consideration of
the bill raising two regiments of rihemen.
Mr.. Black, of S. c., briefly defended the
bill
Mr.. Tilden, Of Ohio, opposed the passage Of
the bill as measure not demanded by either
public or private interests, as that portion Of
the country for the protection and defence oil
which it was pretended the regiment of rifle
men were necessary, neither asked or required
such protection or defence
Mr.. Rathbun, of NY, most zealously OPP
posed the bill upon the ground that an increas-
ed Military force was not now demanded, and
should continue his opposition until satisfied
that the Government intended manfully to
maintain its territorial rights in Oregon. Then
he would lend his support to the erecting of a
Military force equal to the emergency.
MIR. HARRISON defended the bill with great
earnestness and somewhat deliberately.
Mr.. Gentry, of Tenn., advocated the bill up
on the ground that the passage of the Greg on
Joint Resolutions, by the House, rendered the
step absolutely necessary.
MIR Davis of Miss. supported the bill as q
necessary measure-necessary TO the protec
ton and defence of emigrants to Oregon and
the Western frontier settlements.
Before Mr.. D. concluded, the hour to which