Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-03-26
CONGRESS-.

rtolany brightwell.
CONGRESS.
In the Senate. on Monday March IG, Mr.. Ben
ton from the select committee appointed to in
quire into the charges made by the Times news
paper against members of that body, made re-
port, which he read at the Secretary's table.
The report sets forth that the examinations made
by The comWikad leave no doubt on their minds
We VIII harges are false and con-
e'le-u E6fy in regard to the meet
ing of the Whigtneihbers is an absurd .fabrica-
lion, and the Dinner table story a despicable,
false and corrupt charge. After the report was
read, the other members Of the committee sever
ally expressed their hearty concurrence in it
but MIR. Dickinson ihtimatcd reluctance to ex-
pei the reporters of the Times, under the idea
that they had been imposed upon themselves by
these caumnies. Mr.. Berren remarked that he
was surprised at this, as The gentleman concurred
IN the report. MIR. Benton said that the reporters
occupied the privileged seats in the gallery, and
that he would on the next day move for the ex-
pulsion of all persons connected with the Times
newspaper. The debate on the Oregon question
was then resumed, Mr.. Calhoun being entitled to
the floor. He declared himself opposed to the
notice, because it would not produce compromise.
Our title to the whole of Oregon is not clear and
unquestonable, and he thought the subject was a
proper one for compromise. If the British GO
vernment should renew the offer of 400, direct or
substantially. he believed it would be accepted
by the President. A war for the territory he would
regard as impolItic and disastrous, and that ga
wise and mastery inactivity" was our true
ba
for us.-Our growing population would soon
spread over the whole country.
In the House, the River and Harbor bill was
under consideration.
On Tuesday, in the Senate, the bill TO repeal
the act requiring one Of the Judges of the Circuit
Court to reside at Alexandria was passed by
nearly unanimous vote. One of the reasons
suggested for the passage of the bill was that
the city of Alexandria would be ceded to the
State of Virginia. Mr.. Yulee moved an amend
ment to the bill granting alternate sections of
land to the State of Michigan for the purposes of
Internal Improvement, making the provision of
the bill general, so that all the new States might
derive the same beneft.-Aftcr some discussion
the bill was laid aside. The resolution offered
by Mr.. Dayton some days since was adopted,
|
whether any increase Of the Army and Navy is
necessary, and if so, what circumstances make
the increase necessary. Mr.. Berren, of Ga,
then addressed the Senate on the Oregon resolu-
tons. He contended that our claim was not
clear and unquestionable to the whole territory,
and that we had destroyed any such pretence by
our frequent offers 10 compromise.
In the House, the River and Harbor appro-
pria,ion bill was farther considered.
| On Wednesday, in the Senate, the Oregon debate
was continued, Mr.. Archer being entitled to the
floor. He said he had heard good deal of talk
about nerue, but he was free to confess he had
none to plunge the country into war in which
he was too old to participate.-That was cheap
patriotism which had become common. Nor did
he feel it incumbent upon him to pre- pare the
hearts of the people for war. He was against it,
and this was question of war. He then went
into the question of title, and contended that ours
was good to 40 and no farther, and he thought
it was our duty to compromise on that line.
| In the House, the bill to regulate the mileage
| Of members under consideration. Mr.. Yell
of Arkansas, moved that the mileage be five dol
lars per day, and six dollars for every twenty
miles travelled, and that after the year 1850, the
seat of government should be removed TO the
neighborhood of st. Louis. Mr.. Jones suggest
ed preference for free State and named Jeffer-
sonville, Ind. The subject was then dropped,
AID the River and Harbor bill taken up.---Ths
bill involves appropriations to the amount of
some millions of dollars. Among the new APP
preparations proposed was one by Mr.. Culver, of
N. Y, for improving the Branch of Salt river
running through New Hampshire, $4,000; and
another by Mr.. Fries, of Ohio to give $4,000
for the Bebb and Schenck Subteranean Rail
Road, on which TO carry their odoriferous friends
from Kentucky to Canada. Mr.. Schenck asked
the mover Of this last, if he intended to be dsre-
specifu to him. Mr.. Fries replied that he would
answer that question out Of the House. Mr..
Schenck retorted by characterizing such conduct
as it deserved, and remarked that he had no con-
nexion WITH or knowledge Of, or respect for any
such transactions, or those engaged in them, as
were referred to by Fries.
On Thursday, in the Senate, some conversa-
ton occurred between the members in regard to
the effect Of The adoption on Monday of the re-
port Of the committee appointed to inquire into
the charges of the Times, affecting the character
Of Senators. Mr.. flanagan said if it was not re-
garded a virtual expulsion Of all concerned in
the newspaper from the galleries Of the Senate,
he would offer resolution to that effect. The
| Vice President said he had so understood it, and
had given orders for their expulsion. Mr.. Allen
gave notice that Immediately on the expiration of
the morning hour on Monday next, he would ask
the Senate to 90 into Executive session on BUSH
i n ;-on h.