The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-05-30
CONGRESSIONAL.

MAY l3-In the Senate, to-day, a resolution
was introduced by Mr.. Benton, and agreed to, in
structing the Committee Military Affairs to ia
qure into the expediepcy of increasing the num-
Der of general and staff officers in the army.
The Indian appropriation bill aspassed, with
some amendments.
The bill providing for the speedy adjustment Of
suspended pre-emption claims was ordered to
third reading.
The bill making certain alterations in the pay de-
partment of the army was passed. @
The House spent the whole day, in COMMITTEES
of the Whole on the state OF the Union, in debate
on the army appropriation bill. Mr.. Mckay gave
notice of some important amendments. And the
House adopted resolution to close the debate on
the bill tomorrow at 2 o'clock.
MAY I9-The Senate, after spending some
time in the usual routine business OF the morning
haur, took up the Frenc spoliation bill, and Mr..
Morehead spoke at length in its favor; without
concluding, he gave way to a motion that the Sem
ate adjourn.
In the House, the army appropriation bill was
finally passed by unanimous vote.
MAY 20.-In the Senate, to-day, considerable
amount of business was transacted. A short CON-
versation took place relative to the regulation of
the mineral lands and the senators appeared to be
generally convinced OF the propriety and expedi-
ency Of immediate legislation on the subject.
The act establishing the value Of certain foreign
coins was passed.
The consideration Of the bill providing for the
settlement Of claims for French spoatiens was re-
sumed. IS
In the House, the business especially set apart
for this and the two succeeding days was bills rela-
ting to the Territories; but, on a motion by Mr..
Dodge, the special order was postponed until the
three 6rst legislative daysin June. The object of
this postponement was to enable Mr.. Mckay to
dispose of the appropriation bills.
The House went into Committee of the Whole
on the state of the Union, and took up the bill ma
king appropriations for the civil and diplomatic ex-
penses Of the government The greater portion Of
the day was spent in heavy debate on the theory
of storms, the philosophy Of Bacon, and on other
theories, not within the ordinary range of debate.
1t was induced by motion to strike out the appro-
priation Of 80 900 for the salary Of Professor Espy
as meteorologist. The committee refused to strike
out the appropriation by very slender vote.
MAY 2I.-The Senate, after the transaction Of
the usual morning business, resumed the consider.
alton Of the French spoliation bill. Mr. J.. M.
Clayton replied to speeches against the BILL which
was laid over informally till Tuesday next
The House PASSED bill to amend and continue
in force the act to incorporate the inhabitants of the
city of Washington. The House then passed into
committee, anu !esu'heu uie Sish anu aiPiomauc
appropriations bill.
MAY 22.t-After the morning business, the Sem
ate was occupied to-day in the consideration Of
motion made by Mr., Westcott to postpone the
confederation Of the bill extending the laws Of the
United States over Oregon, till the first Mondayin
December. on the ground that action on il at pre-
sent was inexpedsnt and unnecessary. Mr.. BEN
ton addressed the Senate at length on the general
subject, and had not concluded his remarks at the
hour oi adjournment.
The House passed (with an amendment) the
Senatebi to repeal part ofthe naval appropriation
bill for the year ending s0th June 1886 and after
wards made some pfogres on hepriyste calendar.
Unica,