The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-12-25
Congressional

reelected Secretary of the Senate-Robert Beal
was elected Sergeant-at-arms, and Isaac Holland
door keeper. The Rev. Henry SIicer was re
elected chaplain. ''''-
On motion of Mr.. Mangum, the chairmen Q
the several standing committees were appointed
the most important Of which are the following:
Mr.. Sewer, on Foreign Relations.
Mr.. Anterior, on Finance. "'''' 'i. i-.H
Mr.. Dix, on Commerce. sI.a -sf8N
Mr.. Fairfield, OH Naval Affairs. 90. -,
Mr.. Rusk, on Militia. ,
HoUsE-About the only business transacted
was the announcement of the standing commit
tees. Mr.. Vinton, Of Ohio. is chairman OF the
committee of Ways and Means. ....
SENArE-Tuesday, Dec l4th-The most i'm
portant business transacted, was the election o.
the remaining members of the standing commit.
tees. p -
Mr.. Dickinson, OF New York, submitted the
following resolution:
R~esolued, That true policy requires the gov.
eminent of the United States to strengthen its pol
itical and commercial relations upon this continent
by the annexation of such contiguous territory as
may conduce to that end, and can be justly obtain.
ed; and that neither in such acquisition, no1in the
Territorial organization thereof, can anY conditions
be constitutionally imposed, or institutions be pro-
vided for or established, Inconsistent with the
right of the people thereof to form a free sover-
eign State with the powers and privileges of the
original members of the confederacy. .'t
Resolued, That in organizing a Territorial gov
eminent for territory belonging TO the United
States, the principles of selfgovernment upon
which our federative system rests will be best pro-
noted, the true spirit and meaning of the %constitu-
ton be observed, and the confederacy strengthen
ed, by leaving all questions concerning the domes-
tic policy therein to the legislatures chosen by the
people thereof.
Mr.. Breese introduced bill to reduce the price
%ofpublic lands. a
HousE-Mr. HenIy offered a Joint resolution to
amend the newspaper law, repeating that part rel
alive TO newspaper postage.
Mr.. Tallmage presented a memorial from James
contesting Mr.. Jackson's seat from New
York city. ... .s..
Rev. Royal R. Gurley, Presbyterian, was elect.
ed chaplain.
The bill from the Senate for the relief OF the
heirs of John Paul Jones. was taken up.
Mr.. Bowlin opposed it, and moved its refer
ence to the Committee on Claims, which motion
carried.
Mr.. Vinton introduced a resolution for a rev
Committee on Internal Commerce.
SENATE--Wednesday, Dec. B.--Mr. Calhoun
submitted the following resolution for considera.
ton: .'.
Resolu.d, That to conquer Mexico, and to hold
it either as a province or to incorporate it in the
Union, would be inconsistent with the avoweG
object for which the war has been prosecuted; in
conflict with its character and genius; and in the
end subversive of our free and popular institutions.
Resolr'd That nu line of policy in the further
prosecution of the war should be adopted which
may lead to consequences so disastrous.
A number of petitions were presented, but not
of importance to the general reader.
~HousE-Nearly the whole time of the House
occupied in discussing the resolution before
offered by Mr.. Vinton, and IN remarks On the Pres.
Message, this day read, communicating the
reasons of the veto of the river and harbor bill of
asst session.
Mr.. Holmes, of S. c., introduced a series of
resolutions on the subject ofthe war with Mexico
lie proposes to establish a treaty on "the basis OF
IN entire free trade between the two Republics,
UGH as exists between the several States of this
Union thai we 're-cede all the territory we
AVE taken from Mexico beyond the Rio Grande,"
&c. ,
As was to be expected, the "no more territory"
ssue OF the wings, just suits the slave holders of
he South. Therefore it is that issue has been /
lstly termed "a ~cowardly concession to an impu- ,
demand of slavery" . at' .' .
SENArE-Ihwsday, Dec. l6h.-The time OF ,
he Senate. to-day, was occupied in routine bust ;
ess, such as laying various reports before that .
ody. The death Of the Hon. Jesse Speight,
enator from Mississippi, was announced, where. /,
pom tho Senate adjourned over till the following ,
o... :L 6
HousE-The Speaker said that the Presidents 4
etc message, was properly before the House. r' n
Mr.. Petit, of Indiana, took the floor, and spoke /.
armly and at ZONE length against the message Il
ID its doctrines, .... ,,i,.at.,. n
A message from the Senate was received, an. f
,uncing the order Of that body on the death Of
e late Senator Speight, whereupon Mr.. Jacob is
thompson, OF Mississippi, delivered an enlogy np-I
the public and private character of the deceas. II
Senator. and then offered the usual resolutions, ic
were adopted, and then the House adjourn Al
auV iaoHCG9 saU iuGl. q. ia9! a,
HousE-F,rday, Dec. l7th.-Afer some fur al
discussion on the Presidents message, the 10
ouse proceeded to the consideration Of a bill from ri
E Judiciary in relation to the custom laws. lla Of
The death of Hon g. G. Dromgoole. was an-
unced by Mr.. Meade, whereupon the House !,
Hovsr-Satrday, Dec. 1sM.-Nearly1 the
time Of the House. to-day, was occupied y
lbe discussion Of the one hour, and other rules. >,
Q rule limiting the speeches Of members 10 one
ir was adopted. 'po