Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-12-30
Congress.
MONDAY, Dec, 20.

MONDAY, Dec. 20.
SENArE.-Mr Webster appeared and took
his seat.
Mr.. Dix presented a petition FROM American
officers in Mexico, asking relief TOR disabled Of
icers, &c.
Mr. Hale presented the resolutions from the
Legislature Of New-Hampshire, against the ex-
tension of slavery
MIR. Niles presented similar resolutions from
the Legislature of Connecticut.
Mr.. Calhoun called up his resolutions on the
Mexican War An interesting debate ensued
and tho Attn ct January was appointed for their
consideration.
Mr.. Calhoun replied that his objects were
merely 10 guard against the results into which
we were humying ourselves inconsideraey--
result which might throw into our hands the
whole nine or ten millions of Mexican people
After destroying their nationality, he thought it
important we should know before we went fur
Their what our true object was in reference to the
subjugation Of territory. In the course Of the
debate Mr.. Cass stated that the Committee on
Military Affairs would soon be prepared to report
a bill to increase the army, which ought not to
be impeded by the discussion of resolutions
winch seemed to hin to have no practical bear
ing.
! The death of Mr.. Dromgoole was announced:
the usual resolutions were adopted and the Sen
ate adjourned.
| lloosE'-i he mouse was mostly occupied
with the presenting of petitions, memorials, &c.
Resolutions requesting the President to com
munlcate instructions relative to the return of
Santa Anna; declaring it nexpedlent to raise
more money by loan; asking for instructions to
Mr., SlideI by what authority the civil govern
ment 10 established in the territories of Mexico
all laid over.
A resolution by Mr.. Grenuell, instructing the
Judiciary committee to inquire whether the Pre-
sident had authorised the fitting out of vessel
to carry officers OF the army and navy 10 the
Mediterranean for surveying the Dead Sea, and
whether the President has such authority, or
Congress the power to pass laws authorizing ex
Ploratlons and surveys, or to improve the harbors
and rivers Of the L. States, was adopted
Mr. Washington Hunts resolution, instruct
ing the judiciary committee to inquire into the
eXpedency Of establishing commercial reel
procity between the United States and Canada,
In view oithe admission OF the produce of either
into the other, on footing Of equality, was "a.
dopted
Mr.. Petit offered joint resolution, declaring
that in the judgment OF Congress, government
has power to improve rivers, whether it may be
found necessary to facilitate the transportation
OF military stores, &c, and to improve harbors
and iDlets whether on the Atlantic or Lake
coast, whether necessary to the security Of the
lives of seamen, or the protection Of government;
vessels.
Laid over, after the decision of several mo-
tons.
TUESDAY, Dec. 81,
Senate. Mr. Dix of New York, introduced
bill to repeal the Act of March, 1887 concerning
pilots. Also, bill relating 10 testimony. Read
twice and referred. Bills were introduced d.
recting the Secretary of the Navy to purchase
the patent right to the nautical ventilator, and 10
divide Arkansas into two judicial districts
~. & Al
dopted directing the Judiciary committee to in
quire what farther legislation is necessary to car.
ry into effect The treaty with France, in relation
to the mutual surrender Of fngltlves from justice.
No other business Of public interest was trans.
acted Adjourned.
House. The States were again called in order,
and numerous memorials, petitions, resolutions
and notices of intentions to introduce bills were
offerdd. Mr.. Glddings presented memorial from
nineteen citizens Of this district in favor OF the
repeal of all laws recognizing slavery IN the DE-
trict of Columbia. A motion TO lay The regular
order of business on the table to refer this me-
mortal, was rejected, 81 to 81, the Speaker CIV
ting his casting vote in the negative II lies o.
yer, Mr.. Cobb, of Georgia. intimating an inten-
ton to debate the question OF reference.
Mr. Bolts offered resolution calling on the
President for information relating to the war with
Mexico.
Notice was given OF bill to make Brooklyn
port of entry.
Mr. Adams introduced resolution calling on
the Secretary of State for information relative 10
the claims on Mexico, under the Convention OF
1889, which was adopted.
blr. Vinton, from the Committee of Ways and
Means, reported bill making appropriations for
subsistence for the volunteers, for the year en-
ding June, l54S. Referred TO the Committee OF
the Whole, aud, with the letters ofthe Secretary
of War and the Commissaly General, ordered TO
be printed. Mr. Vinton gave notice that he would
move tomorrow to go into Committee and take
up his bill.
The resolutions which Mr. Richardson offered