The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-04-08
Congressional

The consideration at the Loan Bill was then re.
sumed and Mr.. Niles addressed the Senate. Al ques.
ton, he said, which had hitherto been considered
as one of vital importance-the finances OF the
counry-at the present session appeared to be re-
gardsd as one deserving of very little attention.
He deemed it their duty to look carefully into the
condition OF the treasury, and also to direct their
attention to probable results few years ahead.
This bill was the measure Of the present session,
as 1t was intended to supply Deficiencies In the an.
nual fiscal year, and leave convenient balance in
the treasury. He should vote for the bill, because
it was apparent that the amount stated therein was
necessary tosupply the wants Of the treasury. sl
Mr.. Clayton moved an amendment, which was
adopted, providing for the ultimate redemption Of
the oan out ofany money in the treasury not other
wise appropriated. ...-cs sii.l 0, raL
Mr.. Davis Of Massachusetts, inquired of the chair
man of the Finance Committee (Mr. Atherton,)
whether, if all accounts were now settled up, the
public debts would be less than 500, 100000. Il
Mr.. Atherton replied that it depended upon Ger.
tain contingencies, ,i.'.....,.,o f.-,.i,,'. ..l
House.--On motion Of Mr.. Harralson, the joint
resolution to refund money for expenses incurred,
subsistence or transportation furnished, and money
advanced by Individual citizens ofthe United States
for the use of the volunteers before and after be-
ing mustered into service, was taken up, and made
| the special order for Wednesday next.
| On motion of Mr.. Gaines, resolution was adopt
ed fur the appointment of select committee to
inquire into the expediency ofextending the pro.
visions Of the act of Congress for the benefit ol
surviving officers and soldiers ol the Revolution.
passed in 1892, to those engaged in the wars ofth
United States which occurred between the Treaty
OF Peace with Great Britain, in 1888, and the Trea.
ty of Greenville, with the Indians in, 1895. q.z
Mr.. Wentworth offered resolution which was
adopted, instructing the committee public lands
to enquire into the expediency of extending the
time for payment for lands acquired under pre-.
emption laws to three years. ...., a..t..
MARCH S-Senate.-Mr. Turney submitted a
resolution, which was adopted, instructing the Ju
dietary committee to inquire into the expedency
OF providing by law for the punishment ofany per.
son who shall SURF epttiously obtain and make pub
lie any document which may be before the Senate
in executive session, previous 10 the removal ofthe
injunction ofsecresy. a.' '.'.
On motion of Mr.. Cass, the prior orders were
then postponed, and the bill referred to by him
yesterday--"for ascertaining and paying the CALI
fornia clams"--was taken up and passed.
This bill apprppriates the sum of 500, 900, to
defray the expense Of the late military operations
in California, under the orders of Commodore
Stockton and Brevet Captain, afterwards Lieuten.
ant Colonel Fremont, and also to deray the expen.
ses of the civil government established by Com.
Stockton in California. and to pay all just claims a.
rising out Of said military operations and civil gov
eminent. r,1, rl..J 5.r.rs,.n.R tr t"
Mr.. Cass referred briefly to the events which had
taken place in California. Itwould be recollected
that small force, under Com. Stockton and Col.
Fremont, had taken possession of California, at an
early period of the war with Mexico-that all op.
position had been put down, and the territory had
since renamed peaceable in our possession. All
this had been effected by the act of the civil and
military authorities, under the direction Of Com.
Stockton and Col. Fremont.
In the prosecutipn of those operations, Col. Fre-
mont had assumed responsibilities to the amount Of
about $50 900, and nearly the whole amount for
supplies furnished by citizens and others remained
unpaid to them California was a great way off,
and they cannot come here to attend to these claims
The Secretary Of War has recommended their pay
ment. The only way was, first to send commits.
sioner there to ascertain the justice and amount of
the claims. and secondly to make an appropriation
for their payment la. VuG: ..aia
Here was military operation, by which an i'm.
portant tract of territory had been secured to US
some of the promptes and most successful military
movements on record had been taken there and
incidents romantic as any to be found in history,
were connected with the operations Of Col Free
mont, in Califoroia. He hoped the bill would be
promptly acted upon. o...... .... :. .f.
On motion of Mr.. Atherton, the consideration
Of the Loan Bill! was resumed, and
Mr.. Phelps being entitled to the floor, address,
ed the Senate, at length, on the finances Of the
country,
When he had concluded, the amendments weie
ordered to be engrossed, and the bill, as amended,
was read the third time and passed:
Mr.. Allen gave notice of his intention to intro
duce joint resolution, making it the duty Of the
President to instruct our Minister at Paris. ia pre-
sent in behalf of the people, the congratulations Of
the government of the United States, un the estab.
lishment of republican government in France.
House.--Mr Pollock presented the memorial of
Asa Whitney for grant ofsixty miles wide ofpub-
lie land along the line of the contemplated railroad
from lake Michigan to the Pacific, to aid in. the
construction al that road. Referred, with sundry
documents relating thereto, to select committee.
Mr.. Haskell gave notice Of his intention to intro
duce joint resolution on the subject Of the late
successful revolution in France, and the establish
ment of a Republic. N 2'A
The House, in Committee Of the Whole, took
up the bill to establish the Territorial Government
of Oregon. The Committee was addressed by Mr..
r Ioba,,,a. ooanef the ,o,vpra of the Cen.