The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-04-29
Congressional.

APRIL l7.-Senate.-Mr. Rusk presented the
resolutions of the Texas Legislature, instructing
the Senators and Representatives TO endeavor to
procure the passage of law extending the juris-
dcton of that State over one half of Sabine Pass.
Lake and River Also, for the passage of law
establishing chain Of military posts in advance Of
the settlements between Red River and the Rio
Grande, and relative to the intercourse with the
Indians of that State.
Mr.. Allen presented a resolution of the Ohio
Legislature, in favor Of Railroad from Lake Mich.
igan to the Pacific.
Numerous memorials and petitions were presen-
ted.
Several reports were made from committees, not
OF general interest
The Senate resumed the consideration of the
bill for ascertaining and paying the California
claims. The question being on the motion of Mr..
Mason to recommit with instructions. Mr.. M.
modified his motion, at the suggestion of Mr. Badg-
er, so as mery to recommit the bill, and it was SO
recommitted.
The Senate was occupied for the remainder oi
the session in a discussion of the Supreme Court
BILL
House.-Mr. Clingman offered resolution call
ing for all correspondence between Gen. Scott
and the Secretary of War, not heretofore commu-
ncated the publication Of which shall not be deem
ed incompatible with the public interests. Adop.
ted
A motion by Mr.. Hunt, to make the several bills
for the improvement Of rivers and harbo.s the spe.
cial order for Tuesday, May 9th, was uega.ived-
95 to II.
APRIL IS S-Senate.-Mr. Niles submitted a
resolution, which was agreed to, instructing the
committee on finances to inquire into the expe-
diency of providing, by law, for coinage of the
denomination and value Of one.tourth OF dime,
ar two.and.a.ha cents, to be composed of silver,
with an alloy Of copper and other metal and for
the dscontinuance of the coinage Of cents.
Mr. Cass, from the committee on Military affairs
to whom was recommitted the bi, for ascertai,ng
and paying the California claims. reported the same
with an amendment. striking out the I'd section,
and providing instead thereof that no unascertain-
ed claim, shall be paid until first examined by Col.
Fremont, and by the late commissary and the late
paymaster Of the battalion, (Capt Honsely and
Maj. Reading)o or majority them; aud payment
of such asce rtaned claims. as soon allowed and
certified, shall be paid in California by some prop
er disbursing officer to be designated; all claims
not presented within one year and half from the
time to be forever barred. ..... '...
The consideration of the Supreme Court bill
was resumed, and debate ensued by Messrs. Ash.
ley. Johnson, of Maryland, Allen, Butler, Badger
aud Crittenden. Mr.. Ashley Withdrew his substi-
tute, and the vote being again taken, by yeas and
nays on the passage OF the bill. it was again rejec.
ted-I7 to 2s. Adjourned.
Housc.-Mr Giddngs asked the unanimous con.
sent of the House, to introduce the following pre-
ambIe and resolutions: "o
Whereas more than eighty men, women. and
children ore said now to be confined in the prison
Of the District of Columbia. without being charg.
ed with crime, or Of any improperly other than
an attempt to enjoy that liberty for which our
fathers encountered toll. suffering, and death il.
self, and for which the people of many European
are now struggling ao
And whereas such practice is derogatory to our
national character Incompatible with the duty of
,ivilized and Christian people, and unworthy Of
,eing sustained by an American Congress-there-
ore. - ..,s
Be il resolved. That select commute Of five
members Of this body be appointed to inquire into
md report to the House by what authority said
,rison is used Tor the purpose Of coninng persons
Who have attempted to escape from slavery. with
cave to rspor. what legislation b proper 10 regard
o said practice.