The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-12-30
r.t SENATE-Tuesday. Dec. 10.
The Senate was principally engaged In debate
relative to rail road across the Ishmus Of Pana-
ma. .-.t
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
In the House nearly the entire day was spent in
Committee Of the Whole. having the Presidents s
annual Message under consideration.

| SENATE-Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Mr.. Downs introduced . joint resolution, pro-
viding for the transportation. twice month, in
government steam vessels, of the United States
mail, from New Orleans to Vera Cruz Referred
to the Naval committee. ........
On motion of Mr.. Douglass, the bills of last ses-
sion for organizing territorial governments in Ne
braska and Minnesota, were recommitted to the
Territorial Committee, Mr.. Douglass stating that
some alterations might be deemed necessary.
! On motion of Mr.. Breess, the bill of last ses-
sion to reduce and graduate the price of the pub
lie lands, was taken up, and made the special Of
der for the second Monday in January.
The joint resolutions of last session, rendering
the thanks OF Congress to Generals Dcniphan and
Price. and the officers and men under their rsspec-
tive commands. together with gold swords, Of the
value Of $500 each, to Generals Price and Doni-
phan, were severally taken up, and finally refer.
red to the military committee.
| On motion, the Senate proceeded to the consid.
GRAFTON of Executive business. .....
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr.. Vinton, from the committee of ways and
means. reported bill to carry into effect the l2h
article of the treaty with Mexico. TT appropri.
ates. for the payment Of the instalment, with in.
terest, which falls due to Mexico on the SOth of
May next, So, 900, ,000-for the instame ent, with
interest. which falls due on the 30th May, 1850,
$3.50 900 The bill was read. referred 10 the
committee of the whole on the state of the union,
aud ordered to be printed.
Mr. Caleb B Smith. from the committee on ter.
ri,ories reported, in conformity with the instruc.
tions Of the House, bill CT twenty sections, or
ganizng the territorial government OF California,
embracing also the principles Of the ordinance Of
l7s7 in regard to slavery The bill includes. with
the boundaries of the new territory. all of Upper
California for the present, but authorizes its future
division into twa territories-provides for the
election of a delegate to Congress. a territorial
council and House OF Representatves-for the
appointment by the President. with the advice
and consent of the Senate, of Governor, Secreta.
ry, Attorney, and Judgss--and that all the ports
OH the Pacific, within the boundaries Of the terri
tories shall constitute one collection district with
salary of 81 900 per annum.
The bill was read, referred to the committee of
the whole on the state of the union, and ordered
to be printed
The House. On motion OF Mr.. Cobb. resumed.
in committee Of the whole, the consideration of
the resolutions Of Mr. Vinton, referring the vsri.
uus portions of the Presidents message to sppro.
pirate committees.
SENArE-Thusday. Dec. III.
Mr.. Atchison presented the credentials Of Hon.
William K. Sebastian. elected by the Legislature
of Arkansas, for the unexpred term Of Hon. Ches-
ter Ashley, deceased, and the gentleman took tho
usual oath to support the constitution of the U. 8
On motion, the Senate then proceeded to the
consideration Of private bills, as pro vided by Mr..
Bradburys resolution. setting apart Thursday Of
each week for such business. ... ,...
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr.. Evans. of Maryland, presented memorial
from the bearers of the Electoral votes for Pres.
dent and Vice President, against the reduction in
their mileage. made under the joint resolution of
last session, which was ordered to be printed
Mr.. Gott introduced resolution. instructing
the committee on the District al Columbia to re-
port bill, as soon as practicable prohibiting the
slave trade in the District of Columbia, and NOV
ed the previous question.
The resolution was passed by yeas and nays 90
to 81. soe ns9 # ;gutcA 5t taa
Mr.. Holmes, Of South Carolina, moved that
every southern member withdraw from the House.
but the motion was not entertained.
Mr.. Stevens offered a resolution, which was
adopted. instructing the military committee to re-
port bill making provision for payment for horses
lost in the Mexican war; F au0ar.
Resolutions ofinquiry were adopted in rslstion
10 the fund Of the asylum for disabled soldiers re-
tu,ning from Mexico. at New Orleans; and into
the expediency Of allowing three months extra
pay to al soldiers entitled to bounty lands
Mr.. McClernand Offered resolution providing
that The public snd' shall bs disposed Oft setusl