The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-02-21
Congressional.


In the Senate, to-day the bill for the relief of the heirs
of John Paul Jones was returned from the House OF
Representatives, with amendments.
The amendments read.
Mr. Davis of Massachusetts, moved their reference to
the committee with which the bill originated
Mr. Hannegan explained the manner in which he had
been permitted introduce the bill, without the agency
of a committee, in consequence OF the circumstance OF
its loss at the close of the last session. after its signature
by the presiding officers of both houses, its way to
the President.
Mr. Benton was opposed to dispensing with the usual
forms of legislation in this case He had knowledge
of the BILL but that it should be brought there after
lapse of seventy years. satisfied all must be of the
Justice and wisdom OF the Of the revolution who set
tied up their claims although too poor to pay all
was enough to create strong suspicion Of Its justice
Mr. Hannegan warmly sustained the merits of the BILL
and stated that they had been repeatedly passed on by
both houses, they ought longer to be subjected to
doubt The traitor Lardg, who betrayed the hero, had
been paid while the hero himself had remained unre
Quilted.
| MIR. Cameron had been on a committee which ex
amined the claim 1t was unanimously appro we'd, and
he saw no reason for its commitment
Mr. Bagby condemned the looseness Of legislation into
which we falling, and desired the commitment Of
| the bill.
| Mr. Mangum thought the delay unnecessary, as
the committee would only have to act the amend
ments, which unimportant.
| Mr. Badger, although willing to pass the amend
ments now, would vote for commitment if any senator
desired time to examine the claim.
Mr. Bradbury said he had voted for the bill on the
representation of the senator from Indiana but look
ing into it SINCE he felt some doubts which he desired to
have removed. He therefore would vote for commit
ment.
i The bill and amendments were then committed.
1 Mr. Cass called for the special order, when
Mr. Benton rose to make painful announcement to
the Senate He had just been informed that the House of
Representatives had adjourned under the most affecting
circumstances calamitous visitation to its Oldest and
most valuable member-one who had been President of
the United States and whose character inspired universal
! respect and esteem. He spoke of Mr. Adams who had
lust sunk down in his chair and had been carried into
an adjoining room, and might at this moment be passing
from the world under the very roof which covers u.s.
and almost in our presence Under such circumstances
the whole Senate will feel alike, and find itself utterly
unable attend to any business He therefore moved
the immediate adjournment of the Senate; which was
unanimously agreed to, and the Senate adjourned
/ In the House, to-day, resolutions were offered Mr.
Chase submitted joint resolution, on leave presenting
the thanks of Congress and gold medals to several gene
raj officers mentioning them by name, who have served
with General Scott in the late campaign in Mexico The
previous question demanded and seconded-yeas II
nays II. The question "Shal the main question be
put was decided in the airmatveyeas l02, nays 81
call for division OF the question, take it sepa-
rately on each clause, made by Mr. Hunt but de-
cided to be out OF order.
AT this moment Mr.. John Quincy Adams Gas will be
seen by our House rspo with his eye on the Speaker
made an effort to rise, extending his right hand his
DESK but sunk down the left side of his chair saying
in low and faint but distinct tone, "This the last
i earh-I am content"
T The House adjourned, and Mr. Adams was borne te
the Speakers room by DR.. Fries, of Ohio, and others
and medical attendance was summoned. The event oc
Cured at quarter past o'clock. Mr. Adams was liv
ing at o'clock, and hopes then entertained that hi
would survive the night 1t was not deemed practicable
to remove him to his residence
p s. AT ten minutes after nine, we had information
from one of Mr.. Adamss nearest friends, that he ap
peared to be revving AS an evidence that his con
seriousness had returned, it was mentioned that in reply
to remark made by one who anxiousy watching
over him. he said o." the first word he had uttered
since he was stricken.