The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1849-03-21
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SEN ATE.

Yesterday the resolution Of Mr. Foote was taken
up for consideration II proposed TO print five thou
sand extra copies Of the recent decision Of The Su
preme Court adverse 10 The laws OF Massachusetts
and New York, levyins capitalion tax on imm
grants.
Mr.. Benton opposed The resolution Money was
to be taken out Of the coningen, fund.- IL could moi
be done BY single resolution like this bni must BY
rule OF the Senate, have three several readings,
like bill.
Mr.. Webster spoke Of the importance OF giving
wide circulation 10 the opinion Of the Court. and
said that Ii the object could be obtained In conform
Ivy with the rule he would be glad.
Mr.. Seward remarked that the Legislature OF New
York, now thai the law was declared unconstiin-
ona should be In possession Of The decision Of the
Supreme Court They were yet In session. lie
expressed the hope thai the importance OF the sub
jcct would lead TO the printing, although he con
Cured in what had been said by Mr., Benton.
Mr.. Fooe said that oil who knew the history Of
The Senate for the last two years. aware that there
has been too much taken Out Of the Contingent
fund. He was notresponsibe for this, and whoever
is may apply his inuendo to himself Cooking at
Mr. Benton. Some prefer reconnoisances, maps
ETC. and others prefer legal learning and decisions.
Mr.. Badger suggested that ten thousand extra
copies be printed, and
Mr.. Foote accepted the modification.
Mr.. Berrien thought that tho circulation Of the de-
cision would be considered an appeal from the
Supreme Court 10 the people. He did not think that
this was the proper function for the Senate
Mr.. Dickinson briefly advocated the passage Of
the res0lntlon.
Mr. Badger assured the Senator from Georgia that
it was part Of his purpose TO appeal from the de-
cison Of the Supreme Court TO the people. Beng
matter Of moment, he wished the document to be
circulated extensively. He held the decision to be
just one. M
Mr.. Fooie had not read the decision but he had
understood that It was able. He did not however,
regard II as TOO sacred 10 be questioned,
Mr. Berricn understood the decisions Of the SD
preme Court to be the supreme law of the land.
lie was not aware Of any Instance where one single
decision Of the Supreme Court had been selected and
placed before the people for their opinion.
Mr.. Foote merely said that the Senate ought TO dis
tribute this opinion among the people. He would
as soon 60 back 10 the days Of the dark ages when
il said thai the Bible could not be trusted TO the
llity, TO deny that The decisions Of the Supreme
Court could be laid before the people for their mature
and calm consideration.
Mr.. Butler was in favor Of distributing law re-
ports among the Senator'S, TO facilitate legislation
ba! MOI among The people at the public expense;
Mr.. Hunter said that Il any document should be
distributed, this should be.
The question was then aken and the resolution
was agreed io--yeas Y, nays ~
message was received from the Clerk OF the
House Of Representatives, announcing the death OF
the Hon Rndophus Dickinson, who died on Tues.
day morning, at nine o'clock, and stating that the
funeral will take place ON Wednesday, at twelve
o'clock.
Mr.. Chase Immediately rose, and remarked thai
there was never before ot member Of Con-.
gress dying during an Executive session. He had
mol the pleasure Of personal acquaintance with the
deceased, who, he understood, was born in Massa-
chnseiis. lie was compelled 10 rely on his own
ertions for Subsistence and the benefits Of education.
He graduated in The Sine Of hs nativity. He soon
afterwards emistatAd 10 the West. He was mem
ber Of the board Of public works, and was elected 10
the ihlrileth Congress, and 10 seat In the thirty
first Congress. Mr.. Chase did not know him, bur
the irist conhded in him by his constituents was
better enlogy than he could pronounce.
He then submitted resolutions, expressive Of the
condolng with the family Of the deceased ETC., and
az further mark of respeci, the Senate adjourned