Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-02-06

the consideration of the Postage Bill, the ques
ton Immediately under consideration being
MIR. Cameron's motion TO amend, 50 as to allow
newspapers not weighing more than one and a.
half ounces to circulate free within circle OF
thirty miles from he Office Of publication
MIR. Cameron modified his amendment by
striking out one and-a-half ounces, SO as 10
make il applicable 10 all newspapers
Mr.. Niles addressed the Senate at length in
rep'y to the speech Of Mr.. Allen on the same
subject, and in defence generally Of the bill
ss reported.
lie referred particularly to Mr.. Aliens re-
marks, in condemnation OF The mali af-stcamer
system and expressed his surprise lha. he whose
voice had been "frst for war" was among The
first 10 back our.
By a reference to ancient history, which The
Senator had quoted SO extensively, il appeared
that Demostbenes, like his friend from Ohio, had
endcayored TO prepae the hearts Of The people
tor war" and had succeeded; but when The pee
pie were called upon 10 face The enemy, The an.
cient orator was among the first 70 fee.
He would no, be understood as inlimatns that
his friend would 90 The same lhing-he thought
he would fight il he got into a tight pace-buf II
was far picasanter talking OF war than engaging
in deadly confci.
From he argument Of his friend, they we're led
to infer, that had newspapers circulated tree, in
those anclen, republics, within thirty miles, rhey
would probably have stood TO tnis day. He had
no however, told them how he mails were then
carried. or how this Tree circulation would haA'
affected them. Though they had no tree circu.
alion, they had then, as nov, political stump
speakers and candidates for office.
He regretted 10 SEE his friend taxing back
ward stride, By wishing 10 place the press under
The control or surveillance Of The government 10
re-esiabish the royal prrrogaiive. He believed
the best way was 10 leave the press entirely free
All privileges were in derosation Of rigtt. To
60 Tor unlimited circulation was one thing but
10 draw line, and prohibit all beyond that, was
granting privilege, in derCgation u right.
He had heard The Senator combating against
mouopolies, and he was sorry 10 see him now
falling back, protesting as he does, TO belong 10
The progressive Democracy. He had expected
10 see him in The 10 ward rank, and with his
powerful Voice cxcIaiming, "Chafsr, Chester,
cha,ge-On, Saney, on -ino The trench once
more Pin opposition 10 privileges, instead Of
being really 10 Vote Tor them, including one for
himssf.
Mr.. Niles then proceeded 10 an examination
OF The system proposed by his bill, which, though
is features were mol entirely new, were neveiihe-
less so differen, from lormer laws 10 many re.
spects tina, il might he termed new system
The system was, first, low rates; and, second,
uniform rates he was no, in favor OF uniform
rates unless we can sustain very low rates. II
we cannot sustain very low rates, lien there
should be discrimination in regard 10 distances.
Ii We can, then the rates should be uniform, &c.
When Mr. Niles had concluded, The bill was
passed overland
Mr.. Pearcc's resolution, OeIurned from the
Honse,) in regard 10 The printing, was taken up,
recons dered, aud after explanations BY Mr.. P. IN
regard - his statements Of yesterday, and some
farther remarks by Messrs. Cameron, King,
Westcuu ant DicEcnson, it was amended on
mo,ioa of Mr.. Cameron, 50 as TO read i4'h Fe-
b'uary instead Of Isl March, and, 50 amended
was again passed. Adjourned 10 Monday.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The House was engaged The whole day, in
committee Of The whole, in the consideration OF
bills on tie private calendar, OF which great
number were again reported 10 The House and
passed Adjoufncd