The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-02-11
WASHINGTON, Feb. ., l84S.

WASHINGTON, Feb. ., lS4S.
Patent Med'c,wes- Visters--Fw California The
Claim Blll-Bramch MINT.
The bill of Dr. Edwards, lately reported to the
House from select committee, to prevent the pa
tentipg OF any article or preparation whatever a.
medicine, is kind OF free trade measure, although
not 30 intended, which, rather than close, will
open the door still wider to every description Of
"curatives," for many geniuses who have the tact
to gather roots and make medicines will not 10
shut out by patents and will be saved the expense
OF procuring them. If the Doctor could procure
the passage of bill to prevent people from taking
any medicine at ALL the object sought to be obtain
ed would be reached. On the same principle
there would be no intemperance. But individuals
will contisue to dose themselves, and II does net
matter whether they swallow the stuffs of the en-
pirc or the regular practitioner.
Among the ylsiters now In the city, are Judge
Forsyth, from Ulster county; Ex-Governor Dlckia-
son, OF New Jersey; Ex-Governor Seward; Robert
and John Tyler, OF the old dynasty; Mr.. Lawrence,
a retired merchant OF New York; Mr.. Croswell, OF
Figuring around" and delegation Of The CHIP
pewa Indians.
General Alexander Anderson, formerly United
States Senator from Tennessee, is to head parry
OF gold seekers, whs are to start from Indepsa-
dence, Missouri, In March next.
This has been one OF the dullest days OF the Sos
sion. The House were for more than two hours
engaged IN the consideration OF amendments -
the bill to establish board OF three oommission-
ers to settle claims against the United States An
effort was made, when the committee rose, TO lay
the whole subject on the table, but this failed
yeas, 81; nays, l08-and, before adjournment took
place, the bill was ordered to be engrossed for
third reading. It will, probably, pass tomorrow.
The hrst section Of 1t provides that board, fer
the settlement Of claims against the United States,
shall be established, to consist OF three commits
soners to be appointed by the President, by and
with the advice OF the Senate. They are to take
an oath before Judge OF the Circuit Court for the
District of Columbia, faithfully and impartialy to
execute the duties Of his Office to the best Of his
judgment and ability, and each commissioner
tha1 receive a compensation OF three Thousand
five hundred dollars per annum, to be paid
quarterly from tho treasury OF the United States.
2 That claims against the United States shall, a.
heretofore be presented to and settled by tho pro-
per acceun ting officers; and #, upon any such set
Element, the claimant shall be dissatlshed, no
may appeal to the coard OF commissioners ).
All petitions asking tor relief from Congress on
account OF any claim against the government o,
tie United States, shall as soon as the same snail
have been presented to either House OF Congress,
be referred to the board OF commissioners. 4.
The board shall make suitable rules and reguls-
uons. 8. Relates to the taking OF testimony; the
mode and manner OF auihenticating 1t. Provision
Is made for the taking OF testimony. II any per-