The southern press., 1850-09-07
CON ssIoNAL.
IN SENATE.
FRIDAY, September 6, 1850
ZEN. HOUSTON, I

GEN. HOUSTON, us. GEN. WALLACE.
Mr. HOUSTON notified the Senate that on
Monday next, he should ask its indulgence to allow
him personal explanation. Owing to publica.
ton recently made against him through the pub
lie newspapers, by member Of the other House
he felt compelled to make an explanation Of the
matter, which he had delayed thus far, because he
could not earlier obtain certain documents neces-
sary in the case.
BILLS PASSED, ETC.
The Senate passed several private bills and res
olutons.
Also, a bill granting the right of way and do
nation of the public lands to the State Of Alabama,
TO aid in the construction Of the Tennessee, Mis-
sissippi and Alabama Railroad.
Also, bill to increase the efficiency OF the
Army, by retired list Of disabled or superanua-
ted officers.
MISCELLANEOUS.
On motion Of MIR. DOWNS, 1900 extra copies
Of the report Of the Secretary of the Interior on
the overhowed lands Of the Mississippi river,
were ordered to be printed.
On motion Of Mr. BENTON, the report Of
Professor Page, upon his experiments in electro
magnetism was ordered to be printed
THE LINE OF THE TREATY OF UTRECHT.
Mr.. BENTON submitted a note from the Sec
retary of State to Hon. Thomas FL. Benton, COM
municating an extract from letter of Mr.. Ever
ett, teStlly tue OK
istence of u map among the British archives, de-
fning the boundary between the British and
French possessions in North America, accord
ing to the treaty Of Utrecht The latter was read
and laid upon the table.
On motion of Mr.. JONES, three Senator's were
added to the Committee on engrossed bills.
SOLDIERS BOUNTY LANDS.
The Senate resumed the consideration of the
bill granting bounty lands to officers and soldiers of
the Indian war Of 1890. and the subsequent
Indian wars, and to the officers and soldiers Of the
war Of l812 and also to the commissioned officers
of the Mexican war, (the non-commissioned Off
GERS and privates being already provided for)
Mr.. SEWARD proposed to include also, the
marines, which was agreed to, after debate.
Sundry other amendments were made, when
Mr.. BENTON proposed an amendment secur-
ing the land Of the soldier, his widow or heirs,
against execution; and providing by law for
the recovery of the same where it has been forfeit
ed, or taken away by spectators.
The amendment was debated by Messrs. BENTON,
BADGER, HAMLIN, JEFFERSON DAVIS, SHIELDS,
UNDERwoOD, and others, and upon the question be-
ing put, it was ascertained that there was no quo
rum voting.
Mr.. BENTON suggested that this was too large
subject for 80 thin Senate, and that the Senate
had better adjourn.
Mr.. BADGER moved to postpone the bill till
Monday. Agreed to-
VALUABLE MAP.
The presiding officer laid before the Senate a
communication from the War Department, ac-
companying map, compiled from the surveys
and observations &c. of officers the Topograph
cal Engineers of the country, lying between the
Mississippi river and the Pacific Ocean.
Mr.. JEFFERSON DAVIS, in view Of the great inn
portance ofthis map, moved that the Secretary of
the Senate he authorized to provide for it's print
ing on reduced scale, which was agreed to.
PRIVATE BILLS.
The Senate passed several bills for the relief Of
private individuals having claims against the
Government.
CAPTIONS OF THE SHIP PHILADELPHIA.
Mr.. YuLEE called up the bill for the relief OF the
captors of the U. S. ship Philadelphia, from the
possession of the enemy in the harbor Of Trpoli,
in the year 1904 The bill proposes 500, 900 to
be distributed among the crew, and includes pro-
vision for the benefit of the widow ofthe late Com
Decatur.
After debate between Mr.. BERRIEN and Mr..
YULEE, the bill was postponed to Monday next.
And the Senate adjourned to meet again on
Monday next