Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1850-06-05
Congressional. --Dn q elearspb.
Washington, May q.

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SENArE.-Mr. Downes' resolution Of
enquiry as to whether the contract for
carrying the mails between New York,
New Orleans, Chagres, Charleston, &c.
&c, by mail steamer. has failed to be per-
formed. and in what particular, was taken
up. Mr.. Downes modified it SO as TO di.
rect general enquiry into performance Of
contracts for carrying mails to Liverpool
and on the California route. and the re-.
solution. as modified. was adopted
Alter the reception Of reports. the bill
TO establish branch min, at New Orleans,
was taken up.
Mr.. Davis moved an amendment, pro.
vidng for two assaying officers. one at
Stockton, and one al Sacramento city in
California. and, after some debate, the bill
was postponed until Wednesday next.
Mr.. Mason then addressed the Senate
in exposition Of the views Of the minority
Of the committee Of -. and those Of the
Senate who repudiated the scheme Of the
compromise. Mr.. Clay wished to know
whether he, Mr.. Mason, meant to be un-
derstood to say that he would be willing
to take the Missouri Compromise to the
Pacific, without any legislation by Con-
gress with respect to slavery on either side
Of him.
Mr.. Mason replied, tina. for himself he
would.
Mr.. Clay then asked if all Southern
members would DC willing to abide by tina,
line. with the conditions named.
Mr.. Mason said that the Senate from
Kentucky might very soon obtain an ans
wer to his enquiry:saf he would himself
intimate his willingness to abide by that
line.
Mr.. CLAW said, that. for himself. he
would have no objections 10 the extension
Of tho Missouri line across Utah and New
Mexico. but not through California.
Mr.. Mason replied, that the abolition OF
the slave trade in the District Of Columbia
came under the general scope OF the re-
solution against any net interfering, in
any manner. with the rights and interests
Of slave holders.
After some remarks from Mr. Cass and
Mr.. Bcrrien.
Mr.. Mason resumed his conversation
with Mr.. Clay and said. that if the Sena-
tor would assent 10 running the Missouri
line to the Pacific, and the consequent
contraction Of tho California boundary.
there would be no difficulty in settling the
whole question.
Mr.. Clay said. that. if he thought there
was any indication Of an entire concur
renee Of the Southern Senators with the
modification suggested by the Senator, he
would hesitate long before he pronounced
. refusal Of his assent. Let the Senator
bring forward his proposition. to run the
Missouri line. by way Of amendment. and
let the ayes and nays be taken upon it.
and then it could be seen how the South
ern Senators would vote upon the ques-
ton.
Mr.. Mason said he had no design Of
debating any proposition. as he was in
the minority.
MIR Underwood took the floor and the
Senate adjourned.
HousE--The Speaker stated the bus,
mess before the House to be report Of
the Select Committee on the charges
against Mr.. Horner. the door keeper.
Mr. Brown offered a resolution that Mr.
Homer be discharged.
Mr. Chandler defended Mr. Homer.
and said tho charges have not been sus-
tanned.
Mr.. Brown replied.
Mr.. Inge said the subject was too small
. matter to engage their attention. and on
his motion it was laid on the table-yeas.
90. nays 60.
Tho House then went into committee Of
The Whole on the state Of the Union, and
took up the California Message.
Mr.. Bennett advocated the admission
Of California, and spoke against the fur
Their extension of slavery.
The committee then rose, and the
House adjourned
Washington, May 20.
SENArK.-The Senate proceeded to the
consideration Of Mr.. Bradbury's resolu-
ton. relating to removals from office.
Mr. Webster moved 10 postpone the
subject till Thursday.
Mr. Hale wanted to know il Mr.. Brad
bury would object to going little farther
back. 10 the year 1871. and request an
account Of removals made then.
Mr.. Turncy spoke in relation to re-
movals made in Tennessee. charging the
President with having violated his pledges.
The subject was then postponed until
Thursday next.
The Senate then resumed the consi-
dera;;cn Of the compromise bill on the
admission Of California.
Mr.. Underwood addressed the Senate
., some length. contending that those who
had gone before him. had assumed wrong
premises. when they supposed Congress
had no power to legislate for territories.
lie argued that Congress had the power.
and also argued the propriety and philan-
,hropy Of permitting the diffusion OF sla-
very.
Mr.. Underwood having concluded. the
question was stated to be upon Mr.. Davis
amendment.
Mr.. Berricn remarked that the Senator
was no, there. and he hoped that. before
so important question was taken. some