The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1850-08-24
WASHINGTON. Aug. 81.

WAsHINGToN, Aug. 81.
SENATE.-The fugitive slave bill was ia
ken up, and debated until 4 O'clock when,
without coming TO any vote, the Senate adj
journed. tttt
HoUsE.-The House went into a commit
tee of the whole on the civil and diplomatic
appropriation bill. 81
Mr.. Bayly moved an amendment appro-
priating $4,000 for outfit for charges dat
iairs to Portugal, New Grenada, Guatemala,
and Ecuador. This outfit would be necessa-
ry for new appointments
Mr.. McClernand said that the committee
and the country were aware that reports
were in circulation tfat Mr. Clay, our charge
to Pc tugal. was directed TO enforce the de-
mands of the United States for indemnity,
and. in the event of non compliance, to with
draw and come home. Since an arrange
ment had been entered into between the Por-
tuguese minister and the Secretary of State
for the payment of ninety-ofd thousand dol
lars-the balance OF the claim. including the
Gen. Armstrong claim was 10 be referred TO
arbitration The whole was in train ofad-
justment The State department wanted an
outfit for a new minister
/ Mr.. Staunton, of Tenn. moved an amend
ment by striking out $4,000 and inserting
government, in agreeing to settle large por-
lions OF The Claims, said that it agreed, not
because it considered the claims lust. but be-
cause it was obliged to yield to force
Mr.. McClernand remarked that il was not
absolutely certain that MIR. Clay would re-
turn home.
MIR. Stanton resumed. If Mr.. Clay did
return home. it would not be because the
Administration prevented him. He UNDER
stood the claims were 10 be submitted to The
arbitration OF the King of Sweden and TO be
condltionally settled, and should like to know
on what authority the gentleman stated that
the late Administration clustered in this mat
ter, and on what authority does he say that
part of our squadron was send TO Lisbon 10
intimidate. | don't believe Gen. Taylor's
Administration ,ntented TO intmidate the
Portuguese government by the naval forccl
brought against it. | know nothing of this
matter. have no official information. | do
not 60 about the departments TO seek infor-
nation or court the confidence of the Admin
istraiion.
Mr.. McClernand was aware that report
had prevailed that in the event of Portugal
refusing the payment of the claims, a cam
nonade was TO be the consceuece
Mr. Stanton, of Tenn. moved TO increase
the sum 10 $4,000, and said It was not his
intention to represent that this Government
issued any orders to any portion of orr
squadron TO lombard the Portuguese cities.
The late President said "The omission of
the Portuguese government 10 d. justice 10
| American claimants has now assumed II char
acter so grave and serious that shall shortly
make it the subject of Il special message 10
Congress" The former Secretary of State +,
however. adopted shorter method he did
not say that the President ordered bomb
ardment; but sent ihiiher an intelligent Of
ficer to buster and by these means to cocrce
The Portuguese government.
Mr.. Stephens replied. He should submit
the question % Congress. Nothing was fur
Their than the idea that bombardmebt was
threatened. II was distinctly disclaimed.
Mr.. Stanton's amcndment to the amend
ment was rejected.
The amendment of.Mr. Bayly still being
before the committee, apprepriatiDg an out
fit of SIS 600 for change TO Portugal, New
Grenada Guatemala. and Ecnador, Mr.. Nc
Clernand moved 10 amend by adding the sal
airy and outfit ofihe charge TO Nicaragua,
$4,000. Ii was agreed 10 by II TO as.
\ The amendment of Mr.. Bayly thus amend
ed was adopted.
Amendments were made aprroprating for
city improvements. and $4,000 Tor the relief
and protection of seamen on the Western
waters. Others of less importance were ad-
opted. The committee then rose and the
House adjourned.