Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-08-26

Kas Congress.
WASHINGTON, August 81, 1850.
SENATE.

SENATE.
The fugitive slave bill was taken up and dis
cussed.
Mr.. Pratts amendments, providing for the
payment Of the value of slaves by the United
States Government, in case of their escape, were
advocated by Mr.. Foote, Mr.. Atchison and Mr.
Pratt.
Mr.. Pratt argued that the law of 1898 had
proved an entire failure The plan he proposed
was to do Justice to the South and remove an
element OF discord He considered the United
States responsible for the execution Of the Con-
stituliona provisions,
Mi Dayton denied that the Government was
bound to do more than enIeavor, in good faith
to execute the provisions of the constitution
Mr.. Mason said the people of Maryland Vir-
gina and Kentucky would take means of redress
unless the general government would execute
he clause Of the Constitution for the delivery Of
fugitive slaves They were entitled to an eff
tectual remedy. They were entitled to indenl-
nifty for the loss of their slaves. If one remedy
would not do, another must be tried, and in-
demnily must be secured if all remedies failed
Mr.. Mason argued the point at length.
Mr.. Berrien could not give his support to the
proposition. He did not think that the United
States government could be made responsible
for the loss of slaves. The case was different
from those arising under treaties with foreign
powers.
Messrs. Mason and Pratt replied and before
the question was taken the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
On motion of Mr. Thompson, of Pa, the
Speaker was authorised to appoint committee
of conference on the disagreeing votes OF the
two Houses on the bill of the Senate to extend
the time of taking the It'll census, and to increase
the pay of the Marshas.
On m otion of MI. Colt, the rules were sus-
pended, and the house resolved into committee
of the whole, Mr.. Burt in the chair, and resum-
ed the consideration OF the civil and diplomatic
bill
The principle subject Of discussion was the
foreign missions
Mr.. McClernand moved an appropriation oil
81, 500 tor Secretary of Legation to Turkey
After an explanation by Mr.. Nee, the chair
man OF Foreign Affairs, it was agreed 20.
Mr.. Bayly moved an appropriation for outfits
for Charge DIES Affairs 10 Portugal, New Grenada
Guatemala and Eucador, the sum Of $4,000
Mr.. McClernand moved to amend the above
by adding $4,000 for salary and outfit of a
Charge DIES Affaires TO Nicaragua.
After some discussion, in which the NIessrs.
McCler1anu; carter Stanton OF Texas, IHau
Stevens McLane, of Md, participated, these
amendments were adopted
Mr.. MoLane was opposed to making an ap
preparation unless an actual recall had taken
place, or there was an actual vacancy in the Mis-
sions. In the case of the amendment of Mr.
Bayly, a mere intimation had been given that
these Missions would become vacant. He did
not believe it proper for the House to yield te
inimation merely, but to provide for facts.
MIR. Marshall, of Ky, submitted an amend
ment appropriating $50, 900 TO be expended un'
der the supervision of the Secretary of the Treasu
ry, for the relief and protection of marines or
the Western Waters. This was aaopted-ayes
66; noes G1.
Mr. Bayly moved similar amendment, fol
the benefit of the seamen on the Atlantic coast
1t was voted down.
Mr. Brown, of Mississippi, under instructions
from the Committee on the District of Columbia
submitted amendments approprating $4,000 fo
the improvement Of New Jersey Avenue North
and $4,000 for its improvement North of thu
Capitol. These amendments were agreed to.
The Committee, at half-past three o'clock
rose, and the House adjourned.