The New York herald., 1850-12-04
Summary OF the Latest News.

Very little was done in either house of Congress
yesterday. In the Senate, MIR. Benton gave notice
ofseveral bills granting lands to construct a rail-
road from ST. Louis to San Francisco; and also
granting lands TO the State of Missouri, for the
purpose Of internal Improvements. If we are not
much mistaken, there will be many appropril atoms
for internal Improvements made by the present
Congress Within few years past, there appears
to have been change in the public mind in regard
to the constitutionaty and proprety of the general
government expending portion of its resources in
improving the navigation of our inland seas and
rivers, and constructing harbors the lakes, for
the benefit of commerce. The democrats appl-
reDtly disposed TO partially abandon the ques-
tionable ground which they assumed and maintain
ed, with SO much obstinacy, few years since, on
this subject. A moderate share of the revenue Of
the government, judici0usly applied, could, with
great advantage to the country, be applied in this
manner. We do not, as yet, know the character
of the bill which Mr.. Benton has given notice of !;
but il has become almost matter Of necessity that
we should have en- expe edtous mode.of commu-
nicaton with Oregon and California, by railroad,
as soon as possible. Any proposition to that end,
which is not Objectionable in is details, ought to
be sanctioned by Congress as soon as possible.
We are happy to learn, do by our tele-
graphic correspondence from the capital, that the
hest feelings prevail among the members of both
houses; and that according to present appearances
there is no danger of renewal of the exciting
scenes which characterized the last session. This
can be accounted for by the fact, that during the
recess the members of both houses have had an
opportunity of consulting with their constituents,
and informing the emseyes of the sentiments of the
mass of the people throughout the whole country
They have discovered that they are pleased with
the adjustment made at the last session, and op-
posed TO further sgitation. We reminded them
frequently during the last session, that in not
coming TO conclusion the exciting subjects
which engaged their attention, they were acting
counter 10 the wishes Of those who elevated them
10 Office. They may have discovered that such
was the case, and that while a storm ragged in
Warrington, the rest Of the country was CON.
paratyely calm.
We learn that the ultraists in the legislature Of
South Carolina have recently introduced series
OF secession and disunion resolutions in that body
which were under discussion at the last accounts,
and which seem to be Of the most ultra character.
We sgrce with Gen. James Hamilton, that at pre-
sent, at all events, there exists no necessity for
going TO such extremes. Il will be time enough to
do when the Fugitive Slave law is rept aled, Of
which there docs not seem at present to be The
slightest probability.
The sdyicos from Mississippi ere rather gloomy
and the message from the Governor Of Virginia
partakes almost too much Of a similar character to
be exactly pleasing. However, the patriotic reso-
luton passed at the union meeting at New Orleans
and the returns Of the late election in Georgia. more
than compensate for the chilling news from the
frst named States The people OF Georgia and
New Orleans are sound to the core on the union
question, and evince a willingness 10 trust TO the
honor and integrity Of the North FOR a settlement Of
the difficulties which have been brought about by
few abolition fanatics. The union meeting at
Castle Garden has met with proper response ia
the Crescent ciiy-such an one as will reveTberate
with telling effect throughout the whole Southern
country.
We are glad to learn that the remaining Contoy
prisoners are about TO be released by the Spanish
government, information 10 that effect having been
received by the State Department, and, also, that
there is every probability Of the bill establishing
branch min, in the city Of New York being passed.
The country is yet safe.
The annual report Of Secretary Graham, Of the
Navy, came TO hand las, night, and appears in this
mornings psper. We may have occasion 10 speak
cf its merits hereafter-at present we are content
TO give the report There is now but one more de.
partment to be heard irom-the Treasury-ani we
understand that that report will not be ready before
SaInrday or Monday.