The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-30
HOUSE or UNDERSTANDINGS.

Reports were called from the several standing
committees.
Mr.. STRONG. from the Committee Of Elections,
reported resolution, which was agreed 10, author
izng Mr.. RoDBrSs, and the contestant for his seat,
Mr.. LrTTELL, from one OF the Congressional dis
trcts Of Pennsylvania. 70 take evidence in accord
with the laws Of that commonwealth.
On motion Of Mr.. BAYLY, the Committee Of
Ways and Means were authorized 20 employ a
clerk, at the usual rate Of compensation.
Mr.. BURT, from the Committee on Military AZ
fairs, reported bill regulating the breyet rank,
and 10 retire disabled officers OF the army; which
committed 10 the Committee Of the Whole on
the state Of the Union.
Mr.. Mclean, from the Committee on Com
merce, reported bill providing for reciprocity Of
trade, free Of duty, with Canada, in articles the
growth OF that province, and the United States;
which was committed to the Committee Of the
Whole ON the state Of the Union.
Other reports were made from standing commit
tees.
MILEAGE.
Mr.. swEETZER, from the Committee on Mile
age, made the following report:
Whereas, the answers OF members 10 the circular
addressed 10 them by the chairman of the Commit
tee on Mileage, asking information 10 the route
by them travelled 10 the seat Of government, and
the probable distance, are indefinite, the commit
tee, having doubts to the rule they should adopt
in computing the mileage OF members, ask the
adoption Of the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Committee on Mileage be in
structed 10 compute the mileage Of members upon
the nearest mail route upon which mail coaches or
other convenient conveynnccs run, from the resi-
dence of members to the seat Of government.
Mr.. FITCH ssid that the law was defective; and
doubts existed TO its Interpretation, il de-
sirable there should be correct definition. There
fore, Il was thought proper 10 offer the resolution,
10 obtain the opinion of the House refusal 70
adopt il would leave the committee no other course
than that heretofore pursued.
Mr.. JOHNSON, Of Arkansas, said that there could
he no difference Of opinion with the House as TO the
course pursued for many years II was one. he
presumed, gentlemen would continue For one,
he not willing 10 serve here for less sum than
those who preceded him, nor did he believe those
who serving receive solitary cent too much.
There was evidence 10 show that members have
gone home in poverty. To procure an expression
OF the opinion Of the House on the subject of the
construction Of the law. he moved 10 lay the rcso-
luton upon the table, with the hope that this would
be regarded n test question.
Mr.. BROWN, OF Indiana, asked the gentleman
TO withdraw the motion, promising that he would
renew II.
Mr. JOHNSON said that, were indulgence given,
there would be an expenditure Of buncombc; and
he bad perfect contempt for IL, when IL came
into conflict with matters Of right and justice he
would stick TO his motion.
Mr. THOMPSON, of Mississippi, wished 10 know
whether the construction sought 10 be given 70 the
law was 70 be binding on the House alone'
The SPEAKER replied that Il was not joint
resolution