Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-01-09
CONGRESS.
MONDAY, December 3lst.

MONDAY, December 3lst.
In THE SEYarE.-Mr Webster and Mr.. Seward
presented petitions from mercantile houses of Bos-
ton, New York and Baltimore, for The abolition OF
the splrt-ralions and Of fluggng in the navy, and
expressed their concurrence in the objects of the pc
tisions.
MI Underwood presented a petition from the
"Laiter-day Saints" in Covinglon, KY, praying an
investigation into charges against the Mormons IN
Deserel The charges are polygamy and the i'm
position duties on goods passing through the val
ley.
The bill from the House for granting the ranking
privilege to Sarah Polk, widow Of the late President
| Polk, was passed.
| Mr. Seward gave notice that he would introduce
bill to prevent the sale Of and the farming out Of
offices.
The Senate after spending short time in Execu-
tive session. adjourned over to Thursday.
HOUSE OF EpREsRNTAT1vEs.-After the read
ing Of the Journal the Speaker announced the Stand
ing COmmllees-the must important OF which, are
the following Chairmen to the Committees OF
Ways and Means, Mr.. Bayly, OF Va. Foreign AT
fairs, Mr.. McClernand, of Ill.,; Judiciary, MIR.
Thompson, of Penn; District of Columbia, Mr.
| L
Committees are strongly Southern on The Slavery
Question.
Petitions were presented by Messrs. Venable, Of
N. c., Mason, and Stanton, Of KY. Thomas, Stan
ton, and Jones Of Tennessee, protesting against the
appointment Of Chaplains 10 the two Houses OF
Congress, in the Army and Navy, and against the
recognition, by the Government in any manner, OF
established religion.
Numerous petitions were presented for indemnity
for French spoations, which were referred to the
Committee on Foreign Relations.
Mr.. Crowell gave notice that he would on Thurs
day ask leave 10 introduce bill to abolish the slave
trade in the District of Columbia.
Mr. Venable presented resolution calling upon
the President for information generally IN regard 10
the conduct Of the administration towards the ter
ritories of California and New Mexico since the adj
iournment of the last Congress; and particularly
whether any agents were appointed BY The Presl
dent, their compensation, under what law appoint
ed, &c., to visit those territories.
The resolution was amended at the suggestion OF
Mr. Stephens Of Ga, SO as To make the call also APP
pcabe 10 the action of the late administration IN
regard 10 the government Of those territories.
MIR. Savage submitted resolution calling upon
the President of the United States for information
in relation 10 the recent seizure by the British Gov
eminent of the Tigre Island. Ii lies over under the
rule one day.
Mr.. Miller of Ohio, submitted resolution d.
recling the COMMITTEES Of Ways and Means to re-
port bill for abolishing the Home Department.
Lies over.
MIR. Root, of Ohio, submitted resolution direct
inc the Committee on Territories to introduce bill
providing Territorial Governments for the territory
ceded 10 The United States by the treaty of Ganda-
loupe Hdalgo, aud prohibiting slavery therein
pending which resolution the House adjourned TIL
Thursday next.
THURSDAY, Jan. 8.
In the Senate, Mr. Atchison presented resolutions
adopted by the Legislature of Missouri on the sub
ject Of slavery.
Mr.. Benton addressed the Senate in relation TO
the resolutions presented by his colleague. lie de-
MED that they reflected the opinions Of majority
of The people Of Missouri in relation to the subject
Of slavery.
Mr.. Atchison responded, joined issue with his
colleague, and appealed To the people OF Missouri
with entire confidence.
Nothing else worthy of note transPred in the
The House of Representatives was engaged the
whole day in a vain effort 10 elect clerk. The
candidates were Messrs. Campbell and Forney-
Mr.. Campbell is the candidate put forward by the
Wings and is the acting clerk, having been chosen
at the last session, and hulding office till the House
shall select another. Mr.. Furney is the caucus
candidate Of the Democrats, and is known IN the
political world as the editor Of the Pennsy vanian,a
leading Democratic paper published in The city of
Philadelphia Only two ballots were had-on the
second MIR. Forney wanted only three votes OF an
election.
FRIDAY, Jan 4.
In THE SENATE.-The Senate took up the reso-
luton OF Gen. Cass proposing suspension fdiplo-
matte relations with Austria. That gentleman made
long speech in support Of his resolution, and de-
nouncng the Austrian Government.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPREsENTATIyEs.-.T
House postponed the election of officers until Mon
day-ayes 49, noes 81.
The Speaker decided that the first 30 days for The
reception of petitions had expired. Mr.. Stanley
appealed. The decision was sustained ayes 20,
noes 81.
The House adjourned until Monday.
GIop Onftha p.Ifirnnra