Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-02-01

Mr. Clay called up his resolution for the purchase
of the manuscript of Washingtons farewell address.
He said that this manuscript of this celebrated docu-
ment in the possession of the heirs of Mr.. Clay
pole the editor of paper at one time published in
the city of Philadelphia, and in which the address
first made its appearance; and that there was no
doubt of its commences. 1t advertised for
sale, and he hoped that it would be purchased for
the Library of the United States, instead of passing
into the hands of private perhaps of foreign, owners.
Man, he said, was not an abstraction, but wanted
something physical, some tangible memorial Of the
great and good to appeal to his heart and feelings
as we'll as to his intellect Who would not cherish
with respect every memorial of departed parent
and should not Congress guard, sacred treasure,
such relic of the father of his country" whose
lessons of union and moderation might be read with
much profit now that sectional feeling had attain
ed such a baneful ascendency.
Mr.. Foote said he should vote for the resolution
he was in favor of having the manuscript although
he could not any bearing it could have upon the
present sectional agitation. The fanatics who had
forced the matter forward were insensible to the
emotions of patriotism.
Mr.. Webster spoke in favor of the adoption of Mr..
Clays resolution He wanted this manuscript to be-
come the property of the nation.
Mr.. Davis, of Mississippi, was prepared to sympa-
thize fully with the feeling to which Mr.. Clay had
SO eloquently alluded-the feeling which endeared
everything connected with the father of his coun-
try'-but he doubted the expediency of buying eve
rything which might be hawked about the capitol,
by way of speculation, upon the feelings of Con-
gress At any rate if it sought to possess eve
the purchase of all the bate-elds illustrated by his
genius, and all the places where he had resided.
Mr.. Borland was opposed to purchasing any more
revolutionary relics, because he thought it encour-
aged disreputable habit of making merchandise of
these things. 1t disgusting to those into
whose hands the hallowed remembrances might
come, convert them into mere merchandise.
After some little discussion the joint resolution
passed in the following words
Be 1t resolved by the Senate and House of Represen-
tatDes of the United States of america Congress
sem6ed That the Joint Committee on the Library of
the Senate and House of Representatives be author-
zed to purchase the manuscript of the farewell adj
dress to the people of the United States of George
Washington, if the purchase of it be effected
Just and fair terms, in the opinion OF the Committee
Mr.. Hunter called for the order of the day, being
the bill for the recapture of fugitive slaves.
Mr.. Butler addressed the Senate in support of the
BILL His remarks not given in the report of this
days proceedings, being withheld for revision.)
Mr.. Mason, stating his desire to be further heard
upon the BILL moved that its further consideration be
postponed until tomorrow, which was agreed to.
On motion ordered that when the Senate adjourn
It be to meet on Monday.
The Senate proceeded to executive business, and
after time spent, the doors re-opened, and
The following legislative business transacted.
report of the Secretary of the Navy was laid be-
fore the Senate with statement of the contingent
of the Department for the year ending 31st
1849. Read.
message was received from the President in
to the resolution of the 17th in relation to
in California on forming constitution
Read and ordered to be printed, with the accompa-
nying documents
After some unimportant business the Senate ad-
journed.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Mr. Thurston of Oregon, asked leave to introduce
certain resolutions which he said were intended by
way of substitute for memorial with which he had
been entrusted by the legislative assembly, but which
he had lost with his baggage, the Isthmus of Pa
mama. They required the Judiciary Committee to
inquire into the extent and meaning of certain pos
sessory rights in land in Oregon, claimed by British
subjects under the treaty of 1916 with Great Britain
Leave not granted.
The several committees being called upon, repor
ted various bills, all of private nature which
disposed Of and the House proceeded to the order
the day, being the consideration of resolution direc
ting the Secretary of the Navy report to the House
in tabular form, LIST, the amount of hemp annual,
purchased for the use of the American navy, by or
der of the department, since January l, 1841, tin
prices paid, and the date and places of purchase
also the proportion of foreign hemp to that of Amer
lean growth and preparation: I'd, the result of an
experiments upon the comparative strength and fl
for service of foreign hemp and American water
rotted hemp which have been under the direction O
or reported to, the Navy Department.
Mr.. Stanton offered a resolution by way of amend
ment to that before the House, of nearly similar i'm
port, but calling for more extended information.
The resolution as amended was agreed to--vea
1O4, nays "a.
The House then proceeded to the consideration
resolution calling upon the President for informs
ton in regard to any seizure of gre Island othe
territory in Central America, made, or attempted
be made by the English Government also, for an
treaties made by any agents of this government wit
any of the States of Central America The resol,
tuition was passed.
The Presidents California message was referred
the committee of Ways and Means, and ordered
be printed.
The Speaker laid before the House message fro
the President of the United States communicating
, treaty with Brazil providing for the payment I