The republic., 1851-01-01

of postage newspapers. He intended TO propos'
amendment TO the effect that whenever any
person shall exhibit evidence TO postmaster that h
has paid one years postage on newspaper not les.
In dimensions than ninteen hundred square inches
he shall receive such paper at fifty cents per annun
when printed without the State OF Its publication
and twenty five cents within the State OF Its pub
LEGATION, and ten cents within the county. Oh
magazines, ne-half cent an ounce for any dis
lance provided, postmasters may send money Il
publishers from subscribers free of postage and re-
ceive their papers and periodicals wlthou
charge. They who advocate this, he said, will re
ceive the thanks of all editors without distinction
of party.
Mr.. FOWLER was surprised that there was OPP
position to the reduction OF postage TO two or three
cents, and especially 10 learn that so many gentle
men in favor of nothing less than hive cents
He in favor OF two cents for all distances, ano
this was the very point to which we should ann al
the present time Persons from all parts of the
csuntry have sent petitions TO Congress asking toI
reduction of postage on letters to uniform rate
and without any exception, urging that II be two
cents. This is the language OF all classes OF men
mechanics, farmers, manutac turers, as well as mer-
chants, he was persuaded that the people are
right, and that what they ask is reasonable When
the last reduction was made, II was contended that
the post Office would be thrown upon the Treasury
for support But experience has shown To the CON
trary, and the Department is more prosperous now
than heretofore. IL the postage be reduced to two
cents in less than three years the wisdom and prac-
ticability of the measure will be demonstrated. We
should certainly have similar mail facilities in this
republic To those which the subjects OF Queen Vic
toria enjoy. II we abolish the franking privilege,
or rather the franking burden, shall realize
more than million of dollars by the reform; and
we will have revenue enough. Letters Will multi
ply in a ratio equal at least to the multiplication OF
letters in England Here education is diff
fused, the people more social and more enter
prising than the people of England. He did not
mention this as boast. 1t was a fact well known.
He expressed wish that this bill could pass day;
that the first half of the present century could be
wound up with this noble measure. He spoke OF
the wonderful results of the last fifty years in all
branches of science industry, and art; of the dis
covercs and general progresses in every thing cal
culated to elevate the condition OF men
Mr. OTIS said that immediate action was de.
sired. 1t supposed by some gentlemen that
there was no danger TO be apprehended from dc
lay, and that they should get cheap postage any
how. He would warn gentlemen that In this they
may not be SO secure as they think they are. Two
years ago a similar measure made special
order from day to day until disposed of, but the
appropriation bills having general precedence
prevented 1t from passing 1t was not mere
reduction OF postage, but cheap postage, that
was required. Two cents on letter prepaid, III
twq years would yield sufficient sum to sustain
the Post Office Department efficiently now.
He referred To facts and figures to support his po.
sition.
Mr.. FEATHERSTON obtained the hoor, and
gave way for motion that the committee rise;
which prevailed.
The Speaker resumed the chair
Mr. THOMPSON, of Mississippi, moved that
when the House adjourn, il adjourn until Friday
["No, "no;" "say Thursday."l
Mr.. FOWL LER moved to amend by striking out
the word Friday" and inserting Thursday"
This, amid much confusion, was agreed to-ycas
o., nays o..
rhc question was then stated ON agreeing to the
resolution as amended. ICrics of ''vote il down.
''questionH' "questionn' and calls 10 order.
fhe resolution disagreed to.
MIR. JONES moved that the House do now ad
journ; and the question was decided in the mega
tive.
Mr.. RICHARDSON moved that when the House
adjourn, it adjourn until Friday; when
MIR. FOWLER moved to amend by bstituting-
Thursday
Mr.. JONES inquired whe ther less than a quorum
can adjourn over until Thursday, when the Consti-
tuition says that they may adjourn from day to day.
The SPEAKER said that this question would be
decided when it arose.
Mr.. RICHARDSON asked whether the gentle.
man from Massachusetts (Mr. FowLER) could offer
his amendment, the question would first De taken
on the most distant day.
The SPEAKER replied atiirmatively, according
TO former decisions.
day"
The SPEAKERinf him that an amendment
already pending.
The yeas and nays, and tellers called for in
every direction, and confusion prevailed.
Mr.. VINTON. Would it be in order to move an
amendment, by striking out " Thursday" and in
sorting Saturday" [" Yes, offer it," {" Let's
adjourn till Saturday" Oh, no!"l
The SPEAKER. Order The motion is in
order.
Mr.. FOWLER to question of order
Laughter and increased confusion. He asked
whether was in the power of the House to adjourn
until Saturday.
The SPEAKER. The House must determine for
itself
The amendment of Mr.. VlNToN, to adjourn unit
Saturday, was agreed to.
There were loud and repeated calls for the yeas
and nays. These were refused, and teers were or
dcred; but question taken on the rtsolu
ton
Mr. RICHARDSON having withdrawn his origi
nal notion
Mr.. FEATHERSTON renewed the motion, that
when the House adjourns it adjourn until Friday
next
Mr. WENTWORTH moved To amend by sub.
stituting Thursday"
Mr. GOI'T moved the previous question, which
was seconded; and the House rejected MIR. WENT
woRrH's amendmcnt: Yeas 62, nays 90.
The original motion was then agreed to; and ac-
cordingly-
TIE House adjourned until Friday