The republic., 1851-01-29
THIRTY-FIRST CONGRESS.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2s, 1851.
SENATE.
SECOND SESSION.

MODIFICATION OF THE TARIFF.
MIR. CLAY presented two petitions from Penn
syivania-one from Pittsburg, and the other from
Unionown-praying modification of the tariff Of
1916. particularly with regard to the coal, iron
glass. cotton, and wooen interests.
FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW.
Mr. HAMLIN presented two petitions from the
State Of Maine, praying the repeal of the Fugitive
Slave law; which were, on his motion, laid on the
table.
ApPRAsEas AT LARGE.
Mr.. HUNTER, from the Committee on Finance
reported back the bill to appoint appraisers AT
large, with amendment He gave notice that
he would ask the consideration OF the bill on the
day after TO- morrow
NAVAL DISCIPLINE
Mr. BADGER, from the Committee on Naval
Affairs, TO whom had been referred a communica
tion from the Navy Department in relation to the
abolition of fogging in the navy, &c, reported a
bill TO enforce discipline and promote good con
duct and order in the navy.
THE GALLERY or cuRiosITIEs is PATEsT OFFICE.
Mr.. WALKER submitted the following resolu'
ton which laid over:
Resolred, That the Board Of Regents Of the
Smithsonian Institution be directed to inform the
Senate why the sixth section OF an entitled "An
act to establish the Smithsonian Institution, tor the
increase and diffusion OF knowledge among men, =
has not been complied with by making suitable ar
rangements for the reception Of the "obJectsof art
named in said section.
Mr.. WALKER submitted the following resolu-
tion which was agreed to-
Rssoirtd. That the Commissioner Of Patents be
directed 70 inform he Senate what additional room
ifany, is required tor the proper accommodation of
the Patent Office, and Tor the proper exhibition Of the
models competitions, &c. therein deposited, and
whether. or not. the rooms occupied by the
National Cabinet Of Curiosites together with tho
entire cast wing, now IN process Of constsncton
are needed for the purposes OF the Patent Office.
Subsequently, on motion by Mr.. HUNTER, the
vote adopting this resolution reconsidered
and then after debate, the words "commissioner
OF Patents" were stricken out, and the words ''Sec
retary of the Interior" inserted
SEIZURE OF a BRITISH VESSEL.
Dir. GwIN submitted the following resolution
which agreed TO:
ResoIp,d That tho President OF the United State
be requested 70 communicate 10 the Senate, II no
Incompatible with the public interest. all CORE
spondence between tGis Government and Great
britain, and between any of the departments o
this Government and the Government officers ia
Oregon relative 20 toe seizure Of the Britieh ship
"Albion by the collector of Astoria in the coll &C
ton district Of Oregon, for violating the revenue
laws; and what order, II any, has been sent TO said
collector by either of the departments of'our Gov
ernment ia the premises
BANK note IssuEs THE DISTRICT of COLUMBIA
Mr.. HALE submittcd the following resolution
Remained That the Committee on tue Dsstrict o
Columbia be instructed TO inquire II any persons OF
corporations in this city are exercising the poWei
of issuipg bank notes; and syhether said notes ar
made PAYABLE in any thing else han gold or sill
yer: and IL said notes thus issued, b. virtue
what law.
Mr. EWING moved to amend the resolution b.
striking out the words "persops or" go as TO con
fine the inquiry TO corporations.
Mr. HALE said that he offered this resolution be-