The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-12-31
CONGRESSIONAL.
WASHINGTON CRY. Dec. 90.

SRNArE.-Mr. Seward presented The me-
mortal OF the Industrial Congress Of New
York praying an alteration Of the foreign
policy of the United States, SO as to allow
the extention Of its powers in behalf Of peo-
pie struggling in Europe for freedom, and
against oppression. Referred TO tho COM
mittee on Foreign Relations.
On motion of Mr.. Walker. his resolution
submitted on the 18th inst, concerning the
foreign policy of the United States, was
taken up and ordered 10 be printed.
The joint resolution authorizing a cor
respondence by the President in behalf OF
the Irish Exile patriots, and the joint rcso-
luton authorizing "A like interposition i'll
behalf of Add FL Kader. were taken up.
and OH motion were laid on the table.
The Joint resolution introduced by Mr..
Underwood making land warrants assign
able vas taken up, and after notice had
been given of several amendments. the
whole subject was referred to the commit
tee on public lands.
The resolution declaring the compro-
mise measures a definite settlement Of the
slavery question was taken up.
Mr.. Rheit and Mr.. Foote addressed the
Senate in reply to each other upon the per-
sonal matters in controversy between them,
until near three o'clock. The hour being
late, MIR. Houston asked the subject might
be postponed till Monday, which was
agreed to, and after an executive session,
the Senate adjourned.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 90.
SENATE.-Aiter the presentation Of pc.
titions. Mr.. Atchison moved and it was or
dsred that when the Senate adjourn it shall
DO till Friday.
The Chair laid before the Senate a com
munication from the Navy Department. in
reply TO a resolution calling for Information
- to the violation Of the law abolishing
flogging in the navy.
Mr.. Clemens, from the Committee on
Military, reported favorably upon the joint
resolution creating the brevet rank OF
Lieutenant General.
MIR. Shields gave notice of a bill to in
crease the deficiency of the army by pro-
viding a retired list of disabled officers.
Mr.. Mallory offered a resolution, which
was adopted, directing an inquiry as to the
expediency of establishing u Navel Depot
at Key West.
The Compromise resolution Of Mr..
Foote was again taken up. Mr.. Clemens
having the floor yielded it to Mr.. Cass, who
addressed the Senate.
HoUsE-Resolved into Committee Of the
Whole on the State Of the Union, and took
up the bill explanatory of the Bounty Land
Law, Of September, 1850.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26.
SENArE.-No quorum being present in
the Senate, MIR. Mangum moved an ad.
journment till Monday.
The Chair ruled that less than a quo.
rum could not adjourn but from day 10
day.
And then, at near l o'clock, the Senate
adjourned.
HoUsE-The Journals having been read,
the Speaker laid before the House a com.
munication he had received from the Lii.
brarian. informing him Of the destruction
OF the Congressional Library, by means
that are unaccountable, as neither fires
nor lights are permitted within Its walls;
in consequence of which. at least $4,000
works have been destroyed, with a great
number of paintings, engravings, medals,
&C.. Of great value.
lie further stated. that the 10000 books,
which were in the adjoining rooms, have
been saved; among which are the library
Of the late President Jefferson, and various
valuable works on the arts, sciences, natu-
raj history, &C., and concludes with the
expression Of a hope, that a thorough and
searching inquiry will be instituted into
the cause Of the disastrous occurrence;
and that means may be adopted to prevent
the recurrence of a similar national Ca
lamity.
Mr.. Stanton, Of Ky. chairman Of the
committee on buildings and public grounds
moved a Joint resolution requiring that
committee TO institute oil Inquiry. for the
purpose Of sscertaining whether the de-
struction OF the library was caused by
negligence, any defect in the tlueS by
which it was warmed, or whether il was the
work of an incendiary. aud authorising
them to send for persons and to examine
them on oath. The joint resolution was
unanimously passed.
HOW KOSsUTH LEARNED THE ENG