The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1851-01-27


SEEArE.-The chair laid before the Senate
report from the typographical bureau the subject
OF the inundations of The lower Mississippi.
Mr.. Hale moved that when the Senate djourn it
adjourn to Monday. After debate the m oion was
lost.
The chair presented the credentials of the Hon.
Richard Brodhead, Senator elect from Pennsylva-
mia for six years from March 4th, 1851.
Numerous petitions presented
Mr.. Gwin introduced bill creating Board OF
Commissioners to examine and pay the claims
against the United States growing out of the
quest OF California.
Mr.. Winthrop introduced bill providing for the
appointment OF appraisers at large, and Tor other
purposes.
Mr.. Hunter submitted resolution calling upon
the Secretary of the Treasury to report to the Sen
ate the standing to the credit Of the United
States the end Of the last fiscal year, at each OF
the several repositories oil the United States, and
the amount of warrants issued prior to July |, 1880,
on which the drafts OF the Treasury unpaid,
etc.
Mr. Benton's resolution calling for copies of cor.
respondence relating to the Contoy prisoners, and
the invasion OF Cuba, was taken up and adopted
resolution submitted by Mr.. Downs fixing
Friday of each week for the consideration of private
bills was taken up, debated and adopted
Mr.. Smith resumed and concluded his remarks
in support of the bill providing for the ascertain
ment and payment of the claims OF American citi-
zens for spoliations by the French prior to 1901
after which the Senate aljonrned till Monday
HOUSE Immediately after the reading OF the
jlurnais, Mr.. Potter moved that the House 90 into
Committee of the Whole, for the purpose Of taking
up the Post-otfice bill.
The amendment of Mr. Brown, of Indiana, al.
lnded 10 in the conclusion Of Yesterdays report, by
mistake attributed TO Mr.. Phelps the first sub
ject of discussion; and was met by an amend.
ment proposed by one of the me mbefs from Con
Eectcu having for its object control the frank.
ing privilege Of fmembers Of Congress, and prevent
their carrying on correspondence for their and
party purposes, at ths expense of the people, which
was lost, without a division.
Mr.. Evans, of Maine, moved as an amendment
10 that Of the member from Indiana, that no free
matter he carried through the mail. He stated
that he did not expect, owing to the feeling dis
played by members on the subject, that his motion
10 abolish the franking privilege would succeed :;
but still he was desirous of placing his sentiments
on record, aud to have vote Of the committee on
the subject
The question was taken, and neg.tived without
division.
An amendment then moved giving to the
Postmaster General the power Of increasing or de-
creasing the compensation to postmasters, which
was lost
On motion of Mr.. Potter, of Ohio, the committee
then rose, and when the House resumed, the pre-
vious question demanded, which was carried
and thus prevented all lactious debate.
The Clerk then read the bill ame nded, which
had passed the committee, Of which the following
is the substances
Section the first provides that after The Goth Of
June, 1851, the postage a letter through the
mail, and not weighing more than half an ounce,
shall be three cents and the for every addi-
tIonal halt ounce fraction of half ounce; that
post office or mail route shall be discontinued !;
and that the compensation OF no postmaster shall
be diminished IN consequence OF the passing of the
act.
Section the second fixes the postage on newspa-
pers, magazines and other periodicals. and printed
books at one cent for every newspaper etc, weigh
ing two ounces, and an additional cent for every
additional ounce, and that books weig hing not
thirty ounces be deemed mailable matter 1t fur
ther provides, that newspapers circulated within
the State or Territory where printed, shall pay
halt such postage, and when mailed within the
county, or within thirty miles of the place where
printed shall circulate free OF postage, when sent
to subscribers direct; and further that when the
postage on magazines and other periodicals shall
have been prepaid such postage shall be reduced
oneh half.
Section the third prescrbss thai coin of three
cents IN value shall be prepared, with metallic
inscription, three tourhs of silver and one-tou tn
of "copper" to weigh twelve and three-eghths of a
grain which shall be legal tender in all sums
under thirty cents.
Section fourth requires the Postmaster General
to furnish the several Posmas,ers with three cent
lamps, to be supplied to persons wishing to pur-
chase; and declares that persons forging such
stamps, or having any in their possession for the
purpose of passing them genuine, shall pay a
fine OF 5000, or be imprisoned five years in lieu
thereof
Section the fifth authorizes the appropriation of a
million and half of dollars,.o meet any temporary
reduction of the revenue that may arise owing to
the passing of the act
Section the sixth provides for the publication o
lists of unclaimed letters in paper having the
greatest circulation, and that should the publisher
OF such paper refuse to insert the list he shall be
deprived OF the free exchange of papers, and other
benefits which the act may confer.
Section the seventh authorizes the Postmaster