Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-12-31
THIRTY-SECOND CONGRESS-.

l
MONDAY, Dec. Or Senate.-Mr. Mil
Ter introduced bill for the improvement Of
Rivers and Harbors.
The resolution of Mr.. Foote, relating to
the compromise measures, were again ia
ken up.
Mr. Houston addressed the Senate in op-
position to the resolution. He voted for all
the measures embraced in the compromise,
but he did not consider this resolution me-
cessary Or proper. He thought the measures
should be left to be judged of by the peo-
pie. He was opposed to making these
compromise measures any part of the Dem
ocratc platform, but was for leaving free
dom of opinion on this point, as it was al
lowed on the tariff and the subject of inter-
nal Improvements.
Mr.. Foote replied in the most vehement
manner, and attacked Mr.. Fl. as being gov
erned entirely by desire to secure the
support OF the free-soilerS for the Presiden-
cy. ..-
Mr.. H. and Mr. Foote continued their
personal controversy.
Mr.. Butler defended South Carolina from
certain remarks of Mr.. Houston.
After some rem arks from MIR. Hale, Mr..
Clemens got the floor, and on his motion
the Senate adjourned.
House.-A motion was made to-day that
the rules be suspended, so as to enable the
Committee to introduce a resolution rela-
tive to the reception Of Kossuth by the
House-which motion was rejected.
A bill IT, relieve the holders Of Bounty
Land Warrants, under the act of Sept. H.
so, was introduced and referred to the ap.
propriate committee.
The Bill making Land Warrants assign.
able was then considered, but without any
decision.
! Observation-Disclosures some business
of no general interest, the resolution declar'
ing the compromise settlement of the
slavery question, was then taken up.
Mr.. Cass doubted the propriety of intro
ducing the resolution, but it being here, ant
he being required to vote upon 1t, he was
prepared to give it his hearty support. He
replied most eloquently to the Senator from
South Carolina.
Mr.. Clemens followed in an earnest sup
port of the resolution, and most scathins
review of the doctrine of Secession.
Mr.. Douglas also doubted the propriety
of the resolution, but was ready to vote tol
it. He explained at length his course or
the compromise measures.
MIR. Downs got the floor, and on his mo.
ton the subject was postponed till the frs
Monday in January. And after short ex'
ecutive session, the Senate adjourned
The House in Committee of the Whole
took up the bill making Bounty Land War.
rants assignable, land after considerable dis
cusson, ordered it to be engrossed; but sub
sequently reconsldered the motion ordering
it to its engrossment, and then referred the
bill to select committee.
A message from the President of the U.
nited States was received, informing Con-
gress that he had no information as to q
treaty having been formed between Eng
land, France and Spain, relative to Cuba
The message was referred to the Commit
tee on Foreign Affairs, with instructions to
enquire into the propriety of entering into
treaty having for its objectth protection Of
the people Of Cuba.
The House then, on motion, adjourned
till Friday.
FRIDAY.-The Senate met to-day, but
shortly afterwards adjourned, quorum moi
being present.
In the House, the Speaker submitted a
communication from the Librarian, announ-
cling the destruction of $4,000 volumes by
the fire. Twenty thousand volumes were
saved.
On motion of Mr.. Stanton, of Tennessee,
the Committee on Public Buildings were
directed to enquire into the origin of the
fire.
A. motion was adopted appropriating mon
ney enough to meet all the expenses in.
Cured by the fire. The House adjourned
till Tuesday.