The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-01-21
THIRTY-FIRST CON GRESs.
SECOND SESSION.
TN SEN

The CHAIR laid before the Senate several
communications from the Treasury, the War,
and the Interior Departments.
Petitions were presented by Messrs JONES,
EWING, DAVIS Of Massachusetts, SHIELDS, MIL
LER, DICKINSON, HAMLIN, HUNTER, WINTHROP,
UPHAM, and CAss.
THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. Hi0
Mr. DOWNS moved the printing of 5000
extra copies of the report from the Topographic
cal bureau, in reference to the improvement Of
the channels Of the Lower Mississippi, so as to
lessen the disasters from the annual foundations
of the river.
After debate by Messrs. Downs, WALKER,
and Ewing, the resolution was adopted.
CALIFORNIA LAND TITLES.
Mr.. BERRIEN, from the judiciary Commit
tee, to which had been referred the bill of Mr..
GwIN, providing board for the settlement of
land claims and titles in California, and the sub
sttute bill of Mr.. BENTON, reported them back,
with an original substitute drawn up by the COM
mittee in lien of both bills Ordered to be
printed, and made the special order for Monday
next.
AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE.
Dir. CLAY submitted resolution instructng
the Committee on Commerce TO inquire into the
expediency of providing by law for the with
holding of sea letters to American vessels trad
ing from the Empire of Brazil to the coast of
Africa. II lies over one day.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Mr.. PEARCE offered resolution providing
for the distribution of the works of Alexander
Hamilton, which also lies over.
CALIFORNIA DRY DOCK. f... III
Mr. EWING submitted resolution instruct
ing the Naval Committee to inquire whether
| the law of last session, providing for the erec-
| ton of dry dock at San Francisco, cannot be
so amended as to effect saving Of money to
| the Treasury.
The resolution was adopted, but subsequently,
| On motion of Mr.. GWIN, who expressed q
desire to discuss the question, the vote was re-
considered, and the resolution lies over one day
CHEAP HOSTAGES.
| The Cheap Postage bill was reported from
the House, and referred to the Committee or
Post Offices aud Post Roads.
FRENCH ysPoLIArroHs. ~
On motion of Mr.. SMITH, the bill was taken
up, providing for the ascertainment and settle.
lnent Of claims arising from spoiations Of the
French upon American commerce prior TO 1900
The bill sets apart $5,O00,000 for the liquida-
ton of these claims.
Mr.. HUNTER took the floor in oppostion
to the bill He contended--hrst that IL there
exists an obligation on the part Of the United
States to pay for any per centage Of the losses
to American citizens from French spoliations,
we could not expect to escape without the pay
rnent of all them, for there was mn equal obliga-
ton to pay the whole. The passage of this bill
of FIVE millions would therefore be but the be-
ginning Of the Liquidation of these claims Sec
ond, IF Congress intended these five millions
as gratuity, the time was not propitous-the
Treasury is embarrassed. we are incumbered
with large and rapidly increasing public debt.
Mr. HUNTER then proceeded to show from the
authority Of GEORGE WASHINGTON, from our
treaties and conventions with France, from her
violations Of them, from historical examples, and
from the laws of nations, that this Government
is under no obligation to indemnify our citizens
for these French spointions upon our commerce
prior to 1900 When Mr. HUNTER had con
Guided.
Mr. SEWARD next took the floor, and on
motion, the Senate adjourned