The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-10
The rule was rescinded, and the resolution was

The rule was rescinded, and the resolution was
agreed to-.
Mr.. WEIGH, of Ohio, moved to suspend the
rules, to enable him to introduce resolution, au-
thorizing the Committee of Ways and Means to
revise the tariff Of lS46, and TO substitute such
rates of duty will yield revenue, and that iron
and other manufactures may be subject to such a
duty on Importation as will guard them against
the effects of competition.
Upon the motion to suspend the rules, the yeas
and nays were taken, and it was negatived by a
vote of 60 in the affirmative, and lQ8 in the mega
tive.
On motion of Mr.. HOWARD, of Texas, it was
agreed that the Committee on Military Affairs be
instructed TO inquire into the expedency of issuing
arms to the several States.
The Committee ON Invalid Pensions was in
structed to inquire into and report'upon the grant
ing pension to the widow of Gen Belknap.
Mr.. LANE, of Oregon, moved to suspend
the rules, to enable him to introduce resolution,
requesting the President to communicate to the
House, what steps have been taken to ensure pro-
lection to emigrants and others on the route TO
Oregon, against the attacks. of the Indians; and
that in case such steps hasG not been taken, that
he cause the regiment Of mounted rifemen in the
territory of Oregon, to be stationed between San
Josef and Columbia river, and between Oregon
and California.
The rules were suspended and the resolution
was passed, but was again reconsidered and oc-
cupied the remainder or the day without any de-
cison being arrived at.
Mr.. LANE explained the resolution at great
length; described the exposed situation of Oregon
and the danger to which emigrants are exposed.
Ee was willing to modify the resolution, he said.
so as to meet the views of members. His object,
he said, was, to obtain for the people Of Oregon
that protection to which they were entitled.
Mr.. BAYLY, Of Virginia, said he was opposed
to the resolution on principle The House had
60 40 u,;,h he If vyh h
the President is commander in-chief, and could
not interfere with his arrangements. Even in time
Of war, the Congress- he said, had no jurisdiction
over the army, except to raise and support It, The
House in passing the resolution, would be making
a request which had no authority to act, and il is
made to one who has the authority, and is respon-
sible for its exercise. This subject has been duly
considered by the convention which adopted the
Constitution, when the power to wage war was
given to the President OF the United States, and
the only control which Congress possessed, was,
to stop the supplies. And as to the disposition of
troops, it is a matter as to which the House has
no right to make request He had no idea that
they should interfere to relieve the President of
his responsibility; and were they to pass the reso
luton, it would Immediately be made an excuse
for an appropriation for one or two more regi-
ments.
MIR. HOWARD, Of Texas, said il must be az
parent to.the House what is the object Of the res
oluuon II being 10 overdue the President, the
Commander-in-chief, and the Secretary Of War,
The regiment alluded to had been ordered to the
Southwest because il had been found that mount
ed troops could not operate either in Oregon or
California and it is proposed BY this resolution
to overturn this division. IL struck him that no.
thing should be done which would interfere, in the
most distant manner, with the arrangements Of
the Commander-in-chief. Let an inquiry be made,
and the administration set right. The idea is, to
give infantry TO California and Oregon, nd to
place mounted rgemen on the plain Another
objection to the proposed interference Isl that adj
ditional expense would be incurred in complying
with the requirements ofthe resolution; the regi-
ment having been already removed. He conclu-
ded by moving to strike out all bptthe word "Re-
solved, {" and to substitute, that tie Committee
Military Affairs be instructed to inquire into the
subject.
The House then adjourned, without any action
being taken on the resolution or amendment.