The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-03-25
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY, MARCH 10.

Some irregular discussion took place on
proposition of Mr.. Johnson, chairman of tn
Committee on Indian Affairs, that the debat
on the Deficiency Bill should be extended on
hour, to enable him to explain the report o
that committee. 1t was ultimately agreed tina
| he should renew the motion tomorrow anC
the House resolved itself into Committee on tn,
private calendar.
The first business was bill for the relief OF
the representatives Of General JAS. c. Watson
authorizing the payment of Sl4.5OO, paid for
negroes captured by the Creeks during the
| Seminole war
The debate of former day was continued,
| Mr. Johnson, Of Georgia, arguing at much
length in favor of the claim He concluded by
combating the arguments of those who opposed
| the claim, on the principle that in voting for it
they would be compromising themselves on the
question of slavery.
Mr. Sackett, of New York, recapitulated the
facts connected with the case and contended
that there was no proof connecting the Gov
eminent of the United States with the contract
entered into by General Watson with the Chief
of the Creek nation, for the sale of negroes
captured by them from the Seminoles, and read
an article from the treaty with the Seminoles
negroes with them to the West.
Mr. Evans, Of Maryland said the whole case
was embraced in few facts: and referred to
correspondence to show that the Secretary Of
War recognised the transaction to which allu-
sion had been made and that the property re-
ferred to was in the possession OF the United
States
Mr. Stuart, of Michigan, spoke in favor Of
the claim.
The Committee then rose, and the House nd
journed.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20.
Resolutions Of the State of California were
read and ordered to be printed, calling for
the return Of moneys belonging to that State,
which had been appropriated by the General
Government, and an increase OF tho salaries
of the Judges there.
The House went into Committee on the state
of the Union, and took up the Deficiency bill.
Mr. Johnson, chairman Of the Committee
on Indian Affairs, after abiding to the rejec-
ton Of thirteen items out OF twenty-six, and
the reduction Of three others connected with
the Indian appropriations by the Committee Of
Ways and Means. proceeded 10 discuss those
which were more complicated and difficult,
leaving the others to be debated under the five
minutes rule.
The hour expired before Mr. Johnson had
finished his speech, and Mr.. Brooks, of New
York, followed, expressing his regret that the
chairman Of the Committee Of Ways and
Means had not been permitted to give an ex-
position Of the Deficiency bill, as he (Mr. b J
would not have been called upon to defend a
bill which has been only indirectly assalcd
The hour having expired motion was made
and carried that the Committee rise after
which, the House adjourned previous TO which,
"A message was received from the President in
forming the House Of bills 10 which he had
given his assent
MoSDAy, MARCH %.
Mr. Stanly, Of North Carolina, moved that
the Homestead bill the consideration of which
was the special order for tomorrow be defer
red till tomorrow week, which was agreed to.
On motion Of Mr. Stanton, chairman Of the
Committee Of Ways and Means, the rules Of
the House were suspended, and it went into
Committee on the state Of the Union, and took
up the Deficiency bill
Mr.. Houston said il was impossible IN an
hours speech 10 make the necessary cxpana-
tons with reference 10 the bill but should
conine himself 10 n few Of the principal items
depending upon the five minutes speeches with
the aid OF other members To furnish other in
formation.
The bill was read, clause by clause, and scy-
eral minor ones were passed That appropri-
ating a sum for the quartermaSter's depart
ment was opposed by Mr. Odds, Of Ohio on
the ground that Congress was held responsible
for the estimates and which he moved To strike