The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-04-08
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS
SENATE.
,oNGREss-FIRsT SESSION.
TUESDAY. MARCH 80

TUESDAY MARCH 30.
Mr.. Chase said his name had been omitted
ON the journal on the vote upon laying on
the table the petition praying the extension of
slavery. He had voted in the negative.
Mr. Sumner presented petitions in favor Of
cheap ocean postage
Mr.. Chase submitted resolution directing
an inquiry into the expediency of making the
salary Of each District Judge of the United
States equal to that of any Associate Justice
of the Supreme Court of the State III which such
District Judge may be.
The bill amendatory of the laws relative to
the silver coinage of the United States was
passed
The bill to increase the salary of the United
States Judge of New Hampshire was taken up
and, after a long debate, was fixed at 81 400
and then ordered to be engrossed.
And, after an Executive session, the Senate
adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 81.
Mr.. Dawson presented the memorial of Jno
James Flournoy of Georgia, protesting against
the admission of Utah as "a State in the Union
in consequence of the Mormon religion being
anti-republican in it's features, particularly as
regards polygamy.
MI. DOTiduu HEtstntCu u ltoOlhblOu NhillilH
upon the Secretary of the Navy to inform the
Senate for what object the naval expedition
has recently been ordered to the East Indies,
and calling for copies of the orders and instruc-
tons given to its commander.
Mr.. Gwin objected TO the consideration OF
the resolution and it was laid over.
On motion of MIR Soule, the Senate took up
the bill to provide for Il tr-monthly mail from
No,a, nrloonu IN, Iaro Ern1 ,-;a tn ou,l
back, in steam vessels The bill wis amended
so us to authorize the Postmaster General to
enter into a contract for the transportation Of
the mail tr-monthly between New Orleans
and Vera Cruz, for five years at II sum not ex-
ceeding 100000 Il year, the steamers to be Of
not less than 800 tons burden, adapted to wal
| purposes.
Mr.. Hunter moved to strike out the words
adapted to war purposes" which was con-
CURED in.
The bill was then ordered to be engrossed,
and the Senate adjourned.
THURSDAY, April I.
The Chair laid before the Senate report of
the Secretary.o the Treasury, concerning ton.
age duty on Spanish vessels trading between
the United States and the islands of Cuba and
Porto Rico Referred
MIR. Hale gave notice of joint resolution
for the relief of those mechanics who have come
to Washington for the purpose of building the
extension of the Capitol, on the invitation of
officers of the Government. and who have been
for long time out of work, by the neglect Of
Congress to make appropriations therefor.
Mr.. Rusk from the Committee on the Post
Office and Post Roads reported bill to let
part and sell portion of the public lands, for
the construction of railroad from Lake
Michigan to the Pacific ocean. Mr.. X. said
the bill reported met the views of majority
of the Committee, although they were not
unanimous in opinion. He presumed it was us
good plea for the establishment of the object
rs could be desired; and he should take an
early opportunity to call it up for considera-
ton.
The bill was passed to u second reading.
Mr. Borland moved the consideration of his
resolution calling upon the Secretary Of the
| Navy to communicate to the Senate the object
| Of the expedition which is about to sail for the
East Indies, and also copy of the instruction,
to the commander of the expedition.
An animated discussion took place as to thu
propriety of making such call.
On motion of MIR. Bayard, the clause calling
for the instructions to the commander of tn,
| squadron was stricken out.
Mr.. Mangum moved to lay the resolution OF
| the table.
| Mr.. Shields moved TO amend so rs to call fol
the force and objects" Of the expedition
which was agreed to.
Pending further debate the yeas and nays
having been ordered on the passage of the reso-
luton, it was postponed; and,
On motion Of Mr.. Gwin, the Senate proceed
ed TO the consideration of Executive business
and shortly afterwards adjourned