The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-07-14
STEAMBOAT BILL.

The Senate proceeded TO consider Senate bill No. 223,
being bill TO amend an act entitled An act to provide
for the better security of the lives OF passengers board
OF vessels propelled in whole or in part by sieam'"
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr FooT in the chair
stated that when the bill Last up il had been consid-
cred in committee of the whole. and after great number
OF amendments had been adopted had been reported to
the Senate amended The question then upon
concurring with the committee of the whole in their
the bill would be read through section by section and the
amendments ,everally considered in their order.
Mr. BRIGHT. hope that will be done.
Mr. SHIELDS. That will be very slow process, and
would suggest 10 the gentleman from Indiana, MIR
BRIGHT,l that unless there be particular objection
10 particular section, il should be acted upon altogether
My impression is that the Senate is pretty unanimously
agreed upon The amendments which have been proposed
they stand II will great deal of time TO
act upon the amendments as proposed unless there be
some objection to particular section or particular
amendment. would sugsesithis as think will hasten
the progress of the bill.
Mr. BRIGHT. have no objection to that course !
have anxiety except TO have some little amendments
adopted which wish TO offer TO the bill.
Mr.. HALE. Eope the bill will be read section by
section.
The PRESIDING OFFICER Tha, is the proper and
usual mode. and the bill will be read in that way unless
the Senate make some other order.
Mr. DAVIS Is the bill taken out OF the committee OF
The PRESIDING OFFICER The bill is now before
the Senate
MIR DAVIS. | suppose the first question is upon con-
curing with the committee of the whole in their amend
ments
The PRESIDENT That is The question first in order
Mr. DAVIS | would then ask my friend from New
Hampshire Mr. HLEl not to call for the reading OF the
bill section by section that will take up
great deal OF time Perhaps the shortest course, and
that which will be most acceptable TO the Senate will
be TO take these amendments IN the order in which they
come upon the bill and act upon them, and also in the
progress OF The bll act upon such other little propositions
be deemed necessary TO perfect the bill and carry
out It's objects find upon looking il over that there are
two three little things that need 10 be supplied and il
such be the pleasure OF the Senate think that would be
l.l. a.. AZ
amendments and follow them along in their consecutive
order. aad thus dispose OF them we 20 along.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate will take
such order as they may deem proper.
| Mr.. DAVIS. Then, II il is not objected TO, and the
Senate will allow me, wish to make verbal amend
in the first section, 10 the third line As II now is
reads That licenseregisler, under the provisions
of this, the act 10 which thsis amendment &c. The
words "or enrolment" should De there. | do not
know whether they were in the bill and have been omit
ted 10 printing or not But wish 10 move to insert the
words /" or enrolment" after the word register"
The PRESIDING OFFICER 1t not strictly in order
to make any amendments until the amendments OF
the committee OF the whole have been acted upon.
| Mr. DAVIS. am aware OF that, but hope the unan.
nous consent Of the Senate will be given for that pur
No objection being made the amendment was received
and the question being then taken, II was agreed TO-
| Mr. DAVIS hope now that the amendments will be
taken up in their consecutive order
| The PRESIDING OFFICER. II there be no objec-
ions made that the Chair will consider that as
the pleasure o The Senate anu the Secretary VIII pro-
ceed 10 read the amendments in their order they
printed in the bill And the Chair will take this occasion
to suggest that perhaps il may be well TO have the Sec
reary note those amendments which senators may wish
to modify or consider for future action while those to
which objection is made will be acted upon at
| Mr.. HALE This is exceedingly important bill !
understand that many important alterations are proposed
TO be made by II in the law stands in regard TO
steamboats, and think we had better take the usual
and regular mode OF having the bill read through section
by section than 10 seek TO save twenty minutes or half
an hour by going in the way proposed. have heard
the bill read but once think il shoulf be read again
! think the rule requires that that should be done
/ Mr. RUSK. | would state TO the honorable senator
from New Hampshire, Mr. HALE] that this subject has
been thoroueh hy nvesgaed by the honorable senator
from Massachusetts, [Mr. DAVIS Tor two sessions
| mast lie has not only devoted bis own labor and at
,ention 10 H. but has consulted with engineers, captains
| and ali those who are familiar with steam navigation
There are number OF gentlemen OF the highest respect
ability owners of steamboats, engineers, ana captains
who have been here for days. The honorable senator
and these gentlemen have perfected this bill, and under
stand il better than il is possible for the Senate or others
who are not familiar with 10 understand H. and
they have unanimously agreed that The bill - IN the NAN
correct understand that the honorable senator from
Mas sacbuses Mr. DavIsl has or two small amend
nens 10 make 10 the bill make the different portions
and thai ia all that is necessary to be done
Now these men OF intelgencs and experience,
some OF them men Of my aequaIntance-having been
capaios of steam boats for hryhge years or more-and
they have done all in their power 10 perfect this MEASURE