The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-25
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Ihe senate adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr.. HALL asked leave to offer the following
resolution, which read for information, viz:
Rssolrsd, That the President Of the United States
be requested 10 inform this Ho- sc Of the amount
expended by the United States for forage, quarters
fuel, and transportation for the usc OF the army,
per man, in New Mexico, during the war with the
republic of Mexico, and also the amount expended
on the same account since the termination of said
war; and aleo the amount expended during said
war for said objects for the use of the army per
man, stationed on the route from Missouri to Ore
| gon during said war, and the amount expended az
| last Aforesaid since the termination Of said war
Mr. BROOKS said that if the gentleman would
embrace in his resolution calls for similar informa-
| ton relative to the campaigns in Mexico and
| Florida, he would not object tot.
MIR. HALL replied that gentlemen had the Flori-
act upon now.
The resolution was not received.
SIGNAL LIGHTS.
On motion Of Mr.. FLORENCE, it was resolved
that the Committee on Commerce be instructed to
inquire into the expedency Of prescribing BY law or
regulation the number, character, and position of
the signal lights to be borne by steamers and sail
ing vessels, between sunset and sunrise, on the
waters of the United States.
MIR. FOWLER moved that the morning hour be
set apart Tor the reception Of reports from the
eral standing committees; but objection was made.
DEFICIENcIEs--PUBLIC GROUNDS
The House resolved itself into a Committee of the
Whole on the state of the Unon-Mr. STUART in
the chair-and resumed the consideration of the
bill supplying deficiencies in the appropriations for
the year ending June 80, 1852.
Several clauses in the bill having been acted
upon. the Clerk read the following
so complete the improvements on the square
south of the Presidents House, twelve thousand
dollars: Prorided, That the grounds be filled I'D
and the surface completed for the sum herein APP
proPriated"
NJ nC
the appropriation, saying that forty one thousand
dollars have already been appropriated for the pur-
pose specified. He believed that those who have
the control of the lot making fish pond in il
(near the Potomac) where there is too much
Mr.. STANTON, of Kentucky, thought that the
gentleman was mistaken in his estimate and said
that the appropriation now asked for is needed be-
cause the grounds lie near the Presidents House.
which is made unhealthy in consequence of this
very sink hole The sooner this can be filled I'D
and planted with trees the better for the health of
the President and his family. This lie an improve
ment Of the city, and will cost the Government
good deal Of money. And what is the reason?
Because II Is deep ravine, and always has been
so, and there not being sufficient quantity of
dirt in the neghborhood to fill il up, dirt has to be
drawn thither a mile or two.
Mr.. JONES, of Tennessee, replied. He said
that, under a proviso Of law, the President ap-
pointed a rural architect-Mr. Downing, of New
fork-at salary OF . 500 per annum, TO lay out
public grounds. The gentleman is well qualified
for the duties but it is said he only spends three
days in month in this city, and during the rest
OF the time edits horticultural journal in New
York.
Mr.. BROOKS addressed the committee in sun
port OF the clause under consideration showing
that the appropriation Of $ 900 would finish the
work, according TO the estimates; whereas, if IL
should now be denied, additional Thousands would
hereafter be required and voted for this purpose
Mr.. STANTON, Of Kentucky, said that the
plan adopted by the President IL a complete and
perfect System for the improvement Of the public
grounds Mr.. Downing has great skill in rural
architecture and landscape gardening, and has
bigh character and standing; and instead of being
IN the city only three or four days in a month be
Is here nearly all the time. II all public officers
were as skiiul and attentive Mr.. Downing,
there would be nothing, in these respects, to be
complained Of Much money has been spent in
improving the grounds south Of the Prcsidcnps
House; but sti the evil s not romedicd What IL
II costs half million, the Executive mansion bav-
ing been placed where il is' The people do not
require their President to live in a swamp or
morass
Mr. JONES, Of Tennessee, replied, explaining
his previous remarks.
Mr.. SEYMOUR, Of New York, said that bis oh
Ject was merely Il insure the completion of the
work at whatever sum may be inserted. II gen
uemen think that $4,000 is not enough, increase
clause, namely: "And that contract for the com
pletion Of the work. with good security be tender
ed and accepted at that sum"
This was agreed to-ayes 50, noes ~
The motion Of Mr.. Josss 10 strike out the olause
was then negatived.
Alter further proceedings, the committee rose.
rORT covTSoToS.
Mr. WALSH, by unanimous consent, offered
the following resolution, which vas adopted viz:
h'o'red, That the Committee on Military Az
fairs hereby instructed 10 inquire into The or
pediency Of surrender by the United States TO
the State Of Maryland Of the Jurisdiction Of the
United States over, and its title TO- parcel of land
situated on The Paspsco river, within the limits Of
the city Of Baltimore, and known az the site of
Fort Covington.
The House then adjourned