The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-21

IN SENATE. ~ ~
FkIDAY, February 20, 1852.
rag WHEELING ss,pcs.

TINE WHEELING BBiDGE,
Mr.. HUNTER presented memorial of six
members Of the legislature of Pennsylvania, rep
resenting that IN their opinion the Wheeling
bridge zoe: not constitute nuisance or occasion
any such obstruction TO trade on the Ohio river,
asto require its greater elevation, and requesting
Congress to protect it from destruction.
Mr.. HUNTER remarked, in presenting the
memorial, that this was one Of the most import
ant neutrality-suspicious. the most important ques-
ton, commercially considered, (which had ever
been raised in the Supreme Court; and he had no
doubt that it would lead to movements similar to
that Of those memorialists, in portions Of Penn
sylvania, in Virginia and perhaps in Ohio, whose
object might be 10 induce Congress to establish a
mail route over the bridge. This he learned would
save it, according to an intimation thrown out by
the Supreme Court After further remarks, he
moved that the memorial be read printed, and re-
ferred TO the Committee on the Judiciary, which
was agreed to.
Mr.. BRODHEAD presented the Joint resolu-
ton Of the legislature of Pennsylvania upon the
same subject, expressing determination to per-
sist in the suit which had been instituted He
agreed with the Senator from Virginia, that the
question was very important one, and he hoped
the committee would give it very grave con-
sileration. He moved the reading printing, and
reference Of the resolution as above, which as
agreed to.
MEMORIALS, &C.
Petitions and memorials were presented by Mr..
M,LLER, praying that the introduction Of foreign
convicts, felons, and paupers into this country,
may be prohibited by law; by Mr.. Foor, a re-
Tnonstrance against the further extension Of the
Woodwork patent; by Mr.. FISH, of cigar makers
Of the city of Providence, Rhode Island, praying
for an increase Of duties cigars also Of passed
midshipmsn of the navy, praying that separate
grade may be established with an increase of pay
for that class of officers; also, of Henry Grnnell
and other citizens Of New York, praying that an.
other EXPEDITION may be fitted out to search for
Sir John Franklin; by Mr.. Downs, OF under
writer's Of the city of New Orleans for the enact
ment Of law to prevent needless detentions and
expenses in proceedings in admiralityi by Mr..
BRADBURY, in relation to impositions practised
upon passengers in steamers to California; by Mr..
HAmLIN, in relation to the same; also praying
that additional security may be afforded, by law,
to the lives of passengers on steamboats, ALSO nu-
merous petitions of assistant census marshals
praying for extra compensation, &c.
SISTERS OF VISITATION.
Mr. SEWARD, agreeably to previous notice,
introduced bill to incorporate the Sisters OF Wis
itation of Washington, which was read twice by
unanimous consent and referred.
RESOLUTIONS.
Mr. RHETT introduced resolution instruct
ing the Committee on the Judiciary to inquire into
the expediency of increasing the salaries Of the
circuit Judges of the District Of Columbia, which
was aSreeu 10.
Mr.. COOPER introduced resolution directing
a similar inquiry TO be made in regard to the sal
ary of the district judge of the eastern district oil
Pennsylvania, with the view Of making it tn,
same as that Of the district judge Of the southern
district Of New York
The resolution lies over.
The resolution submitted by Mr.. BRopHEAD
Yesterday, calling for certain information reatv,
to contracts for dry-docks, was considered ant
agreed to.
MILEAGE OF THE OREGON DELEGATE.
Messrs. GWIN and BRIGHT endeavored t.
get up the House bill regulating tie mileage ofth'
delegate from Oregon; but
Mr. CLARKE proposing to submit an amend
ment, and debate being likely to arise thereon thu
bill was not taken up.
PRIVATE BILLS.
The Senate then proceeded to the consideration
of private bills
The bill for the relief of Thomas H. Legget
was debated at some length by Messrs. SEWARD
BonLANp, RHRTT and others.
Mr. COOPER, while making some remarks
upon the bill, was seized with an attack Of tn,
vertigo, in consequence Of which the bill post
poned until Friday next.
The following bills were then considered, ant
ordered to be engrossed for third reading, AMI
the first named bill was subsequently read a thirt
time and passed:
Bill for the relief of the Raleigh and Castor
railroad company,
Bill for the relief of Mrs E: A. Mcneil, widow
OF the late General John Mcneil.
The Senate then adjourned until Monday.