The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-04
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.
SENATE
TUESDAY, Feb. 3
CATIONS FROM DEPARTMENTS.


COMMUNICATIONS FROM DEPARTMENTS.
The Chair laid before the Senate communica-
ton from the Secretary of War, transmitting the
report of the Adiutant General with abstract
Of the returns of the militia of all the States and
territories.
Also communication from the Secretary of the
Interior, transmitting in compliance with the reso-
luton of the 26th ut, copy OF his Instructions
10 the commissioners for the settlement OF private
land claims in California and also copy of the
instructions to the Surveyor General OF Cafor-
MIA, in connection with the subject.
Also letter from the Secretary of Oregon, com
municatng in obedience to law, a copy OF the
journals Of the legislative assembly of that terri
tory.
PETITIONS.
Messrs, MORTON, BADGER and MANGuM pre-
scented various memorials from assistant marshals
employed in taking the seventh census, praying
for an increase Of compensation.
Messrs BRoApHEAp, SMITH, DODGE, of Iowa,
COOPER, FELcH, CHASE, CAss, SUMNER, and Bur
LER, presented petitions asking appropriations Tor
various measures of internal improvement.
Mr. COOPER presented remonstrance against
the establishment of branch mint in the city OF
New York.
Also. the memorial OF merchants and others of
New York, praying that the act of March Sd,
lS47 for reducing costs and expenses OF proceed
ings in admiralty against ships and vessels, may
not be repealed.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
MIR. JONES, of Iowa, reported back bill to
authorize the payment OF invalid pensions IN GER
tain cases, with an amendment.
Mr. ATCHISON reported back the bill to pro-
vide for the appointment of superintendent OF
Indian affairs in California, with an amendment,
which, having been agreed to and the blanks hay
ing been filled, the bill reported to the Senate,
the amendments concurred in, and the bill ordered
to be engrossed
RESOLUTIONS
Mr.. HALE offered resolution instructing the
Committee on Military Affairs to enquire into the
expediency of providing by law, that all commls-
sions in the army shall hereafter be for limited
time-which lies over.
Mr.. GWIN introduced resolution instructing
the Committee on Foreign Affairs to inquire into
the expediency Of providing for charge d'afiars
to Switzerland. In ties over.
COMMITTEE ON THE CONTESTED SEAT.
The Senate proceeded to ballot for chairman
in the place of Mr. BERRIEN, of the select commit
tee on the letter of Hol. Mr.. YULEE, contestng
the seat of Hon. Mr.. MALLORY, and MIR. BADGER
receiving plurality of votes, was declared elect
ed
DISCIPLINE IN THE NAVY
On motion of Mr.. BADGER, the bill no inforce
discipline and promote good conduct IN the naval
service of the United States, was taken up, and
after a brief explanation, the amendment was
ACRE ed to- the bill reported to the Senate and the
amendment concurredIn.
Mr. HALE offered further amendment pro
viding that all commissions in the navy shall here
after be for the term of ten years, which was re-
iected by yeas and Nays to 30.
Mr.. ATCHISON moved further amendment
which was lost, and after some remarks by Messrs'
HALE and CHASE, the bill as amended was oraer-
ed to engrossment
DISTRICT COURTS.
The Senate took up the bill amendatory of the
act of 1850, to provide for holding the courts of
the United States in cases Of the sickness or other
disability of the Judges of the District Courts and
ordered the same to be engrossed for a third read
ing. ~.
The bill to change the time for holding the Dis
trict Courts of the United States for the Western
district of Virginia, was also considered and
ordered to engrossment
IOWA RAILROAD BILL.
On motion the compromise resolution was post
poned until Tuesday next, and the Senate pro-
ceeded to the consideration Of the bill granting the
right of way and donation Of land to aid in the
construction of certain railroads in the State of
Iowa.
Mr.. FELCH addressed the Senate upon the
subject He said the discussion upon this bill
had taken a wider range than was originally con-
templated He desired therefore, to call attention
to the simple proposition before the Senate. 1t
was to grant portion Of the public lands to aid
in the construction Of two railroads in the State Of
Iowa; the lands to be taken in alternate sections,
and the remaining sections retained by the State,
to be increased in price to double the minimum
price at which they are now offered for snle. II
this principle was carried out, practically, he con-
tended that no loss would to the United
States, but that both the United States and the
States in which the lands lie would be benefited
by the grant He proceeded to point out the adj
yantages which would result to the whole country
from the construction Of railroads, by facilitating
intercourse between the States and argued that it
would not operate to the disadvantage OF any por-
ton of the country. He entered into lengthy
exposition Of his views with regard to the policy
which the general government should pursue with
respect to the public lands, sustaining the views
of the Senator from Massachusetts, Mr. SUMNER,
and answering various objections. Without con-
GLIDING his remarks, Mr. FELcH gave way to a
postponement OF the subject until to morrow.
Mr.. CASS said it was uncertain whether the
Senator from Rhode Island [Mr. CLARKE would
be able to be present tomorrow; and, If not, he
should ask that the resolutions upon the subject
of intervention, which have been made the special
order for tomorrow, be postponed, and the con-
sideration of the Iowa railroad bill be continued.
On motion, the Senate adjourned.