The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-13
THlRTY-sECoND CONGRESS.
'wEDsrsDAY, May II, 1851.
SENATE.
FIRST SESSION.
INCREASE or SALARIES.

INCREASE sALARiEs.
Mr.. HUNTER presented the memorials Of clerks
In the War and Navy Departments. in the Office
OF the Secretary Of the Treasury, In the Office Of
the Commissioner on Indian Affairs, and Of the
Land Office, praying an increase Of their salaries.
MIR. ii. said these memorials were sent 10 him
under an impression that he had introduced a bill
for this purpose. No such bill had been introduc-
ed. On his motion the memorials were referred to
the appropriate compittces.
LIGHTHOUSES.
Mr.. SEWARD presented the report and resolu-
tons of the chamber Of commerce Of the city Of
New York, demonstrating against the present sys-
TEN OF lighthouses, &o.
THE STAFF ORGANIZATIONS OF THE ARMY.
Mr. SHIELDS, from the COMMITTEES on Military
Affairs, reported bill aboishing all laws authorize
ing the present organization Of the stad OF the
army, and providing for the performance Of staff
duties by officers detailed from the line for that
purpose. The report accompanying the bill
ordered to be printed; and, ON motion 10 print an
extra number, II was referred TO the Committee on
Printing.
REDUCTION or sxwsPAprn POSTAGE.
Mr.. RUSK gave notice Of n bill 10 reduce tho
rates Of postage on newspapers and other printed
matter and regulating the salaries Of postmasters.
and Tor other purposes
CONTRACTS BY ARMY orricEss.
Mr.. BRADBURY. from the Committee on tho
Judiciary. reported n bill making Il penal Of
fence, accompanied by dismissal from the service,
Tor any officer 10 contract, be interested in any
contract, Tor supplies 10 the army.
LAND TO cALiroRsA ron A RAILROAD.
Mr.. GwIN introduced a bill granting land 10
the State Of California to aid in the construction Of
a railroad from San Francisco 20 San Jose, in that
State.
TEMPLES MEMOIR OF VERA cnux.
The Senate proceeded 10 the consideration Of the
resolution ficred some time since by Mr.. BKIl,
calling upon tho Navy Department Co communi
cate TO the senate a copy OF Lieutenant Temples
memoir Of the landing Of the American troops at
Vera Cruz In l547, and the appendix, with CORE
sp6ndence between the officers commanding.
Mr.. CAsS said he was opposed TO tho publicaiion
Of books by the Senate.
Mr.. HAMLlN said he .muet oppose this rcsoIu-
ton. The Senate had gone far enough in tho pub
LEGATION Of books. He thought il ought 20
stop. lie moved 10 lay the resolution the table.
He withdrew the moion however, at the request oil
Mr.. MANovx.
Mr.. MANGUM said that he hoped the Senator
from Tennessee would not press this resolution; the
other side appeared disposed 10 shrink from tho in
formation sought 10 be obtained; they were rather
sensitive on this subject and appeared ne IL they
knew enough it, Whether the resolution passed
or not, the people would obtain the information.
He had no desire TO heap punishment upon the
other side too and 10 press the resolution nov
would be 20 punish them in ADVANCE lie would
not vote, however, to lay the resolution ON tho
table.
Mr. BELL said he had not read the memorial al
loded 20, but he had been informed by gentlemen
that IL was an exceedingly we'll written and interest
nation which had never been made public. He was
Of opinion that twas but necessary matter to COM
pete the history Of the Of the troops
al Vera Cruz The book did not exceed forty pages in
manuscript, and when printed would not, perbaps,
be over twenty pages lie thought il would be equal
y IL not more, interesting TO tho country than the
many large and voluminous documents annually
published by Congress- Let the call be made, and
when II came before the Senate gentlemen could
oppose it's printing, it, upon examination, they con-
sidered IL unnecessary TO print IT,
Mr.. BERRIEN said he was surprised that there
should be any objection TO passing this resolution,
when Senator had stated he considered u interest
ing and important. When the call was answered,
and the book was before the Senate, would be
the proper time to object to its printing.
Mr.. CLEMENS said that after the remarks OF
the Senator from North Carolina. there could be
no surprise that the resolution was opposed. That
Senator had stated, in language not TO be mistaken,
that this was n document To be brought here and
published eectioneering pamphlet, and 70
be used for the purposes Of political intrigue and