The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-03-25

MsMoIa or GEN. GREEAE.

SENATE.
WEDNESDAY, March "a, 1852.
MsMoIa or GEN. GREEHE,
Mr.. CLARKE presented memorial praying
for the subscription by Congress TO the memoir
and papers Of the late Major General Nnth i
Greene.
Mr. C. reminded senator's of the conspicuous
part which General Greene bore in the revou-
iionary struggle, and commended his memoir and
writings.
The memorial was referred TO the Committee
on the Library.
Rxgcurivs CONCENTRATIONS.
The President pro ssss. laid before the Senate
two communica tons from the Secretary OF War,
made in compliance with resolutions OF the Sen
nte the 6rst transmitting General Pillows report
of the battle Of CeFro G0rdo; the second in rea-
ton to estimates for basin at the terminus Of the
Ohio canal and Rock creek, stating that no re-
liable estimate can be made without survey,
and stating that the sum Of 81 300 will be required
for that purpose
IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES.
On motion Of Mr.. DAVIS, the resolution here
tofore offered by him directing the Secretary Of
the Navy to make such experiments may be
necessary, to test the value Of Guthrie's alleged
improvements in steam engines, was taken up and
agreed TO.
EXTENSION OF THE CAPITOL.
Mr.. BORLAND introduced resolution re-
auesting the President to communicate to the Sen
ate any plans which may have been adopted for
the extension of the Capitol, together with detailed
statement, OF the amounts which have already
been expended, the balance on hand, contracts en-
tered into, the materials proposed to be used in
the different portions Of the work, plans for ven
tilnting, &C., &c.
Mr. BORLAND, in offering the resolution,
said he had been grossly misrepresented IN regard
a. he had fit N take thu
subject. He had been charged with making
''factious opposition to the work, &c: He pro-
ceeded to vindicate himself against all such impu-
tations and to Justify the course he had taken; he
learned, he said, on good authority, that con-
tracts to the amount Of a million and half OF dol
lars had already been entered into, based solely
upon the appropriation Of hundred thousand
dollars made last year, and the authority then
given. If this information was correct, he
thought the Executive had made an unwarranta-
bic use Of his powers, and he desired that Con-
gress should take some measures to arrest such
proceedings.
Mr.. BADGER defended the course Of the Exc
cutye and said it was usual and necessary for the
President to make contracts in anticipation.
After some further discussion, in which Mr.
HUNTER also took part, the resolution was
agreed to.
U. s. STEAMER " EDITH, &c.
On motion of Mr.. SEWARD, the Senate took
up the resolution heretofore submitted by him.
calling for information in relation to the loss OF
the Uuited States steamer Edith in l849, the
charges against Commodore Jones, the proceed
ings Of the court martial thereon and all cores
pondence and papers relating to the subject.
Mr.. HUNTER spoke against the resolution.
He was opposed to this practice Of calling for
charges against various persons lie saw no ne
cessity for it, and thought it calculated to produce
divisions and embarrassment in the service
An animated debate ensued, Messrs. BADGER,
SEWARD, HUNTER, GwrN, MALLORY, HALE, CAss,
SHIELDS, COOPER and RUsK participating therein,
after which the resolution was agreed to.
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Mr.. BADGER moved that the Senate proceed
to the consideration Of Executive business, obsery
inp that there were matters of special importance
and interest which required their attention in
executive session.
The motion was agreed to.
The Senate subsequently adjourned.