The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-05-12

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SENATE.


II AVbcbAIp may ioOD.
Mr.. COOPER presented the petition OF Thomas
Sulty and others, artists Of the city Of Philadei-
phia, praying that Peter F. Rothsrmel may be
employed 10 execute historical painting for one
of the public buildings in Washington.
After some remarks by Mr.. C. in commenda-
ton Of the object the petition was referred to the
Committee on the Library.
MR. STOCKTON on HARBoR pEvENcEs, &c.
Amer tbs presentation Of petitions,
On motion Of Mr.. MALLORY all farther morn
ing business was postponed, and the Senate took
up the joint resolution authorizing the completion
Of war steamer for harbor defence.
The resolution was read follows:
Resolved bv ths Senate and House Of Represenia-
tvss Of ths United States Of .7nserica in Congress
sssssblsd, That the Secretary of the Navy be and
he 10 hereby authorized and required TO have COM
plessd without unnecessary delay, the war steamer
contracted for with Robert l.. Stevens in pursu-
aIce ofan act OF Congress passed April l4th 1912.
Mr. STO cKTON, Of New Jersey, addressed
the Senate in support Of the same. The import
ance Of the subject he said fully set forth in
the report of the Committee on Naval Affairs SUBJ
mitted the Senate in March last, and at his re-
quest II was read.
He described in graphic manner the exposed
condition of the harbor of the city of New York,
and showed the value Of the proposed steamer.
He spoke Of the abilities OF Mr. Stevens to con-
struct the steamer, and urged the importance OF
the subject not only for the protection of the har-
Dor Of New York, but for the defence Of the
whole country. He spoke with earnsstness OF
the importance Of imparting greater speed, ina
pregnability aud more effective destructive quail
ties to our naval vessels He eulogized Ameri-
can mechanics, and considered them fully compe-
tent to build up AZ efficient q navy as the world
has ever seen.
He referred in conclusion to his political posi-
ton, and declared his adherence to the Virginia
" l.
considered them the true platform Of the Demo
cratic party. As he had been charged with
making grand explosion in favor of Mr. Web
ster, he would make another for no considera-
tons would even prevent him from uttering his
real sentiments upon all subjects. He accordingly
paid handsome tribute to General Cass, which
he said might be called explosion !" I'd;
Mr.. HUNTER moved that the resolution be
postponed for the purpose of taking up the def
Mr.. STOCKTON hoped the vote would be
taken upon the resolution, if no other Senator
desired TO speak upon it.
Mr. MANGUM said he felt much interested
in the subject to which the Senator from New
Jersey had called their attention He fully inves-
tgated the plan of Mr.. Stevens several years ago,
and he took pleasure in saying that he considered
it one of the ablest conceptions of one the most
eminent scientific artizans Of the country He
did not desire to discuss the subject and hoped
the vote would be taken.
Mr. HAMLIN wanted further time to investi-
gate the subject, and hoped it would be post
poned.
The motion of Mr.. HUNTER prevailed.
THE DEFICIENCY BILL.
The Senate proceeded to the consideration of
the bill to supply deficiencies in the appropria-
tons for the service Of the current fiscal year.
The amendment to increase the compensation TO
the Collin g line, with the amendment to the same,
submitted by Mr.. MALLORY, transferring the con-
tract from the Navy to the Post Office Depart
ment being under consideration,
Mr.. BROOKE submitted few remarks in OPP
position to the Collins appropriation, continuing
that Congress should first make liberal provis-
ion for the improvement Of Western rivers and
harbors.
Mr.. GEYER followed upon the same side and
stated the reasons why he could not vote for the
proposition. They were similar to those which
had been urged by other Senators.
Mr.. BADGER briefly replied in defence Of the
committee and of the amendment.
Mr. RUSK appealed to the Senator from Flor
ida to withdraw his amendment
Mr.. MALLORY declined to Withdraw, al
though he would consent to do so if Senators
would show him any reason for it.
Mr.. HAMLIN said it was sufficient reason
that the interests Of the Post Office Department re-
quired the continuance Of this line Of steamers.
Mr.. CASS said it was desirable to have these
steamers under the control Of the Navy Depart
ment, so that they could be used for naval purpo-
ses at any time when they should be needed.
Mr. RUSK called for the yeas and nays on
Mr.. MALLORY amendment, which were ordered
and taken with the following result yeas l8,
nays 10.
So the amendment was rejected.
The question upon the amendment reported by
the Committee on Finance recurring,
Mr. BORLAND said he wished to submit a
feu remarks ,lnon IL nd moved that the subject be
postponed until tomorrow, which was agreed to.
The railroad bills, yesterday ordered TO engross-
ment, were then read third time and passed.
On motion by Mr.. WELLER the Senate then
proceeded to the consideration of executive bust
ness and afterwards adjourned