Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-12-23
Congress.

In the Senate, on the 18th, MIR. Atchson took the
Chair, at the request Of Nh. King, by note, Mr.. King
being ILL., Mr. Davis presented petition asking that
the operation Of the Steamboat Law passed last ses-
sion, should be delayed. Mr.. Broadhead gave notice
OF bills changing the Bounty Land Law, so as to give
TO all 100 of land. Mr. Davis called attention to
that portion Of the Presidents Message which alluded
10 Mr.. Webser's DEATH and made an eloquent elloey
on the deceased Ii the House bill was intro due ed
by Mr.. Hall for the organization of the Platte Terrific
ry. Referred TO Committee of Territories Mr. Will
cox introduced resolution providing that repre-.
sentatives at Foreign Courts be required 10 urge such
amendments to the existing treaties between the Uni
ted States and foreign powers will secure the same
religious liberty TO all Americans residing under for
eign flags, as that which is granted 10 all citizens oil
every nation of the whoe world, residing under the
flag OF our Unionj also, providing that all commits
soners TO negotiate treaties hereafter shall possible
secure such provision in all treaties. Resolution
was referred: The discussion on Tariff was resumed
MI Mead, of Virginia, urged taking of the duties
railroad iron, and said it would promote railroad build
ing, and thus conduce to the development Of the
sources Of the country Mr.. Stanton, Of Ohio. gave
his reasons for opposing accumulation of surplus
revenue in the Treasury, and avowed himself ready
vote for modification of the tariff provided it did not
affect industry. Mr.. Giddings introduced a slavery
speech, remaRng that fugitive slaves had passed
into Canada during the last three months than ever be-
fore.
In the Senate, on the l4th, Mr.. Chase presented a
resolution Of the Ohio Legislature, in favor of the dis
trbuton of public lands 10 actual settlers. The debate
on the KentusKy contested election was resumed
This is case of new character. Mr.. Clay, some.
hefo 9Th a.
the Legislature of Kentucky resignng his seat in the
Senate from and after the first Monday in September
last whereupon the Legislature duly elected the Hon.
Archibald Dixon TO supply the anticipated vacancy
But Mr.. Clay having died two months before the
time fixed for his resignation TO take effect an actual
vacancy was created, which the Governor of the State
Immediately filled by the appointment OF the Hon.
David Msriwether, who served the remnant of the last
session. Both Mr. Olson and Mr.. MsriWstheT are
now claimants oil this seat, the one claiming to hold
over under Executive appointment, (thsre having been
no meeting Of the Kentucky Legislature since Mr.
Clay'S DEATH and the other claiming BY virtue Of .
regular election BY the Legislature. This is the his
tory OF The Kentucky Contested ElectiOn" the de-
bale on which is noticed above a. having been resumed
in the Senate on the I4,h. Mr. Jones, Of Tennessee
moved On amendment, declaring DiEou Senator from
Ne ntucky Mt Mason was in favor Of referring the
matter to committee. MT. Underwood supported
Dxon's claim, citing many prsesdsnts. In the House
Mr. Brooks resolution for referring hat portion of the
Message relating to tariff to special COMMITTEES, vas
taken up. Mr.. Jones, OF Pennsylvania, opposed the
resolution, and said, although there was surplus in
the treasury now, We might soon find ourselves with
deficiency. He intimated the probability Of war. He
also expressed the opinion that, in less than twelve
months, we shall find France backed by Russia, pre-.
pared to test with the United States the question
whether or not foreign government shall gain foot
mold on our continent The debate on the tariff oue,
lion was continued at great length when the commit.
tee rose and the House adjourned.