The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-03-05
coHaRRss1oJAL PROCEEDINGS.
THURSDAY, March 4. 1852.
or THE U. 8. MINT.

Senate a resolution of the legislature of Pennsyl-
vania relative 10 the proposed removal OF the
United States mint from Philadelphia to New
York which, on motion Of Mr. BRoDHEAp, was
laid the table, bill having already been re-
ported upon the subject.
GALWAY STEAM LINE.
MIR. SHIELDS presented petition in favor of
the establishment OF line Of mail steamships be-
tween New York and Galway, Ireland.
The memorialists, Mr.. s. remarked, represented
that the establishment Of this line would be a
great gain to the mail service across the Atlantic
both IN point Of distance and time. The route
proposed was also one Of much less peril to navi-
tors. He commended the subject to the careful
conside Iteration of the Senate, as a measure calcu-
lated to facilitate the interests OF commerce, and
save expense to the government.
The memorial was referred to the COMMITTEE on
Naval Affairs.
snip CANAL AROUND THE FALLS OF THE srE MARIE.
Mr.. WADE psesented resolutions of the State
of Ohio in favor Of the construction Of ship ca
nal around the Falls of the Ste. Marie.
Mr. SMITH suggested that the resolution be
laid the table, bill having already been reported
in relation to the subject He also said that when
the bill came up for consideration, he proposed TO
offer an amendment providing for the construction
of those works by the general government
Mr.. CHASE concurrng in the suggestion, the
resolutions were laid on the table
PACIFIC RAILROAD PROJECTS.
Mr.. GWlN presented memorial of the Cali
forna Miners and Settlers convention, IN favor OF
the immediate construction of d national railroad
To the Pacific ocean; also remonstrance OF citl-
zens of Sacramento city and county, California,
against Whitney's railroad project.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR STEAM LINES.
Mr.. DAVIS presented memorial numerously
signed by merchants, manufacturers and ship
owners Of the cities Of Boston and New York,
stating that they deem it impolitic for Congress to
make any further grants for mail steamers.
The memorial was referred to the Committee
on Naval Affairs.
SHIP CANAL AROUND THE FALLS AT LOUISVILLE.
Mr.. CHASE presented the petition Of four
thousand citizens of Cincinnati in favor OF the con-
struction of ship canal on the northern bank of
the Ohio, around the falls at Louisville.
The high character, not less than the number
of these memorialists, Mr.. c. observed, recon-
mended this memorial to the consideration Of the
Senate.
WIDOWS OF REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS.
Mr.. HAMLIN presented petition of citizens
of Penobscot county, Maine, praying that pen
sions may be allowed the widows ofall revolution
ary soldiers whose names were on the pension
rolls.
After few remarks from Mr.. H., in explana-
ton and support of the measure, the memorial
was referred 10 the Committee on Pensions.
NAVY YARD AT NEW ORLEANS
Mr.. GWIN, from the Committee on Naval
Affairs, reported back the bill to establish navy
yard and naval depot at New Orleans, without
amendment.
ORANGE AND ALEXANDRIA RAILROAD COMPANY.
Mr.. UNDERWOOD, agreeably to notice,
asked and obtained leave to bring In bill for the
relief of the Orange and Alexandria railroad COM
pany, which was read twice, and postponed until
tomorrow.
PAYMENT FoR LAND SURVEYS IN CALIFORNIA.
Mr.. GWIN. pursuant to notice, introduced a
bill providing for payment for surveys executed of
claims presented to the board of land commission
ers in California for adjudication; which was read
twice and referred.
GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS IN CALIFORNIA.
Mr.. GWIN submitted resolution requesting
the Secretary of the Treasury to communicate to
the Senate any report made to the Treasury De-
partment by any person or persons employed by
him. in the geological exploration of California;
which considered, by unanimous consent,
and agreed to.
Mr.. GWIN also submitted the following reso-
luton, which was agreed to:
Resolved, That the President Of the United
States be requested furnish to the Senate il not
in his opinion inconsistent with the interests of
the government, copies of all communications
relative to the empire of Japan, that may be on
file in either of the Executive Departments, par
ticularly the Instructions under which Commodore
Bidde visited Japan in 1876; his special report of
that visit the communication made by him to the
local authorities in Jeddo Bay; and a copy Of a
translation Of a communication made to him on
that occasion; together with so much of commu-
nication to the State Department from Alex. H.
Averett, the commissioner to China, as relates to
that Japanese document; also copies Of any other
communication received, either directly or indi-
rectly, from the Japanese authorities and such
other information that will serve to illustrate the
existing relations between the United States and
Japan.
CLERK TO THE MILITARY COMMITTEE.
On motion Of Mr.. SHIELDS, the Committee on
Military Affairs were authorized to employ n
clerk during the rema nder of the present session,
at the usual rate of compensation.
CALIFORNIA MAIL CONTRACTS.
On motion Of Mr.. CLEMENS, his resolution call
ing for copies of all contracts for the transporta-
ton of the mail between New York and Califor-
na and for great vaiiety Of information relative
to the same, was amended so as to inquire fur
Their, whether the steamships now used by the
contractors can, and ought to be taken by the gov
ern,n ent; and also what amount has been received
for postage by that line Of steamers and was then
adopted.
THE IOWA RAILROAD BILL.
1he Senate tnen resumed the CONSIDERATION or
the bill granting quantity of public lands to the
State Of Iowa, to aid in the construction Of GER
tain railroads in that State, when
Mr.. DODGE, of Iowa, proceeded with the
marks which he commenced yesterday in support
of the bill. He endeavored TO show that his sys-
tenn of giving away the public lands for the bsne
fit of the new States, did not originate with the
people Of those States themselves, but with the
general government and quoted proclamation of
the late President, J. @. Adams, relative to the
sale of certain lands in the West, reserving alter
nate sections as now proposed. He defended his
own political course upon various occasions. He
replied to the remarks of the Senator from Geor-
gia, MIR. DAwsoN,] and also submitted further re-
marks in opposition to the amendment of the
Senator from kentucky Mr.. UNpERwoop In
conclusion, he warned senators who opposed this
bill further, that if these railroad bills de-
feated, there was another measure which would
not be defeated. The grant of land to actual set
tiers on the public domain was measure which
was daily gaining ground, and would ultimately
prevail. Did senator's suppose that all their hopes
w.re to be frustrated' For many long sessions
they of the West. had been waiting for the pas
sage ofN pre-emption bill, but none had been