The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-10

structsd 70 inquire into and reportupon the grant
ing pension to the widow Of Gen. BeIknap.
Mr. LANE, Of Oregon, moved TO suspend
the rules, TO enable him introduce resolution,
requesting the President to communicate TO the
House, what steps have been taken TO ensure pro.
lection to emigrants and others on the route 10
Oregon, against the attacks Of the Indians; and
that In case such steps have not been taken, that
he cause the regiment of mounted rlfemen In the
territory OF Oregon, to be, stationed between San
Josef and Columbia river, and between Oregon
and California
The rules were suspended and the resolution
was passed, but was again reconsidered; and Oc
cuped the remainder OF the day without any de-
cision being arrived at.
Mr. LANE explained the resolution at great
length; described the exposed situation of Oregon
and the danger to which emigrants are exposed
He was willing to modify the resolution, he said
so as to meetrhe views Of members. His object
he said, was, to obtain for the people Of Oregon
that protection to which they were entitled.
Mr.. BAYLY, Of Virginia, said he was opposed
to the resolution on principle. The House had
nothing to do with posting the army, Of which
the President ia commander in-chief, and could
not interfere with his arrangements. Even in time
Of war, the Congress, he said, had no jurisdiction
over the army, except to raise and support it, The
House in passing the resolution, would be making
a request which had no authority to act, and il ID
made to one who has the authority, and is respon
sible for its exercise. This subject has been duly
considered by the convention which adopted the
Constitution, when the power to wage war was
given to the President Of the United States, and
the only control which Congress possessed, was
| to stop the supplies. And as to the disposition Of
troops, it is matter as to which the House ha.
no right to make request. He had no idea thai
| they should interfere to relieve the President Of
his responsibility; and were they to pass the reso
luton, it would Immediately be made an excus,
for an appropriation for one or two more regi
ments.
| Mr.. HOWARD, of Texas, said it must be ap
parent to the House what is the object Of the res
| olution it being to overrule the President. the
Commander-in- chef, and the Secretary Of War
| The regiment alluded to had been ordered to tn,
Southwest, because it had been found that mount
ed troops could not operate either in Oregon Of
California and it il proposed bv this resolution
to overtarn this division 1t struck him that no.
thing should be done which would interfere, in tn,
most distant manner, with the arrangements o
the Commander-in-chief. Let an inquiry be made
and the administration set right. The idea is, t
give infantry to California and Oregon, md t.
place mounted riaemen on the plain. Anothe
objection to the proposed interference is, that ad
dtional expense would be incurred in complyin
with the requirements Of the resolution; the regi
ment having been already removed. He conclu
ded by moving to strike out all but the word ere
solved +" and to substitute that the Committee OF
! Military Affairs be instructed to inquire into tn
subject
| The House then adjourned, without any actor
being taken on the resolution or amendment.