The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-14
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.
IN SENATE.

FRIDAY, February l3, 1859.
On motion Of Mr.. GWIN, the order Of the Sen
ate assigning every Friday to the consideration OF
private bills, was postponed until one o'clock.
On motion of Mr.. CASS, the report Of the Sec
rotary Of War made on the 25th OF February,
1851, exhibiting the number of firearms belong
ing to the United States, ordered to De printed
NAVY YARD AT SAN FRANCISCO.
On motion of Mr.. GWIN, the bill to establish
navy yard and depot on the Bay OF San Fran
cisco, in California, was taken up.
M. BRODHEAD said the bill authorized the
establishment, not only of navy yard and depot
at San Francisco, but also of marine barracks,
navy hospital, and railway and basin IN connec-
ton with the dry dock ordered at the last session
and would involve the expenditure OF from three
to seven millions Of dollars. II should be tho.
roughly examined before passing I. he w sl !,
liketo hear some explanation from theSenator IRON
California. What was the necessity for the erec-
ton of marine barracks there? What necessity
was there for basin and railway connecting with
the dry dock. He supposed this matter had been
disposed OF at the last session of Congress
Mr.. GWlN said he did not propose to make q
speech upon this occasion. The bill was ordered
at the last session All he asked was that the re-
port Of the committee might be read. III.
TThe report was read accordingly, explaining
At length the reasons for these measures, and
showing their great Importance to the interests OF
commerce and navigation; and also to the govern
Mr.. BRoDHEAD said the reading Of the re-
port did not furnish satisfactory reply to his IN
quiries. He quoted the opinion of the Secretary
Of the Navy given at the last session OF Congress,
that there was no necessity for the erection OF
such extensive works for many years to come
He argued that there was no necessity for dry
dock there, as vessels might be repaired at much
less expense on the Atlantic coast. The construc-
ton Of railway and basin, and of military
barracks, were measures equally mdefensible, IN
his opinion, and designed chiefly for the benefit OF
the contractors. This system OF passing bills to
fill the pockets of contractors, was getting to De
great abuse, and if it was not soon stopped, they
would have to establish contractors department.
Mr.. GWIN said he did not propose to intrude
unon priyate business by continuing this debate
this morning, but he considered tia duty 10 HIM
self to give notice that, this business going over
to Monday, he should then call it up to get an op.
portunty OF replying to the speech OF the Senator
from Pennsylvania; and he pledged himself TO
answer every argument which the senator had
urged against the bill, and not to leave him an
inch Of ground to stand upon. ~,
He moved that the bill be postponed until Mon
day, which was agreed to.
PRIVATE BILLS.
The Senate then proceeded to the consideration
If nrvate bills and after some debate took up the
bili for the relief Of John w. Simonton, which
was pending on the adjournment Of the Senate on
Friday last.
Mr.. BAYARD spoke against the bill.
Mr.. MALLORY replied in favor Oft
Mr.. SEWARD submitted some amendments,
when -.
On motion, the Senate adjourned until Monday.