Washington telegraph., 1852-06-16
CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY.
Washington, May 25


SENATE.-On motion of Mr. Downs the bill to
provide for the issuing of patents for certain
class OF confirmed private land claims in Louisi-
ana, was ordered to be engrossed for third read
ing.
On motion of Mr.. Bell, resolution, directing
the Secretary of War to communicate to the SEN
ate the estimate of the cost of improving the nav-
CATION of the Tennessee river heretofore made by
Colonel Long, of the corps of Typographical En-
gineers, and any further or additional estimates
which may be suggested by recent examinations
OF the distractions to the navigation of that river
was adopted
MIR. Downs introduced the bill granting the
right OF way and making grant of land to the
State OF Louisiana for the construction of rail-
road from opposite Ne,s Orleans to Opelousas,
thence to the Sabine river. Read twice and re-
ferred to the Committee on Public Lands
On motion of Mr.. Felch, the bill ito authorize
the construction of railroads through the public
lands In certain cases." ordered to be engross-
ed for third reading Mr.. Felch stated that this
bill authorizes the grant of the right of way to
railroad companies authorized by State authority
through any of the public lands upon certain con-
dltions-authorizng the Department of the 1nteri-
or to grant that right of way, and specifying the
conditions. 1t gives right of way only of seven
ty-ive feet on each side of the centre of the road
The Deficiency bill was taken up and various
amendments were acted upon.
he oeudte Unen aQJOurneQ.
HoUsE.-The Invalid and Naval Pension bills
were taken up in Committee of the Whole De-
bate followed involving the merits of the Com
promise measures and before the adjournment
these two bills were passed
Washington, May 26.
SENATE-Mr. Sumner presented memorial
from the Yearly meeting of the Society of Friends
in New England, asking for, the repeal af the Flu
gitive Slave law. He said that he should here
after express himself at length upon the subject
He moved that the memorial be referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr.. Dawson wished the gentleman to submit
his views now. For one, he (Mr d. was pre-
pared to meet the question.
Mr.. Butler agreed generally in the remarks of
Mr.. Dawson.
The memorial was then laid upon the table
yeas 40, nays 1O-as follows:
Yeas.-Mcssrs Adams Atchison. Badger. Bell
Bradbury, Bright, Brodhead, Brooke Cass, Glenn
ems, Cooper, Dawson, Desaussure Dodge of Iowa.
Douglas, Downs, Felch Fish; Foot Geyer, Hun
ter, James, Jones of Iowa. Jones of Tennessee
King, Mallory, Mangum, Miller, Morton, Norris
Pearce, Pratt, Rusk, Sebastian, Smith, Soule
Toucey, Underwood, Upham, and Weer-iO.
Nays-Messrs. Borand. Chase, Davis, Dodge of
Wisconsin, Hale Hamlin, Seward, Sumner Wade,
and Walker-10.
The Deficiency bill was then taken up and the
Senate proceeded to consider the various amend
ments made as in Committee of the Whole, some
of which were concurred in.
The amendment granting additional competlsa-
ton to the Collins line of steamers coming up an
amendment offered by Mr. Chase was debated at
length; and without taking the question, the SEN
ate adjourned.
HoUsE.-Mr. Florence introduced bill to pre-
vent the collision of steam and sail vessels navi-
eating the waters of the United States in the night
time. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.
The bill granting pre-emption rights to the set
tiers on the Menomlnee purchase in Wisconsin
was taken up; the amendment reported from the
Committee on Public Lands. making the right of
pre-emption on the msurveyed lands of the Uni
ted States general; was voted down; and the bill
was passed
The Indian appropriation bill was then taken
up, and debate ensued involving subjects con-
nected with The Presidential election, Messrs
White, Poll. and Marshall participating therein.
The House then adjourned.