Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-04-07
THIRTY-SECOND CONGRESS.

MoHDAr, March 29rh.-Scaate. Walker
presented ten petitions from Wisconsin, asking
grants of land 10 s,d in The construction OF certain
railroads in that State lie also presented petit
ton from that State, signed by many women and
children, asking repeal Of the Fugitive Slave
Law, which, on his motion, was laid On The table.
Mr. Seward presented five petitions from citizens
Of the State Of New York. praying The repeal of
The fugitive slave Jaw, which he moved be refer
red 10 the Committee on the judiciary. On mo-
ton Of Mr. Norris, however, the memorials were
laid on the able-yeas SO, nays H.. The nays
were Messrs Chase, Davis, dodge Of Wis, Fish.
Foot, Hale, Hamlin, Seward. Sumner. Upham.
Wade.
MIR Seward also presented the petition of citi.
zens of New York, praying Mai Congress would
adopt such measures as would result in the ex-
tnclon Of slavery in The United States. He said,
in reply to a question from Mr. Dawson, that he
presented the petition on the principle that the peo-
pie had right.to petition Congress. II was laid
or the table-yeas 80, nays as follows: Messrs.
Dodge of Wis, Foote, Hale, Seward, Sumner,
Wade, Chase-6.
Mr. Hale presented petition praying the repeal
of the fugitive slave law, and il was laid On the ia.
Bile.
Mr. Broadhead presented petitions in favor of a
modification of the tariff of 1876.
Home.-Mr Stanley reported the bill from the
Senate for enforcing discipline in the Navy. He
urged immediate action upon The bill ,as the Japan
Expedition was about sailing. The House enter.
ed into debate upon the bill.
TUEspAY.-Senate-T bill anendatory of
the laws relative TO the silver coinage of The u.
States. was passed. This bill was repured by the
Commit S on Finance, in pursuance ola recon-
mendation Of the Secretary Of the Treasury, provi
ding for new silver coinage, in pieces Of the de-
nomination of half dollar and less, to contain
greater portion Of alloy. than the silver coins now
in use. The measure is viewed as one of impor-
lance, In order 10 retain in the country currency
which is so essential in all business transactions.
American silver cuin containing less alloy than the
similar coin of England and France, is therefore
collected and exported in large amounts The bill,
if it shall pass the House Of Representatives, is TO
90 into effect on The first Of May next.
House-The Homestead bill was taken up in
Committee of the Whole, and discussed at length.
WEDHEsDAY.-Sen ate.-NIr Morton presented
plan for taking yeas and nays Mr. Dawson pre-
scented remonstrance against the admission of
Utah as State or The ground Of NIormonism.
House-NIr Kendrick introduced JOINT resolu-
ton relative 10 the Military Land acl of le48.-
The committees were then called on fur reports.
THURsDAY.-Senats.-A petition was present.
ed from the Legislature Of New Mexico asking
protection from the Indians
Mr. Rusk reported bill to sci apart land for the
construction of railroad from Lake Michigan TO
the Pacific.
A resolution. calling for information with regard
to the Japan Expedition, was taken up, and the
Senate proceeded TO consider it.
Messrs Borland and Cass advocated the resolu-
ton and Messrs Mangum, Gwin, Shields, Hale Sc
ward, Badger, Dawson and Walker opposed it.
MI Gwin urged the many reasons why the ex-
petition to Japan should be ordered, and argued
that disclosure of its object would defeat them.
Mr. Shields said there were sumo sixty japanese
now in California picked up from wreck, and
their restoration would afford proper introduction
to that country.
After debate the resolution was postponed.
House-The House took up The bill granting
the right of way for a railroad from Memphis 10
Charleston. Referred to the Committee of the
Whole. The House took up the Iowa Railroad
bill! which was discussed at length.
FRIDAY-Senate-N Hunter reported fayora.
bly, on the House amendment To the bill appropria-
ting 100000 towards the Capitol extension. This
clinches the matter.
Mr.. Hunter reported back an amended bill grant
ing land 10 Indiana and Illinois, for a Railroad
from Louisiana 10 ST. Louis.
Resolutions calling for charges against the Boun-
dry Commissioners were adopted.
Hmlse-'rhe reconsideration Of the Navy Bill
was then taken up and postponed until Tuesday.
Mr.. Hem spoke upon the iowa Land Bill.