The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-21
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.
IN SENATE.
FRIDAY, February 90, 1859
" N : 49, NJ ~
THE WHEELING BBIDGE,

rHDAf,rtDruafy ~, 1907
THE WHEELING BBIDGE,
Mr.. HUNTER presented memorial Of six
members of the legislature of Pennsylvania, rep
resenting that in their opinion the Wheeling
bridge does not constitute nuisance or occasion
any such obstruction to trade on the Ohio river,
as to require its greater elevation, and requesting
Congress to protect it from destruction.
Mr.. HUNTER remarked, in presenting the
memorial, that this was one Of the most import
ant neutrality-suspicious. the most important ques-
ton, commercially considered (which had ever
been raised in the Supreme Court and he had no
doubt that it would lead to movements similar to
that Of those memorialists, in portions of Penn
sylvania, in Virginia and perhaps in Ohio, whose
object might be to induce Congress to establish a
mail route over the bridge. This he learned would
save il, according to an intimation thrown out by
the Supreme Court After further remarks, he
moved that the memorial be read, printed, and re-
ferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, which
was agreed TO.
Mr.. BRODHEAD presented the Joint resolu-
ton Of tine legislature of Pennsylvania upon the
same subject, expressing determination to per-
sist in the suit which had been instituted He
agreed with the Senator fran Xirgis;s, that me
question was very Important ones>dnd ne hoped
the committee would give it very grave con-
s;d.sa,ion. He moyed the reading, printing, and
reference Of the resolution as above, which was
agreed to.
MEMORIALS, &C.
Petitions and memorials were presented by Mr.
MILLER, praying that the Introduction of foreign
convicts, felons, and paupers into this country,
NAV be prohibited by law; by Mr.. FooT, a re-
monstrance against the further extension Of the
Woodwork patent; by Mr.. FIsH, Of cigar makers
Of the city Of Providence, Rhode Island, praying
for an increase Of duties on cigars; also, of passed
midshipmen ofth navy, praying that a separate
grade may be established, with an increase Of pay
for that class of oficers also, of Henry Grinnell,
II AZ rc;t of Nau 4 hat
other expedition may be fitted out TO search for
Sir John Franklin; by Mr.. Downs, Of under
writer's of the city Of New Orleans, for the enact
ment Of law to prevent needless detentons and
penses in proceedings in admiralty; by Mr..
BkDBURY, in relation to impositions practised
,f{5on passengers jp steamers to California; by Mr.
HAMLIN, in relation to the same; also praying
that additional security may be afforded, by law,
to d lives of passengers on steamboats,; also, nu-
merod9 1pettions of assistant census marshals,
prayhg5pr extra compensation, &c
SISTERS OF VISITATION.
MIR. SEW ARD, agreeaby to previous notice,
introduced bill to incorporate the Sisters OF VS.
itation Of Washington, which was read twice by
unanimous consent and referred.
RESOLUTIONS.
= Mr.. RHETT introduced resolution instruct
ing the Committee on the Judiciary to inquire into
the expediency of increasing the salaries OF the
circuit Judges of the District of Columbia, which
Mr.. COOPER introduced resolution directing
a similar inquiry 10 be made in regard to the sal
arv of the district Judge of the district Of
Pennsylvania, with the view Of making it the
same as that of the district judge Of the southern
district Of New York.
The resolution lies over.
The resolution submitted by Mr.. BRopHEAp,
Yesterday, calling for certain information relative
to contracts for dry-docks, was considered and
agreed to.
MILEAGE OF THE OREGON DELEGATE.
Messrs. GWIN and BRIGHT endeavored to
get up the House bill regulating tie mileage ofthe
delegate from Oregon; but
Mr.. CLARKE proposing to submit an amend
ment and debate being likely to arise thereon, the
bill was not taken up.
PRIVATE BILLS.
The Senate then proceeded to the consideration
Of private bills.
The bill for the relief Of Thomas III. Leggeu
was debated at some length by Messrs. SEWARD,
BosLAsp, RHETr and others.
Mr.. COOPER, while making some remarks
upon the bill, was seized with an attack or the
vertigo in consequence Of which the bill was post
poned until Friday next.
The following bills were then considered, and
ordered to be engrossed for third reading, and
the first named bill was subsequently read a third
time and passed:
Bill for the relief of the Raleigh and Castor
railroad company.
Bill for the relief of Mrs z. A. Mcneil, widow
OF the late General John Mcneil.
The Senate then adjourned until Monday.