The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-02-14
CONGRESSIONAL PRoCERDIIas.
IN SENATE.
FRtDAY. Februar,

RDAns eOtudry ID, lCCZ.
On motion Of Mr.. GWIN, the order Of the SEN
ats 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 70 the United States, ordered to be printed
NAVY YARD AT SAN FRANCISCO.
On motion of Mr.. GWIN, the bill to establish
a navy yard and depot the Bay OF San Fran
cisco, in California, was taken up.
Mr. BRODHEAD said the bill authorized the
establishment, not only of navy yard and depot
at San Francisco, but also of marine barracks, a
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
10 seven millions Of dollars. 1t should be tho
roughly examined before passing it, He would
Iike'to hear some explanation from theSenator from
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
speech upon this occasion. The bill was ordered
al the last session. All he asked that the re-
port of the committee might be read.
1.-THE 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
ment.
Mr. BRODHEAD said the reading of the re-
port did not furnish satisfactory reply to his in
ouiries. He quoted the opinion of the Secretary
Of the Navy, given 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 the Atlantic coast The consiruc-
ton Of railway and basin, and Of military
barracks, were measures equally indefenslble, In
his opinion, and designed chiefly for the benefit of
the contractors. This systenpof passing bills to
gil the pockets Of contractors, was getting to be a
great abuse, and if it was not soon stopped, they
would have to establish a contractors department.
Mr.. GWIN said he did not propose to infrude
upon private business by continuing this debate
this morning, but he considered i'll duty to HIM
self to give notice that, this business going over
to Monday, he should then call it up to get an OPP
portunity 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
Of private bills, and after debate took up the
hill 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.