The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-06-09
TBlRTY-SECOND CONGRESS.
FIRST SESSION.
TueepAy, June S, 1852.
SENATE.
FIRST SESSION
THE HOMESTEAD BILL.


Numerous petitions in favor of the passage OF the
Homestead bill from the House presented by
Messrs WADE, SHIELDS, WALKER, STOCK
TON, CHASE, MALLORY. BRIGHT, and FISH.
Mr.. JAMES presented the memorial OF the In
dustrial Congress, recently held in this city, IN
favor of the passage Of the Homestead law.
NEW ORLEANS NAVY YARD.
Mr. SOULE presented the resolutions adopted by
a large meeting Of the citizens Of New Orleans. IN
relation to the establishment of navy yard at that
place
PAY OF VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS
Mr. HUNTER presented the resolutions of the
General Assembly of Virginia, passed unanimous
y, instructing their Senators and requesting IhelF
Representatives 10 use their best cxertons 10 secure
for the officers and men of the Petersburg voiun-
teers such pay aud emoluments as they were ny
law entitled TO, and which has not been reccIved
by them.
wHEELISo BRIDGE.
Mr.. II. also presented resolution of the same
General Assembly, instructng their Senators and
requesting, their Representatives to urge upon Con-
gross the necessity for such legislation as shall
speedily adjust the controversy respecting the wire
suspension bridge at Wheeling, 80 as to preserve
the came as at present existing; which was read
and referred to the Committee on the judiciary.
THE PATENT OFFICE.
MIR. STOCKTON presented the memorial OF q
large number of inventors, praying the compile
ton of the Patent Office.
THE Tariff.
MIR. S. also presented several memorials, nu-
merously signed, praying modification OF ;he
tariff Of ls46.
BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr. BUTLER introduced bill for the relief o!
the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad Com
pany; which read and referred 10 the Com
nttee Finance
Mr. MALLORY introduced bill to authorize
the school authorities in Florida to make certain
selections for, school purposes. Referred 10 the
Committee on Public Lands.
EXCHANGE OF CERTAIN PUBLIC LANDS.
Mr. FELCH, from the Committee Public
Lands, reported back the joint resolution from the
House of Representatives authorizing the Score
tary of the Treasury to ratiiy and confirm an ex-
change of lands between the United States and
Charles Reynolds, OF the city OF Natchez, IN Mis-
Ess ppl, being lands selected as the site oil ma
rine hospital in that city; and the same was con-
sdered, read third time, and passed
CHANGE OF NAME OF VESSEL.
MIR. HAMLIN, from the Committee on Com
mcrce, reported back House bill 10 change the
name of the American built weasel named Amelia
and To grant register in her name And the came
was considered, read third time, and passed
AMERICAN HISTORICAL PAIsTlSss.
The resolution submitted by Mr.. COOPER, some
time since directing an inquiry by the Committee
on the Library into the expediency OF employing
Messrs. Leutze, Healy, and ROthermeII 10 execute
Tor the Government paintings portraying scenes
and events in American history, was taken up,
amended, and adopted.
cATLIS's IsDIAS COLLECTION.
Mr. SEWARD submitted the following resolu-
ton, hich was laid over
Resoiued That the Library Committee be re-
qucsted to inquire into the cxpediency OF reporting
a Dill for the purchase Of MIR. George CatlIn's col
lection Of Indian scenes and portraits, which are
IN danger OF being cold and lost to this country
csEAP OCEAN POSTAGE.
Mr.. SUMNER submitted the following pream
bic and resolution, which was laid upon the table
for the present. Mr. S proposing " discuss the sub
loct at some carly day.
Whereas The in and postage on letter for a
distance within three thousand miles Is three cents
when paid and five cents when unpaid, while the
ocean postage u similar letter ls twenty four
cents, being a burdensome tax, amounting often TO
"A prohibition vi foreign correspondence; aud yet
letters can be carried at lees cost on sea than on
land:
And whereas, by increasing correspondence, and
also by bringing into the mails maiable matter now
often clandestinely conveyed, cheap ocean postaS
would become seli-suppOrtng:
And whereas cheap ocean postage would tend 10
quicken commerce; 20 promote the intercourse o.
ismcs and friendsscparated BY the ocean, 10 multi
ply the bonds Of peace and good sll among men and
nations, and thus, while Important 70 every CITIZEN
il would become the active ally, especially Oi the
merchant, the cmgrant, aud the phihnthropisE
Therefore
Be II rtSolued, That the President Of tho United
States be requested 70 open negotiations S.th the
European powers, particularly with the govern
ments Of Great Britain and France, Tor the csiab
lishInent OF cheap ocean postage.
Mr.. DAVIS moved that the bill making proyi-
sion for the better regulation Of vessels propelled
in whole in part BY steam lie taken up, and,
after debate he Withdrew the motion, intending to
call Il up To- morrOs.
Mr.. UNDERWOOD moved that the bill making
appropriation for the repair and Improvement Of
the dam at Cumberland Island, IN the Ohio river,
be taken Up; and this motion, after debate, was
lO-t-ayes 10, noes Is
The Senate then, on motion OF Mr.. AICHlSON,
proceeded 10 the consideration Of Executive busi.
nes, and remained IN session with clOsed GOOrs
tll half past three o'clock
when the doors were opened; and, on motion
The Senate adjourned.