The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-02-24

a bill wast passed, which came from the SEN
ate extending the present sitting Of the Crimi-
nal Court in the District Of Columbia, on ac-
count OF trial which is at present ending.
The bl to prevent frauds upon the Treasury
OF the United States with one or two amend
ments was then passed
The House went into Committee Of the
Whole on the state Of the Union, and took up
the Post Office bill which was ordered to be
reported upon favorably
The Civil and Diplomatic bill then came up;
and Mr.. Venable spoke at much length, with
reference To the neglect Of public business,
which be attributed 10 the numerous and con-
fiictng rules Of the House. and the means
adopted by the majority to carry measures by
which they were suspended
After he had concluded
Mr. Cobb rose to make personal explana-
ton, alluson having been made to him by MIR.
Venable. But that gentleman assuring him
that he meant nothing offensive Mr.. c. re-
sumed his seat.
Mr. Stephens said it was not the rules of the
House which were TO be blamed, but the mem
bers who were sent there to legislate. The
rules, he said, were those which had been in
existence since 1889
MIR. Stuart entered into a detail Of the
modes by which business is protracted when
some sharp firing took place between Mr. John
son, OF Tennessee, and himself He considered
that If the rules were administered in their let
ter and spirit, the evils would not exist that
had been complained Of; and was in favor of
abOlishing the One-hour rule.
While he was speaking, several members
rose to make explanations relative to TO pro-
ceedings in which they had taken part
Mr.. Jones, of Tennessee, said he had fire.
quently seen time unnecessarily consumed but
never more 40 than at present; and therefore
should move that the Committee rise in order
that the House might pass resolution conclu-
ding debate
Mr. Newton, however, had the floor who
made speech on the Homestead bill.
The Committee then rose and the House ad-
joured.
| WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY Is.
On motion Of Mr.. Houston, d resolution was
passed, limiting debate on the Civil and Diplo-
matte bill to one hour-yeas 100, nays 70.
The Post Office bill was passed, providing for
the expenses of the Post Office and appropria-
ting Sl,S00,000, to meet any deficiency that
may arise during the present year
Mr. Seymour, of New York moved to defer
the consideration of the Reciprocity bill till
to. morrow, which was agreed to.
The House then went into Committee of the
Whole on the state of the Union, and again
took up the Civil and Diplomatic bill
Mr.. Bayly, of Virginia, went into defence
of the Committee ON Foreign Relations. The
French Spoliaton bill, he said, prevented the
House from getting to the Speakers table. He
also INDICATED the Committee of Ways and
Means Of last Congress, Of both Of which he
was and is chairman.
Mr.. Nabers, of Mississippi, replied to the
speech of MIR. Venable of yesterday, with his
usual humor, and attributed the obstruction of
the business of the House to the long and ir-
relevant speeches that are made.
Mr. Houston, of Alabama, concluded the
debate, by repeling illusions that had been
made to him yesterday by Mr. Stephens, of
Georgia and which he appeared to think con-
veyed personal reflections
The bill was then considered section by sec
ton; amendments were proposed under the
five minutes rule, which called for correspond
ing explanations, that occupied the time of the
Committee till the hour of adjournment ar
rived; when it rose, and the House adjourned.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY II.
The proceedings of the House were CON-
Mr.. Hammond, of Maryland, presented the
memorial of tho medical department of the
Georgetown College, asking an appropriation
for the support of the Infrmary; which was
| referred to the Committee on the District of
Columbia.
The Reciprocity bill coming mp in order,
MIR. Seymour, chairman of the Committee of
Ways and Means, made An opening speech,
which he said should be brief, owing to the
pressure of public business. He alluded to the
refusal of the North American Colonies to
join the people Of there States in their efforts
to procure independence the subsequent con-
SESSIONS made to those Colonies, by which they
had attained a quasi Independence, and are
enabled to levy duties on imports, for the pur-
pose of revenue and their propositions for n
reciprocal free trade, which to a certain extent
had been acceded to by Congress in ls4s, and
by the Drawback act and the question now to
be decided is, whether this country will meet
the Colonies, and admit agricultural produce
| free of duties
He pointed out the growing Importance of
the trade with the Colonies, and contended,
with reference to protection, that a new order
of things was arising, which legislation could
not control referred TO the fishery dispute,
which the bill reported by the Committee
would settle, and the consequent opening of
the St Lawrence to American vessels also
that of the river st. John; and concluded by
recommending it 10 the favorable considera-
ton of the House.
When he had concluded, Mr. Cingman, of
North Corolina, moved an amendment. pro-
vidng that before the bill took effect. the
coasting trade Of both England and the Uni
ted States be opened to the same extent AZ that
with foreign nations
Another amendment was proposed, embra-
cling manufactured articles among those emu
meratcd in the bill
Mr. Fuller, OF Maine, rose near the eonclu-
sion of the morning hour and commenced
speech in opposition to the bill The morning
hour having expired, Mr. Fuller had to defer
the remainder of his remarks until tomorrow
The House then went into Committee Of the
Whole on the state of the Union, and again
took up the Civil and Diplomatic Appropria-
ton bill, the clauses and amendments of which
occupied the remainder Of the sitting.
During the diversified discussion that took
place, Mr. Brooks, of New York, endeay0red
Intellectually to have clause inserted, provi-
ding for an issue Of gold dollar and "a half
pieces.
Mr.. Stanly called the attention of the House
to the refusal Of one of its clerks 10 attend as
a witness before the Criminal Court Of this
Distinct, because he was an officer of the House,
for the purpose of giving evidence as to the
gambling houses of this city.
Mr. McLanahan of Pennsylvania defended
the decision of the Judge in this case.
Mr.. Walsh, of Maryland took the same
view OF the question, and contended that if
the officers of the House could be required TO
attend courts Of justice, it might materially in
terfere with the business Of the country He
submitted, however, that where such attend
ance is necessary, it could always be attained
by an application TO that effect to the House.
The Committee rose without getting through
the bill, and the House adjourned.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY IS.
The House went into Committee of the Whole |