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

tanned by intelligent men. As Tor the DIVISION
of the State, after more than years inyesti-
CATION we can discover no plausible reason for
it. The advocates of the measure have never
yet shown what was TO be gained by it, in a
political or financial point of view. But the
business of the session will turn upon the Con-
stitutional Convention, which will most proba-
bly, be called. The intended changes however,
will not be effected when it is called
Alta California.
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.
rHIRTY-sEcoSD CONGRESS SECOND SESSION
SENATE.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY
On motion of Mr.. Hunter, the Deficiency bill
was taken up. All the amendments reported
by the Committee on Finance were adopted
Amongst them, So, 700 for Lafayette Square
$4,000 for the square south of the Presidents
House $4,000 additional for custom-house
ut San Francisco; additional sections, author
izing the leasing of suitable buildings 10, IN
San Francisco, for assay Offices for three years
till the mint is completed assayers and Others
to be appointed $25, 900 for the session OF the
Senate after the 4th March next.
Mr. Gwin moved an amendment, apprepria
ting 100000 to be paid to California out o.
the fund collected in that State as duties on
imports, previous to her admission, by the mill
tary authorities.
This was supported by Messrs. Gwin, Rusk
and Pearce and opposed by Messrs. Butler
Borland, Brodhead Badger, and Hunter.
Without taking the question on the amend
meut the bill was postponed
Mr.. Underwood presented the credentials o.
the Hon. J. B. Thompson, Senator elect from
Kentucky, for six years from the 4th of March
next.
The Senate then proceeded to consider the
joint resolution of Mr.. Cass, affirming the
Monroe doctrine, and applying it to the pos
session of Cuba
Mr. Douglas addressed the Senate. He ex.
amined the Clayton Buwer treaty, the Oregon
treaty, the Mexican treaty OF peace, and the
history of European colonization aud proceed
ings on this continent showing that the Mon
roe doctrine, notwithstanding its repeated af'
frmation, had been systematically treated with
contempt by European Powers.
He opposed any declaration on the subject
but to leave this nation free to act as circum.
stances should at the time demand.
He would not declare that the United States
had no intention to rob Spain in the particular
case of Cuba because it would imply that the
United States were open to suspicion OF hav-
ing such intentions. He considered it uneces.
sary to inform Europe that the United States
will allow no European nation to take Cuba
for they we'll knew it, No nation in Europe
would dare take it, Any attempt by England
would be to Danish her from North America.
He looked upon the resolution as looking
over the past violation of the Monroe doctrine
and uttering terrible threats for the future. He
was for dealing with the case before the Sen
ate---the violation of that doctrine and the
Clayton treaty by the colonization Of the islands
in the Bay of Honduras and practically assert
ing and maintaining that doctrine, by forcing
at all hazards, Great Britain to abandon tina
colony He would annex Cuba if she became
free and independent; would purchase her. j
Spain would sell but would take her forcibly
if she was to be transferred by Spain to an,
European nation.
Mr. Cass followed, contending that his reso
luton applied to past as well as future viola
tons of the treaty.
Mr.. Douglas replied.
The Senate then adjourned.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARYl5.
The Chair laid before the Senate a report O
the Secretary of the Interior, on the subject o
the Mexican boundary.
Mr. Badger said the Judiciary Committe
had directed him to report bill providing tina
in the trial of cases before the courts of tn
District of Columbia should one not be com
pleted before the commencement Of new teri
of the court the said trial shall continue an
proceed to final Judgment in the same name
as if the term in which it commenced had nc
expired.
The bill was then passed
Messrs. Cass, Davis and Hamlin, presente
memorials in favor Of securing to American
while abroad, religious freedom.
The Senate resumed the consideration of tn
Deficiency bill.
The question pending was on the amendmen
of MIR. Gwn, approprating 100000 to b.
paid TO California, out of the civil fund collect
ed there previous 10 her admission as State
After further debate the amendment wa
agreed to-yeas 81, nays 90.
Mr.. Chase moved an amendment appropria
ting $4,000 to enable the President to pur
chase Hiram POwerss statue of America.
After some debate on point of order, the
the general appropriation bill.
Mr. Borland moved to add to the appropria
ton for the extension Of the Capitol provso
that hereafter all moneys expended on thi,
work shall be disbursed by the Commissioner
of Public Buildings
The amendment was agreed to.
Also, an item for $50 900 for the Library oil
Congress.
a.,
striking out the appropriation of $500, 900 fol-
continuing the work on the Capitol; which
was rejected-yeas o. nays "a.
Mr.. Walker moved to strike out the provi
sion to make the salary of the Experimenting
Clerk Of the Census Mr.. Kennedy $4,000 PEI
annum
The bill was postponed till tomorrow.
The Pacific Railroad bill was fixed for to-
morrow.
The resolutions on the subject of the Tehu
antepec grant we're taken up.
Mr. Hale addressed the Senate in opposition
to the resolutions, and MIR Brooke commenced
reply.
The Senate then adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY Is.
The Deficiency bill was under consideration
The question pending was on the amendment
to strike out the provision increasing the sal.
airy Of Mr.. Kennedy, the clerk in charge OF
the census to $4,000
Mr. Downs addressed the Senate in favor OF
the increased salary
Mr. Walker denounced the pertinacity with
which this census clerk had endeavored TO de-
feat the oft-repeated decision OF the Senate
that his salary should not be increased to three
thousand dollars.
Mr. Rusk opposed the increase of salary.
Mr. Davis admitted the matter was small
one but it was the manner in which the cen.
sus clerk had 30 pertinaciously importuned for
this allowance to which he objected.
Mr.. Downs replied.
Mr.. Houston examined with minuteness the
items of Kennedys account Of his expenses in
the trip to Europe.
The question was taken, and the amendment