Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-12-10

The close of the last Congress left great mass of
unfinished business in both Houses. To receive at
tenton, all of it must be revived according to the
usual parliamentary forms, and undergo the regular
action of committees before being placed on the ca
endar of either House Among the unfinished
subjects several of more than ordinary Importance
may be worthy of notice. As first of these, we may
refer to the bill which passed the Senate and was
its engrossment in the House, entitled & An act
to provide for the ascerainment and satisfaction of
claims of American citizens for spoliations commit
ted by the French prior to the 31st of July, 1901"
It will be remembered that similar bill, appre-
prating five millions Of dollars, was passed by both
Houses of Congress in 1916, but was vetoed by Pre-
sident Polk, mainly on the ground that all the
money then in the Treasury would be needed for
the prosecution of the war with Mexico. The JUS
tce of the measure was not questioned by the Pre-
sdent and the tact that it has since, well as re-
peatedy BEFORE received the sanction of the Senate
creates fair inference that this measure of long
delayed justice will be at last consummated.
prominent topic Of discussion at the last session
will doubtless again occupy portion Of the time of
Congress. The object is expressed in the Senate
bill "authorizing the construction of railroad and
branches, for establishing certain postal commu-
nication between the shores of the Pacific and At
antic within the United States for the protection
and facilities Of travel and commerce, and for the
necessary defences of the country" This bill was
brought in, on leave, by Mr.. GwIN, and will pro.
badly be renewed with energy and zeal. The
public expectation is awakened as to the probable
course of the Administration in reference to this
measure, especially since the committal of two Of
the members of the Cabinet in its favor in the course
of the past summer 1t is believed that the nation
al aid will be invoked for the scheme in the shape
ola donation Of portions Of the public land method
approved in the late message of the Governor of
Alabama.
Numerous bills were pending to make grants of
the public lands to aid in the construction of rail-
roads through various States, and for the improve
ment of certain rivers few Of the most important
of which we may enumerate
bill to grant to the State of Missouri right
of way and portion of the public lands for the pur-
pose of aiding in making a railroad from St. Louis
to the western limits Of said State. TThis may be
considered portion of the great railway to the
Pacific,
A bill granting to the State of Wisconsin dona-
ton of public lands to aid in the construction of
railroad from the city Of Milwaukee to the MISSISSIPPI
pi river.
bill to set apart and sell aporton Of the public
lands for the construction Of certain railroads to the
Pacific ocean.
A bill granting lands and the right of way to the
States Of Indiana and Illinois, in aid Of the con-
struction of a railroad from point on the Ohio
river opposite to Louisville, Kentucky to point
opposite to st. Louis, in Missouri.
A bill granting the right Of way and making
grant Of land to the State Of Louisiana for the con-
struction Of railroad from opposite New Orleans,
thence to the Sabine river