Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-02-23
THIRTY CONGRESS-,
SECOND SESSION.

the amendments reported by the committee on fl
nance, were adopted.
The Senate then proceeded to consider the join
resolution of Mr.. Cass, affirming the Monroe doc
trine, and applying it to the possession of Cuba.
Mr.. Douglas addressed the Senate. He con.
tended that the Monroe doctrine, Notwithstanding
its repeated affirmation, had been systematically
treated with contempt BY European powers. and
had been submitted toquietly by the United States
they binding themselves by treaties not to enforce
it.
He opposed any declaration on the subject; but
to leave this nation free to act as circumstances
should at the time demand He was opposed to
binding the United States by treaty with Euro
pean nations not to do any act hereafter, but to
leave this nation free to act as events. and the
rights and interests of the nation, should demand
He looked upon the resolution as looking over
the past violation of the Monroe doctrine, and ut
tering terrible threats for the future He was fol-
dealing with the case before the Senate-the VIC
lation of that doctrine and the Clayton treaty by
the colonization of the islands in the Bay of Hon
dufas, and practically asserting and maintaining
that doctrine by forcing, at all hazards, Great Brit
ain to abandon that colony. He would annex Gu
ba if she become free and indf pendent would
her forcibly if she was to be transferred by Spain
to any European nation.
Mr. Cass followed, contending that his resou-
ton applied to past as well as future violations Of
the treaty.
Mr.. Douglas replied.
Mr. Underwood defended Mr. Clayton.
Mr.. Houston got the floor, and the subject was
postponed till Saturday.
4 .,
ehce to swamp lands, and the bill was finally laid
on the table.
TUEspAY.-Senate-T Chair laid before
the Senate report of the Secretary of the Interi
or, on the subject of the Mexican boundary.
Messrs. Cass, Davis and Hamlin presented me-
MORALS in favor of securing 10 Americans while
abroad, religious freedom.
Mr.. Phelps presented the joint resolutions of
the Legislature of Vermont, in favor of the bill
providing for the distribution of the public lands
among the States in favor Of arbitration as a sub
stitute Cor war, and in opposition to reciprocity
trade with Canada.
The Senate resumed the deficiency bill, and af-
ter various amendments it was postponed till to-
morrow.
The Pacific Railroad bill was fixed fof tomorrow.
The resolutions on the subject of the Tehuan-
tepec grant were taken up MIR. Hale addressed
the Senate in opposition to the resolutions, and
MIR. Brooke commenced reply.
Hoose.-The bill authorising an issue of small
silver coins, was again taken up, and finally passed
as it came from the Senate.
Tie bill TO prevent frauds upon the treasury of
the United States, with one or two amendments,
was passed.
The civil and diplomatic bill then came up in
COMMITTEES of the Whole, and Mr.. Venable. of
North Carolina, spoke at much length with refer
ence to the neglect of public business, which he
attributed to the numerous and conflicting rules Of
the House and the means adopted by the majority
t. measures by which Trey were suspended.
Other members also spoke on the subject
WEDNESDAY, enate.-The deficiency bill
was taken up. The question pending was on the
amendment to strike out the provision increasing
the salary of Mr.. Kennedy, the Clerk in charge of
the census, to $4,000. After good deal Of de.
bate. the amendment was carried, and thus the
Senate have again decided that the salary is 3d.
500 per annun.-
Mr. Borland moved an amendment prohibiting
the expenditure Of any appropriation in the bill for
the extension Of the Capitol till the first Of April
The amendment was agreed 10, and the bill was
then passed.
The Tehuanepec resolutions were taken up
Mr.. Brooke resumed the remarks commenced bv
him Yesterday, and proceeded TO sustain them.
H5use-Th Postoffice bill was passed, provi-
ding for the expenses of the postoffce, and appro-
priating ST. 100000 to meet any deficiency that
may arise during the present year.
The House then went into Committee of the
Whole, on the state OF the Union, and again took
up the Civil and Diplomatic bill.
THuRspAY-Senate.-M Underwood, from
the committee on foreign relations, t. whom were
referred various memorials on the subject of secu-
ring to American citizens while abroad freedom
of conscience; madI report.
The Tehuantepec resolutions were postponed
till Wednesday next.
The Pacific Railroad bill was taken up.
Mr.. Bell resumed and concluded the remarks
commenced by him in support of the bill on the
5th instant Mr. Smith followed in defence and
urgent advocacy of the bill. Mr.. Chase support
ed Mr.. Brodheads proposed substitute and then
the subject was postponed.
House.-The reciprocity bill coming up In or
der Mr.. Seymour, chairman OF the committee on
ways and means, made an opening speech. Mr..
Clingham, of n. c., moved an amendment, pro-
vdng that before the bin took effect the coasting
trade of both England and the United States be
opened to the same extent as that with foreign
nations Mr.. Fuller, of Me-, rose near the con-
clusion of the morning hour, and commenced
speech in opposition to the bill.
FRIpAY,ES encte-All prior orders were post
pQned, and the Pacific Railroad bill was taken up.
The question pending was on the amendment OF
MI Brodhead to strike out all Of the bill, and IN
sert provision appropriating $50. 900 for sur
vey and exploration to ascertain the practcabllty
of constructing a road of this kind. After some
discussion, the question was taken on the su6sti-
tute, and it was rejected-yeas %, nays "a.
Mr.. Mason then spoke against the bill in earnest
terms as unconstitutional, end Mr.. Pratt replied
at length. Mr. Pratt moved to amend the bill BY
providing that the cost of the road shall not exceed
the amount appropriated by this bill; and that the
corporation shall not have banking powers and
privileges. Agreed to. Further discussion took
place and the Senate adjourned withouta final vote.
House.-The civil. and diplomatic bill was un-
der consideration in Committee of the Whole
Considerable sectional feeling was exhibited In
reference to amendments making appropriations
fof cdstom houses at the West.
SArUaDAY.-Senate "A message was received
from the President.
The Pacific railroad bill was taken up and de-
bated at great length. MIR. Shields offered an a
mendment, providing that no portion Of the amount
shall be expended within the limits of a State
which was agreed to-yeas %, nays 20.
House.-The civil and diplomatic bill was dis
chssed in Committee of the Whole.
DEBT OF TExAs.-A bill is now pending in the
United States Senate for paying the creditors OF
TEXTS out of the Federal Treasury. The evil
dsnces of debt held by the creditors Of Texas con
sist mainly, we believe, of promissory notes whcn
yerc issued br the Texan Government, during
tho ricfneriod of its separate and independent ex
;s,onco These notes underwent ruinous depre.
cation in the hands of their original holders and
were finally bought up by spectators at merely s
"unoars n he due on the face of these obligations