The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-21


ng the United States Statutes revised and
collected. Adopted.
Mr.. Hunter presented the credentials of
Mr.. Clay, Senator electfrom Alabama, who
appeared and was sworn.
Mr. Dodge. Of Iowa, introduced bill to
organize the Territory of Nebraska. Re-
ferred.
Adjourned.
HousE.-Mr. Benton stated that by cour-
tesy he was appointed Chairman ofthe Mil
itary Committee, but while he was willing
to serve on the Committee, he felt it incon
venient to discharge the duties Of that post;
therefore he had declined and the Com
mittee had appointed Mr.. Bessel in his
place.
Mr.. Norton offered a resolution instruc
bill as soon as practicable for the COM
pletion of Public Works for which appro-
priations were made by the last Congress.
LAID on the table.
Mr.. Bssell introduced bill making
grants Of lands to States and Territories
for the benefit Of INDECENT insane. Referr
ed.
Mr.. Wentworth, of Illinois, introduced a
billextending the benefit of pension laws to
all persons serving in the late war with
Great Britain and India. There was also
similar bill presented by Dawson and
Greene.
Numerous bills presented granting lands
for railroads.
Mr.. Boyce offered the following:
Resolued, That in view of the large in
creasng surplus in the Treasury, duties
on imports should be so reduced as only
to raise such revenue as may be necessary
| for an economical administration OF gov
eminent, and the duties should be so i'm
posed as to equalize as much as possible
the burden of taxtion to all classes and
sections, and to ensure the abstraction from
the pockets ofthe people of as little as pos
sible over and above what is paid into the
Treasury. Laid over.
| WASHINGTON, Dec. Or
dered that when the Senate adjourn it ad-
journ to meet on Monday.
ur. Seward gave notice Of a bill for the
construction of railroad through the ter
ritories OF the Uni.el States, from the
Atlantic to the Pacific ocean.
| q.
for the appointment Of District Judge for
the Southern District of California. with
authority for two District Judges to hold
courts in each District in case of the ab-
sence or sickness of each other Referred.
Mr.. Gwinn moved an executive session
which was agreed to; W Ell
Mr.. G. offered the following which was
adopted
Resolved, That the Committee on Com
merce be Instructed to inquire and report
on the general condition Of the commerce
Of the United States carried on upon the
Pacific ocean, and whether any legislative
action is necessary for the security and
protection of that important national inter.
est.
Mr.. Hamlin gave notice Of a bill to sat
isfy claims Of American citizens for sPo
lia,ions by the French.
After the doors were opened Mr.. Dodge
OF Iowa, offered resolution 10 amend the
rules by providing that in all cases ofelec
! ton Of officers by the Senate of the United
States the vote shall be taken viva voce
Laid over.
i Mr.. Brodhead said he hoped the Senate,
would also offered resolution that in fu
ture the executive sessions shall be with
open doors.
4 Adjourned.
i HousE.-Mr. Dawson, from the Com
miitee on Agriculture, reported the Home
stead BILL Referred.
j Mr.. Mechem gave notice ofhis intention
to introduce bill providing for the pay
: ment of the fourth installmeni Of the sur
plus revenue under the law Of 1886.
4 long debate ensued on a resolution
providing for the purchase Of Mt. Vernon
which was generally opposed by the Vir
ginia members. who said that that STATE
would never cede her jurisdiction owe
any part OF her territory.
Without acting on the resolution th'
House took up and referred several mat
ters on the Speakers table.
!, The Senate bill relating to the manne
of appointing an Assistant Secretary Q
the Treasury was then taken up. After |
long debate. without action, the Hous'
adiourned till Monday