Washington sentinel., 1854-05-30

on the westerl, shore of Lake Superior, on the
Mississippi river in the Territory Of Minnesota.
10 the waters of the Pacific ocean
Mr.. McDOUGAL being entitled TO the floor,
yielded il 10
Mr.. DRUM, who, after saying that the Secre-
tary Of the Treasury had proposed the taking off
the duty on SALT asked leave OF the House TO print
a speech on the subject not being inclined TO in.
hic the statistics therein on the patience OF the
House. Consent was given.
Mr.. McDOUGAL said that the bill before the
committee had been postponed from time TO time
with his consent not for the reason that, in his
opinion, II was of less Importance than any Other
measure submitted to the consideration of the
committee, but TO give room 10 other matters
which were meantime pending. The present
measure was, IN his judgment, and he believed 10
the Judgment OF the country, the most important
one that has claimed the consideration of this
body, in peaceful times, from the establishment OF
the federal Constitution He asked a calm and
Just consideration OF question of the first magn-
tude ana oil the greatest national importance.
Before explaining at length the provisions OF the
bill, he said that the select committee who re-
ported II were organized at an early day in the
session, aud had met for some two months, de-
iberatns with great care; and the measure as
matured by them, was now under consideration
He proceeded TO show that the bill was properly
guarded, denying that il would establish large
land monopoly and that It's principles in
consonance with views entertained by strict con-
strucuonists OF tne Sonsutullon.
The government, he said in the course of his
remarks, now expends for postal, and military and
naval services 10 the Pacific, four millions of dol
lars, per annum by the present means Of convey
ance; but this bill proposes 10 perform, not semi
monthly. or six, or nine months trips. but weekly
trips, across the continent, al a maximum expense
OF twelve hundred thousand dollars. Thus the
government would effect great saving in money,
TO say no hing of what would be saved in case OF
The calamity of war;
In connexlon with the commercial necessity
which demands the construction of the road he
spoke Of the natural resources of California, which
State now exports more of their own production
gold than the whole Union did twenty years ago.
With the present means of communication with
the Pacific coast, the federal government rs unablr
TO maintain or extend protection to the Pacific
coast
He said that seventy millions of dollars are now
lost by the devious course of our commerce 10
and from the Pacific coast and, by reference TO
statistics, showed that the road when constructed
would result in an immediate saving of forty-eghi
millions OF dollars per annum, sum equal 10 the
entire annual expenses of the government. In
conclusion, he said the country calls for the con-
structlon of the road there was a social as well
as commercial and political necessity for il; and
whether or not this Congress shall determine, the
time will surely come when the road will be con
structed.
Mr.. SHAW addressed the committee on the
subject of the public lands, and against the po-
cy of distribution, contendng that Congress pos
sesses power 10 dispose of the public lands,
only so far as il can dispose of money taken from
the treasury, 10 carry out legitimate purposes,
which the Constitution has authorized Congress
10 accomplish, and no more
Mr.. GERRIT SMITH obtained the floor; he
said that he proposed to speak against the Pacific
railroad bill
On his motion the committee rose.
DEFICIENCY BILL.
A message having been received from the SEN
ate on this subject
On motion Of Mr. PHELPS, the House insisted
on lis amendments, anda committee Of conference
ordered to be appointed on the disagreeing votes.
BRIG GENERAL ARMSTRONG.
Mr.. PERKINS, of Louisiana, from the Com
mttee on Foreign Affairs, reported bill for the
relief of the claimants of the private armed brig
General Armstrong: referred TO the Committee
of the Whole on the state of the Union.
ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS-.
Mr.. WALBRIDGE asked leave TO offer the
following resolution:
esored The Senate concurring, that the President OF
the Senate and the Speaker Of the House of Represents
tives, adjourn their respective Houses die Mon
day. the Sd day of July next, at II o'clock, m.
Objection having been made, he moved a sus
pension ofthe rules; pending which,
The House adjourned.