Washington sentinel., 1854-06-18

he SENATE WaS mol IN session tO-uay.
House of Representatives.
Mr. FULLER reported back. from the Commit
tee on Commerce, bill authorizing the Secretary
of the Treasury 10 issue a register 10 vessel Of
the Accessory Transit Company; which was
passed as was likewise another private bill
THE TERRITORIES.
The following bills were taken from the table,
having heretofore been considered in Committee
of the Whole on the state of the Union, and
passed:
To increase the salaries Of the executive and
judicial officers of the Territories Of Oregon New
Mexico, Washington, Utah, and Minnesota; and
Appropriating $4,000 10 settle and adjust the
expenses incurred by the people of Oregon in ac-
tual hostilliies with the Cayuse Indians, In lo47
and lo4S.
The bill TO establish the Office Of surveyor gen.
eral in New Mexico, and 10 grant donations TO ac-
tual settlers, having been taken up, and several
amendments heretofore reported concurredin
Mr. HEM, by direction of the Committee on
Public Lands, reported an amendment providing
for the appointment of surveyor-general and a
register and receiver of public moneys for the ter
ritorIes of Kansas and Nebraska, and for the sale
of the public lands.
Mr.. JONES, of Tenne ssee, said that the amend
ment had not been printed; and in order to have
an opportunity to examine it, he moved that the
amendment, together with the bill. be referred TO
the Committee OF the Whole on the state Of the
Union.
MIR. DISNEY trusted that the gentleman would
withdraw his motion. The bill ought TO pass now,
SO that appropriations 10 carry il into effect may
be inserted in the civil and diplomatic appropria
iion bill. Without the adoption Of the amendment
Kansas ard Nebraska will be a sealed book TO the
people of the United States, and all the commotion
as 10 the political organization of the Territories
exist only on paper. The provision is necessary
to open up the country 10 the emigrant and with
out which there will be no population there.
Mr.. HEM stated that the amendment reported
in lieu of the two bills referred 10 the Committee
on Public Lands, and framed after consultation
with the Commissioner of the General Land office
Its provisions were similar TO those now in exist
ance, applicable 10 other Territories.
Mr.. JONES, of Tennessee, did not doubt that,
but he did not believe the House should adopt
laws exactly similar 10 those in existence. He
should like 10 see repealed the provision which
requires surveyed lands to be offered 10 the highest
bidder they should be disposed of in limited
quantities, TO actual settlers.
The motion Of Mr.. JONES was disagreed TO !;
the amendment adopted, and the bill passed.
The following bills were lIkwise passed:
The bill 10 amend the act Of September 81, $780,
creating the Office Of surveyor-genera, and the
act amendatory thereto, approved February ~,
1853 .
The bill 10 extend the right Of pre- emption on
lands in Minnesota, and for other purposes.
The bill 10 authorize the President OF the United
States to cause TO be surveyed tract Of land in
Minnesota, belonging 10 the half.breeds or mixed
blood Of Dacotah or Sioux Indians.
The bill (appropriating S20,00o) for the con,inu-
alton of military road in Oregon.
The bill authorizing the Secretary of War 10
settle and adjust the expenses Of the Rogue river
war, in Oregon.
tion Of military road in Utah Territory.
The bill TO refund TO the Territory Of Utah the
expenses incurred in suppressing Indian hostili-
ties in 1850 and lS5l and
The billto compensate civil officers in Mexico
for services under the military government.
LIEUTENANT MAURY.
The House next took up for consideration the
Senate joint resolution giving the consent of Con-
gress 10 the acceptance by Lieutenant Maury, Of
lhe navy. Of rold medal from his majesty ihe
King of Sweden
Mr. SHELTON said,it appeared to him that this
resolution was in contravention of the Consttu-
ton.
Mr.. ORR remarked that the medal could be re-
ceived with the consent OF Congress.
Mr.. SHELTON wished TO know whether Con-
gress could modify the Constitution.
The SPEAKER said the words of the Constitu-
ton are, that presents cannot be received :" with
out the consent of Congress- This resolution
purposes 10 give such consent
The joint resolution was passed.
MAILS TO AND FROM CALIFORNIA.
The House took up the bill to provide weekly
mail service between the Atlantic States and San
Francisco so as TO weekly mail each
way provided the entire cost OF such service shall
not exceed Two hundred and fifty thousand dol
lars per annum.
A debate took place as to whether the arrange
ment proposed would interfere with existing con-
tracts; when,
On motion of Mr.. McDoUGAL, the further
consideration Of the bill was postponed until
Tuesday week.
The House adjourned.
Mr.. LINDSLEY presented the petition of up
wards of forty owners, agents, and masters of ves-
sells on Lake Erie, praying Congress for an appro-
priation Of $500 for the purpose Of extending a
walk, and erecting a range of small lgh,-struc-
lures few rods from shore off Cedar point, for
the more safe navigation, in the nights, of the
channel leading into Sandusky harbor.