Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-08-02
Thirty third Congress, LIST. Session.

MONDAY, July 24.-Senate. -Mr. Petit made
personal explanation in reply to Mr.. Benton's
letter in Which MIR. Petit was referred to as
great liar and dirty dog. He said that if he did
not show Colonel Benton TO be wicked and ma
lcous tasltler OF truth or an imbecile and dotard
he would be content to deserve the epithets idr
Benton had applied to him. He said that Ben
toms speech on the Nebraska bill had been extern
slvely circulated in Indiana, and when he (Mr.
PettiD went there few weeks ago, he found
those who had been loudest in charging Mr.. Ben
ton with being thief, with having stolen money
and secreted it in his neck cloth ia North Carroll
ia, with having been guilty of the cold blooded
| murder of Lucas, &c, were now most lavish in
praising that speech. He continued in this strain
for some time, and was repeatedly called to erder.
The Civil and Diplomatic bill was considered
and then The Senate went into executive session.
House-Nearly one hundred private bills were
passed. aaH una
Mr.. Washburne, of Illinois, stated that a ma
terial alteration had been made in the bill, passed
the Goth June. granting lands to Minnesota, after
| its engrossment. The word culture" was struck
out, and the word ''or" was changed to sand"
A committee was appointed to investigate the
matter.
| TUEspAY.-Senale.- some other business
the Civil and Diplomatic bill was taken up. MIR.
Badger moved an addition authorizing the Prcsi-
dent to appoint and employ Secretary. Clerk,
Steward, and two Messengers, atspecIfied salaries.
Mr.. Mason said it was necessary to have Stew
ard to take care of the furniture at the Presidents
House, but he was opposed TO Increasing the emou-
ments OF the President. The addition wasagreed
to. Other amendments were proposed, and the
bill was postponed.
Of
the Whole on the Navy bill. Mr.. Bocock advo-
Gated reform in the Navy. Mr.. Phelps replied.
Mr.. Gerrett Smith moved an amendment that no
intoxicating liquors shall be provided as bever-
age, and delivered speech on the subject. Mr..
Stanton, of Tennessee, moved to amend by add
ing that no officer shall be allowed to use intox-
eating liquors except as medicine. The amend
ment, thus modified, was adopted-ayes II, nays
50. sla -e
WEpYEsDAY.-Senatc.-T Civil and Diplo-
matte appropriation bill was considered during the
day.
House.-The Navy Appropriation bill was ia
ken up in Committee. MIR. Sellers offered an a
amendment that none but native born citizens should
be enlisted as seamen. Declared to be out Of or
der. The bill was reported to the House, and the
"grog amendment was lost, yeas So, nays 50.
The Speaker casting his vote in the negative de-
feated the proposition.
The Army bill, passed by the Senate, was Ia
ken up. Mr.. Faulkner advocated the bill. He
said we wanted 5000 men to fill up our army
small as it is.
THURsDAY-.Senale.- Civil and diplo-
matte bill was taken up, and considered during
the day.
Housc-Mr Blrksdale asked leave to intro
duce bill granting ten millions of dollars to the
President. to be used in the recess of Congress
in any emergency with reference to Cuba. Not
granted
Mr.. Chandler made an Intellectual attempt to
call upon the President for information relative to
the San Juan affair.
The Army bill was debated the remainder of
the day.
FRlDAY-Scnatc.- motion of Mr.. Pearcea
resolution was adopted calling on the President
for information in reference to the San Juan af-
fair. t3 .-.a ~
The River and Harbor bill was then debated at
some length
House-NIr. Chandler introduced resolution
calling on the President for information in rela-
ton to the destruction of San Juan. Adopted.
Mr.. Elliott. of Massachusetts, asked leave to
Introduce a bill repeating the fugitive slave law
Refused. h1
a bill was passed increasing the pay ofinGintry
privates in The army to 81 per month, and Of dra-
goons to SIP.
Nothing ofnterest in either house.