Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1854-01-13
XXXIII CoNGREss--Flr First Session.

WASHINGTON, Jan. d.
Mr., Douglass, from the Committee on Ter
ritories, reported back the bin providing
territorial government for Nebraska with
substitute for the bill.
Mr.. Douglass bill defines the boundaries
provides that when admitted as State or
States, the said Territory shall be received
into the Union with or without Slavery, as
their Constitution may provide Mt the time
of admission extends the fugitive slave act
to be within full force within the limits Of
the said territory, &c. 1t was referred to
select committee.
Mr. Stewards resolution relating to the
question, whether Mr.. Phelps is entitled to
his seat in the Senate. was taken up.
Mr.. Foot said that the delcacy and en-
barrassmcnt of the position Of his colleague,
was scnsibly felt lay him. Though apparent
ly 1t was one Of obtrusion in demanding n
seat here. still one could doubt but that
his colleague was actuatcd by high sense Of
duty to his State, which he had 40 long and
so ably represented i'll the Senate. 1t was the
prevailing opinion in the State of Vermont
and in the Legislature-and it doubtless had
its weight in producing the result Of no cleo
ton to fill the vacancy--that if the Legisla-
ture adjourned without filling the vacancy,
the previous appointment by the Governor
would continue. lie thought this subject
cussion, but should he decided after a careful
examination and report by the Judiciary Com
mitteo. lie urged its reference to that Conn
mittce
Mr.. Badger hoped the Senator from Yer
mont would himself favor the Senate with
his views on the point.
Mr.. Phelps said he was not now prepared
to make an argument, but before the subject
was disposed of finally would ask an opportu-
nit, ,,l;,, tbn al, In,
believed he was entitled to his scat Sena-
tor. He wished it to be understood that he
asserted this right from no personal interest,
but in the discharge Of Il duty he owed to his
State. lie then quoted the constitutional
! provision, that II Governor may fill VACANCIES
occurring du ing y recess Of the Legislature
r till the next meeting thereof, and said he un-
dcrstood the limitation of it till the next
meeting of the Legislature as applying to the
period wherein the Governor might exercise
the power Of appointment, and not as apply
ing to the term Of the person appointed. The
Senate by large majority had decided in Mr.
Smith $ case that the term Of a Senator APP
pointed during recess by a Governor to fill
vacancy did not cease and determine upon
the meeting and organization of the I.cgisa
turc of the state. lie further maintained his
construction Of the Constitution.
The subject was then referred to the Ju
dietary Ommlttee.
WAsnINGrnN, Thursday, Jan. 5.
SENATE.
Mr. Foot gave notice ola bill providing for
the construction of a railroad from the Missis-
sippi to the Pacific Coast. He said his bill
would be IL practical measure, and differing
from the other pro Gets heretofore submitted
! to Congress-
) Mr. Cass offered resolution. which was
f agreed to, directing inquiry rs to the cxpe-
diency OF making an appropriation for the
survey of all the harbors on Lake Superior.
y resolution was adopted inquiring into the
= cost Of erecting new building for the STATE
Department.. Senate then adjourned until
Monday next.
HOUSE.
The Committee on Foreign \ffirs reported
l. 4 resolution IF thanks and II gold medal to
+ Capt lngriIam for his Srryirt'S IN the kosZta
affair. upon which debate arose which lasted
II until the House adjourned
ASnINGroS, Saturday :.
i House Yesterday was discussing the rcsolu
r ton off rcd returning shinks Of Congress to
commander InrrAham. Mr.. Bailey wished
n ;hc resolution to 70 to the country not only
+ rs his own opinion. but as the opinion of the
= Committee on Foreign Aff.irs Mr.. Smith
-, Of Ala, and others opposed the resolution, as
= also did Mr.. Smith Of Va, but Mr. Smith of
e New York favored its passage. Before taking
tho question the House adjourned.
y The Senate has adjourned to Monday.
Z WAsHINGroS, Jan. II.
Mr.. Cass has made his long promised speech
e upon Central American affairs. The House
y has the lngraham testimonial under discus
5 sion.
! he Weather of ISJ3.
For the table and observations below VIC
are indebted to Prof. Il. TnoarspN, who
. kindly Places ut our service the valuable