The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-01-18

MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 1854.
IIs CONTINUATION
,,e SENATE.
THE SAN FRANCISCO.
Mr. PEARCE | desire to sabmil resolution, which
| am sure will meel with no objection.
The resolution was read. Us follows:
Rssolvsd, Tha, the Committee Naval Affairs be in.
ructsd report npon Tho cxpodsncy OF making suitable
and presenting huog es,.monsl- 70 TOE
American basqus Kiby and ship Anacuc, for the human
y and kasnry displayed IN The rescue OF The Surviving
Officers passengers and crew of tho steamship San Fran
cisco. HyE
Mr. r. As this is resolution OF nquiryI ask its
Immediate consideration: and IN moving It's reference,
bsx lsavs 10 say very few werds The recent disaster
Of ,Ae steamship San francisco was 30 unusual--the
perls Of who board OF her were 30 immi
nen, and prolonged amidst such variety and intensity OF
auffsrng they 80 connected with the government
and their achieved BY efforts oi such bold
generous, and perseyering humanilyhat the occasion
seems 10 demand Acknowledgements on the part OF
a the goyern1en nj which seldom made The wrecked
steamship in The employment OF The government
The persons rescued were. for the most part,
officers and troops
For nearly or quite two weeks their suferings and per-
lis were prolonged while the shattered ship exposed
the fury OF the ocean under the most appalling crcnm
and with the prospect OF destruction every hour
Her rescue was Effected sir. BY men who could be moved
only BY the nobles Impulses. and who. thus mpelled
The ship Three Bells, though no, first in the rescue,
may appropriately be named first, because she was a
British ship Though this ship leak ing, and short Of
u,
lay by this shattered wreck, stranng every for the
rescue OF their fellowmen and all the testify
that nothing could exceed the tenderness and kindness
with which those who were rescued treated on
The barQue Kiiby was American. and was the first in
the She too had been slom-ossed and disabled
in part yet for two days her gallant commander and
crew lay by the wreck OF the San Francisco; and
then only parted from by the irresistible force of the
ocean, For two days more they cruised about amidst q
stormy n search OF her and even now that vessel
wanderer amidst the perils OF that stormy element
though happily many Of those who were rescued by her
were transferred 10 another ship and have arrived sale
" among their counlrymen and friends.
The conduct of the officers and crew OF the ship An
iarctic 10 equally honorable.
Other governments, sir, recognise and reward such
services these Very lately Captain Nye of the mail
steamship Pacific, his mate, and boal's crew, were
thanked and rewarded BY the British government In a
liberal and grateful spirit for similar rescue OF
British sailors II becomes sir, TO follow, with al
least equal steps, this example,; and our execu-
tive does not possess the necessary means and authority
Congress should supply them. This will be both just
and wise, as rewardtng great merit and encouraging
others TO similar gaan,Ty hereafter.
Extraordinary heroism and humanity will always re-
ceive the Just applause oil But the public authority
should furnish enduring evidence OF the public ap-
probation and such memorials OF II as may be honorable
10 the government and cherished by the brave men who
have richly eafned them.
The committee will, Of course obtain authentic and
Official information before they report for the final action
have said nothing, sir. of the officers and OF the
lost ship All accounts agree TO the unbenchng
age the active skil, ana patient perseverance, OF her
commander, who seems 10 have displayed all the qualities
which give honor 10 the character of the American
man. that shall be due to him, his officers and
and the destitute troops on board his ship will doubtless
be properly determined hereafter The acknowledgment
due TO the rescae, 10 be graceful should be prompt
Mr SHIELDS. If the senator will permit me, | will
state that have Just come from the War Department,
and have had conference with the head OF that depart
ment in relation 10 this mailer. l have also prepared a
resolution OF inquiry for the purpose OF
in rel
the matter. 80 that we may know not only on whom 10
besow thanks, but where 10 AFFORD relief, This Is
matter which properly belongs to the War Department
The men who were lost solders and the vesse
was chartered by the War Department. the vessels sen
IN search OF it were aso sen, by that department AL
The authentic information will be obtained from that de
paument. In consultation with the Secretary OF War
this morning. learned that within two three days ht
expects 10 have inll and authentic information on lh'
from Maryland therefore, wish 10 offer resolution
in lieu OF his, calling for information do not wish Il
enter into any the matter because the nlor
nation not ye, asthenc and we cannot yet act wisely
perhaps justly towards the parties W no have been en
gagged the OF this vessel or towards those who
accused OF neglecing 10 render efficient add withoa
having the whole authentic information before the body
The PRESIDENT. The pr position OF the senate
from Illinois is, to strike out all after the word resolved
and insert:
Rovsd That the Secretary of War be requested to la,
before the Senate all authentic information which he
possess relation the wreck OF the steamer San Fran
cisco, aud the loss o e and property occasioned by th
daster the employed by the department and 9th
erwise for OF vessel and passengers th,
number and condition OF the survivors, and the nature nnc
extent Of the relief required by their ceamous condition
Mr. PEARCE. | will only say, Mr. President lhs
ibe Considerations which the honorable senator from Hi
nois has stated TO the Senate have prevented me from
submitting resolution for the direct action OF the Sen
made this resolution of inquiry in its character
that from its terms the committee would be enabled
10 make just such inquiries the senator proposes h,
Secretary of War shall be asked 10 make. do not
therefore, see that it is very important; however arr
quite willing II the Senate is anxious TO substitute one
Tor the other. that IL should do so.
Mr. GWIN. 1 hope. Mr. President, that The resou.
ton will pass in the orn in which II offered orgi-
nay by the senator from Maryland The subjec, which
has reference entirely the galany displayed by The
commanders and crews OF The vessels which afforded
lief the persons who board the San Francisco
The Commtee on Naval Aaaifs bad that subject uHder
consideration this morning. and instructed one OF Their
members TO offer resolution ol character similar to
that which has been offered by the honorable senator
iron Maryland presuming that that portion oi the sub.
sct would psfiain to that committee and am glad to
see that the honorable senaor from Maryland enter
ians the opinion. and has taken the initiative N
the matter will iurther observe Mr. President, that
hsems TO that several acts Of legislation re-
sured from Congress relation to this great disaster
portion of the subject will probably pertain to the
Committee on Naval Affairs. and portion to the Com
milee on Military Affairs The Committee on Com
nsce also may very properly lake into consideration
mat part OF The subject which relates 10 the compensation
winch ought to be gwen 10 those merchant vessels who
relieved the sufferers board the San Francisco Tue
committee on Pensions, too may examine another branch
1.-The subject Tor there should be pensions gTaned To
the heirs and legal representatives Of those who lost
on board Of that vessel while engaged in the service Of