Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-01-17
DOaNGs OF CONGRESS.

DOHNGs OF CONGRESS-.
SESArE.-Yesterday, after Mr.. Clayton had
concluded his speech, which lasted for some
time, and was not finished until late hour,
the Senate went into executive session, and
then adjourned. The main argument of the
Hon. Senator was to prove that Great Britain
had no rights in Central America, and that
her usurpations in that territory were in vic.
lation of the treaty. He expressed the hope
that the treaty would be enforced, and that
the administration would carry out the doc
| trine Of the inaugural, on the subject of
foreign colo nization on the continent.
In THE House, yesterday, after we went to
press, Mr.. Jones, of Tenn, in compliance with
promise made some time since, introduced
resolution making the Homestead bill
special order on the 14th of February, proxi-
mo, and from that time until the 9th of the
same month, at 8 p. m. when all debate on it
shall cease.
The rule was suspended for the introduction
of this proposition on motion of Mr.. yeas
1873. nays So; and then it was agreed to.
Mr.. Zollieoffer proposed, Intellectually, to
make the bill for the construction of six naval
steamers special order for the 10Th inst
Mr.. Bissell offered a resolution, which was
adopted, instructing the Committee on Foreign
Affairs to enquire and report oa the expedi-
ency of making an annual appropriation to
enable the President to render suitable testi-
monials to those who save life at sea-
Mr.. Wentworth, of IL, proposed a resolu-
ton instructing the Committee of Ways and
Means to consult with the Postmaster Gene
raj ard Secretary of the Treasury, and then
TO report upon tho expediency of giving a
credit for duties on RAILROAD iron to such rail-
~vsh
the Government by the transportation of the
mails laid on the table on motion of Mr.
Fuller-yeas 81, nays G..
Mr.. McDougal introduced bill to provide
increased mail facilities between our Atlantic
and Gulf and our Pacific coasts; which was
referred to the Committee on Post Offices and
Post Roads.
Also, bill for the construction of a line of
military posts, common road, railroad and
q! magnstic telegraph linesfrom the Missis-
sippi valley to the Pacific. Mr. Med moved
its reference, and that of every thing con-
nectedSkith the same subject, that might be
before The House) to select committee of If
teen.
Mr.. Walker offered q resolution of inquiry
addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury,
as to the capacity Of the New York assay Of
fee for coinage. and as to the propriety of
coming in it rules not suspended for its in
PRODUCTION
On motion of Mr.. Walbridge, it was
Resoired, That tie Committee on Military Affairs
be instructed to have prepared joint resolution ex
tending the thanks of Congress 10 Captain Creighton,
| of the British ship Three Bells. To the command
ers of the bark Klby, of Boston, and ship Antarctic
of New York, for their humane, generous, ard heroic
! conduct in rescuing the officers and crew of the
mail steamer San Francisco at the imnent hazard
OF their lives, and those who acted under their com
mand.
Resoired, That the committee, by bill or other
wise, report, the necessary legislation making pro-
vision, by the government OF the United States, to
indemnify the losses incurred by the commanders
and owners of the vessels above named in their en-
beavers to save the lives of the officers and soldiers
of the United States army, from the wreck of the
San Francisco, and to inquire into the propriety of
granting some testimonial of appreciation to the com
mandefs, officers and crews of the Three Bells
Kiby, and Antarctic.
Shortly afterwards, the House adjourned
PROCEEDINGS OF today.
SENATE To-day, the Rev. Mr.. Milburn
Chaplain of the House, oficiated at prayer
After the reading of the Journal, q commu.
nicason from the Post Office Department was
read, in reply to resolution of enquiry
passed in the Senate some few weeks ago re.
specting tho irrcgularity of the Northern
mail between Washington and New York -
The reading Of this document was going on
when
Mr.. Chase moved that tie further reading
he dispensed with, and that the communica
ton be referred to the Post Office Committee
Referred.
The presentation of petitions, memorials
&c, constituted the principal business of the
morning; among which Mr.. Cooper presented
a memorial from the citizens of Philadelphia
against the removal Of the Mint to New York
MI. Bright introduced Il railroad bill, which
vas referred to the Committee on Public
Lands
Mr.. Douglas introduced a bill for the sale
of reserved lands and other purposes. Read
twice, and referred to the Committee on Mil.
itary Affairs. The Hon. Senator then said
lthat he should take up the Nebraska bill, Of
which he had given notice, On Monday next.
Mr.. Sumner presented memorial from
citizens of New Hampshire, for a reduction
of ocean postage. Referred to Post Office
Committee. Likewise a memorial from citi-
zens of New York against any interference
on the part of the Federal Government with
slavery. Among the names signed TO it, he
said, were those of John Jay and J. P Hale
lie should not move its reference to any Com
mittee, but should leave it at present, as the
subject OF motion for future special com
mttce. Also, q remonStrance from the same
parties with respect to the treatment of the
Amistad negroes. Referred.
MI chase presented memorial for the
protection of American inventors Also, 9
bill for the relief Of Ezra Williams Passed
Mr.. Walker, of Wis, introduced n bill fol
changing an appropriation of certain land:
with the Salt Springs intended for anothe,
purpose, to the founding of University in
Wisconsin. Passed
Mr.. johnson introduced bill for the relic
IF John Pagan. Passed.
Mr.. Gwin introduced a bill for the extern
sion of the presumption privilege in the State
Of California. Referred to Committee or
Public Lands
The reports Of the various committees were
then presented, which took up same time; ir
the course of which Mr.. Shields introduced
railroad bill for Minnesota Read twice
Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, introduced a bill fol
the payment Of outstanding revolution ar,
claims. Referred.
HousE.-To-day, the senate's resolution
apl ointing committee of five members Of
that body, to join such committee as the
House may appoint, to consider and report
such measure as may appropriately testify
the thanks of Congress to the rescuers of the
survivors on the San Francisco, was received
and cOncurred in.
MIR. Florence asked leave to refer his pro-
position of yesterday bearing on this subject
to this select COMMITTEE objected to-
Mr.. Wheeler asked leave to move to take
up his resolution of inquiry, offered yesterday;
! but objection was made