Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-19
G0ngressipnal.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
senate-Aonday. December 1s. 1854.
SECOND SESSION.

Schutc--mOnday, december IS, 1851.
A message was received from the House, IN
forming the Senate that the first named body had
passed the bill for the relief of the children and
heirs OF Major General Bosen DeKalb.
Mr.. SHIELDS appealed TO the Senate to pass
i now, and thus perform just and generous ac-
ton gracefully. M $4,000
Mr.. EVANS suggested, and Mr.. BRODHEAD
concurred in the suggestion, that troublesome
precedent might be established if so important
bill were. passed without being referred TO one OF
the standing committees. The bill involved n
principle, that of paying of interest, which had
been frequently discussed and not sanctioned.
Mr.. HUNTER, on this ground alone, objected
to the consideration of the bill without reference.
Messrs. BADGER and CLAYTON advocated
the passage of the bill and, finally, il was re-
ferred TO the appropriate standing committee.
The bill to establish department Of law, and
10 prescribe certain duties Of the auditors and
comptrollers of the Treasury, which was made
the special order for this day, on the motion of
Mr.. ADAMS, who reported il from the Committee
on Reirenchmenl, was tal1enup.
Having undergone some amendment, the fur
ther consideration of the bill was postponed until
Wednesday. 3s 81
Mr.. SHIELDS, from the Committee on Military
Affairs reported bill for the increase and better
organization of the army of the United States;
and some bills of little public interest were con-
sidered and disposed of tl4a
The credentials of the Hon. Robert w. John
son, elected Senator from the State of Arkansas,
10 hll the vacancy occasioned by the resignation
OF Mr.. Borland, Were presented, and he was
sworn, aid took his seat. His credentials were
also presented for the term Of SIX wears, com.
mencing on the 4th of March next.
The bill TO establish board of commissioners
for the examination and adjustment of private
claims, was taken up.
Mr. BRODHEAD explained its provisions.
II proposes TO establish board Of three CON-
missioners, TO be appointed by the President with
the approval of the Senate, at salary each Of
$500. To this board all petitions 10 Congress for
the payment Of claims against the Government
are TO be referred, and with them petitions and
papers may be fled during the recess of Congress.
To this board the Solicitor Of the Treasury is to
render such service as the board may require and
the district attorneys OF the several districts OF the
United States are 10 render their services at the
request either of the board or Of the Solicitor of
the Treasury.
The district judges, likewise, are 10 give their
aid in the taking of testimony. The bill prescrbes
the mode Of proceeding, and defines the powers
and duties OF the commissioners, who are 10 re-
port 10 Congress monthly the result of their
examination of the cases submitted to them. Final
action upon the claims on which favourable re-
port shall be made, will be taken by Congress by
bill as al present and the adverse reports Of the
commissioners will also be the subject of consid-
Grafton and decision in Congress.
After debate the bill was referred to commit
tee of five members
And the Senate adjourned.