Washington sentinel., 1854-06-20
G0mgrfssIOnal.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
FIRST SESSION.
senate, Monday, june 10, 1884.

senate, Monday, June 10, 1854.
The CHAIR laid before the Senate communi-
cation from the Navy Department in response 10
resolution calling for Information in relation TO
the establishment of naval depot al or near Beau
fort, North Carolina.
Also, communication from the Department OF
the Interior relative 10 the contract Of Luther
Blake for the removal of the Florida Indians
Both of which were ordered 10 be printed. y
GATHERING RAM.
Mr.. SEWARD presented the memorial OF
Stuart Sanderson, stating that he has inveniea
battering ram capable OF striking the most power
ful and destructive blows upon an enemy, without
any danger TO those using it and asserting that
thirteen Of such rams can efectuaiiy protect the
coast Of the United States from Maine 10 Texas.
POTOMAC BRIDGES.
On motion Of Mr.. BRIGHT,
Rssorsd That the Committee on the District Of Column
nung al further appropriations for the erection
pairs OF bridges the Potomac river the sites here
toore recognized such and Of fixing some
two Sites either or which would better accommodate all
Of the parties benefited by the existence Of bridge across
that within and opposite the said District and report
to this body at earliest day practicable such site
e and the requisite plans for the erection Of such bridge
combine safety, suabeness permanency, and ultimate
economy to the public treasury.
BILLS PASSED.
Mr.. MASON, from the Committee on Foreign
Relations, reported House bill for the relief Of
Captain E. A. F. Lavalette, Of the United States
On motion by Mr.. HAMLIN, the Senate pro.
ceeded TO the consideration of The bill for the re-
lief of Urban Stull and the same was considered
and passed
Mr.. BENJAMIN reported bill granting reg
ister TO the Russian built brig Amelia, by the name
Of. ABBY Francis" and the same was considered
and passed.
COLLECTION DISTRICT,
Mr. HAMLIN, from the Committee on Com
merce, reported bill establishing an additional
collection district in California.
NAVAL REFORM.
On motion by Mr.. MALLORY, the Senate dis
sussed the consideration of the bill 10 improve the
naval service ofthe United States.
Mr. MALLORY submitted substitute for the
bill, which was read and adopted. The bill was
further amended, and was then read third time.
On the suggestion of Mr.. HAMLIN, the pas
sage Of the bill was deferred till tomorrow.
MEETING OF CONGRESS.
On motion by Mr.. DOUGLAS, the Senate pro-
ceeded TO consider the bill changing the time of
the annual meeting of Congress from the first
Monday in December till the first Monday in
October.
Mr.. HUNTER moved to strike out October,
and insert November.
Mr.. DOUGLAS replied that the main object of
the bill was TO equalze the length of the two ses-
SONS OF congress .+
Mr.. CLAYTON followed supporting the bill.
Mr.. MASON thought that the practical effect of
the bill would be TO add to the length of the short
session, and in no way shorten that of the long
session. For this reason he would prefer the
time Of meeting now prescribed by law.
MIR. DOUGLAS said that he had introduced an.
other propositon, establishing joint rule Of the
two houses providing for their adjournment at the
first session of each Congress on the first Monday
in May.
Mr.. BAYARD thought that the only effectual
mode of shortening the duration Of the sessions of
Congress. was 10 abolish the per diem compensa-
lion Of MEMBERS and substitute therefor an annual
salary. st
The bill was then postponed.
THE VETOED LAND BILL.
The Senate resumed the consideration Of the
bill making grant of land to the several States
Of the Union to aid in the support of the INDECENT
insane. fs
Mr. SEWARD addressed the Senate Tor more
than an hour in support of the bill and in reply
70 the objections made thereto by the President
Mr.. CLAY obtained the floor, and the bill was
postponed till tomorrow.
PENSION AGENTS.
On motion by Mr. BELL, the Senate proceeded
10 the consideration Of the bill making provision
to compensate agents for paying pensions, and
prescribing the time and manner of settling their
accounts.
After some remarks upon the bill by Messrs.
DODGE of Iowa, TOOMBS, and BELL, the bill,
on motion by Mr. HUNTER, was laid on the
table.
Some eight or ten House bills were taken up
and appropriately referred.
After an executive session,
The Senate adjourned