Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-21
House of Representatives.


On motion of Mr. FULLER, resolution was
adopted, instfuctng the Committee on Commerce
TO inquire whether any Legislation is necessary for
the better defining of the rights OF citizens OF the
United States in ships, vessels, other property,
purchased by them Of citizens subjects OF for
eign countries under certain circumstances and
that they report by bill or otherwise.
Mr.. AIKEN introduced a bill making an appro-
priation for deepening the bar Of Charleston har-
Dor; which was referred 10 the Committee on
Commerce.
Mr.. FAULKNER, from the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs reported bill supplementary 10 the
act 10 increase the pay Of the rank and file Of the
army, and 10 promote enlistments; which was re-
ferrcd 10 the Committee Of the Whole on the stale
Of the Union.
Mr.. PHELPS, rising TO a question OF privilege,
announced thai General WHITFIELD, the Delegate
from Kansas, was present.
The SPEAKER administered to him the oath
TO support the Constitution Of the United States
and he took his seat
Mr.. HUGHES introduced bill making appro
Priation for working the steam. dredge on Lake
Champlain; which was referred 10 the Committee
on Commerce.
Mr.. SEWARD introduced bill making appro.
priaIIon for the improvement Of the Savannah
river; which was referred TO the Committee on
Commerce.
The House then passed the following named
bills, which were reported from the Committee Of
the Whole on the state Of the Union yesterday:
A bill granting certain additional powers 10 the
Corporation Of the city Of Washington;
A bill 10 increase the compensation ofihe Wash
ingto, Auxiliary Guard;
A bill TO incorporate the Mutual Fire Insur.
ance Company Of the District OF Columbia; and
A bill authorizing the Washington Gas. Light
Company 10 increase the capital stock Of said
company.
The House resolved itself into the Committee
Of the Whole on the state OF the Union fMr
ne in chafr as.I ,...It a.
ton the bill TO suppress the circulation OF small
notes as currency in the District OF Columbia
Several amendments were proposed, respec-
lively, by Messrs Grow, WALSH, HUeHKs, PR
kINS, (of New York; BRIDeEs, and CUMMING and
after being discussed were rejected.
The bill was Land aside 10 be reported 10 the
House.
The committee proceeded 10 consider the bill
authorizing The extension, construction, and use
Of the Metropolitan Railroad Company into and
within the District Of Columbia.
Mr.. CRAIGE offered an amendment, which
was agreed TO, preventing the railroad from being
extended through Pennsylvania avenue and the
public squares and reservations.
The bill was further amended, reservins TO Con.
gress the power 10 change, alter, or repeal the act
and 10 give the corporations OF Washington and
Georgetown the power 10 designate the line OF
the railroad through the two cities.
The bill was laid aside 10 be reported to the
House.
The bill authorizing the Corporation of George.
town 10 collect an annual tax on the assessable
properly Of that city, 10 meet engagements prin-
cipally assumed by subscriptions 10 the Metropoli-
tan Railroad Company, was taken up 4; when
Mr.. FLORENCE moved 10 strike out the first
section OF the act, as he did not think Congress-
should countensnce the exercise Of any such
power on the part OF municipal authorizes II
had brought disasters on cities
Mr. HAVEN stated his objections 10 the bill
being unwilling 10 give the corporation unlimited
power over the properly Of Georgetown.
Mr.. HAMILTON replied, that committee of
tina, city had waited on the Committee for the Dis
trct Of Columbia stating Il important that the
Metropolitan road should be constructed, flor rea.
sons stated y and, as Georgetown was deeply in.
terested in the road the power 10 tax the property
should be granted for the purpose Of subscribing
10 the stock ofthe company.
Mr.. GROW opposed the bill, he being opposed
10 conferring such powers on any corporation.
On motion OF Mr.. COBB, the committee rose.
when he offered a resolution, which was adopted
closing the general debate the pending bin in
five minutes.
i The House again went into committee
Mr.. TAYLOR, OF Ohio, expressed his views in
advocacy Of the bill, for which he should cheer
folly vote.
:. MIR. LETCHER moved TO amend the bin 80
hat the tax might be assessed on the "real" pro.
perry, as the holders Of that species Of properly
would be more benefited than the possessors OF
mere personal property, by the construction Of
the road.
The mendment was rejected.
The question was taken on the motion OF Mr.. |
FLORENCE, TO strike ont the first section Of the |
BILL and decided in the negative.
The second section was then read, giving the |
OF Georgetown full power and au- /
Ihority 10 introduce into said town a supply Of |
water for the use Of the inhabitants thereof, and
10 cause the streets, lanes, and alleys, or any of
hem, or any portion Of them, TO be lighted by
gas or otherwise; and to provide for the expense |