Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-07-12
CONGRESS.
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Ssnale, WsdneselaH y,4lx I2, 1854.

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Senate, Wednesday, July ~, 1854.
On motion by Mr.. Badger, the Senate pro-
ceedcd to consider the bill making appropria-
tion for the continuation Of the Improvement
Of Cape Fear river, North Caroline, which had
been returned from the House with an amend
ment The amendment was concurred in.
Mr.. Seward presented the memorial of citi-
xsns Of Greenpoint New York, praying the re-
peal Of the Fugitive Slave Act
Also. Of the Democratic citizens Of the same
place, in support ofliberty
MIR. Sumner presented the memorial Of citi-
zens Of New Hampshire, praying the repeal Of
the Fugitive Slave Act.
MIR. Rockwell presented the memorial of
citizens of Worcester, Massachusetts, for the
repeal of the same act
Mr.. Hamlin reported back the House bill
granting a new register to the American-bnilt
brig Hall0well, under the name of James
Rhodes and the same was passed.
Mr. Houston made further explanation Of
the matters in controversy between himself and
Commodore f. w. Moore
The Senate resumed the consideration of the
resolution directing the printing Of $4,000
copies of the Compendium of the Seventh Cen
sus. II was amended 80 Az to provide . table
for statement of the number Of acres Of land
in each State and Territory, under cultivation;
and was then adopted.
On motion by Mr.. Bayard, the Senate pro-
ceeded TO the consideration of the bill making
appropriation for the extension Of tho Treasury
Department. building, so as to include the
State Department; and also to provide for the
erection Of building for the War and Navy
Departments.
Mr.. Adams moved to postpone the bill till
December next but subsequently, withdrew the
motion.
Messrs. Bayard, Seward, and Chase, supper
ted tho bill, which was then postponed till to-
morrow
The Senate then proceeded to consider the
homestead bill, the motion pending being to
strike ont the sixth section, which extends the
benefits of tho bill to such foreigners AZ may
have declared their intention to become citi-
zcns.
Messrs Clay and Butler supported the mo-
tion to strike out, and Messrs. Brown and Cass
opposed it,
House Of Representatives., July IL, 1854.
On motion of Mr.. Houston, communica-
ton from the Treasury Department. to the
Committee Of Ways and Means, recommend
ing an increase in the pay Of tho heads of
the bureaus, was ordered to be printed
Mr.. I.etcher, from the select committee on
the Colt case, moved that . clerk might be al
lowed to that committee, at the usual compen-
sation which was adopted
Mr.. Cutting asked to be excused from serv-
ing on that committee; which request was
granted, and Mr.. Wheeler, of New York, was
appointed in his stead.
Mr.. Harrip, of Mississippi, made a personal
explanation, in which he recalled, or at least
modified, remarks made by him in his speech
on the bill making an appropriation for the
fulillment of the late treaty with Mexico He
thought the land purchased was not needed,
but admitted the desirableness Of our Govern
menps being absolved from the obligations Of
the treaty of Guadaloup Hidalgo.
The bill for the repeal of the law deductng
fifty per cent. for prepayment of postage in
certain cases, was again taken MP, and MIR.
Odds made further remarks in its support, and
was followed by Mr.. Washburne, Of Illinois,
Mr.. Chandler, and Mr.. Haven, in opposition,
and Mr. Smith, of Virginia, and MIR. Barry, of
Mississippi, in behalf of the bill.
MIR. Smith, Of Virginia, thought that, as
there is no prohibition of carrying periodicals
by private expresses, the Government should
not do the work below its cost, but permit tho
expresses to contend for the work on lair terms.
The morning hour having expired,
On motion of Mr. Houston, the House re-
solved itself into Committee Of the Whole, Mr..
McMullen in the chair, and resumed the con-
sideration OF the River and Harbor Appropri-
alton bill.
Mr.. Richardson explained his position with
reference to the power of the General Govern
mont to make canal through a sovereign
State, which was adverse to the possession Of
that power.
Mr.. Letcher said he was glad to hear this
opinion expressed by the gentleman from ILL
nois. He was thus assured that there were,
not 80, but 40, Democrats on this floor. AL
fusion was here made to o test Of this charac-
ter applied to the House yesterday.