Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-04-15
House of REPRESENTATIVES,.


adjourned until Monday.
House of Representatives.
The SPEAKER laid before the House com
munication from the President of the United
States, in compliance with resolution passed on
the 1th instant, transmitting all the correspond
ence relating 10 the seizure and release of Martin
koszta, at Smyrna. Nearly all OF the information
has heretofore been published Several letters
however, in addition TO those already in print, ac'
company the message OF the President. We ex.
tract the following from those documents.
Captain lngrahani, in writing 10 the Navy De-
partment, under date Of Smyrna, July 3, 1853
says:
Il have taken a fearful responsibility upon me
by this act, trelatve TO Kosztas release but after
Mr. Brown had informed me that koszta had taken
The oath OF allegiance 10 the United States and
ioresworn all allegiance TO Russia, that he was
an American citizen. and had been under the pro
lection of the legation at Constantinople, could
not hesitate 10 believe he fully entled TO pro-
lection. 1t was case of life and death; for, il
Koszta had been taken 10 Trieste, his fate was
sealed; and could have looked the American
people in the face again if had allowed citizen
10 be executed and pot use the power in my hands
10 protect him, for fear of doing too much The
easy manner also in which he was given up and
the convention that he should be held by third
party until his nationality could be established, is
evidence that they were not sure of their ground
"Snould my conduct be approved, it will be one
of the proudest moments of ylife, that have
saved this gallant man from cruel and igno-
minous death. On the other hand should the
course / have pursued be disavowed, must bow
10 the decision; but, whatever may be the conse-
quences to me, shall feel ] have done my best 10
support the honor ofthe flag, and not allow citi-
zen TO be oppressed who claimed at my hands the
protection ofthe flag"
Secretary Dobbin, of the Navy Department, in
reply TO Captain Ingraham, dated Washington,
August 49, 1883 says" This department does not
feel called on 10 enlarge on the various questions
of international law involved in the proceedings
adopted by the officers of the different govern
ments concerned. These questions may hereafter
become subject of discussion between the re-
spective governments interested.
Il deem II proper at present 10 content myself
by assuring you that the prudence, promptness,
and spirit which marked the part you bore in the
transaction is approved by this department.
ST is matter of qualification that the affair
terminated without resort TO collision and blood
shed. %a.
The President desires that upon all occasions,
and in all parts of the globe visited by the Ameri-
can navy the rights and the properly of American
citizens shall be watched with vigilance, and
protected with energy But he with no less ear
nestness enjoins it upon the officers OF the navy
TO exercise due caution to avoid the slightest in
fraction of the laws Of nations, and scrupuously
regard the rights Of others
<
the more pride you can demand respect for your
own"
The message and accompanying documents were
laid upon the table, and ordered TO be printed
THE PUBLIC LANDS.
The House resumed the consideration of the
bill reported yesterday from the Committee Of the
Whole on the state of the Union having for its
object the reduction and graduation Of the price
Of the public lands, according to the time they
have been in market.
The bill was ordered to be engrossed for third
reading-yeas II, nays 6S.
Mr.. cox moved that it be laid upon the table;
but the motion did not preva-yeas go, nays 50.
The bill was then passed-yeas SO pays "a
Mr.. PHELPS moved that the rules be sus-
should move to lay aside the civil and diplomatic
appropriation bill and 10 take up the Senate
amendments TO the deficiency bill,
Mr.. Edgerton moved that the House resolve il
self into a Committee OF the Whole on the
PRIVATE CALENDAR.
The SPEAKER said as this was private bill
day, the last-named motion was first in order.
The question was put and decided in the afirma.
tive. ..,
So the House resolved itself into committee on
the private calendar, Mr.. TAYLOR, Of Ohio, in the
chair. ..''.@ ..a
The bill for the relief of the widow and heirs of
Elijah Bebee, was considered and laid aside 10 be
reported to the House.
The committee next took up the bill for the re-
lief of the heirs Of Richard w Meade.
Mr.. CHANDLER commenced speech in favor
Of il, but gave way TO
Mr.. CLINGMAN. who, after saying that this
was Good Friday, and that il was time for the COM
mittee 10 rise, made motion TO that effect.
And it prevailed.
The bill for the relief Of the widow>and heirs of
Elijah Beebe was passed.
WEST POINT ACADEMY.
On motion Of Mr.. HAVEN the House again
went into Committee of the Whole on the state
Of the Union (Mr. JONES, Of New York, in the
chaiS and took up the bill making appropriations
for the support of the West Poin. military acade-
my /; the question pending being on agreeing TO
the Senates amendments thereto.
That appropriating $4,000 for the repairs ofthe
riding-hal was discussed for short time, when
!. On motion of Mr.. HAVEN, the committee rose.
That gentleman then offered resolution TO limit
the debate on The bill but before taking the ques
ton thereon,
The House adjourned until Monday.