Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-01-11
Thirty.thifd Congress, lst. Session

Mr.. Seward rose to question of privilege
During the recess of the Legislature of Vermont,
Mr.. Phelps was appointed to fill the vacancy oc-
casioned by the death of Mr.. Upham. who died
during the recess. He appeared and took his seat
at the last session of the Senate; since that time
it is understood that the Legislature of Vermont
have assembled, and have adjourned sine die,
without filling the vacancy. Mr. Upham's term
would not expire until March, 1855 The ques-
ton now is whether Mr.. Phelps can any longer
fill the vacancy under the temporary appointment
of the Governor. After some conversation, the
resolution offered by Mr. Seward, that Mr.. Phelps
be allowed to retain his seat. was laid over.
Mr.. Gwin introduced bill granting land to
California to aid in the construction of Railroads
therein.
The bill dividing the Stdte of Ohio into two ju-
dicial districts was taken up, and after discussion
referred to the judiciary Committee.
Mr. Houston appeared in the Senate for the first
time this session, and was welcomed by many
Senators.
The bill to suppress the circulation of small
notes in the District Of Columbia was taken up.
The time when the law is to go into effect was
extended to November nelt. and the bill passed.
Mr.. Fish introduced bill to authorize the bus
mess of banking in the District of Columbia, and
currency. Referred to the District Committee.
A message was received from the President in
reply to resolution of January last, calling for
certain information respecting the interests of the
United States in Hayli and San Domingo. Re-
ferred and printed.
Also, message from the President comnuni-
eating. in response to Gen(Cass' resolution ofthe
18th of December, certain correspondence relative
to the construction placed upon the Clayton and
Bulwer treaty touching Central American affairs.
Mr.. Cass wished The papers to be printed as they
contained important disclosures MIR. Clayton
complained that his remarks on this question, on
a former occasion, had been replied TO by officers
of the British Government, and the replies now
sent in to the Senate. He protested against this
outrage upon his rights as Senator. The pa
pers were ordered to be printed.
House-Mr. Bissel, from the Military Com
mittee reported joint resolution giving the thanks
of Congress and sword to Gen. Wool for his
gallant services at Buena Vista. Mr.. Giddings
opposed the resolution. but it finally passed.
The House proceeded 10 the consideration of
Bennctt'slan bill granting l50, coo acres for each
Senator and Representative of all the States, and
to the Western States from one million TO mil
lion and half. in addition; the Western States
to use their Land for railroads, and the old States
for railroads or schools. Mr.. McMullen offered an
amendment which was rejected, and the bill was
referred TO the committee on public lands.
Mr.. Cutting, of New York. offered resolution
calling for the correspondence between Mr.. Guth-
RE and Collector Bronson, the President having
assumed the responsibility. Laid over
Mr.. Perkins offered a resolution that the com
mittee on ways and means be instructed 10 report
bill repeating all duty on railroad iron. and de-
| l.1, A., 81
Hamilton, the resolution was tabled by 7S yeas,
to 65 nays
Mr.. Campbell, of Ohio. offered a resolution call
ing on the President to inform the House what
information the ost-office Department has recev-
ed relative to the obstruction Of the mails by the
Erie disturbances. Lies over, objection being
made.
Mr.. McAluen offered resolution which was
passed, instrucling the committee on public lands
to inquire into the expedicncy of setting apart the
proceeds of the sales of the public lands for the
support of the Navy
WEDYEsDAY.- Senate-Mr. Douglass. from
the Committee on Territories, reported back the
bill providing Territorial Government for Ne
braska, with substitute for the BILL
Mr.. Stewards resolution relative to the question
whether Mr. Phelps is entitled 10 a srat in the
Senate. was referred TO the judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Shields reported back the House Resolu
ton giving sword and the thanks ofCongress to
General Wool, which was passed.
r Mr.. Hunters bill fer extending the warehous-
inc system by the establishment of private bonded
r warehouses, was taken up and passed.
Mr.. Douglas reported bill for organizing the
Territory of Nebraska, which covers fifty pages
of manuscript 1t provides that when the said
Territory shall be admitted as State. or States,
the said Territory, or any portion of the same,
shall be received into the Union. with or withou,
slavery, as their constitution may prescribe at the
time of their admission; provided that nothing in
this act contained shall be so construed as to in
hibit the Government of the United States from
dividing said Territory into two or more Terrific
4 ries.
House.-Mr. Bayly, from the committee on
Foreign Affairs reported bill for the ascertain
mpnt and satisfaction of the claims of American
citizens for French Spoliations. Referred TO the
committee of the Whole on the State of the Union
Mr.. Cutting called for the regular order of bus
mess. being the resolution offered by him yester-
dav. calling for the correspondence between Sec
retary Guthrie and Mr.. Bronson, the Collector o
the port of New York After debate, the reson-
ton was laid on the table-yeas. l04 nays, &c
The House then went into Committee Of the
Whole on the Presidents Message; and Mr.
Washburn spoke at some length on the "manites
destiny" of the Sandwich Islands.
: The Committee then rose, and the joint reso
linton comforting the grade of lieutenant genera
On General Scott was taken Rp,a and 4 motion made
that it be referred to the Committee on Military
Affairs. The House refused to lay the resolution
on the table and it was referred to the Committee
TgURspAY.-Senate.-- Foot gave notice
of bill providing for the construction ct railroad
from the Mississippi river to the Pacific coast
He said his bill would be practical measure, and
differing from the other projects heretofore submit
ted to Congress. -,
Mr.. johnson. of Arkansas, gave notice OF bill
granting an additional section OF land IN each Town
Ship TO new States for schoo! purposes.
Mr.. Cass moved that the message of the Pres
dent of the other day, relating to the Layton anc
Bulwer treaty, be referred, and that that motor
be postponed and made the order of the day fn
Tuesday next. which day be would ask TO bt
;, heard on the subject. Agreed to.
Some other business was transacted, and TIT
Senate adjourned TO Monday.
Housc.-Mr. Dean, from the committee on For
ern fairs. said that he had been unanimously
| directed by the committee, TO report series o
resolutions in reference to Capt lngraham. IN iIei
of those referred to them. These resolutions pre-
sent the thanks of Congress to Capt !. without
evnressing any opinion about the citizenship d
Kns1t, and direct medal instead of sword A
debate sprung up. and continued during the day
Mr. NJison. Of Va, justified the conduct OF In
Graham but did not concur in much of the reason
in@ Of the Secretary of State-he wished time tc
oosnsiJer the resolutions. Mr. Smith, Of Alaba
W. said he would show hereafter that Mr. Mar
cv,s letter was full of fallaces Some OF the gen
tismen he said. who commended lngr"ham re-
f'sed 70 give the gallant Scott simple compl
me er Messrs. Bayly and Chandler advocated
,ba resolutions. Other members objected to hen
because they were not strong enough. Pending
the subject, the House adjourned.
FpnAY Houses brief discussion arose 10
-. % the estimates Of apprOprlatlUns by inc