Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-04-03
CONGRESS-.
rHIRrv.rHIRD coNeR tss--rIRsT SESSION.

Sfaaie, Monday April 3, 1854.
Mr.. Everett presented two circumstances,
signed by over three hundred citizens Of Bos-
ton, Massachusetts,, against permitting Slavery
in territory from which it is excluded by the
Missouri Compromise.
Mr. Sumner presented like remonstranco
from citizens Of Indiana, and o like remon.
strance from citizens Of Fitchburg, Massachu-
setts
Mr.. Gwin presented the memorial Of mer-
chants and others OF San Francisco, praying
that authority be given for the coinage Of gold
pieces Of the value Of fifty dollars.
Mr.. Cass presented another memorial pray
ing that freedom of religious worship DO So
cured to American citizens while in foreign
countries
In presenting it. he said that some time since
he had given notice Of o motion that the report
on this subject at tho last session, by the Com
mittee on Foreign Relations be taken from the
files, and referred again to that Committee.
He now made that motion, but would not ask
for its consideration ut this time; if it should
not interfere with any other business, he would
ask the Senate to hear him on that motion, on
this day three weeks hence
The motion was postponed until that day.
: Mr.. Petit submitted q resolution calling for
certain information respecting the execution
Of treaty with the Pottawattomio Indians Of
Indiana Adopted.
Mr.. Morton submitted resolution calling
for information respecting the contracts, and
their execution, respecting the balance dry
dock ut Pensacola. Adopted
-. oI..k.<~ ck,~~x nC Ia
regulating the appointment of cadets to West
Point was again taken up and debated af-
tar which, it was postponed for two weeks, and
the Senate proceeded to the consideration OF
Executive business.
House of Representatives., April 3, 1854.
The Speaker announced the first business in
order to be reports from the Committee on Pub.
ic Lands.
Mr. Mace asked the unanimous consent to
his presenting resolution, authorizing the
Special Committee on the Mail Steamers to
employ a clerk, and TO pay him 81 a day du.
ring his period Of service. Leave was refused.
Mr. Odds asked the unanimous consent 10
his reporting bill from the Committee on
Post Offices and Post Roads increasing the pay
Of deputy postmasters
Objection was made, and Mr.. Odds moved n
Suspension Of the rules, which was decided in
the affirmative-124 ayes and no.
Mr.. Olds explained the bill ut length, show
ing that with the reduction OF the fees Of post
masters, by the existing law, their compensa-
ton had been reduced; and he urged the pro-
posed increase as a measure necessary to the
proper administration Of the Department.
Mr.. Odds, after making very ample cxpla-
nation OF tho bill concluded by demanding the
previous question.
There were many circumstances and some
confusion
Mr. Seward moved that the bill be laid upon
the table
MIR. Jones, Of Tennessee, asked that both mo-
tons might DO Withdrawn.
Assent was given, Mr.. Odds STIMULATING that
his demand should be renewed by Mr.. Jones.
Mr.. Jones then gave notice that it was his
intention TO move that the bill be recommitted,
with instructions to the committee 10 add to
the bill one or more clauses increasing the
postage Of tho country in manner cores
ponding with the proposed increased compen-
sation Of tho postmasters. He argued at length
that the reductions that had been made were
unwisc, and had rendered the Department a
burden upon the country.
! Mr.. Odds had asserted that the franking
privilege cost the Government two and half
millions Of dollars per year.
Mr.. Jones thought this ought TO be saved to
the Government; and IL it should be, the vast
expenses Of printing now unwisey incurred
by the Government would be annihilated also.
Mr.. Olds further waived the previous ques-
ton, and
MIR. Upham, Of the Committee on Post Offices
and Post Roads, obtained the floor, and said
that the franking privilege was not before the
House. The question simply related to the
equitable compensation of postmastcrs for ser
vices rendered. The committee are now pre-
pairing bill TO charge all franked matter to
the Departments Of the Government franking
it. This would be just; and then il would b
found that the Post Office Department is not
an expense 10 the country, neither by its ope-
rations upon tho land nor upon the ocean.
Mr.. Jones wished TO know If it was intended
TO increase the rates Of postage
Mr.. Odds thought from all the indications
he had seen, that il would never henceforth be
possible 10 increase the rates OF postage one
mill
Mr.. Houston wished TO test the House, and
therefore presented, AZ an amendment TO tho
bill, another bill, designed TO increase the
rates OF postage
Mr.. Oids urged the demand for the previous
question, and Mr. Houston's motion was not
entertained
Tho question on Mr.. Jonos's motion 70 recon-
init the bill with instructions, was then do
cided in the negative.
Mr.. Olds explained that the bill before the
House was in the precise language Of the exist
ing laws the rates Of compensation alone being
changed.
The bill was thon engrossed, and read
third time when
Mr.. Jones of Tennessee, moved that il be
laid upon the table. Negatived
The bill was then passed