New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-07-24
HnIrSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

Me.sr.. Wiue Miller. Ia I'm, Shower VALLEY,
Johnson and Rogers were appointed Committee on
BENJAMIN r. Green's charges against the representative
character of Thomas II. Bayy.
Mr. SMITH Tenn. j moved that the Committee Of the
Whole on the state of the Union be discharged from
the further consideration OF the Senate bill TO confirm cor
tain lands in Louisiana. But gave way TO
Mr.. MAY, who made a report from the judiciary Com
mittee adverse Ia the memorial Of the w-fork City
Temperance Alliance praying Congress will 80 amend the
charter of Washington 10 give the corporate authorities
the nower IN prohibit the sale of intoxicating drinks
Mr. GERRETT SMITH moved that the report be re-
committed with instructions report the bill clothing the
corporaton OF Washington with express and ample power
prohibit the sale of intoxicating drinks within al places
within its limits. ~
Mr. HUNT la appealed to Mr.. Smith to withdraw
the motion, the gentleman from Tennessee hsd merely
even way 10 make s report, and should not by hs po
Likeness, lose the floor. He appealed to Mr. smith to
waive bis notion the bill Affects forty OF his ltiuns
constituents He hoped the gentleman would acquesce,
as il was the drst favor be had asked at his hands.
Mr.. GERRIT SMITH said he would have no objection
could be be assured that he would again be entitled to the
The SPEAKER said the gentleman could have it, pro
yided unanimous consent was given.
Mr. MAY Md was disposed to withdraw the report,
and asked that permission he not disposed 70 de-
prive Mr. Smi,.. Of Tennessee of the floor.
Mr.. GERRIT SMITH objected to the withdrawal
Mr. LETl HER Wal asked the object Of the report.
Mr. MAY responded that the Judiciary Committee bsd
been frequently mporuned to legisate with the view Of
prohibiting the sale of intoxicating drinks but had made
an adverse report the distinct ground that they believe
the present charter to Washington and the amendments
confer the power.
Mr. JONES Ienn.) said 1t was too late to 20 into this
discussion this session. and moved TO postpone the subject
until the first Monday in December next
Dir GIDDfNGS 0hioD-You have not got the floor
Mr. JONES-Nobody got the floor
The sPEAKER-If M Smith yielded the floor
Mr. SMITH replied negatively and after further pro-
ceedngs said he had risen 10 speak the subject which
many years had laid his heart and the hearts
of millions Of the American people His Grst act this
floor after he into office 10 present the
neral Of the NewYork Alliance asking that this City
may have ample power restrain the traffic in intoIcs
agO
memorial referred TO the Judiciary CosmIttee with
great difficulty be had kept the subject awake till this
ment. The gentleman from Louisiana Mr.. Hunt said
forty Of his constituents Interested in the bill pro-
posed TO be taken up by the gentleman from Tennessee,
Smith, Millions OF people in the world are interested
in the pending notion He denied that the duty Of the
civil Government is TO rule orprotect public morals Gov
eminent is nothing nor less than great Watchdog
lying in front OF peoples houses, but to enter Ciy
Government should tself up with the affairs OF
the people Its duty il simply external and protective.
He briefly glanced at the evils OF intemperance and said
the only for it in total abstinence. He argued
II the duty Of Government, prohibit the traffic IN in
toxcatng drinks thus carrying out il power 10 protect
persons and property. The suppression Of the traffic in
dspenabe that protection and essential the Of
the cause OF temperance. He argued on the Maine Law
principles, expressing his opinion that no duty moro
clearly within the limits of Government than the suppres
sion Of dram shops.
The report ives tabled and ordered to be printed.
Eight private bills then passed, after which the
House went into Committee on the private calendar
Nnety-two bills were laid aside 10 be reported.
Al O'Clock the body found itself without q quorum,
seveDty.three members being present. determination
eynced to pass the bills therefore the House was
called with aview procure sufficient number Of mem
bers 10 so so and excuses heard for absentees.
This proceeding attended with excessive good nature
Sickness tor the part assigned for nonattend
ance, while il said regarding some members that
they had retired 20 get fresh dinner. An hour
thus occupied when ninety-two members were found 10
| be in attendance. Still quorum.
Mr. HUGHES said il seemed TO be the desire that tho
Business transacted in Committee should be reported 70
the House. They all anxious nothing should be lost
of what had been done to-day. No doubt the good
Of the House would Monday arrange business in such
way would enable action TO BE- had those bills
Upward Of twentysiI members necessary for quo
rum, and he moved an adjournment.
| motion was made that the Sergean,-atArms go IN
search OF absentees.
Mr.. CRAIGE said they attempted this miserable farce
at the commencement Of the session with good result
Mr.. McMULLEN remarked if the House would sgree
by unanimous consent pass those bills Monday they
could now adjourn.
The House refused TO do
Many members waiting outside were admitted ana ~
81 clock despsiring OF quorum, the House, by 70
! "a, adjourned.