Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1854-04-01
Congress-.
WASHINGTON, March 30.

SENATE.-Various petitions and memorials
were presented: among them one by Mr.. Bad
ger, from the citizens of North Carolina, in
opposition to the Nebraska bill. This was the
petition alluded to by Mr.. Badger a short time
since, and on presenting it he took occasion to
speak briefly. He said the petitioners were
opposed to the bill on the supposition Of there
being some provision in it involving a breach
of national faith; but as they were reasonable
and just men, he had no doubt that by this
time they had come to different conclusion.
The deficiency bill was then taken up
The question pending was on Mr. Badgers a.
mendment, changing the printing law, so as
to divide more equally the government con-
tract between the two contractors. A long
debate ensued, i'll the course Of which Mr..
Badger moved an amendment, which he after
wards withdrew repeating the printing act
after the 4th of March, and owning himself in
favor OF government printing Office This
amendment was opposed by Mr.. Fitzpatrick
on the ground that it would increase the cost
of public printing. Mr.. Hunter was willing
to vote for the amendment notwithstanding
the additional expense. Mr. Hamlin was OPP
posed to it
The debat was continued until the adjourn
ment.
HoUsE.-Mr. Taylor, lately elected from
Tennessee, in place of Mr.. Campbell, took
his seat. Mr.. Bennett Immediately arose say
ing he had received petition numerously
signed, from his colleagues (Mr. Taylor's)
district, which asserted that at the polls he
(Mr Taylor) asserted he would vote against
the Nebraska bill OF resign his seat. He ask
ed Mr.. Taylor if it were so but the latter
gentleman declined giving any explanation.
The house then went into committee on the
steam frigate bill.
Mr.. Keith addressed the committee on the
Nebraska bill, denouncing the ordinance of
"87" as an unconstitutional and graceless
act, and the Missouri restriction as the source
Of innumerable woes. He also defeuded
slavery; and claimed for that the same protec-
ton as was accorded to other property in the
territories.
Mr.. Benton afterwards made strong speech
against the naval appropriation bill, contend
ing that while navy for defence and the pro-
lection of commerce was conceded on all
hands, still a navy of conquest was by no
means in accordance with the earlier times.
That policy was peace, not aggression-de-
fence, not conquest. Jefferson, he said told
him thirty years ago that the establishment of
navy board was great error that board be-
ing composed of naval officers, who would
from their knowledge of detail govern the sec
rotary of the navy, and, being fighting men,
would procure ships for men and men for the
ships, always with a view to contest with
other naval powers. Mr., Benton thought
there was radical error in the undertaking
of building navy to contend with the world
for the dominion Of the sea. He was opposed
to a standing navy and stationary squadrons,
and referred to The messages of Adams and
Jackson on this subject, adopting their views
as his own.
Messrs Cl;ng1nan and Bocock replied in
favor OF the bill. The latter in the course of
his remarks said the committee had before
them a proposition to abolish some of our ma
Wy yards
Mr.. Davis, of R. l., offered an amendment,
providing that three of the proposed steamers
should be built by private contract Mr.
Phelps also offered one to build two sloops of
war. Mr.. Lyons moved to amend by building
six sloops of war; the amendment was re-
jected. Mr.. Stanton offered an amendment
that two of the frigates should be built on the
Mississippi river, which was rejected. That
Of Mr.. Davis was also rejected. Mr.. King
man offered an amendment providing for high
er pay for seamen, during the consideration of
which the committee rose and the house ad-
journed.