Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-07-01
House of Representatiyes.

Mr.. DICKINSON asked leave to introduce q
resolution, which was read for information; that
the select committee charged with the invesiiga-
lion OF the superintendent of the national armo-
ries visit Springfield and Harper's Ferry, for the
purpose OF making such examination as will
enable them 10 furnish Congress with informa-
ton 10 the fullest extent before final action upon
the subject.
testimony ofnumerous witnesses, had before them
The report Of the commissioners appointed by the
President of the United States who sat three
months last year. The evidence, however, was
contradictory Recently being on visit TO Spring
field, he learned more in half day Of the affairs
connected with that armory than he had for three
months previous land he thought the committee
would similarly profit. Ii was matter in which
he was not personally Interested. He had thought
II 10 be his DUTY 10 urge on the House the adop-
lion OF the resolutla, tor the purpose OF obtaining
the information which he conceived TO be desi-
rable. 1870
Mr.. CLINGMAN said he looked on the whole
controversy "a Buncomb humbug, and not OF
such practical Importance TO justofy the absence
OF the committee from their duties here.
private bill was passed.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
BY general consent the several standing CON-
mitees made reports TO which there was no OBJ
lection among them one by M. MAY, from the
Committee on the Judiciary, Ie-organizing the
Judicial system OF The District of Columbia, and
reforming it's laws. Ii was recommitted, and
ordered 10 be printed
The same gentleman reported a bill authorizing
the President OF the United States to purchase
a site for prison, and provide The estimates Of
the cost OF building the same in the city of New
FORK. Referred 10 the Committee Of the Whole
on the state of the Union.
ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS.
On motion Of Mr.. ORR, the House took up the
message from the Senate, by which il appeared
that body insisted on its disagreement with the
House TO adjourn on the fourteenth of August
and asked committee OF conference on the sub
ject.
A committee was accordingly, appointed.
The House at first went into Committee on the
Private Calendar, but did nothing with H. and
rose. They afterwards resolved themselves into
Committee Of the Whole on the state of the
Union, Mr.. ORR in the chair, and resumed the
consideration of the
CIVIL AND DIPLOMATIC APPROPRIATION BILL.
The pending amendment was TO appropriate
$4,000 for the continuation of the water works
for the cities OF Georgetown and Washington.
Mr.. GREENWOOD had submitted an amend
ment, providing that no portion of the sum shall
be expended, unless the corporations OF George
town and Washington shall pay one-ffth Of the
amount for the construction o. the works.
Mr.. SMITH, OF Virginia, said the amendment
originally proposed, merely contemplated the con.
siruction Of the aqueduct and laying of pipes 10
the public buildings. II did not embrace the gen.
eral distribution feature, but left that matter 10
the citizens. Boston expended 81 10000 for the
distribution OF water, and il would take Just double
as much 10 supply Washington and Georgetown
with water owing 10 the extent Of The cities and the
character Of the streets aud squares. The origi-
nal proprietors Of the seat Of the general govern
ment gave to the government alternate lots, which
il sold and put the money into the treasury. II
was now proposed 10 provide the government
with water, giving 10 the people an incidental adj
vantage only.
Mr.GREENWOOD modified his amendment,
TO the amendment, by adding the words, neces-
sary TO complete the aquaduct, reservoirs, and
dams.n
On taking the question on the above, no quorum
voted--yeas as, nays SO. The roll was called to
note absentees, and LAG members answered to
their names.
This fact was reported TO the House, which
again went into committee, and directly afterwards
rose, and
Adjourned.