Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-20
House Of Representatiyes.

Mr.. PHELPS, from the Committee Of Ways
and Means, reporteda bill making appropriations
for the naval service for the year ending June 80,
1856.
Mr.. HOUSTON, from the same committee, re-
ported bill making appropriations for forti6ca-
tons, and other works Of defense, and the repair
Of barracks and quarters for the year ending June
30, 1856.
Which We're severally referred TO the Com
mittee of the Whole on the state OF the Union.
Mr.. FULLER, from the Committee on Com.
merce, reportad bill authorizing the Secretary
Of the Treasury TO issue register TO the schooner
Sarah; which was passed.
Mr.. HAMILTON, from the Committee for the
District Of Columbia, reported bill 10 amend the
charter Of GEORGETOWN, District OF Columbia; and
bill TO discharge the Indebtedness Of the District
penitentiary.
Which were referred 10 the Committee of the
Whole on the state Of the Union.
On motion by Mr.. HAMILTON, a resolution
was adopted, requesting the Secretary OF the In
terror TO inform the House whether any act Of
organization oftbe hospital for the insane, recently
erected is necessary and il so, TO report any plan
Of organization which may best promote the be-
nevolent object Of the institution.
Mr.. DAVIS, of Indiana, from the Committee for
the District OF Columbia, reported bill to incor-
porsie st. Joseph's Male Orphan Asysum, in the
District Of Columbia; which was referred to the
Committee OF the Whole on the state Of the
Uuion.
The House resolved itself into the Committee Of
the Whole on the state ofthe Union, (Mr. PHELPS
in the chair) and proceeded TO the consideration
ofthe special ORDER being business relating TO the
District Of Columbia.
The bill TO increase the compensation OF the
Auxiliary Guard 10 5000 each, per annum, com.
mencing with the present fiscal year, having been
read, was, without debate, laid aside TO be re-
ported TO the House.
The bill granting certain additional powers 10
the Corporation Of Washington was read. II pro-
vides for the election OF all officers not now cleo
tive under the existing charter, confers additional
powers over carriage, foot-ways, and alleys; 10
establish police and municipal courts, the estsb-
lishment Of an efficient police houses OF correction
or OF refuge, levying oftaxes, and organization Of
fire department, &c.
On motion by Mr. HAVEN, an amendment was
adopted TO the effect that the Corporation shall
not tax the public properly
Mr.. GIDDTNGS moved an amendment TO the
fourth section, as follows:
PROVIDED, That no person shall be imprisoned
unless charged with crime or offence.
Mr.. GIDDINGS said his object was 10 call at
tcnton 10 the fact that, under the authority Of
Congress in this District, three persons are now in
jail.
ment was in order?
The CHAIRMAN replied in the affirmative.
Mr.. JONES, Of Tennessee, appealed from the
decision OF the Chair. The bill, he said, proposed
TO amend the acts Incorporating this city, and the
amendment designed TO prohibit the Imprisonment
Of any person in this city, except for crime. That
might be right in itself; but could the House,
while acting this bill, undertake TO control the
judiciary Of his District?
The question having been taken, the decision Of
the Chair was sustained--yeas 70, nays 60.
Mr.. GIDDINGS explained. His object was TO
prevent free men Of color from being arrested,
lodged in jail, and then sold for the payment Of
fees.
Mr.. HAMILTON said il was not his purpose to
reply TO the gentleman. He desired the vote TO
be taken. He was opposed TO il; il had nothing
10 do with this bill
The question was taken and the amendment
rejected--ayes IS, noes not counted
The bill TO authorize the Washington Gas-light
Company to increase their capital was, after being
read, laid aside 10 lie reported 10 the House
The bill TO incorporate the Mutual Fire Insu-
rance Company Of the District Of Columbia was
taken up.
Mr.. TAYLOR, OF New York, offered en- amend
ment with regard TO the stock OF the Company;
which was agreed TO.
Mr.. FLORENCE offered an amendment, which
was agreed TO, confirming the privileges immun