Washington sentinel., 1854-07-14
G0mgrfssionaI. O.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
FIRST SESSION.
senate.--Thursday, July Ia, 1854.


Mr.. WADE called the attention of the Senate
10 a statement in the New York Herald, that when
the vote on the motion 10 postpone the homestead
bill was about TO be taken, the Senstor from New
York Mr.. SEwARp,l put on his hat and left the
Senate chamber. He Mr.. WADE, felt il 10 be his
duty 10 say, that on the day that vote was taken
the Senator from New York, and the Senator from
North Carolina, both had occasion TO be absent,
and agreed 10 pair of in the vote. He, [Mr. WI
was requested, by the Senator's TO state the fact
when the vote was TAKEN but had omitted to do
so.
Mr.. SUMNER presented memorial from the
citizens of Windsor county, Vermont, praying the
abolition Of slavery and the slave trade in the Ter.
ritories of the United States Laid on the table,
BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr.. BRIGHT introduced a bill granting por-
lion of public lands in alternate sections, TO aid in
the construction of a railroad, from point on the
Ohio and Mississippi railroad in the State of In
diana, by way Of the falls of the Ohio and Evans
vile TO the Mississippi, at near Cairo, Illinois,
which was referred TO the Committee on Public
Lands.
Mr. BADGER introduced bill for the relief of
Thomas X. Glenn, which was. read twice, and re-
ferred. together with statement ofthe Postmas-
ter General in relation thereto, TO the Committee
on the Post Office and Post Roads.
CAIRO, ILLINOIS.
Mr. HAMLIN, from the Committee on Com.
merce, reported bill to constitute Cairo in the
State Of Illinois, port of delivery, and recon-
inending its passage.
LOUISVILLE AND PORTLAND CANAL.
Mr.. BRIGHT, from the Committee on Roads
and Canals. to which was referred the bill to pro.
vide for taking charge of the Louisville and Port
land Canal, and 10 prevent the same from falling
into bad repair, reported the same back, with
amendment.
WIDOW OF JAMES BATcHELDER.
Mr.. JONES, of Iowa, from the Committee on
Pensions, TO which had been referred a resolution
directing an inquiry into the expediency of grant
ing pension to the widow of James Batchelder,
lately killed in Boston while aiding the United
States marshal in executing the laws of the Uni
ted States, reported bill for the relief of the wild
ow of James Batchelder.
Mr.. said that the committee were equally
divided as to the form of the report TO be accom-
panyng the bill. He presented paper agreed 10
by himself and Messrs. WILLIAMS and CLAY of
the committee, in favor Of the bill.
Mr.. SUMNER presented paper containing
the views of himself and Mr.. SEWARD. of the same
committee, in opposition to the bill Both reports
were ordered TO be printed
HOUR OF MEETING.
Mr.. RUSK submitted resolution providing
that on and after Monday next, the daily hour Of
meeting of the Senate shall be ii O'clock a. IN.
Objection being made, the resolution was laid
over.
TAPPAN's STATUTES OF THE UNITED STATES.
On motion by Mr.. CHASE,
RESOLVED, That the Committee on the Library be in
srTcted to inquire into the expediency with
the statutes of the United States.
THE HOMESTEAD.
On motion by Mr. WALKER, the Senate, as in
Committee of the Whole, resumed the considera-
lion Of the House bill "to grant a homestead Of
one hundred and sixty acres Of the public lands 10
actual settlers" the pending question being on the
amendment of Mr. CLAYTON, TO strike out the
sixth section, which is in the following words
90. And be IL further enacted, That any mechanic or
other citizen Of the United States of full
and accustomed to any business trade calling other
than the cultivation Of land SHALL consideration of his
inability to comply with the conditions of this act by
Of his want Of knowledge SKILL experience such
cultivation of land be entitled in lieu of leO
Of land herein provided, the of $780, to be
paid to him out Of In the treasury other
wise appropriated.
Pending the question on striking out,
Mr.. CHASE had moved 10 amend the sixth
section as contained in the bill, by striking out
the words, "no'o resident Of any one Of the States
or Territories, and" to extend the benefits of
the bill 10 such foreigners may hereafter arrive
in the United States.
Mr.. DIXON gave notice Of an amendment 10
The sixth section, by striking out the word " indi
vidual," and insert in lieu thereof " free white
person"
Messrs. CHASE, BAYARD, and CLAY made
a few remarks on the amendment of Mr.. CHASE.
Mr.. WADE addressed the Senate in favor ofhis
colleagues amendment, and in favor Of the bill.
Mr.. BROWN followed in explanation and sup
port of substitute for the bill, of which he had
given notice, and had laid on the table.
Mr.. JONES, of Tennessee, then addressed the
Senate in earnest support of the bill, and in oppo-
s,ion to striking out the sixth section. He refer
red 10 several previous acts of Congress, one as
late as the present month, where land was grant.
ed gratuitousy TO actual settlers in the Terrific
ries, including aliens who may have or shall de-
clare their intention TO become citizens.
hr. CLAYTON replied to the senator from
Tennessee and others, who have supported the
the bill
Mr.. WADE briefly responded.
On motion, Il was then postponed till tomorrow.
Mr.. BADGER submitted a resolution, suspend
ing for tomorrow the rule setting apart Friday Of
each week for the consideration of private bills.
The Senate then proceeded 10 the consideration
Of executive business, and shortly after adjourned
oF u