Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-04-19
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
senatc-Tuesday. April Is, 1854.
FIRST SESSION.

senatc-Tuesday, April 10, 1854.
Mr.. EVERETT presented the memorial Of The
American Statistical Association, praying that
they be furnished with copies OF all documents
printed by order of Congress.
Mr.. COOPER presented eight petitions from
citizens Of Philadelphia, praying the erection OF
building in that city for the accommodation Of the
post Office and United States courts.
Also, several against the Nebraskasbl.
RELIGIOUS ToLERATION.
Mr. CASS. II affords me much pleasure TO
present petition from number ef American
citizens of The Hebrew faith, who desire TO unite
with their Christian felow-citizens in asking the
interposion of this government 10 secure 10 all
our counlrymen abroad The rights of religious wor-
ship. This union in order TO promote the accom-
plishment of this great object is happy illusira-
lion Of the spirit of equality and federation, which
marks our institutions. Prosecuted for centuries
with bitter hostility; subjected TO tyranny, both
civil and religious, more oppressive than that en-
dured by any other people; driven from the prom
ised land granted 10 their oreathers, the separate
existence 10 this day OF the children OF Israel IS
perpetual miracle, establishing the truth OF their
history. well OF our religion, foretold as II was
in the earliest period, and seen, as II still Is, In The
latest In their migrations, they have at length
reached continent, unknown TO the patrlarchs, by
whose rivers they may sit down, without weeping,
10 change the language OF their psalmist, even
when remembering Zion, and where the law Sc
cures equal rights 10 ALL be they Jew or Gentle.
Exposed, as the members of this persuasion yet
are in portions Of Europe and America. both Cath
Ollie and Protestant, 10 the most illlberal preJu-
dices, and to religious disabilities, the position OF
our citizens abroad, who belong to it, has peculiar
claims The consideration and nterposltion OF The
government. Besides their legal right 10 equal
protection, there is no portion OF our population,
whose peaceabe and law-abiding conduct better
proves than theirs does that they are well entitled
TO all the privileges secured to every American
by our system of government. Irepeat, sir, am
gratifed that they are taking part in this great
movement and trust that ere long they, as well
all other citizens sent by the accidents OF HE
10 iereign countries, may receive The benefit oft
move the memorial be referred to the Committee
on Foreign Relations.
DISTRIBUTION OF SMALL ARMS.
Mr.. HAMLIN submitted the following resolu-
ton, which was agreed TO:
Resolred That the Committee Military Affairs be In
syucted to inquire into the expediency Of altering the
the United States the whole any portion Of the flint
lock naarms in their possession, and previously
2s isos and that the Value Of said arms according to the
standard at the time of their issue, be furnished said States
in percussion uskets and rifles originally manufactured
such by the United States Mt their nrores In such
other ordnance ordnance stores shall be designated
by the of said States respectively their
thorized agents. orde That all arms returned as nore
said shall appear in good condition. and all expenses Of
transportation shall be paid by States making the
change aforesaid, respectively.
MARINE HOSPITAL. d
On motion by Mr. JONES, Of Iowa
Rssoled That the Committee Of Commerce be directed
to inquire into the expedency OF making an appropria
tion for the erection of marine hospital at Dubuque
Iowa.
IOWA UNIVERSITY.
Mr.. DODGE, OF Iowa. reported bill for the re-
lief Of the Burlington university, Iowa; and the
roJ nj sad
SPANISH CLAIMS.
Mr.. EVERETT, from the Committee on For
cign Relations, reported bill further 10 carry
into effect the provisions of the 9th article of the
Florida treaty. with respect TO certain losses sus-
tanned by Spanish subjects in West Florida
PENSION AGENTS.
Mr.. SHIELDS, from the Committee on Military
Affairs, reported bill making provision 10 COM
pensale agents for paying pensions, and prescrib-
ing the time and manner Of settling their accounts.
ARKANSAS LAND DONATIONS.
Mr. SEBASTIAN introduced a bill to revive
for limited time an act in relation to donations
of land 10 certain persons in the State Of Arkan-
sas; which Vas read twice and referred TO the
Committee on Public Lands.
THE HOMESTEAD.
On motion by Mr. WALKER, the Senate re-
sumed the consideration ofthe bill from the House
oil heprVSentatlVeS.
Mr. PETIT briefly stated the reasons why he
would give the bill his most cordial support He
traced The most beneficial results which followed
the adoption ola similar principle by the Egyptians,
Jews, and Sparans he regarded this bill as in
tending 10 couple patriotism with interest. He
egarded one million ofdollars expended in giving
the people permanent interest in the soil, as
worth more to the defence of the country than one
hundred millions expended in erecting fortifca-
lions, and supporting armies.
The bill was then postponed until tomorrow.
ALABAMA SCHOOL LANDS
On motion by Mr.. CLAY, the Senate proceeded
TO consider the bill 10 authorize the school COM
missioners Of fractional township number one, OF
range number ten east, in Alabama, to locate one
half section of land for school purposes; and the
same considered and passed.
REVOLUTIONARY DLAIMs.
On motion by Mr.. EVANS, the Senate proceed
ed to consider The bill to provide for The final set
Element Of the claims of the officers of the revolu
tionary army, and OF the widows and orphan chill
dren Of those who died in the service; AMI, after
debate, the bill was postponed until the 10Th
instant.
And then, on motion, the Senate proceeded 10
the consideration of executive business.
And afterwards the Senate adjourned.
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