Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-03-01
CONGRESSIONAL.

| Monday, Feb. ~.
SsNArE.-Mr. Cass stated that he should re-
serve his Clarendon review until tomorrow.
MIR. Wade Of Ohio asked the consideration of
the resolution respecting Custom Houses and
Post Offices in Northern Ohio.
MIR Seward of N. Y. presented petitions from
merchants and ship owners in New York, in IA
vor of the passage of the Passenger bill
A joint resolution was passed to settle the &C.
count of the late Gov. Burt Of Nebraska.
Mr.. Clayton of Del. wanted a communica-
tion between the Eastern States and the Pacific,
but he did not believe either of the roads en-
braced in this bill could be built, and if built,
the alternate sections of land would 20 to the
builders, and nothing would be left to maintain
the road except the treasury of the U. States.
The through travel and freight would not sup
port the road, and there was no way travel Of
consequence.
Mr.. Butler of S. G. agreed mainly with Mr..
Clayton, and thought the scheme was too ex-
tensive and that its projectors were not well in
formed enough to carry it through.
Mr.. Gwin of Cal. said it was proposed to
build three roads, which will cost from three to
four hundred millions of dollars The railroads
now use annually $4,000 tons of iron, of which
100, 600 are manufactured in the United States.
The roads now in construction will soon make
the amount annually consumed at 450, 900 tons,
exclusive of roads protected by this bill. Where
is all this iron to come from
Mr.. Pearce of Nd. was opposed to the bill,
and was astonished at the earnestness with which
such an enormous project was presented, and
said he could not vote for any part of the
scheme
Mr.. Rusk of Texas favored the bill.
Mr.. Butler of S. G. pointed out further diff
culties.
Mr.. Gwin replied, answering all objections.
Mr.. Seward of New York said he never ex-
pected to DO here advocating three railroads to
the Pacific, but SO it was. lie thought the coun-
try would never be in better condition than
now to undertake the enterprise, and that the
advantages incident thereto would justify the
undertaking.
Mr.. Mason of Va said the mails and mum.
tons of war would be transported over these
roads. 1t would be government enterprise. -
He was astonished that Senators possessed SC
little information in regard to the construction
and working of these roads. lie hoped provis
ions would be made to require toe proposals Of
contractors to be reported to Congress, and NOV
ed to amend the bill for that object.
Messrs. Chase of Ohio, Bell of Tenn, anC
Evans of S. c.. continued the discussion, when
at late hour, the question was taken and tn,
bill passed-yeas "a, nays 81.
Tie Senate then wentinto executive session a
which Douglas G. Cooper's nomination for tn
Thos. s. Drew, removed, was sent in.
The following nominations were confirmed -
John Appleton as Secretary of Legation t,
London Mr. Cox. of Ohio, as Secretary of lie
CATION to Peru and Mr.. Atkinson, as Thirt
Auditor, in place of Mr. Burt.
HoUsE.--Mr. Wheeler of New York present
ed petition from the merchants and shipown
ers of New York in favor Of the Passenger law
The Speaker announced that the first business
in order was the consideration of the President
veto message.
Mr.. Bayley Of Va. wished the consideration
postponed until Thursday
Mr.. Orr Of S. G. urged immediate action.
After some debate, the question was stated
shall the French Spoliation bill pass the Presi
dents objection to the contrary notwithstand
ing, and under the previous question. was dc.
cided in the negative. Yeas Sc, nays 49,
The House went into Committee of the Who'll,
on the Civil and Diplomatic bill.
Mr.. Sellers of Md. offered an amendment Ia
the veto message, which the Speaker decided to
be out OF order. The Speakers decision was
sustained after considerable discussion.
Tuesday, Feb. 90.
SENATE.-After sundry unimportant matter,
were disposed of, discussion arose between Mr.
Benjamin of La. and Mr.. Seward of N. Y. rol.
alive to the Passenger BILL
Mr.. Cass of Mich made his personal explana
ton in regard to Lord Clarendon speech
| Mr.. Mason Of Va. followed Mr.. Cass.and sail