Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-16
C0maressIonal.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS-.
senate--sionday, January Is, 1855.
SECOND SESSION.

SECOND SESSION.
senate--Sfonday, January I6, 1855.
Mr. EVANS. from the Committee ON Revolu-
tonary claims, reported back the bill from the
House. for the relief of the heirs of General
Baron de Kab, with a recommendation that il
pass.
Mr.. GWlN, from the special committee on
that subject, made report on the bills submitted
10 them 10 provide for the construction of rail-
road 10 the Pacific ocean. The committee have
prepared a substitute, which he gave notice he
should offer for the bill which has been for some
time special order, whenii shall be taken mp
for consideration; and he intends 10 ask for its
consideration on Monday next. sarstss
The Joint resolution TO authorize the fitting out
OF an expedition 10 the Arctic ocean, TO search for
and relieve Doctor Kane and his crew, who have
been searching for Sir John Franklin, was taken
up and passed in modified form.
he mail steamer appropriation bill OF the last
session Of Congress was taken up for considera-
ton on the motion of Mr. Hunter after a severe
contest for the priority OF other measures which
have been heretofore partially considered,
After debate, the further consideration of the
subject was indefinitely postponed.
The bill to amend the Judicial System Of the
United States was taken up, and discussed and
without disposing of the subject,
The Senate went into an Executive session,
and afterwards adjourned.
House OF Representatives.
Mr.. LETCHER brought 10 the attention OF the
House the fact that w b. Chase had refused TO
answer certain questions propounded 10 him by
the select committee, appointed during the last
session, 10 inquire whether money has been Of
Tered to members, or other illegal or improper
means used for the purpose of securing the pas
sage OF the bill extending the Colt patent for
years; and, also, whether money has been offered
TO members, or other illegal or improper means
have been used TO secure the passage or defeat Of
ar hi md hot soil huu ~
send for persons aud papers.
The report OF the select committee, which was
read, states the circumstances respecting the re-
fusal Of w. b. Chase TO answer the questions,
and concludes with resolution, to the effect,
that the attention OF the House be called to the
fact, in order that il may take some action with
view 10 compel the said Chase to give further
timony
Mr.. LETCHER caused portion OF the printed
testimony TO be read, the questions asked and the
answers thereto by Mr.. Chase. Among the latter,
Mr.. Chase said he understood votes were made
for the Nebraska bill by giving Mr.. George Steers,
of New York, The contract for building one the
six steam irigates. The person from whom he
received the Information, he remarked, was not
here; but he declined TO state the name of his in
iormaht.
Mr.. WALSH, as the personal friend OF Mr..
Steers said that the latter never got contract TO
build one of the steamers. He was appointed
naval constructor for the special purpose ofbuild-
ing one VI lHcHi l1lS salary ,fUU d year. ne
influence OF no member of Congress was brought
10 bear on this appointment. twas given to him
as tribute to his genius and as the builder Of the
yacht America.
Mr. LETCHER resumed, saying il was impos-
sible to proceed to the investigation, unless the
committee can compel the attendance and answers
The SPEAKER said that he had just received
q note from Mr.. Chase, (Which, by request, was
read to the effect he had no objection 10 furnish
ing the committee with the name of the person
alluded to, if the committee can compel him 10
attend. Lee them do So
Mr.. STEPHENS, Of Georgia, in view Of the
contents OF the note, expressed The hope that the
report would be laid on the table, and the COM
mittee proceed with their labors.
Mr.. LETCHER remarked that the committee
summoned the witness twice, and he knew for
what purpose he was summoned. He under
stood Mr.. Chase 10 bud defiance 10 the committee,
and TO intimate il was not in the power Of the
committee, or the House, TO compel him 10 APP
pear.
Mr.. BAYLYs orvirginia, inquired whether there
was any law 10 meet The case If not, wha, law
was proposed He did not see his way clear in
this matter.
The SPEAKER, in reply to question of Mr..
MILLsoN, said that the note Of Mar. Chase ought
not TO be received as part of the proceedings.
Mr.. BAYLY yielded the floor for motion that
the House resolve itself into the Committee Of the
Whole on the state of the Union; which pre-
vailed.
Mr.. ORR was called to preside.
The Pacific railroad bill was taken up.
Mr.. STEPHENS, OF Georgia, replied 10 re.
marks heretofore made by Mr.. CAMPBELL, and in
defense of the South. In the course Of his speech
he declared himself in favor of the acquisition Of
Cuba.
Mr.. BOYCE opposed the acquisition Of Cuba
stating his reasons at length.
Mr.. SMITH, of Alabama, obtained the floor
when he gave way for motion that tho commit
tee take recess until seven o'clock, which pre-
vailed.
EVENING SESSION.
The House assembled at seven O'Clock, when
Mr.. SMITH, OF Alabama, made speech in
defense of the doctrines OF the Know-nothngs.
Mr.. HAMILTON, opposed the Pacific Railroad
BILL
Mr.. BENTON obtained the foor when
The Committee, at nine o'clock, rose, and
The House at nine o'clock, adjourned.