Washington sentinel., 1855-02-08
House Of Representatives..

The SPEAKER laid before the House several
communications; among them one from the Com
missioner of Patents transmitting the agricultural
portion Of his annual report and that relating TO
arts and manufactures. Referred to the Commit
tee on Printing, TO inquire into the expediency of
printing large number of extra copies.
On motion of Mr.. CRAIGE, the Senate bill for
the enlargement of the Post Office building was
taken from the table and referred to the Commit
tee on Public Buildings and Grounds.
The bill 10 remodel the diplomatic and consular
system Of the United States was taken up.
Mr.. CHANDLER resumed his remarks, more
especially in favor of the consular features ofthe
bill, but had not proceeded far before he yielded
the floor 10
Mr.. BRECKENRIDGE. on whose motion the
House resolved itself into Committee Of the
Whole on the state ofthe Union, tMr. HENDRICKS
in the chair)
The object of Mr.. BRRcKMRIDor was 10 take
up and dispose Of the Senate bill TO provide for
the payment of such creditors of the late Repnb-
lie OF Texas, as are comprehended in the act of
Congress of September 9, 1850.
A question was raised that the bill could not be
taken up as unfinished business, but one day hav-
ing been especially devoted 10 its consideration.
The CHAIRMAN expressed the opinion that
II wasn order; and, on an appeal, his decision
was susiained-ayes nuety-fve, noes not counted
Mr.. McMULLlN addressed the committee in
reply TO the remarks delivered yesterday by Mr..
SMYTH and, in conclusion, alluded, not 10 the
gentleman from Ohio, mr. GIpDINGs,) who, he
said, beloved so loudly, but to- his sleek k-headed
colleague, meaning General TAYLOR, who had
spoken in favor of the bill. Laughter.
Mr.. TAYLOR, coming into the Hall at the
time, reiorted, by saying he would rather have
sleek head than block-head. Renewed laugh
terl ,,
tion, amid much confusion and cries Of e Hear
him. ano,n ano," "yes,n "yes" He said he
intended nothing personally offensive by the re-
mark, and no one ought to have known that bet
ter than the gentleman from Ohio. He made use
of the expression 10 produce a little levity, at
which the gentleman exhibited degree of ex-
citement Neither he the gentleman ought
TO complain. Ii both their heads were united,
they would not produce more brains than are
sufficient for one common head. Laughter.l
Mr.. TAYLOR obtained permission TO reply.
He would say 10 his friend from Virginia, with
whom he long bad had intercourse, that he was
the last man 10 make any improper illusions,
though he was always prompt TO repel anything
like disrespecf With great pleasure he took back
all that he had said AFTER the personafexplanation
of the gentleman. He thought neither he nor the
gentleman, nor the whole House, had more brains
than the country demanded at their hands. Pro-
longed laughter.
Mr.. BRECKINRIDGE moved that the enact
ing clause of the bill be stricken out, with view
of getting the bill out OF committee, and not 10
smother IL.
The question was taken and decided in the af
frmative.
The committee rose, but the House refused 10
confirm this action of the committee.
Mr.. BRECKINRIDGE moved TO strike out all
after the enactng Of the bill, and 10 insert
the Senate bill, as amended by the Committee Of
Ways and Means.
Mr.. JONES, OF Tennessee, moved TO strike
lherefrom the sum Of $500, 900, proposed TO be
appropriated, and TO insert SC, ,550,o00.
The question was taken and decided in the ai-
firmative--yeas 120, nays 81
Mr.. SMYTH offered substitute for the bill, re-
quirng the Secretary of the Treasury 10 issue, at
any time after May next such portion OF the stock
mentioned in the act Of September g 1850 ,as shall
be equivalent in amount TO the releases OF claims
against the United States; the sum OF stock is
sued to that State in all 10 be equivalent in
amount TO the sums paid by the State in stock OF
money in discharge of the debts or liabilities for
which releases are fled This was reJected-yess
%, nays 16l.
The Senate BILL as amended, was then passed
yeas 154 nays 43.
(Instead Of SIS, 900 as proposed by the Sen
ate, II appropriates 50, ,000)
Mr. HOUSTON moved that the House resolve
| tselfinio Committee OF the Whole on the state
| of the Union, giving notice that If the motion
| should prevail he would move TO take up the bill
| for the reduction Of the tariff.
Mr.. BOYCE inquired whether he would regard
| the vote as a test question.
| Mr.. HOUSTON replied in the Affirmative.
| The House went into committee-yeas l04,
nays 81.
Mr.. ROBBINS moved that the House proceed
| 10 the consideration of the civil and diplomatic
appropriation bill
| This latter motion was agreed to--ayes 90, noes
IS.
But before proceeding with the subject,
| The committee rose,
| And fne Houee ndlourued