Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-04-19

In THE SENATE on the 18th instant, Mr. SUMNER
offered the following resolution, which was adopt
ed
Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce
be directed TO inquire into the character of the
commerce known as the Coolie trade by which
Chinese in large numbers are transported from
their native country in American ships, on alleged
contracts Of service in distant places; also, to
ascertain if The same l. not conduced in violation
of an existing treaty with China; and 10 consider
il any legislation be expedient with view 10 the
prohibition ofthis commerce, or 10 prevent abuses
incident 10 il. board American ships, or 10 ex-
tend 10 il the provisions and penalties OF the re-
cent act OF Congress regulating the carriage Of
passengers in merchant vessels"
The Senate discussed, until The hour of adjourn.
ment, the Bounty Land bill
In THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,, Mr.. FAuLK-
HER offered the following resolution, which was
adopted;
Resolped, That the Secretary of Stale be re-
quested 10 communicate TO this House such in
formation may be in possession OF the Depart
ment of State respecting the tariff duties, restric
tons, prohibitions, and custom house regulations
applicable TO American tobacco in the principal
commercial countries of Europe"
Mr. PRlNeLE, of New York, submitted the fol-
lowing resolution which was agreed to-
RESOLVED, That the President of the United
States be requested 10 have prepared and presented
10 the House of Representatives a statement
showing the appropriations made by the Thirty
first, Thirty.second, and Thirty-third Congress,
distinguishing the appropriations made at each
session of each Congress, Distinguishing also the
appropriations made on the recommendation OF
the President, the heads Of Departments, or the
heads of bureaus from those that were made
without such recommendations, and showing
what expenditures have teen made by the Govern
ment in each fiscal year commencing with the
LIST day Of July, 1850, and ending on the 30th day
Of June, 1855; and also what, if any, delalcations
have occurred from the Both day Of June, 1850 TO
The lst day of July, 1855 and the amount Of such
defalcations severaly, and such other information
may be in his power bearing upon the matters
above mentioned"
The House, in committee of the whole on the
state Of the Union considered, but did dispose
of the Seuates amendments TO the Deficiency
Appropriation bill
IL THE SENATE yesterday, Mr. SUMNER offered
resolution, which adopted, instructing the
Committee on Patents 10 consider the expedency
Of amending the patent laws solar ~ TO allow the
inhabitants of the neighboring British provinces
to enjoy the benefits of these laws on an equal
footing, in all respects, with citizens Of the
United States
The Senate took up the bill authorizing and
facilitating the construction of railroad and
magnetic telegraph through the territories of the
United States, from The Mississippi to the Pacific
ocean.
Mr. WELLER advocated the passage of the bill
showing the necessity which exists for the con-
slructon Of The proposed road. The committee,
he remarked, designated no route, bur left that
for the selection of the Secretary Of War, the
Secretary of the Interior, and the Postmaster
General, under the direction of the President of
the United States.
The consideration ofthe bill was postponed until
the Goth instant.
The Senate considered and passed sixteen pr-
vate bills ; and adjourned ill Monday.
In THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,, '',.o letters
from the Secretary OF the Navy, addressed to Mr..
Benson, the chairman the Committee on Naval
Affairs were read They, in substance, extend
invitation 10 members of Congress TO visit
Annapolis, for the purpose of inspecting the new
United States war steamer Merrimac; and saying
that the President OF the United States and the
Secretary of the Navy intend going thither this
tFndayl afternoon, and will wait until the Saturday
mornings train Of cars before proceeding 10 the
vessel
The letters were laid on the table; and, on mo-
tion il was resolved that when the House adjourn,
il adjourn TO meet on Monday.
The Committee OF Elections reported that Bird
B. Chapman the sitting delegate from Nebraska,
is not entitled 10 his seat, but that Hiram p. Ben
net is.
The Deficiency Appropriation bill was con-
sidered, and the amendments acted upon reported
TO the House; when an adjournment until Monday
took place.