Washington sentinel., 1856-03-20

In THE SENATE, on Tuesday the 18th instant,
Mr. HAMLN introduced bill 10 regulate the APP
praisemeat of imported merchandise
Mr. HousToN presented a paper signed by seve-
raj members Of the Legislature of Virginia, in
which they say that the action Of the late Naval
Board was not in accordance with the principle
which our Government recognizes as the only
guarantee Of fairness and impartiality, &c.
| Mr.. Houston addressed the Senate at very great
length, expressing his pleasure that the Old Do
mnion had spoken on this subject, as her position
in The confederacy gave much weight 10 any ex-
preston of opinion she might make. He charac-
terized the proceedings Of the Board con-
spiracy TO strike down chiyalry, and commented
on the characters of Captains Dupont, Shubrick,
and Others Of the Board with marked freedom.
lie ascribed TO Captain in the navy an article in
the IuteHigeacsr of the 2lst May last, from which
he read extracts ntmating that The captain in
question was The great promoter Of all the action
under the Naval Board. In the course of his re-
marks, he said that partality and selfshness were
the chief commentator of the Naval Board.
Mr.. BUrLER replied to the remarks of Mr.
HoUsToN concerning Captain Shubrick, and de-
Tended that officer in glowing language and in the
| most earnest manner.
/ Mr.. BAYARD then delivered his views at length,
| defending the character Of Captain Dupont from
any implied aspersion cast on il by the Senator
| from Texas.
Mr.. MALLORY also defended he action of the
Board with much zeal, and condemned the ground
taken by Mr.. HousroN
Mr.. CLAYTON desired 10 reply but did not wish
1 lo ~; l.. L.
have more than dozen Senators in their seats to
isten-to him. He moved that the Senate adjourn,
and the motion prevailed.
In THE House OF REPRESENTATIVES,, on Tues
day, the consideration Of the resolution empower
ing the Committee of Elections, in the contested
election case from the Territory Of Kansas, 10
send for persons and papers, and TO examine
witnesses upon oath or affirm ation was resumed.
| Although the proposition was ably debated, on
| both sides, by the time adjournment took place
not more Than twelve members were in their
seats, the others having retired to their homes.
II was truly said during the day, that The discus
sion had lost its interest.
| In THE SENATE yesterday, Mr., Hunter, from
| the Committee on Finance, reported back the
West Point Academy bill, which was considered
| and passed
| Mr.. CLAYTON concluded the speech which he
| heretofore commenced on the subject OF Central
American affairs He was opposed 10 the three
propositions suggested TO settle our differences
! with England, namely: arbitration, the abroga-
CATION of the treaty of 1850, and The serving of
notice on Great Britain TO vacate the territory
which she now occupies in that quarter. His
plan was 10 continue the negotiation, in order to
convince the government of that country of the
justice Of our Interpretation of The treaty. AL.
though he did not apprehend war, he counselled
that we prepare for defence by ncrea easing our de.
fences and augmenting the navy. 1fthe Senators
and Representatives in Congress remain firm and
present an undivided front, sternly maintaining
our right he believed that they would be re-
spected
In the course of his speech, he read letter
from Mr.. Vanderbilt the president of the Nicara.
qua Transit Company by which it appeared tha,
Mr.. Marcy had been applied to for the purpose OF
redressing the wrongs inflicted by Gen. Walker,
by seizing the property of the company, and Mr..
Clayton. on the authority OF Mr. Vanderbilt, de-
MED, as utterly untrue, the allegation that the
company had connived at or assisted Walker in
MS movements IN nicaragua.
The Deficiency Appropriation bill was consid-
ered Among the amendments adopted-yeas 81
nays 5-was appropriation of $780, 600 for con-
iinuing the Washington Aqueduct, 10 suppy this
city and Georgetown with water.
In THE House. OF REPRESENTATIVES, Yesterday
the resolution OF the Committee Of Elections ask.
ing for power 10 send for persons and papers inahe
Kansas Contested Election case, was announced
as the pending business.
Mr.. Bowie made speech against the PROPOSE.
tion and Mr.. Hickman closed the debate on the
part ofthe majority Of the committee.
Mr.. BENNETT Of Mississippi had proposed 10
amend the resolution above referred to- by sub.
sttute, constituting Joseph H. Bradley and Sidney
S. Baxter commissioners, to proceed TO Kansas
and take testimony in the case, and clothing them
with ample powers 10 conduct the investigation.
Mr.. Dunn had offered a substitute providing
that The Speaker appoint committee consisting
of three members of the House. 10 make full in
quiry into the affairs OF the Territory generally,
and particularly TO the alleged frauds; and for
this purpose that they be empowered TO take ties.
timony, appoint clerks, and sergeants-at-arms TO
aid them; that ten thousand dollars be appro-
priaied out Of the contingent fund TO bear ex.
penses; and, further, that the President OF the
United States be requested TO afford them, IL ne.
cesshry, military protection.
This substitute OF Mr.. Dunn was adopted, in
place ofal others, by vote of-yeas lol, nays 80.
And the House adjourned.
unrAU uaIrSIr