The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-04-22
CONG ES g.
d. W. MILLER, Secretary.

APRIL 14.-In the Senate, Mr.. Harlan
presented the memorial of the provisional
members Of the Legislature of Kansas,
asking that the Estate of Kansas may be
admitted with the Topeka constitution. He
presented On affidavit from Col. James HI.
Lane relative to the genuinepess of that
memorial, (which, it will be recollected,
after being presented by Gen. Cass, the
other day, was withdrawn by him, the con-
sent of the Senate having been given for
that purpose) MIR. Harlan proceeded to give
his reasons for again presenting that paper;
and in the course of his remarks said that
Mr.. Butler was familiar with the names Of
Hector, Priam. and Nestor, the heroes of
the Trojan war, bqt he seemed to be more
ignorant of the heroes who had fought the
battles of his own country, DIR. Butler
said that he had sometimes illustrated his
remarks by illusions to the Had, and he
did not know but that the exploits of the
battle of Buena Vista would be set to verse,
and styled the Lane-iad! Iaughter.) Mr..
Douglas characterized the document. now
again attempted to be introduced, forgery,
because it had been materially changed
since its reputed signers saw it. After a
debate, continuing till half past five o'clock,
at the instance of Mr.. Stuart, the motion to
receive Colonel Lanes petition was laid on
the table-yeas 30. nays II, The Senate
adjourned.
In the House of Representatives, Mr..
Cobb, of Georgia, asked leave to offer
resolution, providing for an adjournment of
the present session of Congress on Monday,
the 18th of July; but the House refused to
suspend the rules for that purpose-yeas
IS, nays so. Mr. Ball asked leave to offer
q resolution, instrueting the Committee
on the Judiciary to form bill for
law to restrain polygamy in the Terri
tories of the United States. Objection
having been made, Mr.. Ball moved sus-
pension of the rules; which was refused
yeas Sc. nays 56-a two-thirds vote being
necessary,
APRIL 15.-In the Senate, Mr.. Rusk, from
the post office committee, to which WAS re-
ferred the memorials of Messrs. Vanderbilt
and Livingston, reported bill to enoour-
age steam navigation lines and to provide
for the transportation of the mails by sea,
and for other purposes. The considera-
ton of the bill to admit Kansas was post
posed, in consequence of the illness of Mr..
Clay, who was entitled to the floor. The
Senate went into Executive session and
then adjourned.
The proceedings in the House to-day
were of an unimportant character, The
House passed a bill amendatory of the act
of 1849, for the payment for horses and pro-
perty lost in military United States service.
The bill facilitates the obtaining of proof in
such cases, The deficiency appropriation
bill was considered; the Senate's amend
meut appropriating $780, 1000 for the Wash
ington aqueduct was rejected and the House
adjourned.
APRIL 16.-The Senate passed the bill
to remove from circulation the smaller Mex
can and Spanish coins, establishing their
value in receipt for government dues, and
for the coinage of a new descrip-
ton Of cents. Mr.. Seward introduced
dill providing for taking possession of guano
islands recently discovered by Americans.
MIR. Jones, Of Iowa, addressed the Senate
'n Kansas affairs. Adjourned.
The House passed bill allowing 800
Der month for the relief of a lady of South
Carolina, who lost her husband and three
IONS in the Mexican war. The House pass
ID joint-resolution subscribing for 5000
copies of DR.. Kane's Arctic Narrative, and
providing medals for Dr. Kane and the Of
lcers and men composing the expedition.
Adjourned.
APRIL 1S.-In the Senate, on motion of
lr. Sumner, the committee on commerce ;
7as directed to enquire into the character (
+ the commerce known as the Coolie trade, !
y which the Chinese were transported |
rom their native country in American ships ,
n alleged contracts, or for service in dis {
ant places; also, to ascertain if the same ,
not conducted in violation of an existing {
realty with China, and to consider if apy I
'gislation is expedient with view to pro- S
lblt this commerce, or prevent abuses in Y
ldent there, on hoard of American shins, t
to extend to it the provisions or portions ?
recent acts of Congress regulating the q
arriage at passengers in merchant vessels. a
he bounty Land bill was then considered.
In the House, ON motian of Mr.. Pringle, il
he President was requested to have pre- t
AIRED statements showing the appropria- n
ons made during each session of the last "
lree Congresses, particularly distinguish T
g those made on account of recommended Il
ons of the President, heads of departments d
Id chiefs of bureaus; likewise what ex- D
enditures were made during the same O
.riod; whether defalcations have occurred: o.
so, to what amount. The Senate fortif- I'll
ton bill was tabled by large majority, Ih,
the ground that it improperly originated al