Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-04-22
FRIDAY. April IS, 1856.



On motion of Mr.. Seward, Il resolution was adopt.
ed directing The committee on Pos, Offices tn enquire
nto the expectancy al establishing uniformity Of
| postage all over III. Stnns
On motion rf Mr.. Skinner, n resolution was adopt.
ed in-tructing the committee Patents 10 consider
tn" "Spei"ncy of am"ndng the laws 50 Ear As Al.
low I'll. inhabitants OF IN" nrighborng British Pro.
vnccS IN ENJOY the benefits ri these laws rqGt
!puiiiig in s,i RESPECTS with the citizens Of the tu,st
| States.
| The Senate proceeded Ia the consideration of the
bill To auinnrz" AMI facilitate the construction OF
railroad and magnetic telegraph through the terrific
ry.ut III" United States from the Mississippi river 70
| the Pacific ocrru.
Mr. Weller maintained the constitutional power 10
cpnRruc. military and other roads through The tern
tory OF the ult-d States. Congress has frequently
made direct appropriations Of lands for such pur
poses. Three hundred and forty Thousand dollar.
have been expended Ia procure reports and
vry. which show that there are three or four
practicable routes for the proposed railroad and lie
had no doubt that the country through which il would
pass would be found more productive than gene.
rally supposed. lie did not intend 10 express a pre-.
ference Tor any particular route. He was uncommt-
ted in relation ~ ~ an his only desire was TO obtain
the construction Of Il road. The Miami trunk COM
y!.fcd. branches would be extended from It rs the
wants and necessities oi comInCrce require aud de-
maud. The committee have avoided tine designation
nj any They propose that the Secretary Of the
Interior the Postmaster General, and the Secretary
"i War shall advertise for bid" and when they shall
the President 10 determine which is the best bid
II was impossible for the committee 10 agree on a
route.
The money. he proceeded Ia show, invested in The
road. would yield thirteen per c"n;n;n per annun.
and cIea pen the passenger fare from $40 10 SUU and
10y this means of conveyance aud the saving of time
in travel for sixty thousand passengers would amount
To more than Sll ,OODOO0. He showed the great
wealth OF California. and the improvements now IN
progress in that State, ani urged the passage oi the
bill on the general grounds OF Necessity, both az TO
trade aud national defence, we'll as to preserve the
union ui the States
The further consideration OF the subject was p"ot
poned I'LL the 10Th inst.
Sixteen private bills were passed, and the Senate
adjourned TIL Monday. ,,.,,.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Mr. Ilaveus submitted two letters addressed by The
Secretary OF the Navy 10 Mr.. Benson, CHAIRMAN at
tbc committee on naval affairs, in which Secretary
D.bbn invited Congress- To visit the new steamer
Mcrrmnc al Annapolis say Ing that lie President
rnt himself expect 10 leave Washington tor that city
this afternoon and will wait the arrival OF tomorrow
mornings train before g"in. t" the Steamer
On motion of Mr.. Washburn, o! Illinois, II wac 70.
solved that when the House adjourn il will stand 3D.
iourIIed until MONDAY.
: The House in committee of The whole on the stat"
of the Union, disposed of the S"ma;es amendments
to the deficiency appropriation bal
The acton al the committee was then Reported 10
the House, and the further consideration oi the EDO
ect was pos poncd until Monday.
The House recedcd from lis amendment. to the MI
ltary Academy bill, and adjourned until Monday.