The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-12-18
Monday, December Is, 1856.
SENATE


kansas, and Mr.. Weller of California, appeared
in their seats this morning.
Mr.. Hale submitted the following resolution,
which was considered by unanimous consent
and agreed to:
Resolred, That the Committee on the Judic
airy be instructed to inquire whether any further
legislation is necessary to carry into effect the
act entitled g An act to regulate the compensa
ton of members of Congress-" approved August
l6, 1856
Mr.. Jones, of Iowa, moved to proceed to the
consideration of the motion, made by him on
the l4th of August last, to refer the credentials
of the Hon. James Harlan to the Committee
on the Judiciary.
Mr.. Harlan contented himself with simply
reading the journal of the Legislature of Iowa,
and stating the points of law that bore on the
case, to the Senate. He expressed his perfec,
willingness to refer the whole subject to the
Committee on the Judiciary, as having the
most perfect confidence in the honor, integrity,
and legal knowledge Of that committee, ell
though all the members composing it were po.
litically opposed to him. 1t was SO referred.
The Senate then proceeded to the considera-
ton of the special order, being the bill to pro-
vide for the settlement of the claims of the Off.
GERS of the Revolutionary army and the widows
and orphan children of those who died in the
service.
Mr.. Evans briefly advocated the bill, and then
sent his very able report to the Secretary's desk
to be read, as explanatory, and embracing fully
all the points bearing on the subject.
Mr. Seward also advocated the bill on its
merits, with all his usual zeal and earnestness,
and read some letters of deep interest from lin
cal descendants of heroes who figured in the
memorable struggle of the Revolution, to show
the propriety as well as urgency of its passage.
Amendments were offered, which led to de-
BATE and the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE
Mr.. Colfax, of Indiana, gave notice of his in.
tention to introduce bill to repeal the duty on
sugar.
Mr.. Etheridge, of Tennessee, asked consent
to submit the following resolution:
Resolped, That this House of Representatives
req rds all suggestions and propositions of ev.
cry kill, by whomsoever made, for revival OF
the African slave trade, as shocking to the
moral sentiment of the enlightened portion OF
mankind; and that any action on the part OF
Congress conniving at or legalizing that horrid
and inhuman traffic, would Justly subject the
Government and citizens of the United States
to the reproach and execration of all civilized
and Christian people throughout the world.
Mr.. Smith, of Virginia, objected to the reso
luton.
Mr.. Etheridge moved suspension of the
rules.
Mr.. Jones, of Tennessee, asked his colleague
TO modify his resolution, so as to omit from il
his speech. he would say to his colleague
Loud cries of " order I" order!"
The Speaker. The gentleman from Tennes
see is not in order.
Mr.. Jones. will not be gagged either by my
colleague or the Speaker. l am as much op
posed to the reopening of the African slave trade
as my colleague, or any other man, but not fol
his reasons and arguments.
Mr.. Orr, of South Carolina, stated that if the
rules should be suspended, and an opportunity
should offer, he would submit the following al
a substitute for the resolution of the gentleman
from Tennessee:
RssolUsd, That it is inexpedient to repea
the laws prohibiting the African slave trade.
The yeas and Maya having been ordered o.