Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-12-17
THIRTY FoURrn CoNGREss.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10.
SENATE.-On motion of MIR. Jones of Iowa,
the Committee on Commerce was directed to
inquire into the expediency of making far
Their appropriation of $50, OO0 for the enlarge
ment of the Custom House and Postoffice
at Dubuque.
On the motion. also, of Mr.. Jones. the ere.
dentials of Mr.. James Harlan, Senator from
Iowa, with the protest Of the Senate of that
state relative thereto, were taken up for con-
sderation'
Mr. Harlan proceeded to speak on the sub
ject, stating the facts with reference to his
election. and citing the provisions in the Con-
stitution of the United States aud the laws of
Iowa bearing on the case. He said he should
not object to the subject being referred to the
Judiciary Committee, as vas moved, although
the committee was composed of those who
were politically opposed to him.
After debate the subject was then referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary-yeas 81,
nays IS.
On motion Of Mr. Hale, resolution was
adopted, instructng the Committee on the
Judiciary to enquire whether ally further leg
islauon is necessary to carry into effect the
act regulating the compensation of Members
OF Congress, passed August last.
Mr.. Houston gave notice of his intention
to introduce bill providing for the establish
ment of mail route, and Tor carrying a semi
weekly overland mail, from the Mississippi
River to San Francisco.
HOUSE. Mr.. Etheridge of Tennessee sub
mitted the following resolution, which was
read for information -
Resolved, That the HOUSE regard all sugges-
tons or propositions of every kind, by whom
soever made, for a revival of the slave trade
as shocking to the moral sentiments of the
Enlightened portion of mankind, and that any
act on the part of Congress- legislating, or
conniying at, or legalizing that horrld and in
human traffic, would justly subject the Uni
ted States to the reproach and execration of
all civilized and Christian people throughout
the world
Objections were made to the introduction
of the resolution, and Mr. ktheridge moved
the suspension of the rules.
Mr.. Orr of South Carolina Intellectually
stTove to substitute simply, "Resolved. 1t is
inexpedieutto repeal the laws prchibisil g the
African slave trade"
Mr.. Etheridge's motion to suspend the
rules, to enable him to Introduce his resolu.
ton, was carried. Yeas l40 nays So.
Messrs. Greenwood, McMulin, Smith of
Virginia, zolIicoffer, Burnett, Barksdale and
Phelps, seyerally gave their reasons for voting
No, TO the effect that while they opposed the
re-opening Of the slave trade, they thought
the resolution out of character and i'll timid.
The demand for the previous question was
sustained by SO majority, and tho main ques-
ton ordered by Al majority.
Mr.. Mcqueen moved to lay the resolution
on the table. Lost by yeas II, nays 1877.
Mr.. Etheridge's resolution was then adopt
ed by yeas 152, nays 81.
Mr.. Orr of South Carolina, under suspen-
sion of the rules, submitted resolution
that it is mex pedient, unwie and contrary to
the settled policy of the United States TO re-
peal the laws prohibiting the African slave
trade.
The resolution was adopted by yeas 1888,
nays s. Nays Messrs. Barksdale, Bennett
of Mississippi, Brooks. Keitt, Shorter, Walk.
err. Wright Of Mississippi,
Mr.. Washburn of Maine asked leave to Of
fer resolution, calling on the president to
communiate a statement of the amounts of
money paid and liabilities incurred tor the
pay and support of persons called into the
service of the United States, either under the
designation of militia, i'll Kanzas, or pros
Sc comitataS, by the civil officers in that terri
tory since the date Of its establishment; and
for witnesses and arrest, detention and trial
of persons charged with treason against the
United States, or with violation of the SO call
ed laws of that territory.
Pending this, the House adjourned.