The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-01-28
Congressional.
WARRINGTON, Jan. 19, 1857

SENATE. Senate discussed. and
'assed the Diplomatic and Consular Bill.
HoUsE.-Mr Morrell offered resolu-
ion, which was adopted, calling upon the
President to inform the House whether [
esistance, organized or otherwise, has
'een made, or is to be apprehended against
he official authorities of Utah, and to
communicate all the correspondence rela-
i've to the appointment or declaration of
he officers in that Territory, since Janu-
Try 1852, and whether the laws there are
practically administered with impartial
Justice to all the inhabitants
Mr.. Campbell, of Ohio, from the Com
nittee of Ways and Means, reported a
bill for the relief of sick and disabled
Mr.. Fuller entered into an explanation
of the bill establishing collection districts
in the United States, designating ports of
entry and delivery, and for other measures.
On motion of Mr.. Kelsey, the Cor
ruption Investigation Committee was
granted leave to sit during the session of
the House.
Adjourned.
TUESDAY, Jan. 20, '57.
SENATE.-Mr Clay introduced bill
all laws, or parts of laws, allow
ing bounties to vessels employed in the
banks or other codfsheries. The bill was
referred to the Committee on Commerce.
The bill to establish naval depot at
Brunswick, Georgia, was discussed foc two
hours. Without coming to a conclusion,
the Senate adjourned.
HoUsE.-The House passed the bill
extending the Land Laws to the lands ly
ing east of the Cascade Mountains.
The House then took up the adverse
report upon the petition of the inhabit-
ants of Arizonia, praying for the estab-
lishment of Territorial government and
other business in accordance with the
special law.
The House took up and passed the bills
appropriating $4,000 to the construc-
tion of a Penitentiary in Nebraska: estab-
fishing three additional land districts in
Nebraska, and for completing and open
ing roads in Oregon, Washington and
Minnesota Territories.
Adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 81, '57.
SENATE.-James S. Green elected Sen.
ator from Missouri, in place of Atchison,
appeared and was qualified.
Mr.. Seward presented petition from
the Geographical Society of the city Of
New York protesting the coinage of So
and cent pieces, and praying that none
but decimal coins may be issued from the
mint. Referred to committee on finance.
HoUsE-Mr. Orr, from investigating
committee, made q report setting forth
that Mr.. Simonton has refused to answer
certain questions as to members approach
ing him with corrupt propositions, deemed
material to inquiry of committee, and
concluding with q resolution directing the
Sergeant-at-arms to take Simonton into
custody and bring him before the law OF
the House forthwith to answer for con-
tempt of its authority. The resolution
was adopted, only l6 votes in the mega
tive
Mr. Orr also reported bill to more
effectually enforce attendance and answers
of witnesses, making them liable to i'm
prisonment and fines.
During spirited discussion to which
this gave rise the assistant Sergeant-at-
arms brought Simonton before the bar Of
the House, and in reply to the question of
the Speaker, what he had to say why fur
ther action should not be taken against
him? He was permitted to make speech
more than half an hour in length, in justi-
fication of his refusal to answer what two
members of the House had approached
him with corrupt propositions. He de-
fed the power of the House to proceed
against him in this particular case, and
concluded by asking to be heard by
counsel.
Various propositions were made re-
specting him. One by MIR. Orr was
adopted, for the Sergeant-at-arms to keep
him in close confinement until he purges
himself of contempt. The proceedings
extended over five hours.
THURSDAY, Jan. %, '57.
SENATE.-The consideration of the
submarine telegraph bill was resumed.
Messrs. Hunter. Thompson, of Ken
lucky, Pierce, and Geyer, opposed the bill
for various reasons.
Mr. Weller was not willing that $70,-
900 year should be expended for this
telegraph, while similar connection with
the Pacific which was vastly more inn
portant was neglected.
Mr.. Butler was not willing to trust the
destinies of this country to wire con-
trolled by Great Britain, and urged other
objections to the bill.
Mcssrs Rusk, Douglas, Seward and
Mallory pressed its passage.
He offered an amendment, which was
adopted, providing for such arrangements
as may be necessary to secure to each
Government the transmission of its own
messages by its own agents.
Several amendments of verbal char
acter, were made, when the bill passed
yeas %, nays ls.
The Housa hill to nnfnrce attendance of