Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-12-23
D..

ASHINGTON, DEC. Ii--1ne senate adopted
| a resolution for the appointment of the stand
ing committees next Wednesday. Mr.. Mason
said that he had been desired by Mr.. Sumner
to state that, owing to the state of his health,
he desired TO be excused from serving upon
any of the standing committees. Mr.. Evans
announced the death of Senator Butler, and
culogized the eminent talents and ability of
the deceased. Messrs. Mason. Pugh, Clay,
and Cameron briefly paid tribute to the memo
ry OF the deceased. The customary resolu-
| tions OF respect were adopted, and the Senate
| adjourned.
In the House the committees were announ-
ced by the Speaker motion to remove to
the new hall on Wednesday, was adopted.
Mr.. Lane introduced bill for the payment of
expenses incurred by Oregon and Washington
territories in the suppression of Indian hos
tilities. Mr.. Morrill, introduced a bill grant
ing the lands of the States and Territories, for
the promotion of the agricultural and mechan-
ical arts. 1t appropriates $500, 900 acres, to
be distributed according to federal representa-
ton. After the announcement of the death
| of Senator Butler, the House adjourned.
| DECEMBER 15.-Mr. Hale, of n. H., announ-
ccd the decease of his late colleague, Senator
Bell, who died during the recess of Congress.
| After the adoption of resolutions of respect,
| &c, the Senate adjourned. But little was
done in the House, and after the customary ac-
| ton on the announcement of the death of Sem
ator Bell, it adjourned.
| DECEMBER l6.-BOth Houses of Congress
/ had rather lively time to day. In the Sem
ate, on the announcement of the Committees,
| several Republican Senators protested against
tie list, as unfair. Mr.. Pngh agreed with
them, but felt bound by party usages to vote
with the majority. The lOng-promised speech
| OF Mr.. Green of Missouri delivered. 1t
was courteous in tone toward Mr.. Douglas, and
| abounded in technicalities and citations pre-
! cedent- He was anxious for peace, and af-
scnted the views of majority OF the people
| of Kansas Mr.. Douglas, in reply, said that
| there could be no peace except upon the foun-
| datiOns of justice and right, and that to pur-
| sue the course marked out by Mr.. Green
would not only be death to the Democratic
party, but would be step sure TO result in a
civil war, to carry on which mole than four
| regiments would be required. The debate
was postponed until u onday.
In the House of Representatives, which met
| for the first time in the new hall, after seats
had been allotted, Mr.. Cox of Ohio, Demo-
| crat, spoke in favor of submitting the Consti-
tuition to the people. taking substantially SIM
| liar positions to those of Mr.. Douglas. Mr..
| Hughes of Indiana essayed a reply, but was
| beaten upon his own ground and took refuge
| in personalities.
| DECEMBER 17.-In the Senate, the initiative
| in number of matters was taken. Mr.. Gwin
introduced a bill for the establishment of a
| III ATIZOuaj OOt.
homestead bill Mr.. Clay, bill to repeal all
| laws allowing fishing bounties; and Mr.. Pugh,
bill to improve the navigation at the Falls
| OF the Ohio. So much of the Presidents
Message as relates to the Pacific Railroad was
| referred to Special Committee, of which the
mover, Mr.. Gwin, was made Chairman. A
COMMITTEE was also appointed to examine into
me condition of the banks of the District of
| Columbia. The credentials of Messrs Bright
| and FITCH of Indiana were referred, on motion
| OF Mr.. Irumbull, to the Judiciary Committee.
! Mr.. Hunter introduced bill for the issue of
twenty millions in Treasury notes AS to the
first six millions, the rate of interest is to be
fixed by the Treasury Department the bal
ancc is to be issued at the lowest rate of IN
| terest that will command the exchange of the
notes at par for specie. What the policy is
as to making these notes part of the currency
does not distinctly appear. Mr.. Hunter urged
the immediate consideration of the subject,
but the matter was postponed till next day.
Major Harris, of the Union. was elected Senate
printer, Mr.. Douglas declining to vote for him
for s'reasons satisfactory to himself"
The House adjourned without doing any bu-
slness upon the announcement of the death of
Mr. Montgomery of Pennsylvania.
DECEMBER lS.-Both Houses of Congress
were intent on the Administration project of
an issue OF Treasury Notes to any amount not
eAceeding twenty millions of dollars TIE
I course OF debate enders it probable that there