Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1857-01-02
CONGRESSIONAL.


TUESDAY, Dec. 30.
SENArE.-On motion of Mr.. Seward. a
resolution was adopted requesting the Presi-
dent to communicate, if not iucompatiblo with
the public interest, such information as he
may have concerning the present condition
and prospects of plan for connecting by sub
merged wires of the magnetic telegraph, this
continent and Europe.
The Senate considered the House bill rolo-
tive to the claims of officers Of the revolu-
tionary Army, and the widows and children
of those who died in the service.
Mr.. Evans was opposed to an amendment,
as it might delay if not defeat the bill
Mr. Toombs and Mr. Stuart opposed it,
viewing it as a bcstowal of gratuity, founded
upon no principle of justice.
The latter said that one of the bcneficiarics
under the bill would be President Pierce, who
would receive about $4,000 for the revolu-
tionary services of his father
Mr. Mason thought the payment of these
claims would render it obligatory TO make
similar compensation TO others not included
in the bill, and even to redeem all the Contin-
entail money.
Mr. Crittenden Thought It would be better
to take the bill, with all its imperiections,
than run the risk. by amendment, of losing it,
ding then to adjourn till Monday.
IIousE.-Mr. Letchcr, from the minority
of the Committee ON Ways and Means, re-
ported a substitute for the bill for the revis-
ion of the Tariff.
The Speaker laid before the House the re-
port of the Superintendent of the Coast Sur
vcy, showing the progress that had been made
in that work during the past year.
IL 90 81 o
tee of Ways and Means, reported the Navy
and Fertilization appropriation bills.
The House passed the Senate Joint reso-
luton extending Tire dime during which the
creditors Of the late Republic of Texas shall
present their claims to the LIST of Jonuor,
1858 and repeating so much OF the act OF
1856 as provides that all the residue, about
100000 Of the sum thereby appropriated,
shall be divided pro rata among the creditors
who have filed their releases
The House went into Committee of the
Whole ON the Indian Military Academy, and
Invalid Pension Appropriation bills, and sub
sequently passed them. Adjourned
WEDNESDAY,, Dec. p.
SENArE.--Tho s5hatc was not in session
to-day, having adjourned till Friday.
HousE.-Nr. Campbell of Ohio from the
Committee Of Ways and Means. reported
Post Office, Mail Steamer and Deficiency APP
preparation bills.
Mr.. Phelps, from the same Committee, re-
ported, with amendments, the Senate bill rel
ativo TO foreign coinage, and the coinage of
new cent pieces
Mr. Phelps explained that his object was
to withdraw from circulation all deprecated
foreign coin. receiving Spanish quarters,
cights, and 10th dollar pieces, at 30, 10, and
cents. The Committee of Ways and Means
propose that the President shall fix, by proc
lamation, the description of the now cent coin
the precedent was set in 796.
The further consideration of the bill was
postponed for two weeks
Mr. Rice. delegate from Minnesota. intro
duced a bill authorizing the people Of that
Territory TO form Constitution and state
Government, preparatory to admission into
the l-ninn- ON a lootnp with the ORIGINAL
States. Adjourned.
FRIDAY. Dec. %
SENATE.-A resolution was adopted cal
ling on the Secretary OF the Treasury to re-
port whether some means cannot be devised
for the preservation of lives of seamen and
passengers who may be wrecked on the coasts
Of New Jersey and Long Island, and also
whether relief should not be granted to the
families of persons who lost their lives in en-
deavors to rescue others from shipwreck
Adjourned till Tuesday.
HoUsE.-Ihc House sed several private
bills, and also the Senate bill providing for
the compulsory prepayment of postage on all
transieut printed matter
Adjourned Gll Monday.