Mariposa Democrat., 1858-02-18
From the San joaquin Republican.
ARRIVAL OF THE
JOHN L. S STEP n E NJ S

In the House, on the 9th ult., Mr.. Wash
burn, of Illinois, reported a bill to amend the
act providing for the security of passengers on
board of steam vessels.
After some resolutions, calling for cores
pondence and information, the Presidents re-
ply to the call for information as to the capture
of Walker, was received. The President
thinks Commodore Paulding committed an
error, but his motives were patriotic. Mica
ragua alone has the right to complain, and as
she received substantial benefit, there is no
probability of her doing so.
A debate followed in which Messrs. Sew
ard, Doottle and Pearce sustained the Pres-
dents views, while Messrs Davis, Crittenden,
Brown, Pugh, Toombs and Douglas took the
opposite ground. The message was referred
to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
In the Senate, on the 10Th, petition for
the establishment of telegraphic line from
Missouri to the South Pass, via Fort Laramie
was presented
In executive session, the Hon. Nathan Cliff
ford was confirmed as Judge Of the Supreme
Court, by vote of 26 to 23.
On the 18th, in the Senate, Mr.. Doolttle in
troduced joint resolution, providing for the
presentation of a medal to Commodore Paul
ding, and Mr.. Brown gave notice of an amend
ment thereto, to the effect that Congress disa-
vowed and condemned his conduct at Punta
Arenas.
Mr.. Houston gave notice of a bill to provide
for the admission of Kansas into the Union.
The bill proposes to submit the Topeka and
the Lecompton Constitutions to the popular
vote, either for or against and the admission
of Kansas with either, if accepted. If neither
is accepted, the bill authorizes new conven-
ton. The General says that his purpose is to
secure the fullest exercise of popular sover
eighty.
The Senate spent five hours in Executive
Session. The special order of the day 0he
Kansas question: was then taken up Mr..
Hale, of New Hampshire, spoke strongly in
opposition to the Lecompton scheme, which
he did not agree with Mr.. Douglas in regard
ing as an infraction Of the principles of "pop-
ular sovereignty" embodied in the Nebraska
bill, but as their consummation, the natural
fruit of the tree planted by Mr.. Douglas and
his coadjutors.
The most important news from Washington
is the Introduction into the Senate by Mr..
Gwin, of the Pacific Railroad bill
The bill proposes to locate the road at a
point on the Missouri river, between the Big
Sioux and the Kansas rivers, thence running
to San Francisco on the most eligible route.
In aid of the construction Of the work, alter
nate sections of land on each side of the road
are to be granted, and $500 advanced on
the completion of every twenty-five miles Of
the track, until $25,oO0,oo0 are expended
the amount to be reimbursed in mail service,
and transportation of troops and munitions of
war The President is to receive the bids, and
make the contract for twenty years. Fiveper
cent of the stock is to be issued
Both branches Of the Legislature of Ala
bama have unanimously passed resolutions,
authorizing the Governor to call State con-
vention, if Congress refuses to admit Kansas
into the Union, under the Lecompton Consti-
tuition.
In executive session the Senate confirmed
the appointment Of Mr.. Lamar, as Minister to
Nicaragua, and that of Gen. Denver as Gov
ernor Of Kansas.
Dispatches from New Grenada, state that
there is no prospect of the ratification of the
treaty recently negotiated between the United
States and that Republic. They seem deter
mined to make no restitution for losses Of our
citizens They are opposed to letting the
United States have the island in the Bay of
Panama.
The Senate territorial committee, report in
favor of admitting Minnesota with its present
constitution. The Southern Senators will OPP
pose her admission, until the Kansas question
assumes some definite form.
Affairs in * ansas.
The reports by the last steamer of a collision