Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-04-20
TmlRry.FIFTH coNGREss-I., Session.
THURsDAY, APRIL Is, 1858.
- IN 'rI.

| SESAIE.
Mr. Fessendsn moved resolution that the SecIe.a.
ry of War give information respecting all the c,r.
tracts for the supply os the army in Utah made ih.
out public notice .ing given; areed to- lie also off-r
ed a resolution that when III, Senate adjourn on the
fret Monday 10 June next il be 10 meet on the fret
Of November. Laid over.
| On motion OF Mr. Hunter. the diplomatic appro.
| priaon bill WAS taken up and passed.
Mr.. Crtenden moved that the Utah telegraph bill
| be re.c0nsdsred. Laid over.
Mr.. Houston gave notice that on Monday hs would
move for proector9te over Mexico.
| The Pacific Railroad bill was then taken up.
Mr.. Polk spoke on his amendment in regard {, the
eastern terminus of the road. If the mouth OF the
Big Sioux be the terminus, twenty two States are en-
trey south OF that parallel, and only four North
| of it while the parallel carried to the Atlantic
would intersect part of Canada aud be as near Mon
real as Baltimore. He elaborated at great length
on the advantages of the 35rh degree parallel over all
Othsrs. There il no tunnellng TO be DONE and no
grade steep as on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad
Mr.. Mason thought the proposition was ons which
might well create misgivibgs in the breast of the
speculative and incons'derats |. involved the nna
ton oil new and economical policy on the part OF the
Government, and was, besides based on con'ldera.
tions which were rather ilusory than sub-ts ntia-
Rail roads running through the most populous regions
were generally Improbable TO stockholders. What
would be the upshot of this great undertaking. The
attempt to effect it according To the terms Of the
pending bill would speedily result in the bankruptcy
of the contractors and then it would be urged that
Congress having begun the work was morally com
mitted TO see il completed; and Congress, after hav
ing completed it. would next be held bound to defray
the expense Of working it. Under such system we
should have Government not only OF overshadow
ing public patronage but also one of public plunder
and peculation. He could aid by his vote in the in
augurati0n Of policy ruinous and demoraliZing
A brief coloquy here ensued between Mr.. Gwin
and Mr.. Mason, tho former OF whom desired to ask
the latter il he WAS in favor Of any Pacific Rail
Road, was he prepared TO ses California snndered
from the Union in case OF war with any great mari
time Power7 Orwould he drive California even now
to consider the advantages Of separation from the
Atlantic States! Mr. Mason, in reply, stated that he
was in favor only of such Pacific Rail Road "a
might be- built and worked by private capital. He
had too much confidence in the ability of California
to defend herself to fear her conquest by any mari
time Power; but. if called TO choose between her vol
untary withdrawal from the Union or the adoption of
economical system which would inevitably result
in transforming the whole theory and working of our
Government, he should BIZ compelled to elect the
former alternative as the lesser evil.
After some further debate, without coming to any
action the bill WIS postponed till to morrow
After passing some half dozen private bills, the
Senate adjourned till TO morrow.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE.
Mr.. John Coclrane, OF the committee of com.
merce. reported Il bill making appropriations for the
inprov enent of certain rivers and hHrbols lie re-
mark ed that it was framed with view to economy,
considering the present condition of the treasury.
Mr. NasnDurue Oh lIHpOls, dlsO repoTteu river
and harbor bill.
Mr.. Cochrsne wanted to make these bills special
order.
Mr.. Clemens objected
Mr.. Cochrane reported bill to amend the act OF
1885, regulating the carriage of passengers on steam
ships and other vessels
Mr. Millson, from the committee on commerce, re-
ported bill fixing the compensation Of captains in
the revenu. service at 5OD 6rst lisuensnts 81 200;
aecond lieutenans 81 100; third lieutenants 81 .OOO
engineers Sl2DO, and assistant engineers 81 OO0 per
nnuum. The compensation Of the petty officers and
sergeant marines TO be fixed by the President, and
not 20 exceed $40 per month, exclusive OF rations-
passed.
MIR j. Cochrane. from the sans committee. report.
ed bill for the cod6caton Of the revenue laws with
such notifications the present state OF commerce
requires and ts further consideration was postponed
unit the second "Wednesday in May.
Mr.. Cobb, from the committee on the public lands,
made an adverse report on the bill to grant lands 10
the several States for the promotion Of agriculture
and the mschauca arts.
Mr. Waldridge submitted a minority report.
Mr. Stephens made an Intellectual effort TO proceed
TO the consideration Of the bill for the admission Of
Minnesota into the Union.
The House resumed the consideration of the Senate
bill TO establish auxiliary guard for the protection
Of life and property in the city Of Washington.
The bill wa. debated on its merits by several gen
tempn but without coming to a vote on the measure
the House adjourned