Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-12-22
LAST NIGHTS REPORT.
CONGRESSIONAL.
WASHINGTON, Dec. %.


SENATE.
The Pacific R. R. bill came up Mr. Seware of
New York, addressed the Senate. He began by
saying the descendants Of the Dutch Colonists of
New York kept forever bright the memories of
their fatherland. When, however, he travelled in
Holland he could hardly find there one lingering
tradition of the settlement of New Netherlands
II was always so. The affection of the emigrant
for his native country is ever stronger than the
sympathies of that country for its exiles.
The Senators from California, as yet only eep-
resentatives here of society on the Pacific coast
are committed to this great measure and earnest
in its support. So ho hoped that if his arguments
in response to them seemed addressed to the SEN
ators from the Atlantic States, they would do him
the justice to reflect that it is only on this side of
the Rocky Mountains that the snow and ice of
indifference and prejudice resist conviction.
He would not say much concerning the details
to prescribe the route and the policy of construct
ing Pacific Railroad now He would choose
path which would be continuation of the road
that our great Northwestern emigration has hither
to followed He would discard all employment of
companies and all grants ofpublic lands, and would
build the road as military post road or national
highway, with the money and credit of the Federal
Government and surrender the lands along its
route to actual settlers free OF cost He would in
crease the revenues by an increase of imports and
create the sinking fund 70 abolish gradually the
public debt; but he had concurred in pressing this
bill because it was the only alternative He ad
mitIed that there were many objections for which
the bill was obnoxious but the time for deliberation
has come to an end and that for action to begin
He being in earnest in this desire for Pacific Rail-
road he would accept this bill.
Mr.. Seward then answered successfully the gen
cral objections against the construction Ofthe road
Commerce is only an incidental interest in connec-
ton with the road. 1t is wanted first and chiefly
for postal and military that is to say, for political
purposes. 1t is grand error to rely on commerce
for such highways in territories where society has
to be called into existence, or that they can
be dispensed with until society is created
The treaty of Guadaloupe HidaIgo extended the
national jurisdiction across the Rocky Mountains
to the Pacific, and from that moment necessity
for postal and military highways across was dis
closed. Our contentious in Utah, Central Ameri-
ca and Mexico, and with France and England, are
legitimate consequences Of the reliance on routes
through foreign countries instead of through our
own.
Mr.. Seward continued at considerable length
Mr. Ward then addressed the Senate in favor of
Texas route. His remarks were indistinctly heard.
Mr. Wilson, of Massachusetts, moved an amend
ment that the road shall be between the parallels
of "a and 43.
The debate was postponed until to morrow.
Mr.. Seward offered q resolution directing the
Committee on the Judiciary to report if further e
gislation is necessary to stop the slave trade.
Mr.. Davis objecting, it was lost.
Mr.. Doolittle, of Wis, offered a resolution which
was adopted calling for letters between the Presi
dent of Nicaragua and Com. Paulding, if there
are any such in the Navy Department.
On motion of Mr. Seward the Secretary of War
was requested to inform the Senate if any land in
New York has or can be had for revenue purposes.
Mr.. Davis, of Miss, offered resolution which
was adopted, calling on the Secretary of War for
information respecting the rights Of British sub
jects in Oregon.
Mr.. Bright, from the Building Committee, re-
ported that the new Senate Chamber will be ready
for occupation on January 4th.
The President sent through the Secretary of
State, part ofthe correspondence of Robt Macham
and DR.. Parker, Elk Ministers to China. He with
holds portion of the correspondence on account
OF pending negotiations A bill was passed to ad-
vance Hiram Powers $500 for statuary.
The Senate then went into executive session and
on the opening of the doors adjourned.
HoUsE.-A number of amendments were Of