Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-12-23
THIRTY-FIFTH CoNGREss.-second Session.

THIRTY-FIFTH CONGRESS- Second Session
MONDAY, Dec. q.
SENATE.
Various memorials, of no public interest
were presented.
The Senate passed the bill making appro-
priations for the Improvement Of the st. Clair
flats, by ayes %, nays -.
The Pacific Railroad bill came up.
Mr.. Seward addressed the Senate. He would
not say much concerning the details of the
bill. If he were allowed to prescribe the route
and the policy Of constructing a Pacific Rail
road now, he would choose path which would
be continuation of the road that our great
Northwestern emigration has hitherto followed
He would discard all employment of compa-
MES, and all grants Of public lands, and would
build the road as military, postal, and natural
highway, with the money and credit of the
federal government, and surrender the lands
along the route to actual settlers free of cost.
he would increase the revenues by an increase
of imports, and create sinking fund to abolish
gradually the public debt. But he had CON
Cured in presenting this bill, because it was
the only alternative. He admitted there were
many objections to which the bill was obnox-
ious. The time for celebrating has come to
an end, and that for action is to begin so be-
ing in earnest in his desire for a Pacific Rail
road, he would accept this bill.
MIR. Seward then answered successfully the
general objections against the construction of
the road. In conclusion, he would say if ma
tlonal activity is to take benehcent direction
the responsibility Of directing it belongs to
Congress. 1t cannot be left to the States
The revenues belong to the federal govern
ment, and 1t alone has power to act within the
Territories. He called on every senator to win
for himself the gratitude Of posterity by con-
meeting his name with this great work. 1t
seemed to him there is no easier way to win
the character given by the Roman historian to
the honored statesman. He abored for him
self with moderation, for the commonwealth
with earnestness
MIR. Ward addressed the Senate in favor of
the Texas route His remarks were indistinct-
ly heard.
Mr.. Wilson of Massachusetts, moved an
amendment, that the road shall be between
parallels "a and 43. The debate was post
poned till tomorrow.
MIR. Seward Of New York, offered a resolu-
ton directing the Committee on the Judiciary
to report if further legislation is necessary to
stop the slave trade.
Mr.. Davis Directing it was lost
MIR. Bright, from the Building Committee,
reported that the new Senate chamber would
be ready for occupancy on January 4th
a Dill was passed to advance Hiram Powers
S-jcOO AOl StdtudIJ.
The Senate went into executive session, and
on the opening the doors, adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Phelps, of Missouri, from the Commit
tee on Ways and Means, reported bills making
appropriations for the consular and diplomatic
service, and for the support Of the army.
Mr.. Kellogg, Of Illinois, asked but did not
obtain, leave to introduce a resolution, .in-
structing the Committee on Territories to re-
port bill providing for the election of all To-
cal officers in the organized Territories by the
people, they to pay the expenses OF the gov
eminent.
Mr.. Cavanagh, of Minnesota, introduced a
bill to organize the territorial government Of
Dacota.
The House then went into Committee of the
Whole on the soldiers pension bill
number Of amendments were offered, de-
bated, and rejected.
MIR. Savage, of Tennessee, offered a substi-
tute, which was agreed upon by caucus last
night, for the bill proposing pensions to all who
served sixty days or more, or were engaged in
the actual war of 1872, or during that period.
In the event of the death of a pensoner, his
widow is to receive the pension during her
natural life.
Mr. Sayage's substitute was agreed to, 1873
against 81.
Pending the question on the passage of the
amended bill, the House adjourned.