The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1858-02-27
Congregational.
WASHINGTON, Feb.

SENATE.-Mr. Seward presented memo
rial OF the New York emigration commission
ers, complaining of the abuses committed on
female passengers by officers of emigrant
ships, giving notice that he should introduce
bill on the subject. 49,.
Mr.. Wilson offered resolution calling for
the Presidents instructions to Mr. Meade, the
American Minister to Brazil.
On motion of Mr.. llamlin, the Indiana
contested election case was taken up; Mr..
Hamlin argued the Importance of immediate
action.
On motion of Mr.. Gwynn, q resolution was
adopted instructing the Finance Commit
tee to enquire into the expediency of report
ing bill increasing the facilities of refining
gold for coinage at the San Francisco mints.
HousE-A resolution appropriating $685.
600 for the expenses ofthe several investiga-
ting committees was presented.
Mr.. Campbell asked leave to introduce
bill requesting the President to negotiate for
the purchase of British North America and
Cuba-the people of said provinces to regu
late their institutions in their own way. The
House refused to suspend the rules-ayes
only ten.
WASHINGTON Feb. 16.
SENArE.-Mr. Houston presented reso-
luton, instructing the Committee on Foreign
Relations to inquire into the expcdiency of
the Governments establishing prOtectOrate
over Central America. The subject was laid
over.
Mr.. Mason called up the joint resolution
for the reception of the Turkish Vice-Admi-
raj.
Mr. Clay objected to the expenditure Of
money for such purposes. There was no
limit placed to the amount to be expended,
and no benefit accruing from its expenditure.
Mr. Hale offered resolution, instructing
the Committee on Post Offices and Post
Roads, to inquire whether the transmission of
the mails between Washington and Boston
could not be expedited so as to prevent
twelve hours detention in New York, which
was adopted
Mr.. Chandler introduced bill making ap-
preparations for deepening the channels of
the St. Marie River and St. Clair Flats, Mi
chigan. Referred.
Mr. Pugh thought the gentlemen who sold
the ships to the Turkish Government ought
to pay the expenses of entertaining them.
We do not allow our officials abroad to take
brides, and why should we offer them to 9th.
ers. He should vote against the resolution.
Mr.. Trumbull indorsed every word Of the
Senator from Ohio.
Messrs. Stuart and Collamer advocated the
resolution.
Mr.. Biggs offered an amendment limiting
the am punt to $4,000 which was rejected.
The resolution then passed.
The resolution for the taking of testimony
in the Indiana contested election case was
taken up, and Mr.. Trumbulls amendment for
the immediate decision CT the question was
rejected, by yeas l6, nays %.
An amendment was adopted that all the
testimony be returned to the Senate within
ninety days, when the resolution passed.
The army bill next came up, and Mr. Will
son offered an amendment providing for the
employment of volunteers for the Utah expe-
dition.
Mr.. Hunter gave notice that he should
move substitute to the question pending on
Mr.. Wilson's amendment.
Tie Senate went into executive session,
and upon the doors being opened, adjourned.
HoUsE.-Mr. Letcher, from the Committee
on Ways and Means, reported the deficiency
appropriation bill
Mr.. Boyce called up the Maryland con-
tested election cass-Mr. Brooks claiming
the seat occupied by Mr.. Davis. on the ground
that the election was carried by tra4d and
violence. Mr.. Boyce argued against grant
ing the prayer of Mr.. Brooks, who asks an
exemption from the operation of the law of
1851, and that the COMMITTEES on Elections
proceed to take testimony.
The question was debated by Messrs.
Philips, Maynard, Wilson, Hatch, Bowie
and Washburne of Me. No action was
taken, and the House adjourned.
WASHINGTON, Feb. II.
SENArE-Mr. Foster Offered resolution
calling on the President for further informs-
ton in reference to the case OF Phiio Il,
Shelton and Avis Island. which was adopted.
Mr.. Chandler presented the resolutions of
the Legislature Of Michigan, in oppos,t ion to
the admission of any slave States and against
! the LecomptOn Constitution.
Mr.. Houston's resolution presented yester-
day in relation to protectOrate over Central
America, was taken up.
MIR. Wilson thought it was an eXtraordi-
nary proposition, calculated to foster the
spirit of fillibusterism and disgrace US in the
eyes Of the civilized world.
| Mr.. Houston stated that it was not pro-
position to extend our dominion, but simply
| to benefit our neighbors. He was opposed
to fillibustering, but thought the subject wor
thy of consideration, especially as other pow
ers have designs upon Central America.
| Mr.. Mason objected to reference, because
| the Central American States would justly re-
gard such a reference as an inaigpity, AL
though weak, they were sovereign, indepsn
dent States, with whom we have treaties
and, therefore, should be regarded as poltica
equals. He doubted the policy of establish
ing protectOrate anywhere.
Mr.. Hale offered an amendment, that
whereas, a state of colonial independence i
not calculated to illustrate the theory am
practice of popular sovereignty and periec
freedom therefore, the Committee Oh For
egn Relations are instructed TO inquire wit
regard to Canada and other British possess
ions on the American Continent.
Mr.. TOonbs advocated the resolution.
He said the time for action was pot distan
and it had better be considered now.
Mr.. Mason moved to lay the resolution o.
the table, which was agreed to.
The army bill was taken up.
Mr.. Johnson of Tenn, submitted substitut
which Mr.. Wilsonacceptedin place of his no,
amendment, providing for 1900 volunteer
to serve only during the present trouble
Mr.. johnson said he offered the amendment
because he believed that it reflected tn
views of this Administration. The bill whic
was reported by the Military Committee di
not represent the wishes Of the Administri
ton, which did not ask for permanent ir
crease to the standing army. He argued til
Importance OF reduction in Government es
penses. Congress holds the purse and is bel
: responsible for the expenditures. He refe
red to the subject of polygamy in Utah.
There was more practical polygamy in Ne,
York city than at Salt Lake City; the dl
ference being that it was tolerated in the la