Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-05-26
Yh,rtv.afth Congress...1st session.

MONDAY, May II, 1S5s-Ssncte.-Mr. Sew
ard presented a resolution instructing the Oom-
mittee on Foreign Relations to enquire whether
any further legislation is necessary to enable the
President to protect American vessels against
British aggression in the Gulf of Mexico. Laid
over.
The general appropriation bill was then taken
up and passed after q long debate, the clause
for the payment of the reporters being retain
ed.
House.-The resolution proposing the dislnis-
sal OF Mr.. Hackney, the Doorkeeper, was deba'
ted and passed-yeas al, nays 81.
On motion of Mr.. Barksdale resolution was
adopted calling on the President, If not incom-
patible with the public interest, to communicate
any information in his possession relative 10 mr.
ing into and searching vessels belonging to the
United States, by British ships OF war on the
coast of Cuba
TUESDAY. resolution offered
yesterday by Mr.. Seward was passed unanimous
The Oregon bill was taken up and passed.
yeas So, nays II. The bill to run the Texas
boundary was also passed
Mr.. Gwin introduced resolution, which was
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
10 adjust the difficulties with Nicaragua, New
Grenada and Mexico.
House. Joseph L. Wright, of N. j., the Dem.
ocratic nominee, was elected Doorkeeper.
The civil appropriation bill was considered in
Committee of the Whole.
WEDNESDAY, The bill repeating the
Fishery Bounty was passed-yeas 80, nays %.
House.-On motion of Mr. Harris, of Illinois,
the Committee on Elections were discharged
from the further consideration of the memorial
of Mr.. Brooks contrasting the seat of Mr.. Davis,
of Maryland.
On motion Of Mr.. Petit the further cosidera-
ton of the Fort Smelling report was postponed
until next Wednesday.
The Homestead bill was debated in Commit
tee of the Whole.
Observation-Disclosures of interest.
House-The civil appropriation bill was pass.
ed, after striking out the appropriation OF ST..
' 600, 900 for the Capitol extension.
J Mr.. Harris, of Illinois, from the Committee Of
Elections, made report that Messrs. Phelps and
Kavanaugh be admitted as members from Min.
nesota, provided such admission shall not be
construed as precluding any contest of theil
: rights that may hereafter be instituted by any
person having the right to do So
Messrs Gilmer and Washburn, of Maine, sew.
orally presented their views from the minority
of the Committee.
The Democrats wished to have immediate &C.
ton on the subject but the opposition resisted
it and resorted to dilatory motions. The con-
test continued for two hours, and was ended by
an adjournment
FRIDAY-Senate-A large number of private
bills were passed.
! House-A communication from the Secretary
of the Treasury, asking loan of $l5,00O,oOo
was referred to the Committee of Ways and
Means.
The question of admitting the Representative:
T from Minnesota was further considered, but nc
| final action taken.
!, SATURDAY.-Senate.-Th Homestead bill was
taken up. Mr.. Clingman moved as an amend.
ment, that warrant for 100 acres be granted
! to each head of family. Mr.. Clingman spoke
to his amendment, saying that he was in favor
of retaining these lands in the Public Treasury
but, if they are to be given away, he wished
, them to be distributed equally. Messrs. Hayne
Reid, Crittenden and Houston, opposed the bill
and amendment, and Messrs Hale, Durkee ano
Doolittle spoke in favor of it.
House.-Messrs. Phelps and Kavanaugh were
, admitted to seats as Representatives from Min
nesota. The Ohio election case was then con
y sidered.