The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-12-30
WASHINGTON. Dec. %.

WAsHIsGroS, Dec. 90.
SxSArE-The Senate was opened with
prayer by \ Catholic priest in white sur
plice.
Various memorials we're presented and a
message was received from the President.
Mr.. Crittenden, Of Kentucky, introduced
bill to regulate the manner OF electIng
United States Senators. Referred to the
Committee on Judicial Affairs.
Mr.. Stuart, of Michigan, attempted to
bring up the Agricultural College bill
Messrs. Fitzpatrick, OF Alabama, lverson,
Of Georgia. and Bright, OF Indiana objected
and the Senate refused to take up the bill
by nays, rs yeas, 20
4 debate next sprung up on the bill CIV
ing a pension to the widow and family of
Col. Turnbull, which was warmly discussed
by Crittenden. which occupied considerable
time over the morning hours.
Mr.. Davis, Of Mississippi, in the course OF
his remarks upon it, said that if army officers
OF high attachments are to be retained in the
service ut a small pay, they were entitled to
liberal construction Of the rules
Mr.. Houston. OF Texas. a. usual in all
cases OF old soldiers widows, spoke zealousy
in its favor Finally. $50 month was
granted by vote Of - against Is.
HousE-Mr. Comins, Of Msssa huetts,
introduced bill for regulating the duties
on imports, and for other purposes.
Mr.. John Cochrane, OF New York, pro-
posed resolution OF thanks 10 Capt Daniel
&. Reed, for having Designed the present
flag OF the United States. Referred TO the
Committee on Naval Affairs.
On motion OF Mr.. George Taylor, of New
York, special committee of five was or.
dered to be appointed. to investigate ,he
accounts Of the late Superintendent Of pub
lie Printing, with power TO send for persons
and papers, and report at another time
Messrs. Richie aud Morris seyera ly
made unsuccessful efforts 10 introduce pro-
positions looking to the alteration Of the
tariff, with view TO protection and specific
duties.
Mr. Grow. of Pennsylvania, asked, but
failed TO obtain. leave TO introduce bill
fixing the annual meeting Of Congress on
the second Monday in November.
Mr. Phillips. OF Pennsylvania, introduced
join, resolution. authorizing the President
to confer the title Of Cap,aln.in Chief for
eminent naval services. Re,trr,d 10 the
Committee 90 Naval Affairs.
% motion OF Mr, Bocock. OF Virginia. a
resolution calling on the PresideD, to inform
the House whether any measure had recently
been taken a. procure reduction OF the du-
ties by foreign governments on American
, tobacco, was adopted.
Mr. Covo,le Of Pennsylvania asked leave
Ia Introduce a resolution for the appoiat.
ment Of a committee OF five. 10 enquir, into
the facts charged by the Presidsu, OF the
United States, contained in the letter TO the
! President OF the Centenary committee at
Pitshurg. that money had been thrown IN
TO Pennsylvania ~ intlnepoe the state Con-
grlssional election 10 bis wlahcs aud report
/ the names cf the persons implicated
} The introduction Of this resolution va,
objected 20 amidst loud laughter.
"a motion OF Mr. Taylor Of New York
the Committee on Ways aud Meaus were
instructed 10 inquire into the expsdiency OF
repaling 81 much OF the act as pro, iJes for
the d.hssing OF silver half dollars. and other
small CONS, and making them egal tender
in sums not EXCEEDING Ave dollars
Mr.. tayor also introduced bill author
! izing louisiana 90 impass tonnage dates