Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1858-12-31
xxXv CoNGREss--seeond sesaion.
WASHINGTON, Dec. q


xxXy oNGREss--seeond sesaion.
WAsHrNGroS, Dec. 2l.
SEyArE.-The Pacific Railroad bill came
up.
Mr.. Seward said if he were allowed to pre-
scribe the route and the policy of construct
ing Pacific Railroad now, he would choose
a path which would be a continuation OF the
road that our great Northwestern emigration
has hitherto followed. He would discard all
employment of companies, and all grants OF
public lands, and would build the road as
military. postal and national highway, with
the money and credit Of the federal govern
ment, and surrender the lands along the
route to actual settlers free Of cost. lie had
concurrcd in presenting this bill. because it
was the only altc native. He admitted there
were many objections. The time for delibe-
rating has come to an end, and that Tor ac-
ton is to begin 50. being in earnest in his
desire for Il Pacific Qairoad, he would ac-
cept this bill,
Mr.. Ward addressed the Senate in favor of
the Texas route.
Mr. Wilson of Massachusetts moved an
amendment, that the road should be between
parallels 81 and 43.
Mr.. Seward of New York offered Il resolu-
|
arv to report if further legislation is necessa-
ry to stop the slave trade.
Mr.. Doolittlo obiectlng, it was lost
Mr.. DOolittle Of Wisconsin offered reso-
luton. which was adopted, calling for the
| letters between the President Ui Nicaragua
and Com. Paulding, if there are any such IN
the Navy Department,
4 bill was passed to advance Hiram Pow
ers S2500 for statuary.
HorsE.-Thc House went into committee
of the whole on the soldiers pension bill,
The enactng clause vi the bill was stfict-
en- out by six majority. This had the effect,
as was intended, to terminate further pro
ceedings thereon in committee, and bring
the bill int the House.
The Speaker, in reply to question. said
if the House concur in the Recommendation
Of tie committee. to strike out the enacting
clause. the bill would thereby be deieated.-
| The question was decided in the negative
70 against l27.
Nj. Savage Of Tennessee offered a resulu-
ton, which was agreed upon in caucus last
night, for the bill, proposing pensions to al!
who served sixty days OF more, or Wee en-
gayed in the actual war Of 1872, ur during
that period The benefits of the act are ex-
tended to the marine corps. In the event oil
the death of the pensi,urr, his widow is to
receive the pension during her natural life
The pensions are regulated follows For
twelve months services or upwards, so for
SIX months and upwards, and not exceeding
twelve months, S7j /; and for sixty days and
upwards, and not eyceeIing six months, SoO
per annum. o
Mr.. Savago's substitute was agreed to, l53
against 81.
. Pending the question on the passage of the
amended bill, the House adjourned.
Wednesday, Dec. %.
SENATE.-Sixty or more petitions tcr the
pr1tection nf various branches of American
Industry were received from B,rks, Lancaster
and other counties in Pennsylvania.
Mr.. ~ ilson, of Massachusetts,, introduced
a bill, which was referred to the Committee
on the District. to appropriate a million =.
acres of land for the benefit of free Public
Schools in the District of Columbia,
HousE.-rhe House passed the Invalid Sol
diers' Pension Bill by yeas l30 nays 10
On motioa of Mr.. Phelps of Mo, tho
House resolved itself into Committee of the
Whole, on the bill for the payment OF the
invalid and other pensions, approprlatnS
1852 900 therefor.
The Military Academy Bill arpropriating
, nearly SlSl 600, was next taken up, and
after discussion was laid aside to be reported
to the House.
Mr. Morris of Illinois explained his bill
, giving the people Of the organized Territories
authority to elect their Judges, Governors,
and all other officers, and providing for the
formation of State constitution, when there
is sufficient population to elect one Represen-
, tative to Congress. He had hoped the old
issue on Lecompton would have been allowed
t. sleep, but it had been revived by the Pres
: id.nt. The Democracy of Illinois had been
; always brave and faithful, and yet hostile
policy has been pursued towards them by the
Administration. The guillotine has been at
work, and the places of good men have been
supplied BY miserable scoundrels and syco-
plants. and this he could prove.
Mr.. Washburne of Ill, asked-Do un-
: derstand that such persons have been ap-
pointed by the present administration
$ Mr.. Morris replied that he did not assert
that the character OF those individuals was
known to the heads of the departments; but
it is a fact that they were appointed to office
The passage of his bill would quiet the slave
i ry agitation in Congress.
Mr.. Ritchie of Pa. characterized the cleo
tion of Judges and Governors in the Terrific
= rcs as absurd, and referred to [ Utah, to show
IS what would be its unfayorable operation
n there
Mr.. Morris said that Mr.. Ritche coult
. offer an amendment eXempting Utah from
It the operation of the bill.
h Mr.. Millson. of Va, gave some reasons
. why he was opposed to the revival of specif,
duties.
The committee rose
e The House then passed the Invalid Pension
d and West Point Appropriation bill,
Mr.. Morris, of Pa, gave notice of his in
: tention to introduce bill laying specf,
: duties on certain classes of imports, and s.
d amendatory of the present tariff as to furnish
$ increased revenue to the treasury, and proper
protection to the labor and industry of th
country.
a Mr.. Davis, of Miss, asked leave, bu
s objection was made to offer resolution
instructing the Committee on Foreign Affair
J to report bill authorizing the President t
take possession of Cuba until satisfaction i
% given for the insults offered to the persons
- and property of our citizens. Adjourned,