New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1858-05-20

WkaHN0Tos, May 12,-Sendfs--The Vice Presi-
dent laid before the Senate report Of the Secretary
o. War, In answer TO resolution of the Senate Of
the Sd inst. relative 10 the purchase Of Lime Point
California for military purposes, which was read.
Mr. 6roderick thought there was gross fraud in
the purcbase Of this property. The Government had
agreed 70 give two hundred thousand dollars for it,
whlle be was informed and believed that It would not
bring seven thousand dollars under the hammer.
What the Governments wanted Of 80 large tract Of
land Tor military purposes-scme twenty three thou
sand acres a. ne had been told-was mystery 70
Mr.. Gwin explained that the site necessary for 4
fort for the defence Of the haror OF San Francisco
would not be sold BY the owner unless the whols
tract was bought. and the Government had been
unable 10 get il for less price II was the opinion
Of both the present Secretary Of War and his prede
cessor that fort there Indispensable 10 the de-
fence Of the harbor Of San Francisco, bot yet only
small portion OF the tract purchased was necessary
for military purposes.
Mr. Davis and Mr. Fessenden spoke briefly on the
subject and the report then referred TO the Com
mittee on Military Affairs
the consideration Of the bill 10 provide for the better
regulation Of night signals board sail vessels
navigating the northwestern lakes and their tributa
| ries, and for other purposes: which, having been
amended. was read a third time and passed.
On motion BY Mr. Pearce, a resolution was adopted
instructng the Committee on Public Lands to in
quEe into the propriety Of aboIsbing the Offices OF
Register and Receiver Of Public Lands In those States
where al the public lands have been sold and pro-
yidng for the custody Of all the public land papers
in such cases; and also TO inquire into the expedf
ency Of diminishing the number Of land Offices in the
other States and Territories.
On motion Of Mr.. Benjsmin, . resolution was
adopted instrncting the COMMITTEES On the Judiciary
70 inquire into the expedepcy Of providing BY law
tuition Of taking private property for pubc use on
bill or otherwise.
Mr.. Mason. from the COMMITTEES on Foreign Rela-
n uroa rafa arroAu cf
dent Of the United States in TO resolution Of
the Senate calling for information relative 70 the
seizure BY the authorities Of Chile OF the proceeds OF
the cargo OF the American brig Macedonia, reported
In favor of the printing OF the same and the motion
was referred to the Committee on Printing. I
Mr.. Hunter asked and obtained leave to introduce .
bill to amend the acts In relation 70 the Post Office
Department which was read twice and referred 10
the Committee the Post Once and Post Roads
The bill provides for changing the present rates Of
postage that for every single letter in manuscript
or paper OF any kind In which information shall Be
asked for or communicated in writing or BY marks oI
signs conveyed In the mail for any distance between
places In the United States not exceeding three thou
sand miles, the rate OF postage shall be i've cenfs
and for any distance three thousand miles ten
cents For double letter double these rates shall BE-
charged, and for treble letter treble these rates
The bill makes other important changes in the rates
Of postage and the compensation Of deputy post
masters
Mr. Toombs presented certificate OF the election
Of Hon. Henry NJ. Rice Senator from the State Of
Minnesota, which was read, and Mr.. T. moved that
the oath Of Office be administered 10 Mr.. Rice, and
. he be admitted to a seat in the Senate.
Mr.. Harlan desired to make statement before the
! oath was administered. He then read paper signed
by settlers the Fort Crawford reservation in Iowa
setting forth that they had been defrsuded by Mr.
Rice while acting agent Of the War Department;
that they had paid him 81 so per for their lands
: and had only received receipts for 81 Is per
q After some discussion Mr.. Rice was sworn in, and
pledged himself to resign his seat in the Senate If the
charges against him should be established
The Senate resumed the consideration Of the bill
for the repeal of the fishery bountes and after
eral frutess motions Of amendment, adjourned with
out taking action.
House.-The Speaker laid before the House com
municaton from the Secretary Of the Interior, sub
mtting report upon claims for depredations by tn,
/ Indians in the Territory Of New Mexico, required
by the act of Congress- approved August 9Th, 1856
. which was referred to the Committee on Indian Al
q fairs and ordered to be printed
+ Also, communication from the Secretary Of War
transmitting the report OF Lieut Beale OF expl0ra
tons for wagon road from Fort Defiance TO the Col
orado river. which laid the table and ordere
i to be printed
: Mr.. Smith, Of Virginia. from the Committee OF
Military Affais, reported bill TO organize the Terri
>. tory OF Nevada, and it was committed.
y The House soon after adjourned. .ss