Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1859-01-05
LAST NIGHTS REPORT,
CONGRESSIONAL.
W ,,rr..,,--,.- L.

CoNGREssIONAL.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4.
HOUSE.
There being no quorum there was call of the
House and quorum obtained.
On motion of Mr.. Burnheisel, the Committee on
Territories were instructed inquire into the ex-
| pediency Of providing for the completion of the
Territorial capital of Utah.
Mr.. John Cochrane presented petition from
the Canal Board for appropriation for the lakes
and harbors in connection with the canals of the
State of New York.
Various reports were presented from the stand
ing Committees, including the following by Mr..
| Comins, Mass, making an offer for the improve.
ment of the harbor of Boston
By Mr.. Washburn of ILL.,, the Senate bills making
| appropriations for the improvement of the mouth
of the Milwaukee River and Chicago harbor
By Mr.. Faulkner, of Va, the Senate bill pro-
viding for the payment of the claims of marine for
| expenses incurred by that State in organizing a
regiment for the Mexican war.
| Mr.. Davis, of Mass, introduced a bill providing
that invalid seamen may receive an annual stipend
from the Government; reside with their friends
when they shall so elect, instead of living at an
Asylum.
Mr.. Curtiss, of Iowa, asked, but failed to obtain
consent, to introduce joint resolution providing
for commission of members of Congress and
army officers to revise the militia and the army
laws.
On motion of Mr.. Phelps, of No, the House
went into Committee of the Whole on the state OF
the Union on the Indian Appropriation bill
Without coming to a conclusion the Committee
rose and the House adjourned.
SENATE
The Senate met at noon in the old hall, from
which the desks had been removed, but a suppIy
of cane bottomed chairs had been crowded for
their accommodation. he galleries and floor
were crowded notwithstanding the falling snow,
it having been understood that the Vice President
Mr.. Crittenden, and others would speak.
The proceedings as usual opened with prayer
and the reading of the Journal, after which Mr..
Mr.. Stuart. Of Mich, moved that as many ladies
unprovided with seats in the gallery, would be ad>
mitted to the floor.
Mr.. Hamlin, of Me-, objected on the ground
that the admission of ladies Eoule embarrass the
Legislative business, consequently the ladies were
not admitted.
Mr.. Davis, of Miss, submitted the report of the
Committee stating that the new Chamber was
ready.
Mr.. Crittenden moved the adoption of the re-
port. The parting from the Chamber be thought
was an event of much solemnity. Many associa>
tiOns-many Of them pleasant and proud ones
bind US to this chamber. It has been the scene
of great events. Questions of the American Con-
stitution-questions of great national import
QueSluus u peace anu Nart nave DeeQ QeDatel IN
this chamber. Great men had frequently been
the actors within these walls. He had seen men
whose name and fame had not been surpassed in
Greek or Roman history. Here he had seen Clay,
Webster, Calhoun and others. They have left on
these walls the impress Of their fame. This ma
jestic dome seems yet to echo with their voices
There are Others too, whom he would not desig
nate, for they had not lyet fulfilled their political
services, but whose names are in No danger of be-
ing forfeited. When the Senators are removed TO
the new Chamber, they will carry with them the
inspiration OfIheir predecessors. Tney will leave
behind them no iOta of patriotism or attachment to
the Constitution, these, our household Gods, are
carried with US. The hall will be the scene of
the past There they will ever remain the Senate
ofthe United States the great preservatve of this
great nation, conserving the sovereignty of tle
States, and the integrity of the Union.
The Vice President addressed the Senate giving
historical sketches of Congress at the various seats
of OfGovernment until its location at Washington
He then narrated the burning OF the Capitol by the
British army.
The assembling thereafter of the Congress in
Blodgett's Hall, on the site now occupied by the
general Post Ofce, and finally the assembling in
1873 in the present building. He then went into
an interesting comparison Of the character of the
Senate in the early days OF the Government and !
now. Then it was almost wholly an Executive |
body, and much its business was transacted with
closed doors. The President often took part in |