The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-01-13


the Senate in relation to admission of persons
within the hall of the Senate, reported by reso
luton
Bis Introduced following bills we're
introduced.
By Mr. SEdell: An act making Appropriation
to facilitate the acquisition of the Island Of
Cuba by negotiation.
This bill goes on to say that whereas the geo.
graphical position of the Island of Cuba invests
it with a commanding influence over the large
and annually increasing trade, foreign and
coastwise of the Mississippi valley and where
as that island, in its existing colonial condition
and proximity to the United States, must con-
tinue source Of injury and annoyance, endan-
gering the friendly relations between Spain
and the United States, by aggressions of its
local authority upon the commerce and citizens
of the United States, and for which tardy re-
dress can only be had by circuitous demands
on Spain; and whereas, in the opinion of Con-
gress, and in accordance with the views of the
President, as the last means of settling existing
difficulties, and of removing all cause Of future
disturbance between the two countries, it is ex-
pedient that negotiations for the purchase of
that island by the United States from Spain
should beerenewed and whereas, in the prose
cutIon of such negotiations, it may possibly
happen that an expenditure of money may be
called for by the stpulations of any treaty which
may be entered into therefore the sum of thirty
millions of dollars be and the same is hereby
appropriated, to enable the President to con-
clude treaty with Spain for the purchase of
the Island of Cuba, &C., with proviso that if
there be not sufficient money in the Treasury,
the President is authorized, within twelve
months from the passage of the act, to borrow
on the creditfof the United States $50 1000, 900,
the Secretary of the Treasury to cause certif-
Gates of the stock to be issued for amount Dor
rowed, bearing an interest not exceeding FIVE
per cent, and redeemable in not less than
twelve years nor more than twenty years. No
certificate to be issued for less than 81 900.
BY Mr.. Iverson: A bill to abolish the frank
ing privilege of members of Congress, and for
other purposes.
This bill proposes to abolish the ranking
privilege to members of Congress after the pres
ent session, and in lieu thereof each member is
entitled to receive annually $50 in post office
stamps, to be delivered at the beginning of each
annual session
French SpOtidtiOn Billion motion by Mr..
Crttenden, the Senate resumed the considera-
ton of the bill to provide for the ascertanment
and satisfaction of claims of American citizens
for spoliations committed by the French prior
to the 3lst day of July, 1901.
Mr.. Davis concluded his argument against
the bill.
Mr.. Crittenden replied.
Mr.. Davis rejoined.
On the conclusion of the remarks of Mr. D.,
the bill was read third time, and passed, by
the following vote:
Heas-Messrs. Bates, Bayard, Bell, Benja-
min, Broderick, Cameron, Chandler, Chestnut,
Clark, Chngman, Collamer, Crittenden, Dixon,
Doolittle, Durkee, Foot, Foster Hamlin, Ham
mond, Houston, Pearce, Seward, Simmons, Stu
art, Toombs, and Wilson-26.
Ndys-Messrs Bigler Bright, Clay, Davis,
Douglas, Fitch, Fitzpatrick, Harlan, Hunter,
lverson, Johnson of Tennessee, King, Mason,
Polk, Reid, Rice, Slidell, Trumbull, Ward, and
Yulee-2O.
Military Academy.-On motion by Mr. Hun
ter, the Senate then proceeded to the consider
alton of the bill from the House of Representa-
tives making appropriations for the support of
the Military Academy for the year ending the
Both of June, 1860; which was read third time,
and passed.
Pirilege Of the Floor.-The Senate then
proceeded to the consideration of the resolution
reported by Mr.. Pearce this morning, in refer
ence to the individuals who are to be admitted
to the floor of the Senate.
Considerable debate ensued after which, the
rule was adopted in the following words:
Rule AZ. No person shall be admitted to the
floor of the Senate while in session, except as
follows, to wit, The officers of the Senate
members Of the House of Representatives and
their Clerk the President of the United States
and his private secretary; the heads of depart
ments; foreign ministers ex-Presidents; ex-
Vice Presidents, ex-Senators, Senators elect,
and Judges of the Supreme Court.
On motion, the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
On motion of Mr. Barksdale, of Mississippi
| the following resolution was adopted:
Whereas it has been announced in foreign
journals that the Cabinets of France and Eng
land have given notice to this Government that
the cession of Cuba to the United States would
not he tolerated, even with the consent ofSpan-
Resoired, Therefore, That the President be re-
quested if not Incompatible with the public in
terest. to communicate to this House the cores
pondence between this Government and France
and England in relation to the acquisition of
Cuba by the United States
THE M0rtara Case.-Mr. Harris, of Maryland
offered joint resolution, requesting the Presi-
dent to interpose in behalf of the restoration Of
the Israelitish boy Mortara to his parents, from
whom he had been abducted by Papal authori
ties.
Mr.. Phelps, of Missouri, remarking that this
was joint resolution, inquired whether the
usual notice had been given.
Mr.. Harris replied, that notice had not been
given.
Mr.. Jones, of Tennessee, thought it was
subject with which the House had nothing to
do, and therefore objected.
+ Mr.. Harris then gave notice that he should
Tomorrow, or on some subsequent day, intro
bduce the resolution.
+ The Indian appropriation Billion motion
of Mr.. Phelps, of Missouri, the House then went
into Committee of the Whole on the state of the
Union, (Mr. Bocock, of Virginia, in the chair
and resumed the consideration of the bill ma
king appropriations for the Indian department :;
the question being the amendment of Mr..
Sherman, of Ohio, reducing the appropriation
for removing the Indians of Oregon and Wash
| ington Territories.
The question being taken, the amendment
was agreed to.
Among the amendments adopted was that
offered by Mr.. Smith, of Virginia, providing
that no portion of the appropriation provided
for in this bill shall be expended in any way
otherwise than that covered by its provisions
yeas 73, noes not counted.
And then the bill was laid aside, to be re-
ported to the House, with the recommendation
that it do pass.
then proceeded to the consideration Of the
icSiueht annual hesSdSe-the question: ueiiiS
on the resolutions offered by Mr.. Phelps, Of
Missouri, referring it to the appropriate com
mittees.
Mr.. Nichols, of Ohio, regarded the legislation
on the part of the House within the past few
weeks as extraordinary in its character, and
pernicious in its influence upon the future des-
TIMES of the country. He then gave his reasons
at length for voting against the old soldiers
bill, which, in his Judgment, was against the
candid sense of the House. He embraced the