The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-01-13
XIV. CONGRBSS-SEG0ND SESSION
WASHINGTON Jan. A.


moved, but a supply OF cane bottomed
chairs had been provided for their accommo-
dation.
The galleries aud floor were crowded,
Notwithstanding the falling snow, il 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 Al.
ter which
Mr.. Stuart Of Michigan moved that AS
many ladies as were unprovided with seats
in the gallery be admitted on the floor.
Mr. Hamlin of Maine objected on the
ground that the admission OF ladies would
embarrass the legislative business, conse.
auently the ladies were not admitted.
Mr.. Davis OF Mississippi, submitted the
report of the committee, stating that the
new chamber was ready.
Mr. Crittenden of Kentucky, moved the
adoption Of the report. The parting from
the chamber he thought was an event OF
much solemni,y. Many associations many
Of them pleasant and proud es--b'nd US to
this chamber. II has been the scene OF
great events. Questions OF the American
constitution questions Of great national
import-questiOns OF peace and waT-have
been debated in this chamber. Great men
have frequently been the orators within
these walls. lie had seen men whose name
and fame had not been surpassed in Greek
or Roman history. Here be had seen Clay,
Webster, Calhoun and others. They have
left ON these walls the impress OF their fame.
This majestic dome seems yet TO echo with
their VOICES. There are Others, too, whom
he would not designate, for they had not
yet fulfilled their political services, but whose
names are in no danger of being forfeited.
When Senators removed TO the new cham
Der they will carry with them the lnspira-
ton Of their predecessors. They will leave
behind them no iota of patriotism or attach
ment to the constitution. These, our house.
hold gods, are carried with u. The old
hall will be the scene Of the past. There
they will ever remain. The Senate of the
United States, the great prescrvative body
OF this great nation. conserving the sover-
eighty of the States aud the integrity Of the
Union.
The Vice President addressed the Senate,
giving historical sketches Of Congress at the
various seats Of government until its loca.
ton at Washington. lie then narrated the
burning Of the Capitol by the British
army the assembling thereafter Of the
Congress in BlodgctIs Hotel, on the site now
occupied by the General Post Office, and
finally, the assembling, 10 1919. in the pre-.
sent building.
lie then weLt into An interesting com.
parison Of tie character Of the Senate in
the early days of the government and now
then it was almost wholly an executive
body, aud much OF its business was trans
acted with closed doors. The President
often took part in debates, and il was not
for many years that galleries were construct
81 for spectators.
He spoke OF the great mission the nation
has fulfilled, and j. destined TO fulfill, urged
upon Senators due appreciation OF the
responsibilities resting upon them, aud re
viewed the Senatorial career Of the great
dead, whose achievements aud services in
that chamber i!umine our history.
Alter further remarks, which were listen
ceeded in a body to the new hail.
While the mass Of spectators were set
ting themselves 10 places, several memorials
inaudible in the noise, but apparently Of
private nature, were presented,
Mr.. Mallory, from the Naval Commit,ee
reported biz 10 build ten additional -loops
Of war, which were laid over. He said he
tpn l.ta IT, a.. Oh .,y .r'v
upon it.
Mr.. N. also introduced bin 70 raise the
pay Of the officers of the navy.
Quiet being restored the senate appropri-
ately devoted the rest Of the day 10 discus
sing Mr. Johnson's iof Tennessee motion
instrrctlng the Finance Committee 10 in
vestigate the exper di,urcs Of the public
money, and report the means to bring the
expeus Of the government within the limits
Of rigid economy.
Messrs. johnson. Seward. Bigler, FessCrl.
den, Toonbs, Shields, Davis, COIlaCer, Ma.
son, Stuart, Clingmsn, Reid, Green, and
Allen took part in the debate. All agreed
IN the Necessity Of retrenchmcnt The only
point debated being whether TO refer 10 the
4 AiAHN' ~ z" p-fidi NsDihuIlAAff bi -''rI
without action. The Senate went into ex.
eeutive session and upon the doors opening,
Mr. Hunter introduced the first appr0pria-
ton bill Of the season. viz: The Indian
Pension and th, Military Academy b.ll,
when the Senate sdjoorned.
IIouss.- There being no quorum, there
was call OF the Hoase and quorum OBJ
tanned.
Oo motion Of Mr. Bernheisel, the Commit,
tee 90 Territories were instructed 10 inquire
into the eypedency Of providing for the
completion OF the territorial capital Of Utah
Mr.. John Cochrsne presp,ei petition
from the Canal Board for an aspiration for
the lakes and harbors in competition with the
canals of tie State Of New York.
Various reports were presented from the
standing committees, including the follow.
ing by Mr.. Comins Of Massachusetts,, makrg
AZ appropriation for the improvement Of the
harbor Of Boston. BY Mr. Washburne, a
Illinois. the senate bills making approp-ia-
tions Tor the Improvements Of ihe mouth :
o. the Milwaukee river AID Chicago har.
~. III NJ Eanikro- n -. Il