Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-01-25
Proceedings Of To-Day.


In THE SENATE, to-day, the Vice President
being necessarily absent for some days, ON
motion Of Mr.. Bright, Mr.. Fitzpatrick was
elected to the Chair.
Mr. Pugh, arising to a personal explanation,
stated that the recent Geographic dispatch in
the New York Herald, purportipg TO give an
account Of personal scene between Messrs.
Douglas and Fitch in the executive session on
friday last, was grossly incorrect. He sent
the article up to the Secretary's desk, and il
was read. He thought that some measures
ought to be adopted to prevent the proceed
lngs OF the executive sessions from becoming
public, at least in an incorrect manner.
Mr.. Fitch concurred with the Senator from
Ohio, both in regard to the incorrectness of the
report, and the necessity of remedy. lie
suggested the appointment of a sworn reporter
on such occasions, who alone should be per-
mitted to be present to take down the proceed
ing for the reference of the Senate.
Mr.. Davis said that as far as he was connect
ed with the affair on Friday, the report was
entirely false. He had not made any attack
whatever on the Senator from Illinois. TMr.
Douglas bowed in recognition of the explana-
ton He had used severe language on the
occasion, but 1T was not in reference to the SEN
tor from Illinois.
Mr.. Douglas concurred in the remarks of
the Senator from Ohio, Mr. Pugh
Mr. Green said that during that session he
noticed an object in the northeast corner of the
Senate lobby, and called the attention of the
Nice-Pfesldent to ii, and on examination a
mysterious trap-door had been found in that
corner of the lobby opening into dark cell.
de had heard no explanation for what object
this door had been left and he hoped that the
matter would be inquired into.
Mr.. Mason said that he would 20 as far "a
any one to see If the secrecy of the executive
sessions could not be preserved inviolate. This
was not the first time that sure ptitious reports
had been made of the proceedings.
The Pacific railroad bill being taken up,
Mr. Wilson was explaining his amendment to
the Senate when our report closed.
In TIE House, Mr.. English, from the Post
Office Committee, reported adversely on the
application of the Mt. Vernon Association for
the Thanking privilege; and adversely on the
project Of abolishing the Post Office Depart.
ment.
lie also reported back the memorials of Mr..
butterheld for establishing line of steamers
between American and Mexican ports; and of
A. Il. Blocker, for establishing line of steam
ers to the west coast of South America, and
moved that they may be referred to the Com
mercs Committee
He also reported bill to abolish the frank
ing privilege; and bill appropriating $1,000
extra clerks temporarily
Mr. Hsskins moved to lay the latter on the
table. He could see no propriety in increas-
Ing the expenses of the Post Office Department,
which now costs too much.
The bill was laid upon the table.
Mr.. English also reported bill regulating
the payment OF postage on newspapers and
pamphlets, and other purposes.
The bill allows persons acting rs dealers in
newspapers and periodicals to receive the came
Mt the low rates Of postage allowed to regular |
subscribers for the same. The bill also provides
for Furnishing persons who voluntarily take let |
ters belonging TO other parties from the post |
ofice, for the purpose of delivering them TO |
their owners, or from the latter, for depositing
in the post office, and then fail to perform that
assumed duty.l 80
Mr.. Wood, from same committee, reported |
bill for establishing line of mail ste gamers be-
tween this country and Europe.
MT Horton, from same committee, re ported |
. substitute for the above.
= AxfI1 L.