Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-01-18
Preceedings Of To-Day.

IN THE SENATE, to-day, Mr.. Seward offered
resolution calling on the President for any
correspondence that may have transpired be-
tween this Government and that Of Spain in
reference to the purchase Of Cuba.
The bill authorizing the commutation of In
| dian annuities into money, for agricultural
and other purposes, was passed.
Mr. Doolittle gave notice that be would at
| an early day offer a proposition for the relief
of Commodore Paulding, against whom suits
| were pending in New York city for his conduct
| in the w Walker icaraguan affair.
On motion of Mr.. Gwin, the Pacific railroad
| bill was taken up.
The Senate was engaged in amending and
| re.amending this bill, and calling ayes and
| noes on amendments up to the time of our
going to press.
In THE House, bill for changing the names
of the steamers America and Canada, and al
| lowing them to receive registration anew, was
received from the Senate and passed.
Mr.. Millson essayed to introduce a resolu ton
instructing the Commerce Committee to report
to the House the Senate bill repeating the fish
ing bounty laws. but il was objected to.
Mr.. Cobb, from the Committee on Public
Lands, reported bill to amend the act for the
| compensation of registers and receivers Of land
offices, by which the maximum Of their COM
| missions and salary shall not be allowed to ex-
coed 81 300 per annum; or that rate, if the Of
fcer shall not serve a full year.
In explaining the purpose of the bill, Mr..
Cobb said that it does not effect the reduction
Of present salaries, where the officers are hon
est, but that it will operate to prevent pecula-
ton successfully carried on under the existing
law. The bill was passed.
Mr.. Cobb, from same committee, reported a
bill revivng and continuing in force the acts
passed in 1885, AZ and "a, for satisfying boun-
ty land warrants, &c, without Limitation as to
time; passed.
Also, a bill amending an act providing for
the repayment Of moneys paid to the United
States for lands erroneOusly sold by the Gov
eminent; passed.
Also, bill allowing persons who may have
settled upon the 10th and Both sections of land,
(which are by law set apart for school EUR
poses,) before the same were surveyed, to pre-
empt that section; passed.
Also, bills to authorize the Legislature of
ebraska to have the 10th and Both sections of
public lands set apart in that State for public
schools; and providing for the survey of the
western boundary of Minnesota; both referred
to Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Stephens moved that the printing of the
views OF the minority Of the Territories Com
mittee relative to the admission of Oregon, be
authorized; agreed to.
Mr.. Sherman stated that he is in recent
HO"s''ninS grave cudr5es
against certain civil officers connected with
the Navy Department.
These consist, first, Of favoritism and viola
lions Of law in awarding certain contracts; and,
secondly, the expenditure of the public monies
for partizan purposes, instead of the objects for
which it was appropriated. The latter charge
is brought by Mr.. d. b. Allen, of New York,
and has reference TO alleged abuses in the New
York and Philadelphia navy-yards
In consideration of these allegations. Mr. G
moved that Il select committee of three he an
pointed to investigate the matter, and that
they have power to send for persons and paper;
agreed to.