Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-02-18
CONGRESS.

! ported from the illliCe Spihiii''0' Va. "
ecutive, Legislative, and Judicial Appropria-
ton bill.
Mr.. Kendcdy, from the Committee on the
District of Columbia, reported bill authorl-
ling the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Com
pany to extend their road to some place on
the eastern branch of the Potomac, IN either
Of the proposed routes. Laid over
Mr.. Pearce gave notice that he should IN
troduce bill to provide for the navigation
of the Patapsco river in Maryland.
Several private reports of committees were
made.
Mr.. Mason, from the Committee on For
eign Relations, reported in favor of printing
the report of the United States Commissioner
10 yancouvcr's Island: which was agreed to.
Mr.. Collamar presented the memorial OF
citizens of Michigan, relating to the chap
lains of the L. S. Navy. Referred.
Mr.. Wilson called up resolution of in
ouiry offered by him, calling on the Post
master General for copies of the contracts
made with the Butterfeld Overland Mail
Company, the number of letters carried, the
time expense of each trip, &C.; which was
agreed to.
Mr.. Wade moved to postpone all previous
orders and to take up the House bill, known
as the act donating lands to actual settlers
on public domains.
Mr.. Slidell desired the Senate to consider
his resolution authorizing the evening SEES
sion of the Senate.
Mr.. Wade objected. He thought all that
was necessary was to take vote on the
Homestead act Every Senator understood
its provisions.
Mr.. Reid said that at the last session OF
Congress, the Senate laid the bill on the ia
bic, and he considered that as the tested ac-
ton and views oft the Senate thereon. u
Mr.. johnson, of Tenn, said that twas
only postponed as special order to the first
Monday in January of this session, and not
laid on the table. Mr. J. briefly advocated
the bill.
Mr.. Reid said that postponing the bill was
the equivalent to judgment of the Senate
against the passage Of the measure. 1t was
too late in the session to consider this bill,
and more important measures should be tax
enup
Mr.. Hunter briefly advocated the necessi-
tv of final action on the Consular and Dlplo-
matte Appropriation bill, and trusted that
it would now be taken up.
Mr.. Wilson trusted that there would be a
vote taken to-day on the Homestead bill.
On the pending motion to take it up, the
yeas and nays were ordered, which was
agreed to-yeas &c, nays %. So the bill was
taken up.
Mr.. Stuart advocated the bill. If the gov
eminent opened II portion Of the public do
main to actual settlers, it would derive rev.
enue from the sales Of lands, caused by the
settlement Pending this debate
The Chair called up the special order-the
bill for the acquisition of Cuba-the proper
hour having arrived.
Mr.. Wade moved to postpone it, SO rs to
continue the consideration of the Homestead
bill.
The yeas and nays were ordered. Agreed
to-yeas 81. nays %.
The question then required on motion OF
Mr. Hunter to postpone the Homestead bill,
and take up the appropriation bill. a long
debate ensued. The yeas and nays We're or
dered-ycas %, nays %.
There being tie vote, the Vice President
decided in the affirmative: and the Senate
then proceeded to the consideration Of the
Consular and Diplomatic Appropriation bill
for the year ending June Both, 1860.
The pending amendment was that Of Mr..
Pugh, which is, in fact, substitute for the
entire bill, with the exception of the section
in relation to the suppression Of the slave
trade
Mr.. Puch addressed the Senate in support
of his amendment.
He could not see the necessity of minis
ter being appointed to Austria, or the great
increase in their salaries for our foreign min
listers.
Mr.. Hale. tried to explain that in the
executive session Of the Senate; but the Sen
ator from Ohio (Mr Pugh) did not seem to
understand it.
Mr.. Pugh stated that when this govern
ment had foreign policy, the expenses of
its ministers were not near 80 great ~ at pre-
sent. President Monroe had once performed
the duties of five foreign missions, but now
we require minister for each one. He did
not believe in having a minister at Rome,
and one at Naples. One to Rome was sutfi-
cient for the kingdom. With regard to our
consular system. he thought that might be
greatly reduced. At Simoda, for instance,
tie salary of the consul was 5000 per an
mum. while the income for the same time was
so 10!
Mr.. p. cited n large number Of similar in
stances These Offices were created and till-
ed by the President to support a class OF de-
clininr politicians. He believed in simply
giving consuls the fees of their Offices for
-. ,,l D., ,,,y tho nyrnsa IN tho