The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-09
House OF Representatives.
WAsprxCrny Ian 1Qr

House OF Representatives.
WASHINGTON, jan 8, 1859
RAMSEY CONTRACT CLAIM.
The SPEAKER laid before the House message from the
President enclosing reports from the Secretary Of the
Treasury and Postmaster General relative to the claim of
Cormack and Ramsey for alleged abrogation of their
tract for carrying the mail via Vera Cruz and Acapucoto
San Francisco.
Mr. NICHOLS opp of Ohio said the executive officers
of the government have refused TO carry out the law
authorizing the First Comptroller to adjust the damages
lie thought the assigned for the refusal ut.
terly ndefensble. II was high ursurpation of power
which it became the dignity of Congress resist in the
most efficient manner twas important to know whether
bureau or cabinet officers have the right to make law for
themselves He wanted the Judiciary Committee TO
anime and report whether any further legislation is
sary
Mr.. HorsroN, (adm) of Ala, said the former Attorney
General gave an opinion adverse TO the claim, but Mr..
Wbittlesey declined to yield obedience TO it, taking the
ground that the law authorized him, First Comptroller
to adjust the damages The present Comptroller Mr..
Meh, was governed by similar opinion OF Judge Black,
that there had been violation of contract and therefore
there could be no damages.
Mr. Nichols reminded Mr. Houston of the fact that the
law instructed the First Comptroller to carry it's will into
effect and commended that the Attorney General had no
power 10 prevent the execution OF the law.
Mr. JONES, (adm) of Tenn, understood that Congress
did not decide whether damages due not but
suted the First Comptroller chancellor to act upon and
determine the case on its merits
Mr. PHILLIPS, (adm.) OF Pa, said the first Comptroller
had no right TO set up his Judgment act of Con
gress, which he ministerial officer had dsregarded
Mr.. GRoEssrcx fadm Of Ohio as an effort had been
made TO nct censure the First Comptroller invited
investigation into his conduct.
The documents referred 10 the Committee on the
Judiciary.
HOUSE WILL NOT CELEBRATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE
BATTLE Or NEW ORLEANS.
Mr.. VALIANDIGHAM (adm Of Ohio, reminded the House
Of the fact that this the anniversary Of the battle Of
New Orleans that the Senate had set patriotic example
by adjourning over and that from his information Con
gress had not sat such for fifteen years
For these be moved that the House adjourn
Negatived-S6 against 90.
ISLAND MILITARY RESERVATION.
On motion of Mr. FARNswOR1H, (opp) Of Ill., resou-
ton adopted calling the Secretary Of the Interior
for information TO whether the Rock Island military
reservation has been transferred from the War the In
terror Department, and thrown open to ccmpton at
dollar and quarter per acre.
Another Intellectual motion to adjourn was made
EXPENDITURES
Mr.. FAULKNER, (adm Of Virginia offered resolution,
which adopted, calling the Secretary Of War to
furnish statement Of the moneys expended during the
last ten years for barracks officers quarters, etc. the
object being TO reduce the expenses Of the Quartermas-
tcr's Department.
Mr. DAVIS, (adm) Of Miss, moved the House adjourn
Mr. MORGAN, (opp) Of N Y, demanded the yeas and
saying that he wished 10 show for what the admin
istration democrats wasting time.
Mr. LETTER, opp Of Ohio, remarked That the demo
Gratis determined that business shall be done, the
House had better adjourn.
The question was decided in tho Affirmative by seven
majority, and the House adjourned.