Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-02-10
Congressional.

NoAS ASosAO4dAA
Monday, Jan. 81, 1859.
SENATE.-Communications were received from
the President transmitting the balance of the
list of claims against foreign governments al
so report of the Commissioner to Fraser Riv-
err; also recommending to pay to the British
Governor Oouglas) of Vancouvers Island
$1,000 loaned by him for public purposes also
transmitting statistics of trade with Africa, r
compliance with Mr. Seward resolution.
MIR. Bigler of Pennsylvania introduced the
following resolution, asking its consideration to-
morrow, or as early as possible
ReSolUed, As it is the opinion of the Senate
that the creation of large public debt, in time
OF peace, Is inconsistent with the true policy
OF the United States and as the present reve-
nues are insufficient to meet the unavoidable ex-
penses of the government, Congress should pro-
coed without delay to SO readjust the revenue
laws us not only to meet the deficit in the cur
rent expenses, but to pay off the present debt
50 far as it may be liable tb immediate cancela-
ton.
Mr.. Foot commenced by Offering as substi-
tute to the committees report and to the Presi-
dents statement that Com. Paulding I" COM
mitted grave error, resolution to the effect
that, as Paulding rescued Walker and his fol-
lowers on Niearaguau soil, for the benefit of Nj
caragua, and with her assent, since thankfully
expressed, that he (Paulding) is entitled to the
communication of his country. The ground
that he (Foot) took was, that Walker oxped-
ton, being illegal, and being so considered by
the government, Paulding acted commercially,
within the spirit of his Instructions in suppress
ing it, inasmuch as our jurisdiction following
the flag wherever it floats, and all under it are
responsible thereto.
He (Foot) thought it humiiating to see this
government disavowing before the world, on
mere verbal bubbles, the acts of its subordin-
ates in carrying out orders so vague and indefi-
mite that no one could understand them he
would not inquire whether they were made pur.
posely vague; but the impression that the Cab
met at Washington wInked at Walkers expedi-
ton is strengthened by his subsequent gracious
reception by the Executive, when the fllibusters
should have been handed over to the tribunals
Of justice. Mr. Foot said he personally knew
but little of Com. Paulding but had formed a
favorable opinion of him as an officer and a
man. He would not 60 TO the aid Of his friend
from w isconsn and vote him a sword or medal,
but was ready to do what would be more &C
ceptable to man of his stamp-to recognize
him as a gallant and faithful servant of the Re-
public.
Mr.. Crittenden followed on the same side
warmly defending Paulding's conduct in Near
aqua, thanking him for the bold and heroic man.
ner in which he fulfilled his duty, and preserved
the peace of the world. MIR. Seward made a
few remarks, closing by offering a joint resolu-
ton, that the President be directed to inter-
vene for the defense of Paulding in the suits
brought against him, arising from the perform
anco of his du4y. Adjourned.
HOUSE Mr. Kilgore attempted to introduce
series of resolutions denouncing in strong Ian
guage the recent attempts to revive the African
slave trade, and calling upon government to en-
force the laws against that trade already in ex-
istence, but the House refused to suspend the
rules-yeas lis, nays "a. Adjourned.
Tuesday, Feb l.
SENATE-On motion of Mr.. Wade the House bill
donating lands to agricultural colleges was taker
up and discussed.
HoUsE.-Mr Grow called up the Homestead
bill.
After discussion the bill was passed-l2(
against 76. The bill provides that any person
who is the head of family, over q years o
age, and a citizen of the United States, or has
filed an intention to become such, according tt
the naturalization laws, shall be entitled to en-
ter quarter section Of any vacant and unap
propriated land, and hold the same, on condi-
ton of its actual settlement and cultivation.
Mr.. RUSSELL from the Committee on Indian
Affairs, reporteda bill relative to settlers on the
New York Indian Reservation in Kansas, pend
ing which the House adjourned.
Thursday, Feb 8.
SENATE.-Mr Collamer presented the minor
ity report of the Judiciary Committee in refer
enco to the Indiana Senators. Adjourned.
HoUsE.-On motion of Mr.. Reagan, the Ju
dietary Committee were instructed to inquire
into the expedicncy of furnishing polygamy in
the Territories, and also of restraining its au
thorities therein from interference with the Ter
ritoral Judiciary
The House then passed the Senate bill rela
tive to the New York Indian Reservation In
Kansas. Adjourned.
Friday, Feb. A.
SENATE.-Mr. Green reported a bill to organ
ize Dacotah and Arizona, which was ordered tC
be printed.
The Private Calendar was considered and tn
following bill among others passed.
Bill to quit the land titles, under the Ash
burton treaty, in the disputed territory o
Maine. Adjourned.
HoUsE.-The Committee on Elections report
ed in favor of B. B. Chapman, who contests thu
seat of Mr. Ferguson the sitting member iron
Nebraska Adjourned.