Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-01-26
CONGRESS-.

In the Senate, Yesterday, the Vice Prcsi-
dent being absent Mr.. Fitzpatrick was called
to the Chair
MIR. Pugh, rising to Il personal eXplana-
ton, stated that the recent telegraphlc dis
patch in the New York Herald. purpcrting
to give an account Of personal scene be-
tween Messrs. Douglas and Fitch in the exc
cutive session on Friday last, was grossly i'll
correct He sent the article up 10 the Sccrc-
tary's desk, and i, was read He thought
that some measures ought 10 he adopted 10
prevent the proceedings of the executive SEES
sions from becoming public, at least III an in
correct manner.
Mr.. Fitch concurrcd with the Senator from
Ohio, both i'll regard to the incorrectness Of
the report, and the necessity Of "a remedy
lie suggested the appointment Of sworn re
porter on such occasions, who alone should
be permitted to he present TO take down the
proceedings for the reference of the Senate.
Mr.. Davis said that as far as he was con-
nected with the affair ON Friday the report
was entirely false. He had not made any at
tack whatever on the Senator from Illinois.
He had used severe language on the occasion.
but it was not in reference t. the Senator
from Illinois.
Mr.. Douglas cnncurred 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 Vice President To it, and on examination
a mysterious trap-door had been found IN that
corner of the lobby opening into dark cell.
lie had heard no explanation for what object
this door had been left, and he hoped thatth
matter would be inquired into.
Mr.. Mason said that he would goas far a.
any one to see if the secrecy OF the eXecu-
tive sessions could not he preserved nrio!ate
This was not the first time that surreptltlon'
reports had been made of the proceedings.
The Pacific railroad bill was taken mp and
further considered.
In the House of Representatives, MIR. Eng
lish, from the Committee on Post Offices and
Post roads, made report adverse TO the ap-
plication of the Mt. Vernon Association. for
the franking privilege; also adversely to the
project of abolishing the Post Office Depart
ment
The same gentleman reported back the me-
MORALS of Mr. Butterfeld for establishing a
line of steamers between American and Mex
lean ports; and Of A. l.. Blocker, for establish
ING n line Of steamers to the west coast ut
South America. and moved that may he
referred to the Commerce Committee.
A bill was, also, reported to abolish the
ranking privilege: and Il bill approprlatIng
s.. 600 To- enable the Postmaster General 10
employ extra clerks temporarily.
Mr. Haskins moved to lay the latter on Tia"
table. He could see no propriety in incrras-
ing the expenses OF the Post-otlice Depart
ment. which now costs too much.
The bill was laid upon the table.
Mr. English also reported Il bill regulating
the payment of postage on newspapers and
pamphlets. and for other purposes.
The bill allows persons acting rs dealers
in newspapers and periodicals to receive the
same at the low rates Of postage allowed 10
regular subscribers for the same. The bill
also provides for furnishing persons who vol
UNFAIRLY take letters bclongngto other par
ties from the post office. for the purpose ct
delivering them t. their owners. or from the
latter, for dcpositing in the post Office, and
then fail to perform that assumed duty.
Mr.. Wood from the same committee report
ed bill for establishing line FINAL steam
ers between this country and Europe
Mr.. Horton from the same committee report
ed a substitute for the above.