Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-12-24
WASHINGTON, Dec. 81.
CGNLTE

SENATE.
The Pacific railroad bill was received from the House,
and after refusal to refer IL to special committee,
was postponed ill the first Wednesday in January.
Mr. Powell moved that the Vice President be request
ed fill the vacancy the committee OF thirteen Occas-
toned by the resignation of Mr. Davis which was agreed
70.
The special order, bill to authorize the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad Company 10 extend the Washington
branch of their road the Potomac river, and
the same by extension Of the present structure known
the Long Bridge for the purpose Of connecting with
the Virginia railroad at that point, vas taken up.
Mr. Salisbury presented q remonstrance from the ct-
zens Of Georgetown against the passage Of the bill
The several amendments we're considered and agreed
Mr. Kennedy advocated the necessity existing for this
connection and gave history Of the bridge across the
Potomac at Washington.
Mr.. Fessenden offered amendment giving the city
Of Sshiogon the right to tax the property OF the Bal
tmore and Ohio Railroad within the District Of Colum
ba lie understood that the proDerty OF this company
free from assessment. He offered this amendment
at the suggestion Of officers Of the corporation OF Wash
ington, and thought that il should pass.
Tee vote taken and the amendment was agreed to
yeas 10, nays 90.
Mr. Fessenden offered an amendment providing that
the company indemnify the citizens Of Washington and
the corporation for any damage done their property 10y
the proposed improvement; which was agreed to.
Mr. Ressenden also offered an amendment, which was
prviltgs granted l.; this bill at any time; which was
agreed to-
Mr.. Cameron moved as amendment additional sec
ton providing that the provisions OF the bill should be
imperative unless the Baltimore and Ohio railroad should
check baggage over and afford facilities TO all the rail-
road lines terminating in Washington, Alexandria, aud
Baltimore upon the and 10 the same manner
now afforded TO any of the connecting lines oil the
SINE.
Alter a lengthy debate the amendment was adopted
yeas 20, nays 81.
The bill was then passed-yeas 30, nays Is.
Mr.. Iuee moved 10 reconsider the vote excusing Mr..
Davis from serving the committee OF thirteen taken
yesterday.
The Senate voted and found itself without qsorum.
After Informal debate two Senators same in and
made quorum.
Mr. Dooltte inquired of the Senator from Forida, Mr..
Yuee fthc Senator from Mississippi, Mr. Davis would
serve II the motion TO reconsider agreed to.
Mr.. Yuee said il would be time consider that when
the motion agreed The friends OF the Senator had
urged him to remain Inc committee, owing to the 10
tercst watch his State had in the considerations TO be
brought before the committee
The motion then put only five Republican Senators
voting for it, together with all OF the Democrats present
The yeas aud nays were not taken.
Mr. Davis then arose aud said
lt not any matter of personal feeling that asked
to be excused Yesterday for IL know myself it
public duty from which would shrink. But my opinion
was that the State of Mississippi having taken the sub
ec in her hand, could not expect 10 work advan-
mgeOusly with the committee. Neither could J. under
such circumstances enter upon the labor willingly
trust have done upon all public service. But it.
in the opinion OF Others IL il possible TO accomplish any
good then 10 the last moment that stand here, at
the command OF the Senate.
II could see any means by which | could avert the
catastrophe, and avoid the trouble between sections,
would ever be in readiness. IT, by sacrifice which
could offer upon the altar Of my country could aay the
evils present prospective no man would have any
right TO doubt readiness to make such sacrifice
Therefore, when Senators to me- told them had
done what deemed to be proper in tho case and not
from any shrinking Of tho eriormance Of duty and still
less any personal feeling. Therefore u answer TO the
Senator from Florida viii say that ii friends think best
will offer no further opposition.
The Senate then adjourned to Monday.