The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-03-09
PROCEEDINGS ON THE YHIRFF.SIXYH CONGRESS.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, March s.
Mr. GRIMES gave notice of his intention at an
eorlv day to ask leave to introduce bill to pro-
ID for The retrocesson of the District of Columbia
to the State of Maryland and the removal of the
Canito of the United States to some central
and convenient place:
NJ MASON from the Committee on Foreign Re-
lot;nns 10 whom was referred the memorial of
William X. Jennings, legal representative OF Will
liam Bean, praying compensation out Oh the fund
provided by the treaty Of Client Tor negroes car
Ia off Inv The British troops in the of 1872,
ranortad a bill for the relief of William X. Jen-
nipgs and others which was read and passed to a
second reading
~ DAVIS from the Committee ON Military At
fairs reported bill for the relief of Mrs Agatha
O'Brien, widow of Brevet Major j. P. J. O'Brien,
late of the United States navy, and asked its i'm |
mediate considerations; which being agreed to the |
hill was read third time and passed.
Mr. SALISBURY, from the Committee on Com
rerce TO whom was referred the bill in relation
10 the Louisville and Portland Canal and the joint
resolution authorizing the enlargement of and the
construction of branch of the Louisville and
Portland Canal, reported back the joint resolution
without amendment and asked to be discharged
from the further consideration of the bill, which
was agreed to.
Mr.. CoLLnER discussed the question of slavery
at some length. When he concluded Mr.. BENJA-
MIN obtained the floor and replied to some of the
propositions that had been advanced He thought
the senator from Vermont had given a false color
ing TO history.
The Military Academy bill was resumed when the
amendment providing for the employment of Texas
volunteers discussed
At haf-past six the Senate adjourned without
quorum.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Mr. BURCH introduced bill which was referred
to the Committee on Military Affairs, providing
for the payment of the expenses incurred in the
supuressiOn of Indian hostilities in California
MIR. BRANCH offered resolution which was
adopted, instructng the Committee on the Judi
ciary to inquire and report whether any legisla-
ton was necessary and can be adopted consistent
III tla tp faa,l IL
cation of the House. to preserve its order, and
regulate its proceedings, previous to the election
of a Speaker.
Mr.. KELLOGG, of Illinois, introduced bill grant
ing lands actual settlers in the Territories, and
providing that the inhabitants shall elect the Ter
rtorial officers Referred to the Committee on
Territories.
MIR JoUy CoCUpANE introduced a bill to amend
the act limiting the liability of ship owners and
for other purposes. Referred to the Committee or
Commerce
Mr. GURIEY made an unanimous report from the
Committee on Printing in favor of the bill provid
ing for the public printing, binding and engra
wing thographng, etc. He said the bill proposed
a radical reform. He would not now enter into
statement representing the multitude of the evil
of the present system, which was condemned by
both Houses, and the public at large. Recent de
velopments at the other end of the Capitol SHOW
the uses made of the profits, which has served t.
deepen the impression in the minds of honest me
of all parties, that some plan should be adopte
whereby the government may have the wor
speculation, fraud and corruption. Giving out tn
work to the lowest bidder has been fully and fail
ly tested, and failed to meet the expectations
Congress- while the government has been tho
oughly heeced by the contract system. VIII
should not government have its work done by i
own authorized agent? The present system is in
moral and has disguised the entire country. tt
remedy is the establishment of a governmel
printing office, which would effect saving
from fifty to one hundred thousand dollars pr
year.
Mr.. HoUsroN desired to know at what time Il
bill would 60 into operation.
Mr.. GURLEY replied, Immediately, so far
the printing of the Executive Department was co
cerned.
Mr.. HoUsToN said he wanted to know how &
bill would effect the binding and engraving?
Mr.. GgRLEY replied that the bill would expla
those matters. 1t was then referred to the Co
mittee of the Whole on the State of the Union.
Mr. HAsKINs offered resolution, which was adol
ed, authorizing the Committee on Public Expen
lures to employ a clerk stenographer. He So
that committee had been directed to inquire il
the subject of public printing, to ferret out abus
and to propose reforms.
Mr.. CoLFAx, from the Committee on the Pc
Office and Post Roads, reported a bill to reduce
expenses of the Post Office Department, which v
referred to the Committee of the Whole on
state of the Union
He also reported bill inviting proposals
carrying the entire mails between the Atlantic
Pacific States, on line. He spoke OF the s
ing of at least half million dollars, which the p
poses of the bill would effect. 1t reserved
the Postmaster General to reject any all the bi
He repeated the bill simply proposed to ascerta
at what sums the mails be carried, overland
well as by sea. There no definite action on
bill.
On motion of Mr.. BURNETT a resolution v
adopted, instructing the Committee on Public
pendtures to inquire into the mode by which
public binding has been let out whether to
lowest bidder, and in accordance with exist
laws, etc.
Mr.. SHERMAN, from the Committee Of Ways
Means, reported the Army Appropriation bill, q
moved that it be referred to the Committee of
Whole the State of the Union.
Mr.. STANTON moved that it be referred to
Committee on Military Affairs; whcreupon
cusson ensued as to the proprety of the last nan
reference. 1t was said the Committee of w
tons to carry out existing laws, which did not p
vent the Committee or Military Affairs from p
posing reforms.
The bill finally referred to the Committed
the Whole the State of the Union.
The House discussed the bill directing the pri
ing of the Executive documents in advance of
commencement of Congress.
motion to lay it the table negative
yeas SO, rays LOG.
The bill was ordered to be engrossed for Il
reading
1t provides that the President be authorized
have his annual message and accompanying do
ments printed in advance of the session of {
gress, or, if he deem proper, the documents all
together with the financial report of the Secret
of the Treasury.
The House adjourned.