The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-03-16
PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY-SIITH CONGRESS
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, March l5
The Senate met at noon. Only ten Senators
were present, and some thirteen gentlemen in the
galleries. No ladies present, and the cham
ber presented quite desoate aspect.
No prayer offered and the business of the
Senate commenced with the reading CT the journal.
On motion of Mr.. MASON, resolution adopt
ed nstructing the Committee Foreign Relations
to inquire whether any, and what legislation is
necessary to carry more fully into effect certain
treaty stinuations betwe en- the United States and
China, Burmah and Siam.
Mr. BRowN introduced bill to incorporate the
National Gallery aad School of Arts in the District
of Columbia.
On motion of Mr.. SUMNER resolution was
adopted instructing the Committee Finance to
consider whether the numerous Custom House
Oaths now administered under various acts of Con-
gress, may not with propriety be abolished, and
simple declarations substituted therefor.
The bill to amend the existing laws relative to
the compensation of District Attorneys, Marshals
and Clerks of the Circuit and District Courts of
the United States, taken up, debated and
passed.
The special order was taken up, being the joint
resolution authorizing the enlargement of and con-
struction of a branch to the Louisville and Port
land Canal.
Mr.. WADE presented joint resolutions of the Leg
slature of Ohio, representing that the commercial
interests of the Ohio valley imperatvely demand
the enlargement and improvement of this Canal,
which were read.
On motion by Mr.. BRIGHT an amendment was
adopted, providing that when the said Canal is en-
larged and the branch Canal constructed, and the
cost OF said Improvement paid for, no more tolls
shall be collected than amount sufficient to keep
the Canal in repair, and pay for all necessary su-
perintendence and management.
Mr.. TOoMBs spoke in opposition to the bill, say
ing that the government owned all except five
shares, and these were held by directors who con-
trolled the whole work and did Just what they
pleased; and the idea was they made money, very
well; but if they got in debt the government would
be called on to foot the bills.
Mr. POWELL said the limited States had rapaivn1
S24 900 more than they ever put into this work,
and had purchased more than seven thousand
shares not from money pgid out of the treasury of
the United States, but from tolls collected from
vessels passing through that canal. All they asked
now was that they might be allowed to go on and
use the revenue and credit of the canal, to make
the proposed Improvement, without asking one
dollar from the government.
Mr. Wade and Mr.. Crittenden also advocated
the bill.
The question being taken on its passage, it was
agreed t0-yeas 30, nays IA. The Senate then went
into executive session.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Mr.. MrLLsoN introduced joint resolution, declar-
ing the construction of the act making appropria-
tions for the satisfaction of the Virginia military
and warrants, approved August, 1852. Referred.
Mr.. HARRIS, of Maryland introduced bill for
continuing the improvement of the navigation of
the PatapscO river, and rendering the port of Bal
timore accessible to steamers. Referred to the
Committee on Commerce.
The House passed the consular and diplomatic ap-
preparation bill.
On motion of Mr.. MAYNARD, resolution
adopted, rendering thanks to the clergymen of the
District of Columbia who previously to the election
of Chaplain, attended and opened the daily ses-
sions of the House with prayer.
Mr.. CAMPBELL, from the Committee of Elections
reported resolution declaring it inexpedient to al
low further time to take testimony in the case of
Mr. Howard, the contestant for the seat of Mr.
Cooper, from the First Congressional District of
Michigan. The consideration of the resolution
postponed until Tuesday next.
Mr.. CAMPBELL reported resolution, which
adopted, giving Mr. Howard leave to occupy seat
on the floor pending the discussion in this case,
and permission to speak to the merits of the ques-
tiOn.
The House then went into committee on the re-
port to amend the rules.
The committee rose without coming to a conclu-
upon the subject.
The House passed the Indiana Appropriation
bill.
Several bills were introduced, and appropriately
referred, and the Honse adjourned.