Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1860-03-17
8g 0!eIegrapk.
Reported for the DAILY Intelligencer
CONGRRssIONAL.
WAsuISGToS, March 1.

I
SESArE.-The Chair presented mes.
sage from the President, communicating
additional documents in reference to the
alleged hostilities on the Rio Grande.
! They were laid on the table and ordered
to be printed.
\ communication was also read from
the Secretaryof the Treasury, transmitting
the statistics relative to the trade with the
British North American Provinces.
Several petitions were presented, the
contents of which could not be heard in
the reporters gallery.
On motion of Mr.. Anthony, resolution
was adopted iustructing the Post Office
Committee to enquire into the expediency
of providing by law for the prepayment
of letters by the Penny post.
Mr.. Latham introduced bill to create q
separate district for the inspection of the
boilers and machinery of steam vessels.
The bill authorizing the sale of the pub
lie arms to the States, and to regulate the
appointment of the Superintendants Of the
National Armories, was taken up.
Mr.. Hunter said that structures had been
made the other day on the Superintendent
at Harper's Ferry, which did injustice to
that gentleman. He WAS a good officer,
who faithfully performed his duties.
On motion of Mr.. Davis an amendment
was adopted that the sales in each year
shall not exceed the increased manufac-
turc which may result from said sales, and
if the whole number to be sold is less than
the requsition made, they shall be divided
among the States applying pro rata as the
arms furnished by the U. S. are now dis
tributed.
Mr.. Simmons moved to strike out the
first section of the bill, which provides for
o. aE rih of d.
to %.
Mr. Douglas moved to strike out the
second section changing the mode of
superintendent from civil to military.
The Chair stated that the motion was
not in order, ms the Senate had already
voted on that question.
Mr.. Hale moved to strike out the enact
ing clause.
Mr. Anthony moved to postpone further
consideration of the bill, and take up the
private calendar. Agreed to.
On motion of Mr.. Mason, at 3 o'clock
the Senate went into executive session to
complete the unfinished business of yes
terday. Adjourned.
HoUsE.-Mr. Pendleton offered a pream-
BILE, that whereas the Chairman on Public
Printing stated on this floor that the prices
now allowed by law arc too large and half
pay would be abundant, and whereas that
by the terms of resolution heretofore
adopted as preliminary to the election of
Printer, the House resolve the right to
reduce the composition at any time; there
fore, resolved, that the Committee on
Printing be instructed to report bill by
which the prices for composition now
fixed by law be reduced half that amount.
Mr.. Washburn, of Me-, objected if the
resolution would lead to discussion.
AR. Houston presumed it would be no
objection if the resolution were changed
into the form of an enquiry.
Mr.. Pendleton preferred to let the reso-
luton stand as it is. lie took for granted
that the views of the Chairman were those
of tire entire Committee.
Mr.. Washburne, of Maine, objected, say
ing that unanimous consent was necessary
for its introduction.
The House went into Committee on the
amendments to the rules.
During the proceedings, an intellectual
attempt was made by Mr.. Regain to contne
the discussion in the committee of the
whole on the State of the Union, TO the
subject pending, and spoke of the abuse of
the present practice in the useless con-
sumption of time, to the diseredit of the
House.
Mr.. Washburne of Me-, regarded such
latitude in debate, as aninessential safety
ralvO.
Mr. Pendleton showed how, by the work
ing of the rules, members are almost en-
tirely precluded from introducing bills and
while unlimited time is afford
ed for essays on the negro and all other ir-
revelant questions.
Mr.. Branch said this resulted. from the
abuse of the rules, for gentlemen would
depart from legitimate business to go into
so GREATS their anxiety to make
buncombe speeches.
The amendments were acted upon and
to the House weekly, all of which
were coucurrcd, and several were reserved
for special votes.
Mr.. Davis gave notice that on Monday
he would call up the contested election
case of Williamson and Sickles. Adjourn
cd till MnndnY.