The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-02-08
PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY, SIXTH CONGRESS.
SENATE.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 1860.
The VICE-FRESIDENT laid before the Senate q
message from the President of the United States,
giving his reasons for retaining the bill making an
appropriation for the removal of obstructions to
navigation at the mouth of the Mississippi river,
winch was presented to him on the last day of last
session. lie refers to his message on the St. Clair
Flats bill, and gives similar reasons in this case
The CHAIR also submitted communication from
the Secretary of the Interior in regard to depre-
datlons committed by the Indians in California
Mr.. HAMMOND introduced Joint resolution for
the relief of Commodore II. j. Hartstein, of the
Navy, and joint resolution giving the consent of
Congress to the acceptance by Captain William B.
Shubrick of sword from General Urquza, Presi-
dent of the Argentine Confederation; which were
both read three times by unanimous consent and
passed.
Mr.. GwIN introduced bill for the release of
payments for the town site of San Francisco
Referred.
Mr.. MASON moved that when the Senate adiourns
1t adjourn to meet at l o'clock.
Mr.. SALISBURY introduced amendments to Mr.
DAVIS resolution, expressive OF devotion to the
Union, etc, which were ordered to be printed.
Mr.. WILSON introduced the following:
Resolved, That Committee be appointed to INQUIRE
into the extent of the power and patronage of the Pres
dent of the United States, in the power of the removal
and appointment to Office and report number of off
ces OF trust and profit under the control of the President
excluding the army and navy, but including such as are
under the control of the heads of the Department. and
the amounts paid to those appointed to such offices: and
further to inquire whether any power and patronage
eXered to influence the legislation of Congress- or any
elections in the States Territories and whether any
and what sums of money paid required to be paid
by persons holding offices of trust and profit as CON
1utons in support of elections; and to inquire whether
the power and patronage is used by the heads of the
Departments to influence subordnates mechanics and
contractors and also the allowance made to contractors
Tor furnishing supplies and those employed to purchase
government sites, vessels furnishing engines &c
transportation of stores, &c. and report by bill other
Mr.. lvERsoN, from the Committee on Claims. re-
ported several private bills which have been favor
ably acted on by the Court of Claims
A resolution to print the meteorological reports
OF the Smithsonian Institute caused some debate.
MIR. HUNTER objected to their publication
MIR. FITcH said that the request to print came
from the President of the Smithsonian Institute
and the Commissioner Of Patents.
Mr.. FEssENDEN opposed the printing on the
ground that the work collected was not authorized
BY Congress. Finally, after further consideration,
the subject was postponed.
Mr.. HUNTER, from the Committee on Finance
reported the Post Office Deficiency Approximation
bill, with amendments; and it taken up for
discussion. The committee report in favor of Civ
ing the contractors interest, in lieu of damages on
the delayed payments. Some discussion took place
as to the time when the interest should commence
and as to whether sub-contractors or assignees
should receive the interest or not. 1t was finally
decided that interest should be allowed from MAY
lst, 1859, and that none should be allowed subse-
quent to December 81, 1852
Another amendment reported by the committee
proposed the abolition of the franking privilege
which likewise led to some debate. Several Sena-
tors who were in favor of this measure as an indie
pendent proposition, refused to tramme the present
bill with it, and thus do injustice to the meritorous
mail contractors. On the other hand it was urged
that the present was too favorable an opportunity
to force the House to swallow what they consider
nauseous dose, to be permitted to pass by.
Alter further discussion, without taking final
action on this question, the further consideration
of the bill was postponed till tomorrow
The Spnate after q short Eyanutiva ID
iourned.
The House of Representatives is not in session
to-day.