The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-02-17

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 1860.

WARRINGTON, Feb. 7, 1860.
SENArE.-The President sent message
to the Senate, returning the joint resolution
passed on the last day of the last session,
appropriatiDg money for the moving Of the
bar and distractions at the mouth of the
Mississippi.
Mr.. Hammond introduced joint resolu-
ton for the relief of Commander H. j..
Hartstein, appropriating $4,000. Adopted.
Mr.. Hammond introduced joint resolu-
ton authorizing Com. Shubrick to accept a
sword from Uruguay. Adopted.
Mr.. Salisbury introduced amendments to
Mr.. Davis resolutions expressive of devotion
to the Union, &c. Ordered to be printed.
Mr.. Wilson introduced resolution of
inquiring into the extent of the power and
patronage of the President OF the United
States, and also whether said patronage is
used to influence Congress and elections in
the different States and Territories.
Mr.. Hunter moved to postpone prior
orders, and take up the post Office deficiency
bill. Adopted.
The bill was taken up and read. The
first amendment made by the committee on
finance, was to make provision for wrapping
paper, mail paper, etc. 1t was agreed to.
The second amendment was to the third
section, providing that interest should only
be paid to contractors themselves, and be
in full of all claim for damages, and pro-
viding that no interest is to be allowed on
the last quarter.
After debate, trihing modification of
the amendments was adopted.
Mr.. TOombs moved an amendment to
include subcontractors who actually perform.
ed the service in the benefits of the bill
Adopted, but afterwards reconsidered and
rejected.
The third amendment provides for the
adjustment of the Thanking privilege after
May l, but that all persons now entitled to
the privilege are exempted from the pre-
payment Of postage.
Mr.. Trumbull denounced the abuse of the
ranking privilege. He wanted to see the
whole system abolished, and moved to strike
out the last clause, which would saddle the
expense upon constituent who received let
tiers and documents.
Mr.. Hale moved to amend by changing
the time to April. If it extended to the
first of May, it would be after the Charles
ton convention, and the Democrats would
have benefits not enjoyed by the Republi.
cans, who do not meet in Chicago till June.
Laughter.
Mr.. Toomhs accepted the amendment.
Mr.. Collamer said there were special laws
requiring the treasury department to paw
over seven hundred thousand dollars to the
post office department., on account of the
transportation of free matter. If the amend
ment passed, those laws still existed, and the
treasury would not be relieved. The SUBJ
ject was one requiring preparation and ex-
animation, and ought to be considered by
itself.
Mr.. Davis advocated the adoption of the
amendment now. They could then 90 on
and perfect the system. The amendment
proposed, first, the reform of an abuse, and
secondly, a change of policy of the admins
tering department The abuse of the priv
lege was in the burdening of the mails with
large mass of documents.
Mr.. Collamer explained that previous to
1851, the postmaster general was limited,
in giving out contracts, by the receipts of
the department., but when three cent postage
was established in 1851, it was provided
hat the mail service should not be reduced.
The consequence was that the postmaster
general had unlimited discretion, and could,
if he chose, increase the expenses to twenty
or thirty millions.
Mr.. Collamer moved an amendment, re.
pealing the act of 1847 and 1851 appropri
ating 100000 annually for the use of the
post Office department.
After further debate, in which Messrs.
TOovohc Ho1lop and
vote was taken on Mr.. Trumbulls motion to
take out the proviso, and it was rejected /:
yeas, "a; nays, 81.
Mr.. Slidell moved to postpone the bill till
1.30. Carried.
The Senate then went into executive ses.
sion, and afterwards adjourned.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8.
SENATE.-Tbe Senate met at II O'Clock.
After the introduction of sundry bills, the
Postofice Deficiency bill was taken up, the
question being on the amendment offered by
Mr.. Collamer, to repeal acts of l847 1851,
appropriating 100000 for the expenses
of the transportation of free mail matter.
Mr.. Powell discussed the amendment of
the finance committee, to abolish the frank
ing privilege, regarding this as the very time
and place to effect reform. The privilege
had been abused for partizan and private
purposes. The effect also of the amendment
would be great saving in the expenses
amounting to over 100000 per annum.
After long rumbling debate of like
nature the Senate adjourned without taking
any final action on the bill.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 1860.
HoUsE.-Mr. Sherman moved that the
House proceed to the election of printer,
and demanded the previous question.
Mr.. Burnett demanded there be call of
the House, which was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. Hoard, it was resolved
that the Committee on Public Expenditures
should inquire into the expense for the
printing of the House, and report at an
early day such notifications Of the rates
paid as public justice and due regard to
rigid economy in expenditures requires, and
that they have power to examine witnesses
and report at any time.
The House refused to second the demand
for the previous question, by vote of "a
against sc.
Mr.. Stanton wished to pass over the elec-