Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-04-21
coNGEEss'-Fir't Session
WAsHfygTox Anril
SENATE


n, KonnoJv asked aid obtained leave to introduce
hill 20 proyde for the transportation OF the United States
mail and government supplies by railroad 10 the Pacific
ocean which was read tsice and ordered to be printed
NJ sumner presented twelve memorials signed by
80 thar ZOO citizens of Massachusetts, in favor Of
the renea of the fugitive slave law Of $780, the abolition
M ayerv in the District Of Columbia and 10 the terrific
rios of the United States the prohibition Of the inter
State slave trade and the passage OF resolution pedgng
Congress against the admission OF any slave State into
the Union the acqustono i any slave territory and the
emnoyment of any slaves by any agent contractor Off
Ger or department Of the federal government Mr.. s.
moved their reference to the committee the judiciary
Mr. Mason moved that they lie on the table which
was agreed to-yeas %, nays ~.
Mr. Collamer presented similar memorial, and moved
the same reference.
Mr. Mason moved il lie on the table.
Mr.. WipfaI hoped the melton would DO Withdrawn, in
order that he might have an opportunity to make
remarks on the subject.
Mr. Mason withdrew the motion, but Mr. Bayard re-
newed IT, and the question Being taken, the motion was
agreed to.
On motion by Mr.. Hale Tuesday next was assigned
for the reconsideration of tie bill for the relief of Arthur
Edward. aud his associates which has been returned by
the President with his objections
On motion by Mr.. Anthony, a re iolution was adopted
REQUESTING the President of the United States il not in
his opinion inconsistent with the public interest to fur
nish the Senate with copy c the instructions from the
Department of State to Mr.. McLane, when appointed
minister TO China.
Mr.. Pugh, from the commit zee the Judiciary, report
ed bill for the relief Of JohnCradIebaugh
On motion by Mr.. Wilson, te Senate proceeded to the
consideration Of the resolution submitted by him
time since instrucDg the committee military affairs
TO inquire respecting contracts by the War Department
for iron for the public buildings and for shot shells
aud iron gun carriages &c TIE question pending was
on an amendment by Mr.. Yules calling the Secretary
of War for this information instead Of referring the mat
ter to the committee on military affairs.
After some discussion thesubject it was announced
that Mr. Yuee was detained from the Senate by sickness
and Mr. Wilson consented that The subject should be pass
ed over.
The Senate resumed the consideration OF the bill to Sc
cure hOmeseads to actual setSrs public domain and
for other purposes.
Mr.. Gwin submitted an amendment egalizing the oc-
cupaon of public lands i'm California and Oregon for mi
ming purposes until otherwise provided by law.
Mr.. Latham, Mr. Lane and Mr.. Gwin advocated this
provision as one of immense Importance their cons
uents. Mr.. Johnson of Ark SIR. Harlan and Mr. wade
hoped the amendment would not be made this BILL but
that it would be brought in anG considered as separate
proposition
The subject was further discussed by Messrs Pugh Ma
son, Bayard and Others until hefpast four o'clock, when
the Senate adjourned Mr. WADE having previously given
notice that he should ask the friends Of the bill to sit it
out tomorrow and finally dispose Of it.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr.. Hickman called up the Senate bill providing for
the holding of the Criminal Court in consequence Of the
continued ilncssOf Judge Crawford 1t was passed. and
authorizes the judges of the Circuit Court of the District
OF Columbia alternately to preside.
The deficiency appropriation bill was taken up, the
question being the adoption Of the amendment offered
yesterday by Mr. Kunke apbropriatng 900 for the
repairs in the Baltimore custon-house, which was DANA
ged by the fire in 1858.
Mr.. Stevens, Of Pa opposed the amendment, saying
he necessity for repairs he understood arrange
ments were in progress for new custom-house.
Mr.. Harris, OF Maryland, kaew of nothing showing
necessity for the appropriation If the damages had
suited in anything serious either he his colleague from
the city Mr. Davis would have heard something about
it, But they heard OF ANY necessity for such
pairs He opposed appropriations for repairs Of
old buildings occup ed government offices in Balti-
more. New buildings will DC demanded for the exigency
OF business and he thought she time will arrive.
The amendment rejected, aud after further pro-
ceedings the bill was passed-yeas 10, nays 81.
The House proceeded to the consideration of the Sen.
ate's amendment to the Wes Point Academy BILL pro-
posing that a regiment of Texas mounted volunteers be
called into the service The subject led to considerable
debate.
The committee rose, and, without coming to a vote
the House adjourned