The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-04-27

employees under him their salaries, etc.
Mr.. Burnett spoke of the necessity of re-
forming the abuses in and around the Capt.
toll, there being two-thirds more officers
than the public service demanded. There
were always a crowd of ofice-seekers who
must be satisfied. He moved the subject be
referred to special committee.
SENATE.-Mr. Wilson introduced bill
for the more efectual suppression of the
slave trade. 1t is a bill of nine sections.
1t provides for the construction of five steam
screw sloops, adapted to the African coast,
increases the bounty from twenty-five to one
hundred dollars, offers reward of one hun
dred dollars for delivery to the United
States Marshal of any slave landing in the
country, makes the fitters-out or owners of
vessels engaged in the slave trade piracy,
and punished with Imprisonment for life,
instead of death.
WASHINGTON, April II.
HoUsE.-Mr. Schwartz offered a resolu-
ton, which was read for information, in
structing the committee on public expendi-
lures, to report bill reducing the cempen>
sation of members of Congress to eight
dollars per diem for each day of actual
service and providing also that where both
Houses, by a joint resolution, adjourn to
attend political Convention, the members
voting therefor shall not receive pay during
the recess. Laughter
Mr.. Sherman objected to the resolution.
Mr.. Houston understood that some gen.
tlemen draw their pay when paired off and
absent; if so be moved this abuse be cor
rected. The House then went into the com.
mittee on the deficiency of the appropriation
bill.
Mr.. Conkling made a speech on the
slavery question.
The consideration of the deficiency bill
was resumed. Among other amendments
adopted was an appropriation of $4,000 for
delegate to the International statistical
congress in London in July next. The
committee rose without final action on the
bill. Adjourned.
SENATE.-A message was received from
the President, enclosing communication
from the Secretary of War, in reply to a
resolution asking for information as to the
seizure and Imprisonment of naturalized
citizens by foreign governments the COM
municatiOn was not read, but was ordered
to be printed.
Mr. Wilson offered joint resolution au.
thorizing collection and publication of
documents relating to the history of the
colonization of Africa by commercial COM
panies of England, incorporated in 1905.
Referred to committee on the library
Mr.. Kennedy gave notice of bill for the
transportation of the mails by railroad to
Il 9 Pacific.
Mr.. Gwin introduced bill to provide for
taking private property for public use and
providing just compensation therefor.
The subject of adjournment over the con-
against 20.
Mr. Slidell offered resolution providing
for the adjournment of the Senate three
days at time, from April 10th to May lst
Laid over.
Executive session, after which homestead
bill was reported in modified form, limit
ing the class of persons provided for to heads
OF families, and requiring the payment of 25
cent per acre and three years residence, after
which title shall be given. Also, limiting
lands to those only subject to private entry.
The Senate bill further provides that the
land shall not be sold for the debt of the
settler till the United States parts with the
title also that an alien must file his declar-
alton of intention of being a citizen of the
United States before he could avail himself
of the benefits of the bill.
Mr.. johnson, of Ark, argued at length
in favor of the Senate bill.
Mr. Gwin offered an amendment, legaliz-
ing the occupancy of the mineral lands of
California and Oregon by the citizens of the
United States; objects to drive out coolie
labor from the mines and con6ne it to agri.
culture.
A message was received from the Presi-
dent, vetoiDg the bill for the relief OF Arthur
Edwards and associates, who carried the
mails on the northern lakes from 1849 to
1850, on the ground that the claim has all
ready been rejected by the Postmaster
General and Court of Claims.
Without action thereon the Senate adj
journed.
WASHINGTON, April 1S.
SENArE.-Mr. Bayard presented petitions
in favor of uniform bankrupt law.
Mr.. Sumner presented about a dozen
petitions, numerously signed by citizens of
different towns in Massachusetts, asking
Congress to repeal the Fugitive Slave Law,
to abolish slavery in the District of Columl-
bia, and to pass the necessary laws to pro-
hibit the Interstate slave trade, and to admit
no more slave States. He moved to refer
them to the committee on Judiciary.
MIR. Mason moved to lay them on the
table.
Mr.. Sumner called for the yeas and nays.
Mr.. Wigfall desired to give his reasons
why be should vote in the affirmative, but
Mr.. Wade objected.
The motion to lay on the table was car.
ried by yeas rs, nays 10, strictly party
vote. -l.- IL n -
On motion of Mr.. Hale, the veto message
of the President, sent in yesterday, was taken
up, and its consideration fixed for next
Tuesday. ss .....I.
Mr.. Collamer presented petition similar
to that offered by Mr.. Sumner, and moved
its reference to the judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Mason moved to lay it on the table.
Motion carried.
Mr.. Pugh reported bill for the relief of
Judge Cradlebaugh, which was ordered to
be printed. a...s
Mr.. Anthony offered a resolution calling
on the President to furnish the Senate with
the instructions given to Mr.. McLane when
l.