The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-02-13
time for entering on SO expensive work,
which was mainly Of a commercial char

time for entering on SO expensive a work,
which was mainly of commercial char
acter.
Mr.. Morehead read letter from Admi-
raj FOote, showing that there was not suf-
ficient water at the mouth of the Ohio to
take up gunboats to the Lakes.
Com Davis conceded in that opinion.
All practical men looked upon the project
as prepOsterOus
The House voted on Mr.. Stevens amend
ment, viz Before the United States pro-
ceeds to make any expenditures, the State
of New York shall make conveyance and
grant the jurisdiction to the United States
in the same manner as is provided for in
regard to the State Of Illinois, and all the
provisions relative to the reimbursement
of the sums expended by the United
States for Illinois shall apply to New York,
so as to make her similar reimbursements
for sums expended on New York canals.
The amendment was then rejected by
one majority. The House then voted on,
and by II against 81 agreed to Owens
substitute for the bill providing that if the
United States shall, within two years from
the passage of the act so constructed, and
enlarge her canal, and to pass vessel
three hundred feet in length by twenty
five feet wide, and six feet and six inches
draught, from the Hudson river to lakes
Erie and Ontario, and shall grant to the Uni
tedIStates government the right of passage
through these canals of vessels of
war, boats, gunboats, transports, troops,
supplies, and munitions Of war, free
of tolls or charge, the Treasurer of the
United States shall deliver to New York
United States bonds in sums of $1,000
each, bearing six per cent. interest, re-
deemable in not less than twenty years,
with yearly interest coupons attached for
the sum of three million five hundred
thousand dollars, if the State of Illinois
shall, within two years, so construct, alter
and enlarge her canals as to pass vessel
800 feet in length.
WASHINGTON, February TO-
SENATE.-Mr. Collamer called up the
bill recognizing the Post Office Depart
ment, which was passed.
Mr.. Wilson, from the Military Commit
tee, reported bill to authorize an increase
of Major and Brigadier Generals in the
volunteer service.
Mr.. Sumner presented petition from
the cOlored citizens of New York, protest
ing against any appropriation for colonial
ton.
Mr.. Foster offered resolution, which
was adopted, requesting the President, il
not incompatible with the public interest,
to lay before the Senate any correspon-
dence which had taken place between this
Government and France, on the subject
of mediation, arbitration, or other meas
ures looking to the termination of the ex-
listing war.
The currency bill was then taken up.
Mr.. Sherman said the measure was pro-
posed at the last session, but met with but
little attention. Since then it had re-
ceived the most careful consideration from
persons in all portions of the country, and
especially from the committees in the
House and Senate. We were now in a
condition when something must be done
to sustain the finances of the country. We
were in the midst of war, and gold was at
such high premium that it was virtually
| driven out of circulation.