Newspaper Page Text
Jiferrllnimnis.
[ From the Baltimore S«»]
Annual Baport of lha Secretary of tba V. State* j
Treasury.
We have this document at length in full, a* it ■
goes into Congress. Much of the matter eon- j
tained therein haa been anticipated in the other
department report*, he It opens with a detail
ed statement of the receipts and expenditures of
the Government, during the year to June 30,
1851, and the estimates for the year to June 30,
1852. which have been before noted. A table is
given, showing the increased expenditures ($9,-
.'>49.080 12) on account of our new territorial
IKjssession*, towards which a liberal policy i* re
commended, as th?y will ultimately amply repay
the present expenditures by permanent and pow
erful au 'mentation of the national wealth. Add
for the ordinary expenses of the Government ss
per estimates, $33,343,219 07 and we have the
ium of *42.892.209 19 as tire total estimated de
mands upon the Treasury for the next fisca
year leaving (the report says) an estimated
balance in the Treasuij, on the Ist of July, 1853.
of $20,366,443 90. This sum, it is believed, will
lie ample to meet the amount required on that
day for the redemption of the loan of 1843, then
due, of $8,237,931 35, and such additional appro
priations beyond the estimates submitted as may
be made during the present and next sessions of
Congress.
The table ol the public debt, as published in
the Sun last week, is then given, and the pith ol
the report, including important recommendations
by Mr. Corwin on the subject of the tariff, the
iron interests, See., succeeds as lollows:
WAVS AND MEANS.
The receipts from customs for the last fiscal
year, as before stated, were upwards of forty-nine
millions of dollars. Should our importations of
foreign merchandize for the current and next fis
cal year equal those of the past year, the revenue
from that source for the three years ending 30th
June, 1853, will have been about $150,000,000.
Aside from demands upon the treasury for our
new territories, this sum would have been suffi
cient to have met the ordinary expenses of the
government and to have liquidated the entire pub
lic debt. Notwithstanding those extraordinary
demands, there has been effected, since the first
of December last, a redemption of the registered
debt to the extent of $1,667,843 11. Daring the
next fiscal year the loan of 3d March, 1813, due
Ist July, 1853, must be provided for, and it is
expected may be paid in cash out of the receipts
from the usual sources of revenue. The amounts
of the land found to be invested in accordance
with law will probably amount to about $925,-
000. The old funded and unfunded debt, with
the annual payments on account of the debt of
the District cities, will probably amount to a
iurther sum of $61,800, making an aggregate pro
posed redemption of the public debt during the
next fiscal year of $7,234,792 35.
The premiums paid on $2,523,200 of certifi
cates of Government stock purchased at market
rates amounted to $325,650 24, or at a cost of
more than one-sight h of the entire debt purchas
ed. These rates, if applied to the whole debt as
it stood on the 20th November last, would re
quire for its liquidation, in addition to that
amount, about tbe sum of $8,074,318 57. The
probability is that increased rates will follow a
known demand by the Government.
It may well be questioned whether sound
policy does not demand that some discretion shall
be given to the Department ttf purchase, out of
any available surplus State stocks,
when it can be done at or near par value, to be
held as a sinking fund towards trie redemption of
the public debt as it becomes due, and thus save
to tne government the large premium, which
otherwise will be required in the redemption by
purchase, at market prices, ol tbe stock of the U.
States. In the opinion of this Department such
a course is desirable, and it is submitted for such
action thereon as may be thought expedient.
The language of the act of 28th September,
1850, extending the grants of lands, has prevent
ed the warrants issued, by virtue thereof from
l«ssing into the hands of the actual settlers by
assignment; amt consequently the receipts from
that source have not been seriously affected by
that act. The receipts from sales of the public
lands, for the quarter ending3oth September last,
indicate a revenue from that source for the cur
rent year, of upwards of two millions of dollars.
Any excess of receipts, over the expenses con
nected therewith, is already appropriated, and
therefore those receipts, whether more or less,
cannot affect the balance in the Treasury, sub
set to appropriation at the eml of the fiscal year.
he greater or less amount of public debt re
deemed will depend upon the iucrease or diminu
tion of such receipts. The revenue from imports,
consequently, is the great source upon which the
country has to depend for the means to carry on
the government.
The unexpected addition to the boundaries of
our country, covering an area of more than five
hundred and twenty-six thousand square miles,
lias without doubt been one cause of the large
and sudden increase of our foreign importations,
and consequent increased receipts from custom
duties.—Our expenses consequent upon such ac
quisition have more than kept pace with the in
crease of receipts and they will remain perma
nent charges upon the Treasury. Revenue to
meet these required expenditures must be pro
vided for, and that during a period when our pub
lic debt is maturing. It cannot for one moment
be thought advisable to presuppose a renewal of
any portion of such debt, and therefore it should
be our aim to obtain revenue sufficient to meet
these maturing liabilities, in addition to the an
nual expenses of the Government.
The receipts from all sources for the last fiscal
year amounted to $52,312,979 87
The appropriations to 51,428,414 46
Being an excess of receipts of 884,565 41
The estimated aggregate receipts for the current
fiscal year are placed at $51,500,000. The ex
penditures, as estimated and appropriated, amount
to $50,952,902 59, being an excess of estimated
receipts over estimated expenditures of $547,097
41.
The receipts for the next fiscal year are esti
mated at $51,800,000, the expenditures at $42,-
892,299 19, being an excess of receipts over ex
penditures of $8,907,700 81. Making an aggre
gate estimated excess of receipts over expendi
tures for the three years ending 30th June, 1853,
of $10,339,363 63; subject, however, to a reduc
tion to the extent of any appropriations which
may be made for this or the next fiscal years ad
ditional to the estimates submitted.
Should Congress appropriate to meet lire or
dinary wants of the government, and to cover
the expenditures required by our new territories,
as submitted by this department, the balance, at
the close of the fiscal year, ending 30th June,
1853, will be more than sufficient to meet the
amount required on the first of July following,
for the redemption of ibe public debt due on that
day.
The question presents itself, in view of the
absolute necessity fora continuance of the present
receipts from customs, whether in all the bran
ches of the industry of our country there is that
healthy and vigorous action which is the basis of
substantial and lasting prosperity. Without this
we can with no certainty presume upon and fix
ed amount of continuous receipts.
The gross exports for the last fiscal yeaar
amounted to $217,517,130; of which there was
of specie $29,231,880, and of foreign merchandise
re-exported $6,738,695, leaving, as the exports of
domestic productions, the sum of $178,540,555. —
This presents a large increase upon like exports
of any previous year, and exceeds that of the last
fiscal year in the sum of $43,646,322. I regret
that this increase is merely of an accidental na
ture, and likely to be confined to the year just
past.
For the year ending the 30th June, 1850,
there were exported 035,381,604 pounds of cot
ton, at uk average value of 11.3 cents per pound,
giving an aggregate value of $71,984,610, while
1,026,602,269 pounds exported the year previous
was valued at $66,396,967. For the year en
ding 30th June lost, there were exported 927,-
237,089 pounds, valued at $112,315,317, averag
ing 12 11-100 cents per] pound; thus exhibiting
an apparent excers in the value of this staple
alone, over that of the previous year, of $40,-
330.701.
The very deficient crop of 1819-50 caused au
enhancement in the value of cotton of nearly
double that of the previous year, and a still fur
ther advance upon the average price of the last
year, thus giving the large excess in the aggre-
Kte value of the exports before stated. It must
borne in mind, however, that these values as
reported are not always the prices realized on
•\Ua abroad. They are the declared values of
the exporters from our country, against which
bills of exchange are usually drawn—and not the
price* received on actual sales: and it is notori
ous that the immense losses on the shipments
of cotton during the last year have reduced the
amount actually realized’on the sales iu Kurope
very lar below the official value iu the custom
house returns. The crop of the present year has
exceeded that of the last, and will, from its abun
dance. probably restore the aggregate value to
near the average of previous years.
The ex poets of breadstuff, and provisions, in
1847, were $68,701,921; iu 1849 $38,155,507;
and in 1851 $21,048,653, which latter ex
ceeds the exports of 1810, when the com laws
of F.ngland were in full force, only $2,881,118,
The expoits of riee for the last fiscal year, as
compared with the previous year, exhibit a de
crease of $460,917, and that ot tobacco a de
crease of $695,834. The products of planting
and agriculture for the past year have been unu
sually large. AH Kurope, with inconsiderable
exceptions, has been blessed with like abun
dance; and without some unexpected disturbing
causes, seriously affecting markets abroad, there 1
u every reason to anticipate a still further de
cline in our exports for the coming year.
Our total imjiorts for the last year amount to
$215,725,995, producing revenue of more than ;
forty-nine millions of dojlars. The ballances of '
trade during that period, in addition to the large 1
amount of the various stocks of the country,
caused an export of upwards of twenty-nine '
million* of specie. The export ot the precious
metals still continues, and .at rapidly increasing
ratio, having amounted already, tu the first five
months ot' the current fiscal year, t0§27.394,236,
which is nearly equal to the export for the entire 1
yeti ending 3Mb June, 1851.
Thi* increased ratio In ttie export of specie j
continues, notwithstanding the large supply of <
foreign exchange, predicated ups* the shipment i
of the cottou crop, which is now rapidly re*ch- .
ing the seaports at European market* in veiy ,
large quantities. Wiren the bulk of thj. crop
has been shipped and supply of CPtton bills con- t
sequently dtSTmiohod, the expwt demand for
specie will of course be *tiU further mapeawd, !
unless there should be a very large tailing a a «? «
the heavy importations of foreign productions. t
With abundant and plentiful harvests, both at i
home and abrotd, with a large excess in the pro
, uctfoa of cottou over that of the previous years, j
and its consequent decline in value, and with no
evi-iences of any increased demand abroad for
our general exports, the grave and difficult ques
tion of our ability to pay for these continued
large importations presents itself lor the consid
eration of Coogress.
Should the large importation of foreign fabric*
continue to increase until they dnve from the
market the like s.'tides of domestic manufac
ture. it follows as inevitable that tbe labor of our
iienple now engaged in manufacture* must be
driven mainly into planting and farming. They .
must, with eqnal certainty, produce a supers- >
bundance of the latter products with no increas
ed market for them abroad, and a greatly ditnin- j
ished demand for them at borne.
If this state ol things shall be realized, it fid- ■
lows that the ability of the people to purchase
foreign commodities will be destroyed; iinpor
tat ions must greatly diminish in amount, and
the revenue at once sink far below its present
swollen amount. It should constantly be kept
in view that our system of revenue is not com
pulsory, but depends solely on tbe voluntary
contribu’ions of tbe people. ltour citizens re
fuse, or are unable to purchase foreign goods, the
revenue now almost solely relied on must cease,
and the Government he driven to direct taxa
tion for its annua] support, and the ultimate li
quidation of a large public debt.
From these considerations arises tbe great duty ;
of Congress so to regulate foreign commerce, if
possible, as to cherish that labor at home, the
proceed* of which are our sole reliance for tbe
revenues indispensible to the wants of tbe gov
ernment.
I respectfully refer to the suggestion on this
subject in my report to tbe last session of Con
gress. The experience of the last year has de
veloped no facts which induce rne to question
the propriety of ti e changes in the present tariff
laws which I then submitteU to Congress; on tee
contrary, information derived from the most re
liable sources has confirmed what was then anti
cipated. Much of the raw cotton formerly
wrought into fabrics by tbe labor of our citizens
now goes abroad, and returns to us for sale in a
form vastly augmented in value, and to that
extent the tabor ol our own citizens has been
diminished in value and driven into other pur
suits.
The history of iron manufacture for the last
few years furnishes an instructive lesson to the
statesmen of this country. This article enters
into such general use in every occupation of life
in all countries advanced beyond tbe first step
of civilization, that it may welt take rank
amongst the necessaries of life in this country.
The importations of bar and pig iron for
the year ending 30th September, 1842, {Torn.
were 100,055
Tbe estimated production in the United
States for that period was 230,000
Making an aggregate consumption 0f... 330,055
or 40} pounds per head.
In 1846, the importations were. .. 69,625
and the production estimated at 765,000
Consumption 834,625
or 92 lbs. per bead.
In 1848, the importations were 153,377
and the production 800,000
Consumption 953,377
or 991 lbs. per head.
In 1849, the importations were 289,687
the production 650,000
Consumption 039,687
or 95{ lbs. per head.
In 1800, the importations were 337,582
the production 564,000
Consumption 901,582
or 861 lbs. per head.
In 1851, the importations were 341,750
the production 413,000
Consumpiton 704,750
or 69 J lbs. per head.
Thus we preceive that the actual consumption
of iron which, under high duties and prices, was
steadily augmenting in quality, is, under the pre
sent reduced rates, both in duties and prices, gra
dually falling off, notwithstanding the increase of
population and the great extension of our farming
interests.
! That thin great interest is in a most depressed
condition, the foregoing comparative-production
. being for the present year less than one-half the
| capacity of the works, sufficiently attests. From
the evidence furnished to this Department, it is
- clear that the rolling-mills, the charcoal furnaces
and forges; are utterly unable to produce iron at
. the prices at which it is now imported. During
the last year many establishments were enabled
to survive only by carrying the iron to the high
» stages of manufacture, as the making of nails and
, forged woik. At the present time the prices are
below the cost of production. If the present po-
C licy continues, we must witness in a short time
the total prostration of this industry, which, once
L ' destroyed, will require mmy years to replace it
upon its present footing as to skill and experience;
e and we shall become dependent upon foreign
’’ countries for the most impoitant material in the
1 arts of peace, and the most indispensable of the
muniments of war.
I present with this report several tables in-
D tended to show the sudden and extraordinary fall
_ in the invoice values of certain articles which,
, prior to the tariff act of 1846, had been subject to
t specific duties, but which by that law were made
,f subject to duties ad valorem. It must be appa
j rent, from these tables, that great frauds are
t practised by under valuations daily, which no
. expedient can prevent, unless such articles as are
set forth in these tables are charged with specific
| instead of ad valorem duties.
7 The remainder of this report, occupying three
I] columns, is taken up with a reference to the
- Coast Survey, Mint, and miscellaneous matters;
1 but as all the principal facts given have already
t appeared in our columns, we omit its publication
now. We may add, however, that the Secre
t tary, in order to prevent the United States from
I being drained of its silver coin, by large ship
-1 ments to Europe, proposes a reduction in its in
trinsic value, by making our dollar weigh three
hunred and eighty-four grains, and the smaller
coins in proportion; so that eight hundred ounces
of such coin should be worth by tale exactly sl,
’ 000. It this plan, says the report, is adopted by
Congress, it of course will involve the necessity
of making silver coin a legal tender only for debts
’ of small amount, say not exceeding ten dollars,
, which is about the same limit (forty shillings)
which has beeu established in Great Britain.
The report also recommends the establishment
of Branch Mints at New York and San Francis
( co, and the discontinuance of those in North
Carolina and Georgia, except as assay offices.
1 (From ihe Baltimore American.)
Thirty Second Congress—Firs} Session.
. Washington Jan. 5,1853.
i SENATE.
At an early hour,the various passages and lob
» bies of the Capitol leading to the Senate cham
t her were thronged and crowded. At eleven
o’clock the doors were open, and the galleries
[. were soon filled.
C At twelve o’clock the Senate was called to or
s der, and the vast crowd were comparatively
quiet during the prayer.
A large number of petitions were presented,
and several reports on private cases were made.
r On motion of Mr. Mangmn, the rules were
* tuspeneiled, so as to admit ladies to the floor of
v. the Senate; and, accordingly, Mr. Gwin entered
1 with Madame Kossuth, followed by Pulsky and
several ladies. Every available standing place
? in the Senate was at once occupied by ladies.
? Several Senators gave notice ot bills, among
them Mr. Rusk gave notice of a joint resolution
’ authorizing the Postmaster General to contract
c for an ice-boat, to be placed on the Potomac.
The following bills were then taken up, con
’ sidered and ordered to be engrossed ; An act for
the relief of the heirs of Judith Worthen; au act
| for the relief of Sydne. A. Alcott; an act grant
ing a pension to Sally J. Floyd; an act authoris
' ing Victor Moras to exchange certain lands en
tered by him.
A bill to revive the act of 1816, granting pen
sions to willows of deceased soldiers of the war
of 1812 —a pension for the residue of their lives—
was taken up, and after debate the bill was laid
on the table.
The Senate then, on motion, took up the bill
for the relief of Wm. Darby, and after some re
marks by Mr. Downs in its favor, it was laid on
the table till after the reception of Kossuth.
At one o’clock Gov. Kossuth entered the Se
nate, leaning on the arm of General Shields, and
accompanied by Messrs. Cass and Seward, and
others of bis suite. When arrived at the bar,
General Shields said ; “ Mr. President, we have
the honor to introduce Louis Kossuth to the Se
nate of the Uni'ed States.”
The chair requested the committee to conduct
M. Kossuth to a seat. The committee conduct
ed him to a seat in front of the Secretary’s desk.
Mr. Mangum said, tba.k in order that all might !
have an opportunity of paying their respects to j
the illustrious guest, he would move the Senate
adjourn.
And the motion was agreed to.
M. Kossuth remained in the Senate Chamber
some 20 minutes, receiving introductions to ;
j Senators, ladies, and others, and then retired.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
| The Speaker stated that he had made the en
, quiries consequent upon the motion of Mr. Chan
j dter, of Pennsylvania, relative to providing for
the comfort of members, and made a suggestion
which the door-keeper was directed to carry into
effect.
Mr. Carter, of Ohio, moved the suspension j
of the rules, for the purpose of submitting the re
solution authorising the apjwintinent of a com
mittee of five members to welcome Louis Kos- ;
sulh, and introduce him to the House.
Mr. Stuart, of Michigan, proposed an amend
ment, that the Chairman introduce M. Kossuth
with these words—We introduce Louis Kossuth
—and that the members then rise, and the
Speaker invite him to take a seat, which was
objected to, and therefore could not be put.
The yeas and nays were then taken on Mr
Cartel’s motion, which Was canted —yeas 117. <
nays 31. ,
The previous question having been carried, ,
Mr. C-apter moved the adoption of the resolution, '
upon which th/t decision was 123 in the affirma- (
tive and 54 in the negative.
A resolution was made to refer a hill relative to <
pqhJ* Uufo in the territory of Minnesota to the i
Committee public lands instead of the Com- '
° n Territory which was supported bv i
Mr. Hall ol Missouri, the thiirejan of the forme'r t
committee. ,
ifr Richardson, of Illinois, expressed a Uag
that the Committee would report some system of | 1
opening roads thnwgli the public lands of the r
States as well as Territories; and that the gov- a
eminent would deal liberally as to donations, and e
thus promote the settlement of the territories at : t
fast as possible. | a
The mot.on was then agreed to. a
Mr. Bayley, of Virginia, moved for the sas ; n
pension of the Rules, and submitted a resolution
calling on the President for information with re
ference to the proposition of the British govern
ment for selling colored persons in the West In
dies, and suggesting that a law be passed, ren
dering binding Mich agreements as might be en
tered ir. to. Tbe rides were suspended and the
resolution passed.
Mr. McNair, of Pa., moved (or leave to intro
duce a resolution for appointing a committee to
exaniiae the foundations of tbe wings of the
cajutol. and to report if they are of sufficient
strength to support tbe building which it is in
tended to erect thereon.
Tellers were appointed, but no quorum voting
it was proposed that tbe House adjourn
Mr. McNair again called for tellers, but no
quorum voting a econJ time, a motion was car
ried to adjourn till to-morrow at 12 o’clock.
Washington, Jan. 6, 1852.
SENATE.
The cliaii laid before the Seuate a communi
n'. ior> from the Secretary of tbe Navy, enclosing
a memorial from the seamen and petty officers
of the IT. S. naval squadron in the Pacific asking
an increase of compensation.
The chair laid before the Senate the annual
rejfoit of the Secretary of the Treasury: referred
to the committee on finance, and o«. motion by
Mr. Humter 10,000 extra copies were ordered to
be printed.
(),i motion by Mr. Bradbury all the memorials
presented during the last Congress, praying in- !
demnity for spoliations by the French prior to
ISOI, were taken from the files, and were refered !
to the select committee on that subject.
.Mr. Gwin moved that the petition praying a!
restoration of Hogging in the navy, which had i
been laid on the table, be now taken up.
Mr. Bright said that this day had been fixed j
for the consideration of the subject of printing !
the census returns.
Mr. Gwin said that the Senator from New !
Jersey had expressed a desire to speak on the !
subject, arid if he was satisfied with the post- .
ponement of the subject, Le would withdraw
his motion.
Mr. Stockton expressed himself perfectly satis- j
tied, so long as tbe subject remained wher- it 1
was now—on the table. Mr. Gwin withdrew j
his motion.
Mr. Shields reported the bill to increase the j
efficiency of the array, by proving a retired list 1
for disabled officers.
-Mr. Hunter reported back the bill from the
House appropriating five thousand dollars to re
pair the injuries caused by the late fire in the
Capitol, with an amendment appropriating ten
thousand dollars, to lie expended under the di
rection of the Joint Committee on tbe Library.
The amendment was agreed to. and the bill was
; ordered to be engrossed, and subsequently it was
I read a third time and passed.
A resolution directing an inquiry into the pro
priety of fixing up the document room and the
adjoining |iassagu for the temporary reception of
the books belonging to tbe library, was adopted.
The Senate then took up the joint resolution
directing the committee on printing to contract
with Messrs. Donaldson and Armstrong for print
ing the returns of the seventh census.
Mr. Borland moved to amend the resolution
by substituting front tbe committee on printing,
and inserting tbe secretary of the Senate and
clerk of the House; and after a long debate the
amendment was withdrawn, aud tbe subject was
postponed till to-morrow.
A message was received from the President,
recommending an immediate appropriation to de
fray the expenses home, &c., of the Americans
who were engaged in the Lopez expedition, and
who have since been pardoned. Referred to the
| Finance Committee.
The bill for the relief of Wm. Darby was ta-
I ken up, and, after debate, was ordored to a third
'■ reading.
The bills, yesterday ordered to a third reading,
were taken up and passed.
And then the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The journals having been read, Mr. Carter,
chairman of the committee appointed to waiton
Louis Kossuth, reported that it would be pre
pared to introduce M. Kossuth to the House to
morrow at one o’clock, and recommended that
the same etiquette be observed as was adopted
; in the Senate. The committee consists of Messrs.
Carrier, Gentry, Clingman, Peaselee and Barton,
of Ky.
The Speaker under the rules, called for the re
j ports of committees.
Mr. Houston, of Ala., chairman of the commit
| tee on Ways and Means, reported several bills of
the usual nature, providing for the current and
i contingent expenses of departments, which were
■ referred to the committee on the state of the
i Union, and ordered to be printed; also a bill for
; carrying out the 12th article of the treaty with
I Mexico
Mr. Houston also reported back from thecom
e mittee, an account of Boyd Hamilton for prin
, ting the annual estimates, which he proposed
should be referred to the committee on printing.
*’ The object of reporting back the account alluded
11 to, was, he said, to settle a principle—whether
R the estimates should he paid lor as a job, or under
contract by the public printer. It had been
usual for the Secretary of the Treasury to pay
- the account and have the estimates printed with
'1 the other documents belonging to his department;
h but which at present he refuses to do.
0 The account was ultimately referred to the
8 committee on printing.
Mr. Seymour, of N. Y., chairman of * le eom
e mittee on commerce, reported a resolution au
-0 ttiorizing the employment of a Clerk which was
e laid on the (able.
c The committee on agriculture reported a bill
to encourage commerce, manufactures, agricul
e ture, and other branches of industry, by granting
e to every head of a family who should settle on it
; a homestead of a family of 160 acres of land,
y which the Chairman was instructed to move
n should he the order of the day for the first of Feb
- ruary. It was subsequently ordered to be refer
n red to the committee on the state of the Union,
i- and ordered to be printed.
Mr. Bernhessell of Utah, called the attention
e of the House to a garbled statement of the dici
r sion of the Judges of that territory, with refer
s ence to the Mormons, and requesting a suspension
, of an expression of an opinion for the present,
y and in reply to a remark of Mr. Cartter, de
yr claimed any participation to the publication,
s The subject here dropped.
•i Mr, Hammond, Chairman of the Committee
I on Engravings, reported a resolution, authorising
L the committee to contract for the engraving of
t the plates accompanying the President’s Mes
* sage, provided it would not exceed SI,OOO, and
h also the engravings of fortifications, not to ex
ceed S7OO, accompanying the Report of the Se
cretary of War. «
The resolution was laid on the table.
A message was laid before the House accom
panied by a report of the Secretary of State re
lative to the prisoners belonging to the Lopez
- expedition who had beep sent to Spain, and re
- commending the appropriation suggested by the
a Secretary of State. The message and report
s were, on motion of Mr. Bayley, referred to the
Committee of Foreign Affairs, and ordered to be
- printed.
f Other reports from heads of departments were
received and referred to the appropriate Commit-
I) tees.
A communication was submitted by the Speak
-8 er from the territory of Minnesota, in compliance
’• with the act establishing a territorial distnet, and
I forwarding the laws which has been passed.
1 Upon motion of Mr. Hoaston, the House went
8 into Committee on the State of the Union, for
the purpose of taking up the Rules which he had
» reported,
1 The House having resolved itself into Commit
t tee, Mr. Robinson, oflndiana, referred to the cir
cumstance of the Committee on Commerce hav
’ ing cognizance of harbours,forming a sort of reser
r voir, from which eminated what are termed
■ Omnibus Bills, and alluded to the Bill of last
• session, which foiled in the Senate. He then
remarked upon the construction of the Commit
tee, on which the northwest is not represented.
He was friendly to the appropriation for the
great rivers to a certain extent and for harbours
which came within the constitutional rule.
Mr. Seymour, of New York, said the policy of
Congress hed been changed, and the committee
attended to foreign commerce to the exclusion of
internal improvement. He thought the proper
course would be to report a bill providing for
those works that are going to decay; and that
the commerce of the country should receive the
most impartial consideration. He considered the
interests of commerce on the sea-board in the
northern ports and on the great rivers as identi
cal.
Mr. Houston replied to the remarks and vin
dicated the course that had been pursued by the
Committee on Commerce. The object of going
into eommittee, however, he said, was to take
up the bills which he had reported; ami a mo
tion prevailed to lay aside the President’s mes
| sage with that view.
Mr. Houston then called the attention of the
j Committee, to the bill relative to the 12th article
of the treaty with Mexico, and spoke of the ne
cessity of an early appropriation to enable the
government to pay the last instalment. He ex
plained the meaning of the article, by which
1 twelve millions of dollars were to be paid to
Mexico, each instalment to be three millions,
exclusive ot the interest on the amount remain
ing due.
Mr. McMullin, of Va., desired to know to
whom and through whom the instalment is to
be paid.
Mr. Houston said he could not answer the
, question.
Mr. Bayly, of Va. said his colleague, Mr. Mc-
Mullin was in error in supposing that by the ac- <
| tion of Government a loss of sixty or eighty i
; thousand dollars had been sustained; and enter- ,
ed into an explanation similar to that which he i
made last session, when be exonerated the ad
ministration from all blame. > <
Mr. McMullin said be understood from good 1
authority that there was a house which would j
have undertaken to pay the instalment, by ;
which a saving would have been effected to the
extent alluded to; and he hoped the Chairman j
of the Committee of Ways and Means would > J
give the subject his serious consideration. *
Mr. Houston said it was not the province of
the proposition at the committee to entertain j
propositions from any quarter; gl] they had to •
do was to recommend the appropriation of monies *
and leave the responsibility of the expenditure j
with the Executive. All the committee on the ‘
State of the Union had to do was to enquire if
the money is due in the present instance and to 1
vote it. , • I
Mr. Bayly concurred p the ?*¥ b 7 €
Mr. Jfcyston. find the course pursued b J the com- 1
mittee of Ways gnd Means, which is the same }
as that pursued during the session by a form- u
er committee. The offer to which bis colleague >,
had alluded, he said, could not be accepted, unless
another treaty were made; and he denied that j c
any pecuniary injury had been sustained in the , ii
manner alluded to. j
Mr. Hibberd, of N. H., while he admitted that
tbe House should not assume the responsibly,
expressed bimeslf as not being satisfied with the
explanations that had been made.
Mr. McMullen was opposed to so prompt a
manner of passing Bills. He wished further
tune for consideration, and wished the question
to be iairij understood by the House and the
country.
A motion was then agreed to, that the com
mittee rise, and tbe House adjourned at a few
minutes after three o’clock.
Washtnotok, Jan. 7, 1852.
SENATE.
Mr. Clemens presented the petition of Wil
liam Scott Hayne, one of the commanders of the
Lopex expedition, praying Congress to equip a
vessel to proceed to Spain to bring home the
pardoned Americans: which was referred to the
Committee on Foreign Relations.
Mr. Sumner presented a petition from Boston,
praying that the charges upon American exhibi
tors at the World's Fair be paid by tbe United
States.
Messrs. Wade and Brodbead presented the me
morials of persons whose claims were rejected by
the late board of claims upon Mexico, and ask
ing the establishment of a new board.
Mr. Fish presented the resolution of the New
Fork City Councils, tendering to the United
States a lot of ground in that city on which to
erect a mint; which was referred to tbe Finance
Committee.
Other petitions and memorials, reports, &c.
were presented.
Mr. Gwin moved that the petition praying
the restriction of Hogging in the navy should be
taken from the table, and moved its reference.
Mr. Stockton addressed the Senate against
flogging being adopted as a punishment of Amer
ican sailors.
Mr. Badger continued the debate, and the sub
ject was finally postponed until Monday.
The Senate then adjourned until Friday.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
At 1 o’clock the House was called to order and
the journal read.
Shortly alterwards Mr. Carter introduced Gov.
Kossuth and announced his presence in the
House.
Mr. Speaker Boyd welcomed him, and invited
him to a seat.
Kossouth, in the following brief aud appropri
ate remarks, acknowledged the distinguished
honor thus conferred upon him.
Sir—lt is a remarkable fact in the history of
mankind, that while, through all the past, hon
ors were bestowed upon glory and glory was at
tached to success, the legislative authorities of
this great Republic bestow honors upon a pre
-1 sented exile, not conspicous by glory, not favored
1 by success, but engaged in a just cause. There
is a triumph of republican principles in this fact.
■ Sir, I tbauk, in my own and in my country’s
' name, the House of Representatives of the Uni-
I - ted States for the honor of this cordial welcome.
On motion, the House then adjourned until
i Friday.
: A vast number of members and others then
pressed around Kossuth, and were introduced to
him.
i Washington, Jan. 9,1852.
, SENATE.
I Mr. Soule appeared in his seat to-day.
‘ The Chair laid before the Senate a message
< from the President, enclosing a copy of a note
from Mr. Crampton, of the British legation, com
i muuicating a resolution of the Canadian Legis
lative Council, expressing the satisfaction with
i which they have received the munificent ilona*
I tions from Congress, and from the Legislatures of
> Vermont aud New York, in aid of the re-con
struction of the Library of the Canadian Parlia
ment. Laid on the table and ordered to be print
-1 ed.
The Chair also laid before the Senate a com
i munication from the Secretary of State of Ter
ritory of New Mexico, enclosing cop’es of the
acts and resolutions of the Legislature of that Ter
ritory.
Aftei some debate, the consideration of private
, bills was postponed till one o’clock,
i Mr. Clarke introduced a bill to remit and re
fund certain duties paid on goods, wares and
■ merchandize destroyed by fire.
t Mr. Hunter, from the committee on public
1 buildings, reported a bill making an appropria
. tion of $1,200 to fit up the congressional doeu
, meat room for the temporary reception of the
books belonging to the congressional library, and
• it was ordered to be engrossed for a third rea
ding, and subsequently it was passed.
Mr. Rush reported back the joint resolution of
f the House of Representatives, authorizing the
1 Postmaster General to confirm certain contracts
i for the transportation of the mail in California
» and Oregon, and the bill was ordered to be en
r grossed for a third reading,
l Mr. Gwin moved that the consideration of
private bills be postponed till next Friday, and
- after debate tbe motion was withdrawn.
The Senate then took up the private calendar,
1 and after passing several bills adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
‘ Mr. Bayly, of Virginia, moved that the House
resolve itself into a committee of the whole for
the purpose ot taking up the private calendar.
The House went into committee and took up
’ and disposed of a number of private bills.
The House resumed, and a motion was carried
’’ that when it adjourn, it stands adjourned till
Monday.
E A message was received tiom the President of
the United States, communicating reports from
departments, and the laws and ordinances of
New Mexico and Minnesota; also the report of
s the Secretary ofState, in conformity with the
. resolution of the House, of the 15th ult., relative
to the territory of U tah.
~ Mr. Polk, of Tennessee, moved that the report
\ be referred to the committee on territories, and
, printed.
’ Mr. Bernhisel, from Utah, moved that the re-
B port be read and printed. He said it contained
incorrect statements, which he asserted, from his
own knowledge; and he ventured to assert that
'* the committee to which the report should be re
ferred would come to the same conclusion. He
1 was deserious of refeiring the report to the judi
ciary committee.
Mr. Giddings said he was willing to com
™ ply with the request of the representative from
’ Utah, and as a member of tne Committee on
Territories, was willing that the report should he
referred to the Judiciary Committee.
The reading of the 9th rule was here called
e for, which provides that it is the business of the
5 Committee on Territories to take cognizance of
I the laws, ordinances and affairs of territories.
Mr. McLanahan. of Pa., deemed it a matter
J of courtesy, and also in accordance with the
- rules, to refer the report to the Committee on
- Territories, with which originated the call for
the information now received.
Mr. Houston, of Ala., thought if the subject
- lay over till next day, it would appear in the
- morning papers, and members might then decide
i'■ as to the necessity of presenting the report.
Mr. Bernhisel submitted a resolution that was
e objected to, but which was read for information,
t that the committee to whom shall be referred the
e report of officers who have returned to the United
e States shall have power to send for persons and
papers—and that commissioners in Utah be au
» thorised to take depositions, and that the terri
tory have power to retain counsel.
I he report was finally referred to the com
- mittee on territories.
j A discussion followed, with reference to the
1 printing of the laws and constitutions of the ter
ritories of New Mexico and Minnesota; during
t which Mr. Meade, of Va., said he understood
r that the constitution referred to was drawn up
and written out by a private in General Kear
ney’s army; and that that private is now a
t member of the House of Representatives: which
was an additional inducement with him for the
printing of the laws and constitution.
Mr. Bayly, of Virginia, was strenuous in bis
I desire to nave the laws, ice., printed. He «aid
that unless Congress kept its eye upon the Ter
ritory of Utah, occurrences would happen in that
quarter which were not dreamed of. He want
ed to see the laws that were passed by all the
new territories. The House had the power of
vetoing these laws: written by a private soldier
of the army or a general. He had no great opin
ion of constitutions that were framed by military
men.
The discussion seeming to be interminable, a
motion was made and carried that the House ad
journ, which consequently stands adjourned till
Monday.
A correpondent of the Montgomery Journal
writing from Abbefoil, Macon county, (Ala.,)
gives the following singular record of fatal acci
dents:
“A gloom was thrown over this community
on the Ist ult., by the sudden death of Mr. Hec
tor Blue. The deceased was attending a gram
mar school, and at 12 o’clock, he and another
young man, for pastime, concluded to try the
speed of their horses, and at the end of the dis
tance agreed upon between them, Blue’s horse
left the road, throwing him against a tree. He
was so injured that he died about three hours
afterwards.
U A race came off at Blue's Store, Pike county,
on Saturday last, and one of the riders, Mr. Blunt
Pierce, a son of William Pierce, was thrown
from his horse, and was so injured that he died
on Tuesday night last. Also, on the same day,
Mr. John Owen, an aged man, returning home
from the same place, his horse ran with him. he
was thrown, his leg or thigh broken, and he has
since died.” . jp
Southwestern Railroad Contention.—
: Tuesday's New-Orleans papers bring as the first
day’s proceedings of this convention, now in
session in that city. A large number of dele
] gates were in attendance from different portions
ot Louisiana, besides which, each of the States of
Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Flori
da, Missouri. Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas,
was respectably represented. The delegates
from Alabama were as follows: T. B. Goldsby,
P. J. Weaver, J. W. Lapsley, Geo P. Blevins,
W. T. BurrelL J. P. Perham.
The convention was organized by the appoint
ment of the following officers:— President, Ex
(rov, Alex. Mouton, of La.
Vice Pretidcjits.—C. S. Tarpley, Miss. Jos.
Forsyth, Florida, Gen. I*,.C. Polk, Tenn., Wm
N. Burnwell. Va., Amos Moore, Texas, H.
Chouteau, Missouri, J. P. Perham, Al*-, J. N.
Readies. Ky., Judge J. Campbell, La., Abaalom
Fowler, Arif-,
Secretaries. —John Calhoun, La., R- C. Farrc
ly, Ark., Victor Wilis, La., John Dnasan, Mias.
After the organization, the convention was
entertained with speeches by Mr. Burwell. of
Virginia, Albert Pike, of Arkansas, and J. S.
Verger, qf Mississippi. Tbe latter gentleman
uttered some home tiutha, a portion of which
we intended copying, but have pot room to-day.
Tuesday’s evening edition of the Picayune
contains a portion of the second day’s panceed
ings, but we find nothing of ipuch interest
Mobile Advertiser.
GEORGIA LEGISLATURE.
Legislative Proceedings.
Mn.i.KD.ir.viLi.K, Monday Night,)
January, sth, 1852. j
In the Senate, this morning, Mr. Anderson,
from the committee on Internal Improvements,
reported the Bill of the House for the govern
ment of the Western k Atlantic Rail Road with
one or two immaterial amendments. The Bill
was then referred to a Special Committee,consist
ing of Messrs. Foster, Bethune, Cone. Harde
man and Wellborn, with instructions to report
in the morning. There is a probability that the
Special Committee will report a substitute for
the present Bill. It is evident that there is con
siderable dissatisfaction with the Bill as it passed
the House of Representatives. Unless there is a
change made in the government of the Road
the appropriation will be bitterly opposed by
several of the leading Senators. As a slight in
dication of the feeling in the Senate, it may be
remarked, that although both the Bill for the go
vernment of. and the Bill for the appropriation
to the Road were the special order for to-day, yet
as soon as the former was referred to a Special
Committee the latter was taken up aud made
the special order for the day after the disposal of
the former. Mr. Foster, the chairman of the
Special Committee seems to favor a Board of
Directors, consisting of eight persons; one to be
elected by the people from each Congressional
District.
It is currently reported that the present organ
ization will be pertinaciously adhered to by
many, that they or their friends may receive their
reward from his Excellency “ for work and la
bor done’’ in the last campaign. It is to be hoped
that the well known wishes of the people will
be regarded, and the power of appointment in
this matter taken from the hands ol' the Execu
tive, regardless of the importunities of spoils
seeking politicians.
The committee on new counties reported un
favorably of the Bill to make a new county out
of Troupe and Harris, and the report was agreed
to by the Senate. New counties fare but poorly
in either House now. They are summarily dis
posed of, without any kind ol hesitation. It is
a matter of considerable regret that the log-rol
ling on that subject could not have been checked
earlier. It is a matter of remark with the oldest
Senators, that they never have known log-rolling
carried to such an extent in any Legislature as
* in the present. However, the Union it taved. and
what is the difference.
Mr. Coffee reported a Bill to construct a Rail
■ Road from the terminus of the North Carolina
Rail Road, byway of Clayton, Rabun county, to
[ intersect the South Carolina Rail Road at An
derson Court House.
Mr. Beavers reported a Bill to amend the act
; of 1847, to compensate the Jurors of Campbell
county, and to authorize the Inferior Court to
levy an extra tax for that purpose.
MrqHarman reported a Bill to incorporate the
Barnesville and Culloden Rail R^ad.
Mr. Anderson reported a Bill to amend the
, Road Laws of this State so far as concerns per
sons constantly employed in repairing track aud
conducting transportation upon the several Rail
Roads of the State.
After to-day no new matter will be received,
, unless by the consent of two-thirds.
, Tbe following Bills of the House were passed:
A Bill to provide for taking the census of tbe
State
, A Bill to preserve the purity of public elec
tions, and to prevent Magistrates who hold city,
[ county, or town offices from presiding at county
or town elections so far as relates to Cherokee
county.
A Bill to authorize the Relator in any writ of
Mandamus to traverse the answer to said writ.
A Bill to reduce the Sheriff's bond of Madison
county.
. A Bill to fix the fees of Sheriffs, Constables,
and Coroners in certain cases, and to provide for
taxing the same.
, A Bill to authorize the continuing of Sheriff,
Adminiatiator aud other public sales from day
to day, by giving notice of the^ame.
| A Bill to amend the charter of the South Wes
tern Rail Road Company, and to incorporate the
Cherokee Rail Road Company from Rome to
the Alabama line.
A Bill to incorporate Brownwood University
, and Greensboro’ College.
| A Bill to amend the act to compel tbe Banks
of this State to resume specie |>aymerit so as to
authorize the Superior Court ol Bibb county to
f appoint a receiver for the Ocmulgee Bank, in
. stead of Scott Cray, deceased.
[ HOUSE.
The action of the House to-day has been con
fined mostly to Bills of a local character,
f A spicey little debate occurred this morning
| on a Bill to appropriate money to aid in making
a road over the great Blue Ridge from Dahlonega
, to Blairsville. Mr. Russell threatened to expose
the log-rollers and abused the system generally.
Mr. Bartow denied an intimation of Mr. Russell,
that there was a prejudice in the House against
! Cherokee Georgia. Mr. B. voted for the Bill.—
r Mr. Wofford had a word or two to say in rela
tion to the threats that had been thrown out,
’ that Cherokee should not receive another dollar.
The Bill was lost,
The following Bills were passed:
A Bill to amend an act providing for the indi
gent Deaf and Dumb of the State, so as to in
crease the annual appropriation from $4500 to
' SBOOO.
* A Bill to legalize the acts of the Deputy Clerks
J of the Superior and Inferior Courts, and of the
: Ordinary.
5 A Bill to repeal a portion of the act to com
pensate the Petit Jurors of Hancock county.
I A Bill to change the names of, and legitama
tize certain individuals therein named,
A Bill to compel the Tax Collectors and Re
j ceivers of Coweta, Irwin and Fayette, to visit
1 the houses of all widows in their respective
3 counties before returning them as defaulters.
c A Bill to incorporate the Newnan Female
‘ College.
A Bill to authorize certain persons therein
named,.to improve the navigation of the Chatta
hoochee River above the Western & Atlantic
Rail Road.
1 A Bill to incorporate the Zebulon Branch Rail
J Road.
’ A Bill to amend an act to compel the Inferior
. Courts of Jackson, Pike, Sumter, Wilkes and
Washington, to levy a tax upon itinerant ped
'. dlers, so as to make SSOO, the smallest tax that
can he imposed in those counties.
A Bill to prescribe the manner in which the
[ laws of this State shall be printed and published.
This Bill makes it the duty of the State Printer,
* for the time being, to print the acts ot this and
all future Legislatures uniform in size, and in a
, style equal in mechanical execution to Cobb’s
recent Digest of the Statutes. The Governor is
j required to have them bound at a cost not ex
-5 feeding thirty cents per volume, and appoint a
fit and proper person to prepare the several acts
* for publication, whose duty it shall be to distiii
; guish the public laws from those that are private;
j to arrange the public laws under appropriate ti-
I ties; to prepare for publication, side notes and
head notes; to add notes .referring to such pre
vious legislation as may be modified or repealed,
and notes giving the decisions of the Supreme
Court on that subject matter since the last publi
cation of the laws, with a copious index.
A Bill to lay out a new county from Warren,
Washington and Jefferson was indefinitely post
, lioned.
Also, A Bill to prevent slaves attempted to be
| emancipated from remaiaining in the State, and
to provide for their sale if they remain.
A Bill to give to the owners of Saw Mills a
lien upon the building for payment of tbe lum
ber—was lost.
I believe I forgot to mention in my last, that
the House had amended the act allowing the
specie paying Banks of the State to issue 5 per
cent of their capital stock in bills of a less de
nomination than five dollars, so as to allow them
to issue 10 per cent of their stock in such bills.
Milledgevillr, 1
Tuesday Night, Jan. 6, 1852. J
The Senate, this morning, passed the House
bill giving the election of the Judges of the Su
perior Courts to the people. The only amend
ment of the Benate worthy of notice was, that
which changed the time required for the candi
date to reside in the Circuit previous to the elec
tion, from three years to one. The remainder
of the forenoon and afternoon was passed in the
consideration of the original bill for the govern
ment of the Western k Atlantic Railroad, and
the substitute therefor, offered by Mr. Foster,
from the Special Committee. The substitute
proposes that a Superintendant, Treasurer and
Auditor, be appointed by the Governor, to serve
until the first of January next, or until their j
successors are qualified. On the first of Tanuary
next, three Commissioners are to be elected by I
the people, to serve, one for one year, another for I
two years, tbe other for three years. They are
to determine which of them shall serve one year, j
which shall serve two years, and which shall
serve three years. One Commissioner to be
elected annually on the first Monday in January
thereafter, for the term of three years. The
Commissioners to have the appoinment of the
Superintendant. Before coming to any conclu
sion, the whole matter was postponed until to
morrow morning for further consideration.
Mr. Foster, in the course of some remarks to
day, by authority, denied that his Excellency
had promised the appointment of Superintendant
to any member of the Legislature. But the
Senate refused to receive an amendment exclu-
- [ ding the members of the present Legislature
it ! from any office upon the road.
n The following bills of the House were passed
■■ by the Senate to-night:
a A bill to authorise tbe Inferior Courts of Wal- .
ton and Henry to pay Thos. G. Wood, of Wa!-
- ton, and Wm. Hadden, ol Henry, for teaching
h poor children.
s A bill to prescribe tbe mode of paying the ju
’» rors of Murray, Lumpkin and Habersham.
■> A bill to permit the several Manufacturing I
Companies of the State to borrow money at a
‘ higher rate of interest than is now allowed by
l*w.
A bill to incorporate the Georgia Mechanical
1 & Manufacturing Company in the city of Ma
con.
• A bill for the relief of the estate of J. Mapp. :
• deceased, of Greene county, and cf J. Hum
-1 phreys, of DeKalb.
In the House, this morning, a motion to re- !
consider a bill, lost yesterday, regulating the !
number of Clerks and Secretaries in the House
i and senate, was lost.
f A motion, to re-consider the lost bill to refund
a sum of money to Mr. Cameron, of Troup, met j
i with the same fate. Messrs. Harris, of Clark,
i Hill and Bartow, favored the motion. Mr. Rus- ,
sell, contra. Mr. Hill, in reply, raked Mr. Rus- 1
1 “H slightly, to which the gentleman from ]
Lumpkin, replied.
The remainder of the day was spent by the
House in tire consideration of the Appropriation
bil! for the years 1852 and 1853. Late this
afternoon, the Committee of the Whole rose,
and reported tbe bill to the House, with amend
ments. The report was token up and agreed to,
and the bill made the special order for to-morrow.
The night session has been occupied in read
ing bills the second time.
Ridicule was attempted to be cast ujion the
bill, offered some time since, by Mr. Tift, to pro
tect the rights and interests of the citizens ol
I Georgia, from tbe encroachments of the North.
One gentleman moved that it should be referred
to the Penitentiary Committee. Another pro
posed thfc Committee on the Lunatic Asylum.
These motions drew out Mr. Tilt in defence of
himself and his bill. It was finally referred, as
it should have been, without hesitation, to the
Committee on the State of the Republic. I
mention this incident merely to show the respect
extended to the opinions of the minority by the
majority ,in the present Legislature. But with
such leaders in the House a £ Messrs. Seward and
Tift, and such in the Senate as Messrs. McCune
and Harman, tbe Southern Rights party have no
cause to fear a discomfiture in delate upon the
floor of either House.
I notice in my report of Saturday, they have
j printed u Baker ” for “ Rabun,” in the Cattle act;
and, in the last paragraph, practical discription”
for “ particular description.''
Miu.edgkvii.lk, Wednesday, Jan, 7.
| There has literally been a war ol words
j waging in the Senate all day. The hills in re
j lation to the State Road, have been under con
sideration, and have caused considerable excite
ment among our grave and reverend Senators.
It was a contest between the original bill, for
; the government of the Road, and the substitute,
! in which the latter prevailed by a vote of 26
j yeas to 16 nays. Messrs. Miller, (Mr. Day in
the Chair.) Calhoun, and J. L. Byrd, favored the
original. Messrs. Foster and Simmons favored
the substitute. On the passage of tbe bill, the
| yeas were 23, the nays 18.
| The bill to appropriate money for the equip
ment, repairs, Sec., of the Roau, was then taken
; up, and a war continued. Mr. McCune moved
to strike out $600,000. This motion was advo
| cated by Messrs. McCune, Moore, Flournoy, and
I Mosely; and opposed by Messrs. Foster, Cal
; homi, and Hardeman. The motion prerailed—
: yeas 21, nays 19. Mr. Foster moved to fill the
I blank with $550,000 —upon which motion the
yeas were 19, nays 20. Air. Calhoun then moved
to fill the blank with $525,000. Upon this mo
i tion, the yeas were 20, and nays 20. The Pres
ident voted in the affirmative, and the motion
prevailed. The bill then came up on its passage.
Mr. J. L. Byrd opposed the appropriation in toto.
Mr. Harman said that he thought the appropria
tion too great by $125,000, and would, therefore,
be compelled to vote against the bill. Those
who voted in the affirmative are:
Messrs. Anderson, Bethune, Calhoun, Chap
pell, Coffee, Crocker. Day, Farris, Flewellen,
| Foster, Griggs, Hardeman, Hicks, Lawson, Mc-
Rae, Ross, Simmons, Slaughter, Stroud, Tumlin,
Wellborn. Yeas 21.
Those who voted in the negative are:
Messrs. Beavers, Bryan, Butler, John L. Byrd,
Philip M. Byrd, Cone, Dickinson, Flournoy,
Harman, Harris, Little. McCune, Moore, Mose
ly, Reed, Tomlinson, Walthour, Willcox, Wolfe,
Wright. Nays 20.
So the bill was passed. ■
I believe I gave you most of the principal
features of tbe substitute, for the government of
the Road, in my last. By this bill, alt litigation
must be in DeKalb county. The Superintend
ant, Treasurer and Auditor, are to be appointed
by the Governor, and hold their offices until the
Ist of March, 1853. The three Commissioners
are to be elected the Ist Monday in January
next, to serve, one of them one year; another,
two years; and the other, three years; to de
termine their term of service by lot. After
wards, annually, upon the Ist Monday of Janu
ary, one Commissioner is to be elected for three
years. The Commissioners are to receive five
dollars per diem for every day of service in tbe
business of the Road., They are to appoint the
Superintendant, Treasurer and Auditor. The
Superintendant to have a salary of $3,000, an
nually ; the Treasurer and Auditor, each $1,200.
This substitute will meet with very btrong op
position in the House, and its fate is quite un
j certain.
I I believe there has been a greater display of
the tpeaJcing abilities of the Senate to-day, than
on any othf r previous occasion.
night session. '
The following bills have been passed to
night :
A bill to construct a Railroad from the term
inus of the North Carolina Railroad by the way
of Clayton, Rabun county, to intersect the South
Carolina Railroad at Anderson Court 4 House.
A bill to amend the act, of 1847, to compen
sate the jurors of Campbell county, so as to au
thorise the Inferior Court of said county to levy
an extra tax for that purpose.
, A bill to incorporate the Barnesville & Cullo
; den Railroad Company.
A bill, of the House, to prevent the driving of
distempered cattle from North Carolina and
, South Carolina, into Union and Rabun, and from
A labamajnto Floyd, between the 15th of May
and th» 15thot October, annually.
A bill, of the House, to incorporate nuinerouj
Churches, Academies, Masonic Lodges, &e. &c.
A bill for the relief of the Receiver of Tax
i Returns for the county of Washington.
A bill, of the House, to alter former laws, so
i as to allow the specie paying Banks of the State
i to issue 10 per cent of their capital stock in bills
of a less denomination than five dollars, instead
■ of 5 per cent, as heretofore. An amendment
was agreed to by the Senate, striking out 10 and
• inserting 20.
A bill to incorporate the town of Calhoun, in
Gordon county.
A bill to incorporate the Clarkesville & Tug
i aloo Plank or Railroad Company.?
The u Ordinary ” bill is the special order for
t to-morrow.
In the House, the Report of the Committee of
i the Whole, on the Bill to appropriate money for
the support of the Government for 1852 and
1853, was taken up and agreed to.
The House voted themselves five dollars per
I diem, ami four dollars for every twenty miles in
going to and returning from Milledgeville.
The section of the bill allowing five hundred
I dollars to the Clerk of the Supreme Court, for the
• purpose of employing a Deputy Clerk, received
53 yeas and 45 nays. The Chair decided that
the section granted a donation to the Clerk, and
■ therefore required the support of two-thirds to
pass it, under the last clause of the 21th section
of the Ist article of the Constitution of the
j State, which says: u No vote, resolution, law or
order, shall pass the General Assembly, granting
i a donation, or gratuity in favor of any person,
i whatever, but by the concurrence of two-thirds
of the General Assembly.” Mr. Harper appeal
ed from the decision of the Chair. The ap
peal was advocated by Messrs. Harper, Ste
phens, Trippe, and Floyd. Mr. Gardner, contra.
The decision of the Chair was sustained, by
yeas 49, nays 44, The bill, for the appropria
tion, finally passed without a dissenting voice.
Mr. Floyd’s resolution, requiring the Governor
to set aside a sufficient sum for the payment of
the interest on the public debt, and the amount
specified for the annual reduction of that debt
before paying any of the appropriations made by
the present Legislature, was made the special
order for Saturday.
This afternoon, the House took up the bills of
the House which have been amended by tbe
Senate.
Mr. Clark, of Oglethorpe, opposed the amend
ment of the Senate to the Appropriation bill for
the improvement of the navigation of the Al
taraaha, Ocmulgee and Oconee rivers; which
amendment appropriated $5,000 for the improve
ment of the Savannah River, between the up
per end of the Augusta Canal and Lightwood
Log Creek. Mr. Floyd opposed the amend
ment because he believed it new matter, and
therefore unconstitutional. Mr. Millcdge favor
ed the amendment. He said he had anticipated
tbe assistance of the member from Elbert, but
his shake of the head was indicative that he
(Mr. Milledge) need not look to that gentleman
for aid and comfort. He turned to tne gentle
man from Lincoln, whose Senator bad offered
the amendment, but that gentleman replied, he
knew of no obstructions to remove. Deserted
by his friends, the gentleman, from Richmond,
said he would, as a dernier resort, appeal to the
magnanimity of Cherokee, to assist him in dig
ing out the rocks from the bottom of the Savan
nah. Bnt in vain ! The amendment was dis
agreed to.
The amendments of the Senate to the Tax
bill, then came up. Mr. Janes moved to make
the amendments to the Tax bill the special or
der for the Ist of March.. Mr. Tift thought the
j motion equivalent to a motion to postpone in
: definitely, and consequently out of order. The
; Chair thought not, as the Legislature had not
determined to adjourn, tint die , upon any day
previous to the Ist of March. Mr. Wofford sup
ported the motion, of Mr. Janes, to postpone
and, in the course of his remarks, denied that
the press represented the voice of the people on
the ad valorem system of taxation.^On the
postponement, the yeas were 12, the nays 56.
Mr. Tift moved that Banks and Corporations be
taxed upon their bills, bonds and notes, as indi
viduals are taxed. Messrs. Bartow and Trippe
opposed the amendment of Mr. Tift. Mr.
Harper made a strong appeal to the friends of the
bill to vote down all amendments to the amend
ments of the Senate. It would be a dangerous
risk to send this bill back to the Senate. The
previous question was called for and sustained.
Mr. Tift’s amendment was lost.
night session.
The House proceeded with the consideration
of the amendments of the Senate jto the Tax
bill. Mr. Wofford arose to a point of order, and,
in a long speech, maintained that the previous '
question having been sustained, it cut off all
amendments, and the House could not act further
upon the amendments of the Senate. Mr. Wof
ford finally withdrew his point of order, and the
amendments of the Senate were agreed to.
Tbe rule was suspended, and Messrs. Clark, of
Stewart, and Smith, of Hancock, each intro
duced resolutions, extending our sympathies and
a home to tbe Hungarian exiles, but deprecating
national interference in the struggles of Europe.
Milledokville, Jan. 8,1851.
In the Senate, this morning, Mr.' Moore
moved to re-consider the bill appropriating
money to the State Road. The motion did not
prevail—yeas 16, nays 24.
The u Ordinary bill ” being the special order
for to day, was taken up and passed, with some
amendments. Yeas 29, nays 11.
A bill, to amend the Road laws of this State,
so as to exempt all persons engaged in transpor
tation on Railroads and in keeping up the same,
by their paying, each, four dollars annually, was
passed.
Also, the following House bills:
A bill to require the Tax Receivers and Col
lector* of Coweta. Fayette and Early, to visit
the houses of all widows in said counties, before
returning them as defaulters.
A bill to incorporate the Newnan Female
College.
A bill to legalise the acts of Deputy Clerks of
the Superior and Inferior Courts, and of the Or
dinary.
A bill to incorporate the Zebulon Branch Rail
road Company.
A bill to appropriate eight thousand dollara,
annually, to the Deaf and Dumb Asylum.
A bill, of the House, to raise the tax on ped
dlers, in certain counties therein named, amended
bo as to prohibit all, except citizens of the United
States, irom peddling in this State.
A bill to amend the laws in relation to service
of summons, in cases of forcible Entry and De
tainer.
A bill to allow all Manufacturing Companies
of the State to issue bonds bearing greater inter
est than now allowed by law, amended so as to
apply only to the Rock Island. Howard and
Coweta Manufacturing Companies at Columbus,
and the Augusta Machine Works, at Augusta.
A bill to incorporate the Rome Branch Mag
netic Telegraph Company..
As there seems to be a probability of a differ
ence of opinion, and a collision ol the President
ot' the Seuate and the Speaker of the Honse, in
their decision upon a parliamentary law, I send
you the decision of the President of the Senate,
as delivered in the Senate last night upon the
point of order. The decision was brought about
in this wise: Judge Meriwether, the Speaker
of the House, had intimated, if I correctly un ter
sfcood him, that some of the amendments of the
Senate to House bills, were unconstitutional.
For instance, a bill ol the House to permit
some one to niairy again from whom his or her
husband or wife had been divorced ; an amend
ment was made in the Senate, allowing some
other individual, similarly situated, the same
privilege. When the bill, with the amendment,
was returned to the House, the point of order,
that the amendment was unconstitutional, was
raised, but withdrawn before the Chair decider!
upon it. And the amendment, of the Senate, to
the bill appropriating money to improve the
navigation of the Altamaha, Oconee and Ocmul
gee rivers, which amendment made an appro
priation to improve the navigation of the Savan
nah above Augusta, the same point of order was
raised, but again withdrawn. A member of the
Senate discovering that there was a probability of
the Senate’s amendment being ruled out of order,
went into the Senate, and there raised the point
of order, on an amendment offered to a Honse
bill, to incorporate numerous Masonic Lodges,
Churches, &c. &c. The amendment offered
being intended to incorporate a Chapter of Ma
sons. The point of order was overruled by the
President, and upon an appeal from the decision
of the Chair, the decision was unanimously sus
tained. I have said this much on the subject, as
many seem to fear the defeat of all the amend
ments of the Senate to the House bills.
As I wrote you yesterday, the House refused
to concur in the amendment, of the Senate, ap
propriating money for the improvement of the
navigation of the Savannah.
The Senate, to-day, insisted upon their amend
ment.
In the House, the following bills have been
passed to-day:
A bill to fix the times of holding the Superior
Courts of the Macon Circuit.
A bill to fix the times of holding the Superior
Courtsin the Blue Ridge Circuit.
A bill to amend an act entitled an Act to au
thorise parties to compel discoveries at common
law, and to prevent the abuse of the same.
A bill to repeal the Ist and 2d sections of the
act of 1850, entitled an Act to curtail the labors
of the Clerk of the Supreme Court, and to re
duce the cost in said Court, and to authorise
amendments in said Court.
A bill to make a new county, to be called
Taylor, out of the counties of Talbot, Macon and
Marion.
A bill to pay the grand and petit jurors of
Richmond, who live one mile beyond the cor
porate limits of the city of Augusta, one dollar
per day.
A bill to amend the Road laws of this State,
so far as respects the county of Columbia.
A bill to change the line between Hall and
Gwinnett, so us to include Sherwood's Mills in
Gwinnett.
A bill to change the line between Campbell
and Fayette.
A bill to incorporate the Sparta Hotel Com
pany.
A bill to incorporate the Central Female Col
lege at Culloden.
The House have agreed to the amendments of
the Senate, to the Appropriation bill for the
Western & Atlantic Railroad.
To-night, a motion was made to make the
second reading of the “ Woman’s bill,’’ of the
Senate, the special order for the 10th of Feb
ruary. The motion, however, did not prevail—
-39 in favor to 44 against the motion. This mo
tion was made for the purpose of killing the
bill,and, although the motion did not fail, its de
feat may be considered pretty certain.
I notice an editorial in the Chronicle If Sen
tinel of the 4th inst., which animadverts, and
very properly, upon the “ culpable tardiness ” of
the Legislature, in relation to the passage of the
State Railroad bills. It is due, however, to Mr.
Bartow, the very efficient Chairman of the
Committee on Internal Improvements, and from
whom those bills originated, to state that he is
entirely free from blame. He has again and
again, forcibly and eloquently portrayed the la
mentable condition of the Road,{and endeavored
to prevail upon the House to take up those
measures ; but his remarks have too often fallen
upon the House unheeded. The truth is, there is
a very strong opposition, in both Houses, to ap
propriating a dollar to the Road, under any cir
cumstances. Others have opposed the appro
priation until the fate of the ad valorem Tax
bill should be determined.
Mr. Miller’s Decision on the point of order re
ferred to.
The amendment proposed, contemplates the
incorporation of a body different Irom any named
in the Bill of the House, but as that includes a
number of proposed corporations, the amendment
is germain ; the (rowers and privileges sought to
be conferred by the amendment being the same
as those generally conferred in the original Bill.
It is true that the Constitution requires “ that
every bill shall be read three times, and on three sev
eral days, in each bramh of the General Jhsemblyl
but this does not apply to amendments ; and the
power of the Senate, to amend a Bill of the
House, by the addition of new matter, is ex
pressly recognized, in the clause of the Constitu
tion relating to revenue and appropriation Bills,
in these words. “ but the Senate shall propose, or
concur in amendments as in otherbills.' 1 11' 1
The object of the constitutional requisition
was, that the attention of both branches of the
Legislature, might be called by the several read
ings to the subject matter of legislation, not to
the letter of the bill; for if it must, at each read
ing, be literally the same, and must pass as read,
there could be no amendments.
This is an absurdity, from which the Constitu
tion is expressly exempt. Amendments; such as
the present, it is believed, have been made, in
either branch of the Legislature, were, since the
adoption of the Constitution; and this legislative
practice, is both a cotemporaneous and continued
interpretation of that instrument in this regard.
The receiving of such amendments, also prevents
the increase of the number ot bills introduced,
and greatly expedites the business of the Legis
lature.
In every point of view, the amendment is ad
missible, and the point of order is therefore over
ruled.
Milledoevii.lk, Friday, Jan. 9,1852.
On motion of Mr. P. M. Byrd, the Senate, this
morning, consented tore-considerso much of the
Journal of yesterday as related the passage of
the bill, of the House, concerning peddlers. This
bill was afterwards taken up and again passed,
with the amendment prohibiting all, except cit
izens of the United States, from peddling in this
State.
The rule being suspended, Mr. Foster reported
a bill to add an additional section to the act, sup
plementary to the act, for the appointment of
county officers, approved Dec. 4tn, 1799. This
bill authorises the Governor, in his discretion,
to commission, in cases ot a contested election,
the candidate who receives the highest number
of votes, or to order a new election.
Mr. Hardeman reported a bill to change the
times of holding the Superior Courts of Talia
ferro, Madison and Elbert, so as to hold the Su
perior Court in Taliaferro on the fourth Monday
in February and August; in Macon on the first
Monday in March and September; in Elbert on
the second Monday in the same months. The
object of the proposed change is to allow two
weeks for the holding of Court in Elbert.
The bill, to amend the third section of the
third article of the Constitution of the State, so
as to give the election of Solicitors General to
the people, was lost. Yeas 24, nays 15. The
object of this bill being to amend the Constitu
tion, required a vote of two-tbirds in the affirm
ative to pass it. I believe there was some defect
in the wording of the bill, which caused its de
feat.
The bill, of the House, to amend the act in
corporating the Hancock Manufacturing Com
pany, was passed, with amendments, incorpor
ating the Augusta and Macon Gas Light Com
panies. Judging from the conduct of the House
for the last two days, these amendments of the
Senate will probably not be agreed to there.
The House, to-day, refused to agree to the
amendment of the Senate, to the bill for the
government of the State Railroad. The Senate
have made this disagreement of the House to
their amendment, the special order for to-mor
row.
In the House, most of the forenoon was spent
in the discussion of the motion to agree to the
amendment of the Senate, to their bill for the
government of the State Road. Mr. Bartow
very eloquently opposed the motion, and the
amendment, to the biller end. As above remark
ed, the House refused to agree. Yeas 29, nays
80.
The House passed the following bills :
A bill to repeal an act in reference to the
mode of paying out the Poor School Fund of
Walker and Gilmer, so far as relates to the coun
ty of Walker.
A bill to alter the Road and Village Jaws of
the State, so far as relates to the county of Han
cock.
A bill, to repeal the act of 1847, incorporating
the city of Dalton.
A bill to extend the corporate powers of the
town of Covington. , „
A bill to require all writs brought, to the Su
perior Court of Wilkes, to be filed in the Clerk s
office twentj'-three days before the holding ol
C °A rt bill to change the time of holding the Su
perior Courts of Richmond, to the fourth Mon
day in January and June.
The resolutions, of Mr. Clark, of Stewart, ax-
t tending our sympathies to oppressed Hungary,
i ana a borne to Kossuth, but deprecating nation* I
interference, were taken up, and, after some dis
s oussioa, agreed to.
Ihere is considerable excitement prevailing
1 here, ouginating from the difference of opinion
• existing between the two Houses upon parlia
mentary law, and the constitutionality of certain
- amendments of the Senate to House bills. I
y e>ter day, the decision of the Presi
i, dent ot the Senate, Mr. Miller, on this subject.
I he amendments, of the Senate, to several
• .‘if* h° v * been disagreed to by the House,
• “* e . •a*t two days, on account of what
1 the H ? use deem the unconstitutionally of those
amendments.
> On the motion to agree to the amendment,of the
- Senate, changing the time of holding Richmond
Superior Court, quite a lengthy discussion was
s carried on by Messrs. Floyd, Stephens, Janes,
. Bartow, and Henry. The amendment of the
> Senate was to a bill of the House, to prescribe
i the mode of paying the jurors in Lumpkin, Hab
. ersliam and Murray. Messrs. Floyd, Henry and
Stephens, considered the amendment entirely
. new matter, and that its adoption would, there
fore, be unconstitutional. Mr. Janes, contra.
- Mr. Bartow thought the amendment violative of
t parliamentary law, but not unconstitutional,
i The point of order was raised, but withdrawn
j upon the intimation of the Speaker, that the ac
tion of the Senate was not a proper subject for a
• point of order in the House. The House refused
t to agree to the amendment. Yeas 34, nays 62.
r To-night, the amendment of the Senate, in
. ' corporating the Cherokee Railroad Company,
, to a House bill, altering the charter of the South
western Railroad, was likewise disagreed to.
t Yeas 48, nays 48. the Speaker voting against the
• motion to agree.
Shortly after, a bill of the House, to change
, an election precinct in Appling county, came
, upon its third reading, and a motion was made
to amend, by making a change of a similar kind
in Gilmer. The point of order being raised, the
j Speaker decided the amendment out of order. In
I a few moments a bill, to changethe time of hold
, ing the Superior Court of Franklin, and to
. change the time of holding the Supreme Court
. at Cassville and Gainesville, came up on its
. third reading. On motion, so much of the bill
. as related to the change in the time of holding
, Franklin Court, was stricken out. Mr. Milledge
. then moved to amend the bill by changing the
f time of holding Richmond Superior Court. No
• point of order being raised, the motion was put
t and adopted. Mr. Harris, of Clark, then moved
. to strike out so much of the bill as referred to
i the change of time in holding tire Supreme
j Court, which motion prevailed. The entire
. original bill was, in this manner, stricken out,
, and nothing left but the amendment of Mr. Mil
j ledge, and in this shape the bill was passed. The
. House thus manifesting a strange inconsistency,
, whether right or wrong, as to their views of the
. amendments ot the Senate.
The Governor, to-day, returned the Tax bill
I with his signature, accompanied by a message in
. which he approves of the ad valorem system,
, but fears that one-twelfth of one per cent, will
not bring in a sufficient revenue to meet the
wants of the State, and recommends the passage
of a supplementary act, to allow him, if neces
sary, to increase the rate of taxation.
Mr. Milledge was yesterday appointed on the
Internal Improvement Committee, and they
have determined to report against a Railroad
connection at Augusta.
Resolutions were agreed to in the Senate, re- -
quiring the appointment of three Commission
era, to examine into the claims of the creditors
of the Darien Bank, ami determine upon them.
If either the State or the creditors of the Bank
should be dissatisfied with the decision of the
Commissioners, the dissatisfied party can appeal
to the Superior Court of Baldwin county.
Milledoeville, Saturday Night, l
January 10th, 1852. J
Mr. Harman introduced in the Senate a Reso
lution, requesting the Governor to have the Tax
A' t published in such public journals as ho
thought proper, also requesting Him to furnish
each of the Tax Receivers of the State with a
copy of said act. The Resolution was agreed to.
Mr. Flewellen introduced a Resolution that
the General Assembly adjourn sine die on the
17th inst., or sooner if possible: which was a
greed to. Yeas 33, nays 19.
The message of the House, announcing the re
fusal of the Ilouse to agree to the amendment of
the Senate to the Bill for the government of the
Western & Atlantic Rail Road, was made the
especial order for Monday. The general Appro
priation Bill was passed without any material
amendments. Motions to insist on the amend
ments of the Senate, changing the time of hold
ing Richmond Court, and incorporating the Che
rokee Rail Road to House Bills, prevailed. J
The Senate passed a Bill to incorporate the J
- Manufacturers’ and Mechanics’ Bank of Colurn- M
bus. 5
To-night, the Resolutions of Mr. Clark, of I
Stewart, in relation to Kossuth, which passed the R
House yesterday, were referred to the Commit- 1
tee on the State of the Republic.
I In the House this morning, a Resolution was I
f introduced, that the General Assembly adjourn
! on the 17th inst., in lieu of which a Resolution
was adopted to appoint a committee of five to
confer with the Senate and fix upon a day for
i adjournment.
i The Resolutions of Mr. Floyd, in relation to
I the payment of appropriations, were postponed
■ until Monday. '
1 The House took up and passed the rc-consider
« ed Bill for the pardon of Kinchen J. Boon, of
i Greene. Yeas 52, nays 50.
i Mr. Floyd reported a Bill supplementary to an
• act to levy and collect a tax for the political years
. 1852 and 1853, approved January 9th, 1852.
The following Bills were passed :
To appropriate twenty-four thousand and eight
hundred dollars to the Lunatic Asylum.
To incorporate the Oostunaula Fire Company,
■ at Rome.
To change the time and place of holding the
s Supreme Court in the second Supreme Court
I District, so as to hold said Court in Amcricus, on
, the second Monday in July, and to hold said
; Court in Columbus, instead of Talbotton, on the
fourth Monday in January.
To incorporate certain Churches, Academies,
Masonic Lodges, &c., &e,
A Joint Committee of Conference was ap
pointed by the two Houses to take into conside
ration the amendments of tho Senate to House
Bills, which have been disagreed to by the
House. That committee have reported and re
commend that the Senate recede Irom their a
mendment appropriating money to improve the
navigation of the Savunnah River, and that the
House agree to the amendments, incorporating
the Cherokee Rail Road, —changing the time of .
holding Richmond Superior Court, and removing "
marriage disabilities from certain individuals.
The Senate has adopted this report, but the
House has not yet taken action upon it. It U
understood that there will be a minority report
on the subject in the House on Monday.
As the minority have not only been voted
down, but frequently gagged by ihe call for the
-previous question this session, I will enter some
what into detail in regard to a portion of tbe
proceedings of the House this morning, in which
the majority discovered that occasionally a rule
will work both ways.
Mr. Hill moved to suspend the rule for the
purpose of taking up the re-considered Bill to
prohibit the importation of slaves into this State
for sale, stating that he had prepared a substitute
for the original Bill, which lie thought would be
satistactory to all who desired any law of the kind.
Mr. Sewa;d, who is opposed to any and all legis
lation upon the subject, hoped that the House
would not suspend the rule, and bring up for dis
cussion a subject ujwn which the House had al
ready spent a very considerable portion of their
time. Mr. Trippe favored a suspension of the
rule, and concluded by calling for the previous
question on the motion to suspend the rule. The
call for tbe previous question was sustained, and
the rule was suspended, to take up the Bill. Mr.
Seward then called for the previous question up
on the Bill, the effect of vvnich would be, if sus
tained, to cut off' the substitute of Mr. Hill. Al
though not a debateable question, sufficient was
talked tut, notwithstanding the calls of “order,”
“order,” to inform the House of the effect of
sustaining the call of Mr. Seward, and the House
refused to sustain the call by a vote of 36 yeas
to 77 nays. Mr. Seward then insisted that the
House having refused to sustain the call for the
previous question, which is “ shall the main ques
tion now be put ? ” the Bill, according to par
liamentary law, must lie over one day; and the
chair so decided. This was very objectionable
to Mr. Hill and hia friends, as Mr. H. had ob
tained leave of absence after twelve o’clock to
day to go home. The decision of the chair was
appealed from arid the appeal strongly advocated
by Messrs. Hill,Stephens and Bartow; Messrs.
Seward and Tift sustained the decision. Messrs.
Stephens and Bartow insisted that as a rule of the
House, required that a majority should second the
call for the previous question, and as no vote had
been taken to determine whether a majority
would second the call of Mr. Seward, therefore
the previous question had been improperly put.
Mr. Seward stated that it had not been the cus
tom of the House to require a vote to determine
whether the call was seconded, unless there was
some objections made, and no objection being
made, the House waived their right to have a
vote to determine whether the call was second
ed. thereby admitting that a majority favored the
call. The speaker remarked that at the first of
tbe session he had demanded a vote to determine
whether the call for the previous question was
seconded; but that for some time past he had
omitted to do so when no objection was made,
upon the tuggetlion of the gentleman from Chat
ham, (Mr. Bartow,) and a few others, that it was
an unnecessary waste ol time to test the prelimi
nary question when no objection was made to
the call for the previous question. The House
sustained the decision ol the chair, and the Bill
lies over until Monday.
The Penitentiary Committee have not yet re
ported, and as the two Houses cannot adjourn
within less than five days after the report, unless
they leave the Penitentiary in its present
wretched condition, it is still doubtful whether
j the adjournment will take place by Saturday
next.
The Baltimore Sun of Friday says that a dis
patch from Washington states that despatches
have been received from our Minister at London,
covering his correspondence,with Lord Palmer- '
stou upon the subject of the outrage upon the
American steamer Prometheus, by being fired
into by the British brig of war Express.—Lord
Palmerston disavows the conduct of the captain
of the Express, and gives such assurance of the
feeling of the gorernmeat as to apparently pre
clude the poesibility of any misunderstanding
arising between the two countries. It is also
understood that Lord Palmerston will at once
give ptytical effect to the Clayton and Bulwer
ggj* withdrawing from the Mosquito pro-