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Patients who cannot swallow may receive nutrition via a parenteral route—usually, a catheter is inserted through the chest into a large vein going into the heart.
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According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, more than 50 million Americans have some kind of food allergy. Food allergies affect between 4 and 6% of children, and 4% of adults, according to the CDC. The most common food allergies include shellfish, peanuts, walnuts, fish, eggs, milk, and soy.
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The cure for trichomoniasis is easy as long as the patient does not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. Just a single dose of medication is needed to rid the body of the disease. However, without proper precautions, an individual may contract the disease repeatedly. In fact, most people develop trichomoniasis again within three months of their last treatment.
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About 60% of newborn infants in the United States are jaundiced; that is, they look yellow. Kernicterus is a form of brain damage caused by excessive jaundice. When babies begin to be affected by excessive jaundice and begin to have brain damage, they become excessively lethargic.
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Adolescents often feel clumsy during puberty because during this time of development, their hands and feet grow faster than their arms and legs do. The body is therefore out of proportion. One out of five adolescents actually experiences growing pains during this period.
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Page 2
Braxton Bragg, of the United States Army; which | [Indorsement of the Secretary of War on the foregoing Duncan that the committee would wish to avail themselves letter was laid on the table.
letter.)
of some knowledge he could impart. This morning, Mr.
WAR DEPARTMENT, March 19, 1814. Duncan informs ine that he has received a letter from you, War DeparTMENT, March 28, 1844.
SIR: “The rights and interests of the service" will al- which he construes as an order to return to his post, prediSIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a
ways find ample security in the attention of the President, cated upon a supposition that he was in the city upon some resolution, adopted yesterday by the House of Representa
of yourself, and of the head of this Department. However business relating to the Army considered improper. Some lives, directing me to report an order or letter sent by the
proper may have been the “ unanimous conviction" of the time since, I was directed by the committee to have Lieuadjutant general to Lieutenant Braxton Bragg, of the Uni
officers of the 4th artillery, expressed as within, at their tenant Duncan, and also Lieutenant Braxton Bragg, (sumted States Army, on or about the 20th day of March instant, and also requiring from this Department certain informa
meeting, yet I cannot approve any measures adopted by the moned,) relative to some matters connected with an expedi
officers of the Army for the purpose of sending delegates tion in Florida, and not at all connected with any grade of tion in reference to that order, and the arrest of Lieutenant
to Washington city to attend Congress, either for the pur- officers in the Army; and only delayed having the subpeBragg, as well as the subsequent proceedings taken against that other by the commanding general of the Army. pose of “ warding off or promoting any particular action
nas served because the committee had not arrived at a iouching their organization. Sometimes the personal at- point where their testimony would come in place. In compliance with the call thus made upon me, I transmit herewith copies of all the papers on file in this Depart
tendance of officers from a distance may be required by the I write you this note to explain why the subpenas are ment wbich relate to the several branches of the above reso
Department to communicate necessary and important in served so lately as in-day upon those gentlemen, and to re
formation. In such cases, orders through you will justily lution, and upon which I am directed to furnish information.
quest ihat you will exonerate them from any improper intheir presence.
terference in Army matters, so far as the knowledge of our On the 18th or 19th instant, the commanding general laid
If any officers of the Army are now here in the capacity committee extends. before me the proceedings of a meeting of the officers of
of delegates, you will please to order them to return to their Very respectfully, your obedient servant, the fourth regiment of artillery, held at Fort Monroe on the duties.
JAS. G. CLINTON, 7th instant, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of sending a delegate to Washington to attend Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Chairinan Com. on Pub. Erp. H. R.
WM. WILKINS, to their interests." Notwithstanding the officers of this regi
General R. JONES, Adjutant General U. S. A. ment had concluded it was inexpedient to send a delegate
Secretary of War. to Washington, my attention was, at the same time, called Major General Scott, Commanding the Army.
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, to the probability that other regiments might have deputed
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, such delegations. In the remarks indorsed on those pro.
WASHINGTON, March 22, 1844. ceedings, dated the 19th instant, this Department intended
WASHINGTON, March 20, 1844. SIR: In reply to your report of yesterday's date, the gen
Sir: On the supposition that you are in this city as a delto convey its sense of the impropriety of the practice of
eral-in-chief directs that, as soon as your attendance on the officers of the Army organizing themselves for the purpose
egate, formally or informally deputed, to represent the in- committee of Congress, before which you have been sum
terests of your regiment or grade, in connection with measof discussing military regulations, or measures before Con
moned to appear, shall be dispensed with, you will report ures before Congress, or expected to be brought forward in the fact, and await further instructions from this office. gress, and agitating the question of sending officers from
that honorable body, the general in chief has received the their posts and duties to attend as delegates at the seat of
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, instructions of the Executive, through the War Department, Government, and at the same time to inark with its most
R. JONES, Adjutarit General. 10 order you foru with to return to your post or duties, undecided censure any case in which this organization had less, indeel, you should be under the summons of a com
To First Lieutenant BRAXTON BRAGA, actually led to the appointing and sending of such delegates. mittee of Congress, or under an examination by some such
Third Artillery, Washington. The course to be pursued in carrying these intentions into
committee. effect were, however, left to the discretion and judgment of the cominanding general. On iny application to this If the above supposition be incorrect, you will report the
WASHINGTON City, March 25, 1844. fact for consideration at general headquarters. officer, he has just informed me that the supposition" of
SIR: Having been informed by the chairman of the I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, “Committee on Public Expenditures," that I may consider Lieutenant Bragg being a delegate was predicaled upon facts which casually came to his knowledge, but through
R. JONES, Adjutant General. myself as discharged from further atiendance on said comno distinctly official source, and which, he thinks, have First Lieutenant BRAXTON BRAGG,
mittee, from and after to-morrow morning, I have the honor been fully sustained and corroborated by the conduct and
Third Artillery, Washington City.
to report for orders, in obedience to instructions from your
office. I am anxious to rejoin my company, and desire to letter of Lieutenant Bragg himself. Placing lum reliance in the nilitary experience and sagacity of the commanding
WASHINGTON, 20th March, 1844. leave here on the morning of the 27th. general, the course he has pursued in this case for mainSir: In reply to your letter of the 20111 instant, calling for I am, sir, &c.,
BRAX'N BRAGG, taining subordination and discipline, received and carries certain supposed facts connected with iny presence in this
First Lieutenant Third Artillery. with it my full approbation. So profound was his regard
city, I have the honor to inclose you a copy of an order General R. JONES, Adjutant General U. S. A. for the privileges of the House of Representatives, and so
granting me a leave of absence, which has not yet expired; cautious was he that no military order emanating from the
and also to inform you that I had intended leaving here on adjutant general's office should even interfere with the perthe morning of the 22d for my post, unless detained by some
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, unforeseen occurrence.
WASHINGTON, March 26, 1844. sonal wishes or convenience of gentlemen of that body, that in the order of the 20th instant for the return, forth with, of
I take great pleasure in stating that I shall never fail, SiR : I am directed by Major General Scott, commandLieutenant Bragg to his duties, it is expressly provided not
either here or elsewhere, to sustain, to the utmost of my ing the Army, to say to you, that from the receipt of this to take effect it Lieutenant Bragg should " be under the
abilities, what I conceive to be the interests of my regiment note, you will consider yourself in arrest, and that by the summons of a committee of Congress, or under examinaand grade; and I must acknowledge the honor donc ine in
train of cars hence for Baltimore, to-morrow morning, you tion by some such committee." supposing I am the delegated organ of either.
will proceed, without delay, via that city and the Chesa I beg leave to express tlie belief that the accompanying
As I am in doubt as to the intention of your letter, please
peake bay, to Fort Monroe. On your arrival there, you papers will show to the llouse that Lieutenant Bragg was
inform me whether I am to consider it as an order to rejoiu will report yourself as in arrest, limited to the United States not arrested for remaining in Washington when in attend. iny post.
grounds, and wait for the general court-martial, to be early ance before a committee of the House. He was not arrested
I am, sir, &c.,
BRAX'N BRAGG,
appointed for your trial on certain charges which will be until after the time he had hiniself reported that he would
First Lieutenant Third Artillery.
preferred against you. be discharged from attendance on the committee; nor was To General R. Jones, Adjutant General United States
I ani, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant,
Army. hie ordered to leave Washington before the time he had also
R. JONES, Adjutant General.
Lieutenant Braxton BRAGG, himself appointed for his departure.
Second Artillery, Washinglon, D. C.
I am somewhat embarrassed as to the manner in which
I sliall notice the last clause of the resolution. It requires
(Copy of order inclosed in Lieutenant Bragg's letter of Note. You will please make a written acknowledg
March 20, 1811.] mne to inform the House - whether the proceedings against
ment of this letter as soon as it is received. Lieutenant Bragg were not induced by the fears or suspi
Special Orders, No. 7. cions of the major general cominanding in chief, of inforin.
HEADQUARTERS, Eigutu MILITARY DEPARTMENT, ation said Lieutenant Bragg was supposed to be imparting
Fort MOULTRIE, S. C., February 29, 1844.
WASHINGTON City, March 26, 1844,
Four o'clock, p. m. to comrnitters or members of the Ilouse."
Leave of absence for thirty days, from Marchi'l, is granted The avowed causes for the arrest will be seen in the to First Lieutenant B. Bragg, Third Artillery; at the expi
Sir: Your letter of this date has just been received ; and charges and specifications preferred against Lieutenant ration of which he will rejoin his company.
I have the honor to inform you that I shall proceed in obeBragg.
By order of Brigadier General Armstead :
dience to your instructions. I lave no knowledge whatever of the existence or influ
W. A. BROWNE, I am, sir, very respectfully,
BRAX'N BRAGG, ence of any such fears or suspicions. My knowledge of the
Lieutenant Third Artillery, A. A. J. G.
First Lieutenant, Third Artillery. higli and honorable character, and gallant and faithful services to his country of the commanding general of the
WASHINGTON City, March 21, 1844.
General R. JONES, Adjutant General United States Army, Army, would promptly forbid my entertaining for a mo.
SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, in obedience
Washington city. ineni, the slightest suspicion of his being actuated by mo- to the inclosed order, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House tives so unworthy, and so totally incompatible with the
of Representatives has this day served on me a summons Charges against First Lieutenant B. Bragg, Third Artenor of his wliole military life. to attend as a witness before the Committee on Public
tillery. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Expenditures."
CHARGE First.-Disobedience of orders, (Ninth article
WILLIAM WILKINS, Secretary of War.
Upon a reconsideration of your letter of yesterday, I had
of war.)
determined to leave this city as soon as practicable, and
Hon. John W. Jones.
SpeciFICATION. In this : that he, First Lieutenant Braxmust now request your instructions, the order of the exec- ton Bragg, of the United States third regiment of artillery, Speaker of the House of Representatives. utive baving terminated my leave.
having, at or about three o'clock, p. m., on the 2011 ot Fort MONROE, VA., March 7, 1844. I am, sir, most respecuully,
Marck, 1844, received, at Washington, D. C., the follow
BRAX'N BRAGG, ing letter from the adjutant general of the Army-viz: GENERAL: At a meeting of the officers of the fourth regi
First Licutenant Third Arlillery. ment of artillery held at this post, for the purpose of taking
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, General R. JONES, into consideration the propriety of sending a delegate to
WASHINGTON, March 20, 1814. Adjutant General United States Army. Washington to attend to their interests, the undersigned,
SIR : On the supposition that you are in this city, as a their committee, were directed to express the unanimous
delegate, formally or informally deputed to represent the in(Copy of the suinmons served upon Lieutenant Bragg by conviction of the officers of the fourth artillery present,
terest: of your regiment or grade, in connection with meas
the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives, " that in the Commander-in-Chief of the Ariny they already
referred to in bis letter of March 21, 1844.]
ures before Congress, or expected to be brought forward possessed the best of delegates, one who had always shown
in that honorable body, the general in chief has received himself ready to defend the rights, and promote the best in
llouse or REPRESENTATIVES,
the instructions of the Executive, ilırough the War Departterests of the service; that they are fully satisfied that no
WASHINGTON, March 21, 1844.
Page 3
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, BY BLAIR & RIVES.
28TH CONGRESS, 1st Session.
of several thousand citizens of the
State of Illinois, and in the Territories of Wis- The following petitions, presented to-day, were handed to original proprietors, lots to the number of ten consin and lowa to be sold.
the reporters by the members presenting them :
By Mr. McCLERNAND: The petition of W. M. Ew-
thousand one hundred and thirty-six; and that This last bill was debated by Messrs. DODGE banks and numerous others. citizens of Gallatin, Hardin,
there have been sold of that number for public of Wisconsin, DODGE of lowa, JAMESON, Pope, Massac, Johnson, Pulaski, Alexander, and other purposes, seven thousand six hundred and ten HOGE, HARDIN, BARNARD, Č.JOHNSON, I counties in the State of Illinois, praying Congress to take for the sum of $765,676 44.
immediate measures for establishing an armory at Fort and others. Massac, in said State; which was referred to the Commit.
The number of lots conveyed under donations Mr. OWEN said that he rose, not for the pur- | tee on Military Affairs.
from Congress, to charitable and literary institumin
tions, were seven hundred and seventy-one, and eral lands should be brought into market imme- State of Illinois, setting forth the importance of the great valued at $70,000.
Wabash river as a channel of commerce, and the dangers diately or not; nor at what up-set price it was now-attending its navigation ; that the country bordering
For the Orphan Asylum 29 lots valued at $10,000 expedient to offer them. He rose merely to upon it is one of the richest, most fertile, and populous in
Sisters of Charity 70
10,000 furnish to the committee, at the call of his the great West; and their sole reliance is upon this stream
Columbian College 182
25,000 friend from lowa, (Mr. Dodge,) the facts in re- to enable them to send their surplus products to market.
Georgetown College 490
25,000 The petitioners represent that said river is declared by law gard to a survey already made of these mineral
There remain unsold at this time one thousand to be a national highway, and that the States are denied lands.
jurisdiction over it for the purpose of its improvement; seven hundred and fifty-five lots, which, at the It was true, as stated by the gentlemen from that, on this ground, it is incumbent on Congress to improve present assessment, are worth $64,153 39. Iowa and Illinois, (Messrs. Dodge and Hoge,]
it, and that, by so doing, it would insure a speedy sale of
the public lands in the vicinity. The petitions were referred
There are twenty-one avenues and one hunthat his brother, David Dale Owen, was employed to the Committee on Public Lands.
dred and sixteen streets. The avenues vary from by the General Government, he believed in the By Mr. CATLIN: The memorial of Joseph H. Raymond one hundred and twenty to one hundred and sixty year 1839, to make a geological exploration of and others, heirs of Joshua Raymond, decensed, praying feet in width; the streets from eighty to one hunthe very lands included in the bill under consid. for a pension; which was referred to the Committee on
dred and sixty feet in width, and embrace a dis. Revolutionary Pensions. eration—the lead mineral lands of lowa, Wiscon
Also, the memorial of Bela P. Spalding and one lundred
tance of two hundred and twenty-eight miles. sin, and northern Illinois. Assisted by a large others, citizens of Brooklyn, Connecticut, against the an- The streets and avenues contain iwo thousand party, and at considerable expense, he had ex. nexation of Texas to the Union ; which was referred to the six hundred and fifty-four acres, or 115,608,240 amined that entire mineral region in detail, and
Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Also, the memorial of Edward Whitney and two hundred
square feet of land, and were transferred to the had made to the Department an elaborate report, and ninety-eight others, citizens of Norwich, Connecticut, || Government without any pecuniary compensation accompanied by maps and other illustrations, praying that the spirit ration in the Army may be abolished
for the same. showing, not only the precise boundary of that ibe memorial of John B. Fletcher and two hundred and The quantity of land reserved for the use of the region in which, as geological indications proved,
eight others, citizens of New York, upon the same subject; | United States, in the division of the same between
the memorial of Frederick Henvill and two hundred and valuable mines existed, but embodying also all thirty-four others, citizens of New York, upon the sune
the United States and the original proprietors in such details as went to show the precise charac- subject; the memorial or James Mckie and four hundred the city of Washington, was five hundred and ter and relative value of different portions of the and one others, citizens of New York, upon the same sub- forty-one acres one rood and twenty-nine perches, tract. He did not make any estimate of the
ject; he memorial of George Hall and seven hundred and
fourteen others, citizens of the city of Brooklyn, Long
or 23,584,745, square feet. The reservations were value, for he was not required by his instructions Island, on the same subject; which were referred to the
seventeen in number, as follows: so to do.
Committee on Naval Affairs.
The gentleman from Illinois, (Mr. Hoge,) By Mr. WETHERED: A memorial signed by Philip T.
1. The President's square, on which are erected the
President's mansion, and the State, Treas. A.R.P. however, was incorrect ir supposing that this reElliott and three hundred and forty others, citizens of Bal
ury, War, and Navy Departments........... 83 1 22 timore, praying Congress to abstain from all legislation on port had ever been published, with the accompa.
2. Capitol square and mall, (Capitol,) the subject of the tariff.
3. The park..
...........227 0 8
29 3 9 nying maps and illustrations. It never had.' It By Mrr RAMSEY : The petition of Martin Farly, Lewis
4. University square (new observatory).
19 | 2 was published, under a standing rule of the Sen- A. Lukens, and eighty others, citizens of Lebanon county,
5. The fortat Turkey Buzzard (Greenleaf's Point) Pennsylvania; the petition of Christian Henry, Samuel Reialate, in a mulated form, without a single map or
(arsenal and penitentiary)
28 2 31 hard, and numerous others, citizens of Lebanon county, other illustration-some of them indispensable | Pennsylvania; the petition of Jacob Hicks, D. W. Simon:
6. The west market on the Pocomac, covered with even to render it intelligible-and only to the ton, and eighty others, citizens of Dauphin county, Penn.
7. The center-market (market-house).
2 3 23 amount of the regular number published by the sylvania; the petition of John Barnett, John W. Cowden, and forty others, citizens of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania;
8. The national church square (patent office)... 4 0 25 Senate of all documents that were printed at all.
9. Judiciary square (City Hall, new jail, and inall protesting against any interference on the part of ConSo rare had the document become, that, mutilated
sane hospital).
19 1 27 gress with the tariff of 1842. and imperfect as it was, the Land Office depart
By Mr. BLACK, of Pennsylvania : Three petitions signed
10. North of Pennsylvania avenue, between Third and Four-and-a-half streets West.....
6 0 31 ment had to offer several dollars for a single copy by one hundred and forty two citizens of Cumberland and
11. Between north B and C streets and Second Franklin counties, Pennsylvania, against any alteration in to retain for reference. Twice the Commissioner
and Third streets west....
32 34 the present tariff; which were referred to a Committee of of the Land Office, in his annual report, had rec- the Whole House.
12. North of Pennsylvania avenue between Second and Third streets west...
11 4 ommended the printing with the illustrations; but
By Mr. McILVAINE: The remonstrance of Alexander in consequence, he believed, of some difficulty in Mode and thirty-two others, citizens of Chester county,
13. Hospital square (magazine and alms-house).. 77 0 26 14. Navy-yard square, (navy yard, &c.)........
12 3 15 Pennsylvania, against any reduction of the present tariff. regard to the printing of maps and illustrations,
15. Eastern inarket-house (market-house).
1021 By Mr. POTTER, of Ohio: A memorial from Sainuel
16. Do......... do......
10 23 and the idea then prevalent that the prices paid Clark, of Wood county, Ohio, praying for a reduction in 17. The town-house square..........
21 1 29 for such works were extravagant, the matter fell
the rate of postage; which was referred to the Committee
on the Posi Office and Post Roads. through. The result was, that to hundreds of
total....... By Mr. SCIENCK: The petition of William Gove, for applications made to the Land Office for that doc- an invalid pension; which was referred to the Committee ument, and to hundreds more made to his brother on Naval Affairs.
For these, the Government paid at the rate of for the same, both had been obliged to reply that
By Mr. DUNLAP: The petition of the heirs of David $66 66} per acre, amounting to $36,099, from it was not to be had. Bradislı, deceased, an officer in the revolutionary war, for
money arising from the sale of city lots. These cominutution of five years' pay promised to the officers of the He hoped he should not be considered as inRevolution, under the resolves of Congress of 1780 and 1783 ;
reservations were all carefully selected by Presifluenced by personal predilection, when he ex- also, a petition of the heirs of Captain Richard Mayberry,
dent Washington for public purposes. It was pressed his conviction that, let the decision in re. deceased, late of Cumberland county, Maine, for five years' || his intention that the larger ones should be sub
full pay, promised to officers of the Revolution by the regard to the prompt sale of the mineral lands be
stantially inclosed, and planted with ornamental solve of Congress of March 22, 1780; which were referred to as it will, it was important to the public, the the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.
shade trees, and that there should be gravel walks owner of these mineral lands, (which Doctor By Mr. SMITH, of Illinois : The application of George and carriage-ways for citizens and strangers to Owen declared to be, in his opinion, one of the
Steele, for payment of a horse lost in the Black Hawk war; exercise on foot, on horseback, or in carriages,
which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. most valuable mineral regions in the world,) that
for health or recreation.
By Mr. BOWER: The petition of Thomas B. Brown and the report showing in detail the character of eighty-three others, praying the improvement of the west
On motion of Mr.JARNAGIN, the report was these lands should be published; and published 2r1 waters; also, the petition of John H. Todd and thirty- | ordered to be printed. - as, to be useful, it must be-with the maps and
one others, praying the improvement of the western waters;
which were referred to the Committee of the Whole on the
FALLS OF THE OHIO. illustrations accompanying it.
state of the Union. He regretted to say that, by some accident, the
On motion of Mr. HANNEGAN, five hundred maps and illustrations furnished by Doctor Owen
extra copies were ordered to be printed of the
IN SENATE. to the department, had been lost or mislaid, but
report of Captain Cram, of the survey and estiDoctor Owen had duplicates of the same; and if
Tuesday, April 2, 1844.
mated cost for improving the navigation of the called upon to do so, would furnishi another copy
The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the
Ohio river at the falls. for publication. Senate a report from the Commissioner of Public
PETITIONS, ETC. The bill was then laid aside to be reported. Buildings, made in compliance with a resolution Mr. UPHAM presented three several memo
The committee then rose and reported the bills of the Senate, transmitting statements of the rials from citizens of the towns of Orange, Brainto the House, which had been acted upon in amount of moneys received by the Government tree, and Marshfield, in the county of Washingcommittee; they were all taken up on the ques. | for lots sold in Washington city.
ton, Vermont, solemnly pretesting against the tion of their engrossment, and were read a ihird The following statements were copied from the l annexation of Texas by treaty, or in any other time and passed, except the bill directing the sale report of the Commissioner:
mode, without the consent of all the States, as of the reserved lead mines.
It appears from the records in his office that unconstitutional, injurious to the rights and inThe House then adjourned.
there were assigned to the United States by the terests, and injurious to the basis and perpetuity
Page 4
place his vote upon the principle that an appro- | Judiciary, in the case of Anna Maria Baldwin, possible economy. He read part of a report on priation bill was not the proper place to consider was concurred in by the Senate.
ihe subject, to show that such would be the effect. and discuss the propriety of abolishing an insti
He did not ask any additions to the appropriatution which had so long existed as the Military
CAROLINE C. CLITHERALL,
tions made by the bill for Fort Pike and Fort Academy at West Point. We provided by such The bill for the relief of Caroline C. Clitherall, Jackson. He was content to let the appropriabills merely for the appropriation of the money widow of Dr. George E. Clitherall, late a sur- tions for them stand. He called for the yeas and necessary to carry into execution existing laws; || geon in the Army of the United States, was read | nays on this amendment; which were ordered. but when we desired to repeal or change these the third time, and passed.
Mr. KING asked the Senator's attention to the laws, we passed separate bills for this purpose. HEIRS OF CHRISTOPHER MILLER.
fact that, with the balance of the former approNow, should any bill come before the Senate for
priation ($18,000) and the sum allowed by this the purpose of repealing, modifying, or altering
On motion of Mr. CRITTENDEN, the pre- || bill (940,000) the work for the first two quartersthe laws establishing the Military Academy, he vious orders of the day were postponed, and the of the fiscal year would be amply provided forshould come to the consideration of the subject bill for the relief of the heirs of Christopher Mil- it can be carried on till after the next session of with a mind perfectly uncommitted by the vote ler was taken up as in Committee of the whole; Congress. On looking to the report, he found which he intended to give upon the present occa- considered, reported to the Senate, and ordered there was doubt of the soundness of the foundasion. Whilst the academy existed under acts of to be engrossed for a third reading.
tion, which rendered it necessary to have time to Congress, especially after the other House had
FORTIFICATION BILL.
test what weight it would bear before more was passed an appropriation bill in obedience to these
done. If the works in all sections of the country acts, he would not, during their continuance,
The Senate resumed the consideration, as in
were to be carried on upon fair principles it should abolish the academy, suddenly and without con
Committee of the Whole, of the bill making ap- be under the same rule. He did noi concur with sideration, by withholding the appropriation ne
propriations for fortifications for the fiscal year the Senator from Maine, (Mr. Evans,) that it is cessary for its support. This was not the proper
commencing on the 1st of July, 1844, and ending | prudent to complete in a hurried manner such mode of accomplishing the object; and he had al30th June, 1845.
works as are authorized. Delay was often adways opposed such legislation in a mere appro- Mr. SEVIER submitted the following amend- vantageous, particularly in such instances as that priation bill. ment:
he had alluded to, where an improper or unsafe Mr. BREESE demanded the yeas and nays on Add to the appropriations :
foundation might involve great loss. the passage of the bill. For Fort Smith, $30,000.
The question was then taken, and resultedThey were ordered, and taken; the result was-
For Fort Gibson, $15,000. For Fort Towson, $6,000.
yeas 12, nays 17; as follows: yeas 27, nays 11; as follows:
YEAS-Messrs. Atchison, Barrow, Bates, Crittenden, YEAS-Messrs. Barrow, Bates, Bayard, Berrien, Buch
After some prefatory remarks, Mr. S. explained Foster, Francis, Huger, Jarnagin, Porter, Tallmadge, Up? rnan, Choate, Clayton, Crittenden, Evans, Foster, Francis, the importance and necessity for this amendment. ham, and Woodbridge--12. Fulton, Huger, Huntington, Jarnagin, King, McDuffie, Man- He had shaped it in conformity with what he had
NAYS-Messrs. Allen,Atherton, Bagby, Bayard, Breese, gum, Morehead, Phelps, Porter, Sevier, Simmons, Tull
Buchanan, Clayton, Colquitt, Evans, Fairfield, Hannegan, madge. Upham, Woodbridge, and Wrigbi-27. observed to be the policy of the bill to call for
King, McDuffie, Semple, Sevier, Wuodbury, and Wright NÄYS - Messrs. Allen, Atchison, Arnerton, Bagby, only about half the sums actually required. Breese, Colquiti, Fairfield, Hannegan, Sumple, Tappan, After a few explanations by Messrs. SEVIER So the amendment was rejected. and Woodbury-11.
and FULTON, in answer to inquiries made So the bill was passed. by Messrs. EVANS and CRITTENDEN, the
Mr. BARROW said Fort Jesup, one of the amendment was adopted.
forts on the border of the Indian country, had CATALOGUE OF BOOKS, ETC. Mr. BARROW commented at some length on
been left out of the bill. He called the atiention Mr. WOODBRIDGE submitted the following the appropriations, contrasted with the estimates; l of the Senators from Arkansas to this fact. He resolution: and, in reference to so much as refers to the State
moved, from a sense of duty, without caring Resolved, That the Joint Committee on the Library in- of Louisiana, he stated that, as an act of justice much about the fate of the amendment, that an quire into the expediency of causing to be printed the cat. and strict economy, it was necessary for at least
additional appropriation be made, as follows: Hogue of books, atlases, &c., in the War Department, or in one of them to enlarge the appropriation. He
For completing the public buildings at Fort Jesup, $8,000. the several bureaus thereof, belonging to the United States; with leave to report by bill or otherwise.
alluded to the appropriation of $40,000 for Fort Mr. SEVIER approved the amendment, and Mr. ALLEN made some remarks on the propri- Livingston, Grand Terre Island, Barrataria bay, recommended its adoption.
Louisiana. The estimate of the proper officer of Mr. EVANS said it stood on the same footing fly of the Senator from Michigan including in the
the Government for the necessary purpose of resolution all the other Departments. At his in: keeping the work in progress, so as to avoid ab
as the amendment made by the Senator from Arkstance a resolution was passed at the last session of solute loss, was $55,000. Why $15,000 should
ansas, and he should not, therefore, oppose it. Congress,calling upon all the Departments and the
He considered it necessary, in view of the rehave been cut off in this instance he was wholly mounted regiment being quartered there. It was Attorney General to report to Congress catalogues
at à loss to discover. He moved, therefore, to desirable that the barracks should be put in proper of the books, maps, and atlases in their respect
substitute $55,000 for $40,000 in that appropria- || repair. ive offices. Reports had been received from ihree tion.
Mr. CRITTENDEN asked what was the use of the Departments. He suggested, then, that that
Mr. EVANS said it seemed to him that the Senator should either so amend his resolution as | principle adopted by the House was to cut down
of the fort?
Mr. SEVIER explained. to include all the Departments, or not press it until a report was received from the other Depart- | the estimates about fifty per cent.; in some in
Mr. KING compared the estimates, as reported, stances a little more, and in others a little less. with the letter of the Quartermaster General, in ment, which had failed to respond to the resolu
He supposed this was done simply in a spirit of which $8,000 is supposed to be necessary for the tion of the Senate he had alluded to.
economy and retrenchment. The estimates of repairs of these barracks; but he found that, alSome further remarks were made by Messrs. ALLEN, WOODBRIDGE, and TAPÓAN, and
the War Department contained projects for new though the Quartermaster General refers to the
works. The Finance Committee had nothing to engineer department for the estimate, the engineer the resolution was postponed till to-morrow, with the view of modifying it to meet the suggestions | authorized by existing laws, and already in prog- It seemed to be working in the dark to go, upon
do with them, its duty being confined to works department had not mentioned Fort Jesup at all. of the Senators from Ohio. The estimates not authorized by Con- the mere hint of the Quartermaster General
. He COPPER ORES.
gress were consequently left out. He agreed held it was improper to make appropriations withMr. PORTER submitted the following resolu
with the Senator from Louisiana in most of what out specific estimates from the authorized Depart. tion; which was agreed to:
he had said. He was in favor of completing ment of the Government. He did not doubt that
works authorized as soon as possible, believing a small appropriation was necessary; but, on the Resolved, That the Secretary of War be directed to send to the Senate a copy of the report lutely made to the topo
it was the best economy. Works sometimes cost whole, he believed the safest course was to take graphical burenu, by Captain George W. Hughes, in rela. twenty-five per cent. more by delay than they the bill as it came from the House. Reasons tion to the working of copper ores.
would have done had they been completed at might have existed there for leaving out Fort CHEROKEE INDIANS.
once. He gave some instances of false economy, || Jesup.
in not making full appropriations in the beginThe following resolution, submitted by Mr. | ning; not that it was necessary to spend the whole bama fell into a slight error in supposing it was
Mr. EVANS imagined the Senator from AlaJARNAGIN yesterday, was taken up and agreed in one year, but that it might be known before customary for the engineer depariment to estito:
hand how much was to be expended. With re- mate for barracks; it was only for works of deResolved, That the Secretary of War report to the Senate gard to this amendment, all he had to say was, fense that department estimated. The name Fort any power of attorney from Cherokee lidians to William
that the same reasons which were good in favor Jesup was not strictly descriptive of this point; H. Thomas, filed by him in 1839; what money was paid on them, and when, and why the whole amount was not paid ; of it would apply to every other appropriation in it is a place where a barrack is erected. when William H. Thomas was appointed agent to disburse the bill. The view the House evidently took, Mr. ARCHER said he had been at Fort Jesup; to Cherokees the moneys due them, how much he received,
was to curtail operations, and spread the expend- and his impression was, that it would very soon and the vouchers for the disbursement thereof--showing the date of the respective payments, and to whom inade;
itures over a longer period of time. He appre- || have to be abandoned by the United States as and why it was the moneys were not paid on the powers hended that no amendments increasing the appro- useless or unnecessary. The country around it of attorney; and why Thomas was appointed agent to dis- priations would be acceptable to the other House. was fast filling up with a population sufficient to burse said moneys. The Secretary of War will also report If the sum now appropriated for Fort Livingston protect themselves. The barrack, when he saw copies of all communications from the War Department,
should not be found sufficient, it would be known it, a few years ago, seemed to himn to be in very or Commissioner of Indian Affairs, to said William H. Thomas, during the years 1839, 1840, and 1841, as also all in time for the next session of Congress, when good repair. He thought it was unnecessary to letters or communications from said Thomas to the War the necessary correction could be made by a fur- | spend more money upon it. Department or Commissioner of Indian Affairs, during said
ther appropriation. years, particularly those dated in July, 1840, from Asheville,
Mr. WOODBURY suggested that it was probNorth Carolina.
Mr. BARROW explained that this was a new | able the repair of the barrack would be provided
work, advanced as yet but very little; still it was || for in the army bill. ANNA MARIA BALDWIN.
in such a condition that an insufficient appropri- The question was then taken on the amend. The adverse report of the Committee on the ation to carry it on would really prove the worst I ment; and it was rejected.
Page 5
Mr. C. JOHNSON moved to lay the motion Also, the petition of Eliza M. Cloud, a widow | Memphis, before a scientific examination had for reconsideration on the table; pending which of a deceased naval surgeon, asking for a pension; been made, by competent authorized engineers, motion,
which was referred to the Committee on Naval not only as to the fitness of that place, but other The House adjourned. Affairs.
points, on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. He Mr. FOSTER presented a petition from citizens hoped the bill would not be taken up. The following petitions, presented to-day, were handed of Rutherford county, Tennessee, praying for a Mr. TAPPAN urged, as another reason why to the reporters by the inembers presenting them : By Mr. TIBBAMTS: The petition of Charles Fenderick
reduction of the rates of postage, and a restriction it should not then be taken up, that the Senators and others, stating that there do not exist international
on the franking privilege; which was referred to from Mississippi, who took great interest in the arrangements properly securing and regulating mail facili- the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. subject, were not in their places. ties between the United States and the continent of Europe, Mr. HUGER presented a petition from Sarah Ňr. FOSTER spoke at some length against and particularly with Germany; in consequence of whichi they and their countrymen suffer great inconvenience and
Cordoza, the widow of a deceased revolutionary, | any further delay of the bill. He viewed the loss; and praying that laws may be enacted to secure such soldier, praying for a pension; which was referred i proposed work as an important public measure, facilities, which they represent will redound greatly to the to the Committee on Pensions.
which should have precedence of other bills in increase of the revenues of the Post Office Department, of which it is now deprived, by the necessity they are put to
Mr. FRANCIS presented a memorial from citi- advance of it on the Calendar. Jf the bill was of employing special agents at great expense; which was
zens of Oneida county, New York, praying that taken up, he would not press final action upon it referred to ihe Committee on the Post Office and Post no alteration may be made in the existing tariff; | in the absence of the Senators from Mississippi. Roads.
which was referrred to the Committee on Fi- || The amendments pending could be discussed and By Mr. HARALSON: The petition of Isaac Gray, pray: ing compensation for property iaken and property destroyed
disposed of, and then the bill could be postby the Cherokee Indians, with accompanying evidence.
NOTICE OF A BILL.
poned. By Mr. TYLER: The petition of George Hall and others,
Mr. KING suggested that those Senators who of Chautauque county, New York, praying for a reduction
Mr. BREESE gave notice that he would, toof the rates of postage, and for the abolition of the franking morrow,
were absent might desire, in the progress of acask leave to introduce a bill to repeal all
tion on those amendments, to submit others, to privilege.
acts and parts of acts relating to the Military | modify or alter them. He therefore saw no imBy Mr. RAMSEY: The petition of Colonel C. S. Kendig, || Academy at West Point, New
York. Owen McCabe, and numerous other citizens of Dauphin
propriety in taking up the bill in their absence. county, Pennsylvania, protesting against any interference
BILL INTRODUCED.
He was opposed to taking it up then; but, if the on the part of Congress with the tariff of 1842.
Also, the petition of Daniel Larer, James V. Johnson Mr. BREESE, on leave, introduced a bill to | motion were waived until they appeared in their and others, citizens of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, of || provide for the sale of the reserved lands in the
seats, he would then vote for it. a like import.
State of Illinois, and Territories of Wisconsin The question was then put, and carried in the By Mr. DUNLAP: The petition of Samuel T. Winslow, of Cumberland, Maine, for a pension, in consideration oc
and Iowa, supposed to contain lead ore; which affirmative; and the bill to establish a navy-yard diseases contracted while in the line of his duty as a soldier was read twice, and referred to the Committee and depot at or adjacent to the city of Memphis, in the late war with Great Britain. on Public Lands.
on the Mississippi river, was taken up as in ComBy Mr. PHENIX : The memorial of Peter Von Schmidt,
mittee of the whole-the question pending being requesting an examination of his model and plan for a dry.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE WABASH.
the following, reported by the Committee on dock; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Ar- On motion of Mr. HUNTINGTON, the Com- Naval Affairs, as a substitute for the bill originfairs. By Mr. T. SMITH: The petition of the heirs of Joseph
mittee on Commerce was discharged from the ally introduced by the Senator from Tennessee, Gerrard, deceased, praying remuneration for services, &c.; further consideration of the memorial of citizens (Mr. Foster:) which was referred to ihe Committee of Claims.
of Illinois, asking for a grant of land for the im- That the President of the United States be, and he is By Mr. MORRIS, of Pennsylvania: The petition and documents of Mary Tewksbury, asking Congress to grant
provement of the
navigation of the Wabash river; hereby, authorized to select and purchase a site for a navyher compensation for extra naval services of her husband. and it was referred to the Committee on Roads yard and depot at the city of Memphis, in the State of Ten
nessee, and to erect such buildings and make such improveAlso, the petition of citizens of Paxinos, Northumberland and Canals.
ments thereon as may be necessary for the construction and county, Pennsylvania, against any alleration of the lariff of The joint resolution from the House respecting repair, and for the accommodation and supply, of vessels. 1842.
the application of certain appropriations herelo- of-war of the United Stntes; and that the President be auAlso, two of similar tenor from citizens of Philadelphia, representing the beneficial effects of the tariff in raising fore made, was read twice, and referred to the
thorized and empowered to purchase any water-rights which wages, reducing prices, and promoting the general prosper- Committee on Military Affairs.
may be required in propel the machinery appertaining to
said navy-yard, or which may be useful in the operations of ity of the country. By Mr. BOWER: The petition of A. R. Boon and forty
HEIRS OF CHRISTOPHER MILLER.
said navy-yard; and that he further be empowered to re
ceive any donations of land, water-rights, or rights of way, five others, citizens of Shelby county, Missouri, praying an appropriation for the improvement of the western waters;
The bill for the benefit of the heirs of Christo. which the authorities of the city of Memphis, or any other which was referred to the Committee of the Whole on the pher Miller was read the third time, and passed. body corporate, or any person or persons may deem proper state of the Union.
to make or grant to the Government of the United States ; By Mr. CARY : The petition of Calvin Waslıburn and
CATALOGUE OF BOOKS, ETC.
and that the sum of $100,000 be appropriated to the objects others, praying for the establishment of a new post roule in The resolution introduced by Mr. Wood
aloresaid, out of any inoney in the Treasury not otherwise Oneida county, New York ; which was referred to the Com
appropriated. miltee on the Post Office and Post Roads. BRIDGE yesterday, instructing the Committee on
Mr. FOSTER inquired of the Senator from IlBy Mr. JOHNSON, of Ohio: The petition of Robert E. the Library to inquire into the propriety of causHuston, and one hundred and one others, citizens of Ohio, | ing a catalogue of books, atlases, &c., in the
linois, (Mr. BREESE,) whether he proposed 10 praying for the establishment of a mail route from Union
amend the amnendment, or intended to offer a subWar Department, or in the several bureaus thereiown, Muskinguin county, to Logan, in Hocking county ;
stitute for the entire bill? which was referred to the Comunitiee on the Post Office and
of, belonging to the United States, to be printed, Mr. BREESE replied that he proposed to strike Post Roads.
came up for consideration. By Mr. TILDEN : The memorial of Fred. Wadsworth Mr. ALLEN remarked that catalogues had been
out all the bill, after the enacting clause, and to and others, citizens of Akron, Ohio, praying against the reported, in response to the resolution adopted by
substitute the following: enactment of any law changing the present tariff on imthe Senate last session, at his instance, from the
That, for the purpose of selecting a suitable site for a ports. Also, the memorial of O. E. Huntington, on the same
naval depou and yard at some point on the western waters, subject; which were referred to the Committee of Ways War and Navy Departments, and the office of the the President of the United States be, and he is bereby, auand Means.
Attorney General. The resolution alluded to em- thorized to select an officer of the Navy of the rank of post Also, the memorial of Professor L. P. Hickok and oth
braced a call upon the State, Treasury, and Post captain, and such skillful and competent topographical en; ers, of the Western Reserve College, Ohio, praying for the reduction of postage on all letters to five cents, and for the Office Departments. These Departments had not
gineer or engineers as he may designate to be associated
with such naval officer, whose duty it shall be to make an abolition of the tranking privilege; which was referred to reported.' He proposed to submit a resolution, accurate, minute, and scientific examination of some poine the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.
calling on them to know the reason of the delay, at or near the mouth of the Ohio; of Memphis, in the State By Mr. C. M. REED: The remonstrance of D. W. Fosand when it was likely they would respond to the
or Tennessee ; and of Natchez, in the State of Mississippi, ter and forty-nine others, citizens of Clarion county, Penn
with a view solely to the capabilities and advantages of each sylvania, against any alteration of the present tariff, under call made at the last session. He preferred that of said places for a naval
depot and yard for building, equipwhich commerce is reviving and the revenue increased. the Senator from Michigan [Mr. WOODBRIDGE] ping, furnishing, and repairing steanı ships and other vessels
Also, the petition of U. J. Purcell and eighty-nine others, || should let his resolution lie on the table until a of war for the use of the Navy of the United States; who citizens of Strattonville, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, re
response was made to the resolution, which he shall report to Congress, at its next session, a detailed and monstrating against any change in the present tariff.
faithful stalement of the several advantages and capabiliproposed to submit. Mr. WOODBRIDGE acquiesced in the sug
ties of each of the said points, and a separate detailed state
ment and estimate of the expense attending the construc. IN SENATE. gestion; and the resolution was laid on the table.
tion of said depot and yard, basing the same upon accurate Tuesday, April 4, 1844.
scientific examinations and surveys, to be made by said enNAVAL DEPOT IN THE WEST.
gineer or engineers, under the superintendence of the offiMr. TALLMADGE presented two memorials Mr. FOSTER moved that the previous orders
cer of the Navy to be appointed as aforesaid ; and, for the from the State of New York, remonstating against of the day be postponed, with the view of taking hereby, appropriated out of any inoney in the Treasury not
purposes aforesaid, the sum of $5,000 be, and the same is any alteration in the present tariff; which were up the bill for the establishment of a naval depot otherwise appropriated. referred to the Committee on Finance. and dock-yard at Memphis, Tennessee.
Amend the title of the bill as follows: Mr. WHITE presented a petition upon the sub- Mr. BREESE urged upon the Senate the pro- A bill to provide for a scientific examination and survey ject of a grant of land to complete the construc- || priety of permitting the bill to lie until Senators of certain points on the western waters, with a view to the tion of the Wabash and Erie canal; which was had time to examine a document just laid on their
selection of a suitable place for a naval depot and yard. ordered to lie on the table.
tables this morning, on the subject of a naval Mr. BREESE remarked that he did not expect Mr. ARCHER presented a memorial from cit- depot on the western waters; which document the question to come up to-day. The amendment izens of Richmond, Virginia, praying that Con- had been ordered to be printed on the suggestion he had offered, however, would speak for itself. gress will not pass any law in lavor of an inter- of the Naval Committee. He saw no necessity The bill proposed to appropriate $100,000 for the national copyright law; which was referred to of giving this bill precedence of other important purchase of a site for a naval depot and doçk-yard the Committee on the Judiciary.
measures on the Calendar; especially as there was at the city of Memphis, in the State of Tennessee, Mr. BUCHANAN presented six memorials, no great or pressing emergency for its passage and to erect buildings and make improvements the same in character as a great number he had then, or even at this session. He expressed a already presented on the subject of the tariff, wish that it might be permitted to take its turn on
thereon. His substitute proposed to appropriate wsking that it be retained, unless experience de
$5,000 for a scientific examination and survey of the Calendar. He was opposed to incurring an monstrated that it ought to be changed; which expenditure of $100,000, as was proposed by this
some point on the Ohio river, of Memphis, Ten. were referred to the Committee on Finance bill, for the establishment of a naval depot at İl of establishing a depot. It was a fact, that the
nessee, and Natchez, Mississippi, with the view
Page 6
of the vote just taken, and called for the previous The following executive communications were ton,"Carey, Carroll, Causin, Chilton, Clingman, Collamer, question; under the operation of which, the mo- laid before the House:
Cranston, Dana, Darragh, Garrett Davis, Deberry, Dellet, tion was rejected.
A letter from the Secretary of State, transmit
Dickey, Dickinson, Foot, Foster, Giddings, Willis Green,
Grider, Hardin, Harper, Hays, Hudson, Washington Hunt, COLLECTION DISTRICT IN MAINE. ting a report as to why the resolutions offered by
Charles J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin. Perley B. Mr. Shields, on the 3d of March, 1843, and by Johnson, Andrew Johnson, John P. Kennedy, McConnell, Mr. HAMLIN moved to suspend the rule for Mr. Chapman, Of Alabama, at the present session, MelivaineEdward. J. Morrisin newton Perdon, Elisha R. the purpose of going into the Committee of the
Potter, Charles M. Reed, Rockwell, , Rogers, in relation to the cost of articles imported from Schenck, Senter, Se verance, Caleb B. Smith, Summers, Whole, to take up the bill creating a new collec- l foreign countries, have not been answered; which Thomasson, Tilden, Tyler,' Vance, Vanmeter, Vinton, tion district in Maine.
letter was ordered to be laid upon the table. Wethered, White, Winthrop, and William Wnghi-65. Mr. ADAMS asked the gentleman to with- A letter from the Secretary of War, as to the The several bills received from the Senate were draw his motion to allow the question to be taken rule which has governed the Department of War | read twice, and appropriately referred to standing on printing the reports made yesterday on the in the selection of cadets for admission to the committees. Massachusetts resolutions, which question had Military Academy at West Point for the year
THE TARIFF. been postponed until today.
1844. Mr. HÁMLIN said he would do so with great A letter from the Postmaster General, trans
Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL, from the Committee pleasure, but that he felt a great desire to get up mitting: 1. An abstract of the offers for carry- of Ways and Means, asked permission to make ihe bill he had just named, and, as it would not ing the mails made within the year preceding the a minority report on the subject of the tariff. take five minutes to dispose of that bill, the gen- Isi July, 1843. 2. A report of all such land and Objection was made. tleman could make his motion afterwards. water mails as have been established within said Mr.J.R. INGERSOLL moved a suspension of
The question was taken on Mr. Hamlin's mo- year. 3. Of all contracts made for the transpor- | the rules, to enable him to make the report. tion; and it was rejected.
tation of the mail within the year aforesaid." 4. The motion was agreed to; and the rules were DRUMMOND LIGHT.
Of all additional allowances to contractors during accordingly suspended.
said year. 5. Of curtailments of mail service and Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL presented his report, The SPEAKER said that the first business
pay within the same time; which letter and re- and moved that as many copies be printed as of before the House was the report and resolution of the Committee on Public Buildings, providing | Office and Post Roads. port were referred to the Committee on the Post the majority report, hitherto ordered.
• Mr.'WELLER objected. for the lighting the Hall of the House with the
A letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr.J. R. INGERSOLL moved a suspension of Drummond light. Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL asked leave to pre- ury during ihe present fiscal year from customs, transmitting the amount of receipts in the Trease the rules, to enable him to make that motion.
Some conversation ensued; after which the sent a minority report upon the subject of the from the sales of public lands, and from all other || vote was taken-ayes 73, noes 40, being less than tariff; but objections were made, and the report sources, together with an estimate of the public majority of two thirds. was not received.
receipts from the same sources during the re- Mr. WHITE rose and called for the yeas and The question was taken on the adoption of the
mainder of the fiscal year; which letter and state- nays. resolution, and decided in the negative-yeas 60, ments were ordered to lie upon the table..
Objections were made to the call for the yeas nays 88.
ADJOURNMENT OF CONGRESS.
and nays on the ground that it was made too MASSACHUSETTS RESOLUTIONS.
late.
The joint resolution for the adjournment of Mr. WHITE said it was not too late, fur he Mr. ADAMS now again asked that the ques. ! Congress on the 27th day of May next, was next addressed the Chair before the vote was antion might be taken on the printing of the several || in order.
nounced. reports of the select committee on the resolutions Mr. DROMGOOLE proposed that the further of the Massachusetts Legislature in favor of such consideration of the resolution be postponed unul which it was understood that if the House now
Some conversation ensued; in the course of an alteration of the Constitution as would prevent the 13th of May: His proposition was, that the adjourned this subject would come up as unfinslave representation; and on this he called for the House should keep the resolution within its
ished business to-morrow, yeas and nays.
power, until they should be able to determine Mr. BURT called for the reading of the report whether they would be prepared to adjourn on permit the report to be presented, as the tariff
Mr. WIN THROP hoped the House would made by the gentleman from Massachusetts. that day, or even sooner, without giving any in- bill was expected to be taken up on Tuesday Mr. ÉLMER objected. timation of an intention to prolong the session
next. Mr. DROMGOOLE took it that, if one report beyond that time. He supposed the proposition were read, the others would be expected to be in itself was a reasonable one, being so directly question respecting the extra numbers to go over
The motion to print was agreed to, leaving the read too, and thus many hours would be con- in consonance with the state of the business;
as unfinished business. sumed; he would therefore suggest that the ques- whereas, if the House were to determine al once
The House then adjourned. tion should be postponed to a future day, when upon an adjournment, it would be binding upon the House could commence this business at an them, no matter what the state of the business
The following petitions, presented to day, were handed earlier hour.
might be, no matter what obstacles might be to the suporters by the members presenting them : The SPEAKER put the question on the read- thrown in the way of the completion of that By Mr. BRODHEAD: The inemorial of William H. ing, and it was negatived. business by some members of the House. Il
Knowles and sixty others, citizens of Carbon county, PennThe SPEAKER then put the question on print- was with this view that he submitted the motion
sylvania, against a repeal or alteration of the tariff law of
1842. ing the reports. of postponement.
Also, one oflike import of John Merwine and thirty-seven Mr. DROMGOOLE inquired if the motion em- Mr. BARRINGER inquired whether the mo
others, citizens of Monroe county, Pennsylvania. braced all the reports, of which he understood | lion was debatable?
By Mr. ANDERSON : The petition of Jonathan Barlow, there were five or six?
Henry Essex, and others, citizens of Rockland county,
Mr. DROMGOOLE said he was quite willing New York, asking Congress to impose on sewing needles a The SPEAKER replied in the affirmative. to take the question without debate. He then duty equal to twenty five per cent. per thousand ; and on The yeas and nays were then ordered and taken moved a call of the House.
fancy needles (such as carpet, rug, looping, lacking, sur. on the motion to print, and resulted--yeas 85, nays Upon this motion the yeas and nays were de
grons', and tape kneedles, and knitting pins) a duty of
thirty per cent. ad valorein, to protect them from the strenu60; as follows: manded.
ous efforts making by the foreign manufacturers and their YEAS - Messrs. Abbott, Adams, Atkinson, Barnard, The yeas and nays were ordered; and being agents in this country, to destroy their establishment in its Brengle, Jacob Brinkertvoff, Brodhead, Burke, Cary, Car- taken, resulted-yeas 112, nays 29.
Infancy; which was referred to the Committee of Ways roll, Causin, Clingman, Clinton, Cobb, Coles, Collamer, Cul.
and Means. lom, Dana, Darraghi, Garrett Davis, Dean, Dickey, Elmer,
The roll was then called; and it was ascer. By Mr. PARMENTER: The petition of William H. Farlee, Foor. Giddings, Byram Green, Grider, Hale, Ham- tained that one hundred and sixty-nine members Simpson and one hundred and twenty five others, citizens lin, Harper, Henley, Hopkins, Hubbell, Hudson, Washing- were present.
of Framingham, Massachusetts, praying that the present ton Hunt, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Cave johnson. Perley B. Johnson, George W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy, John P.
The absentees having been called,
tariff law may remain undisturbed.
By Mr. KENNEDY, of Indiana : The memorial of SamKennedy, Leonard, Lewis, McCauslen, Maclay, McClel
Mr. BRODHEAD moved that all further pro- uel Bigger. David Wallace, Lewis G. Thompson, and two Jand, McConnell, Mcllvaine, Marsh, Morse, Norris, Owen, ceedings under the call be dispensed with.
hundred and eighty others, citizens of Allen county, Indi. Parmenter, Paterson, Peuil, Emery D. Potter, Prali, Rain- The motion was agreed 10-ayes 82, noes 71. ana, praying Congress to appropriate the unsold lands in sey, Charles M. Reed, Reding, Rockwell, Rodney, Rogers, Sample, Schenck, Severance, Thomas Smith, Sietson,
The question was then taken on Mr. Drom
Indiana and Illinois for the improvement of the Wabash
river, below the mouth of the Tippecanoe ; which was reAndrew Stewart, Summers, Sykes, Thomasson, Tibbatts,
GOOLE's motion to postpone the further consid- ferred to the Cominittee of the Whole House. Tilden, Tyler, Vance, Vanineter, Vinton, Wbile, Wild eration of the resolution till the 13th of May, By Mr. SLIDELL: The petition of the Mexican Gulf liams, Winthrop, William Wright, and Joseph A. Wright and decided in the affirmative-yeas 91, nays 65;
Railroad Company, for remission of duties on iron ; which
was referred to the Committee on Commerce. NAYS-Messrs. Ashe, Barringer, James A. Black, Bow. as follows:
By Mr. HUGHES: The memorial of citizens of Platte er, Bowlin, Boyd, William J. Brown, Burt, Caldwell, YEAS-Messrs.Ashe, Atkinson, Edward J. Black, Black- and Livingston counties, Missouri, asking Congress to apReuben Chapman, Augustus A. Chapman, Chilion, Clinch, well, Bower, Bowlin, Boyd, Jacob Brinkerhoff, William J. propriate money for the purpose of improving westera rivCross, Deberry, Dellet, Dickinson, Dromgoole, Ellis, Fick Brown, Burke, Buri, Caldwell, Catlin, Reuben Chapman, ers, St. Louis harbor. &c. lin, French, Willis Green, Haralson, Hardill, Hays, Her- Augustus A. Chapman, Chappell, Clinton, Cohb, Coles, By Mr. CALDWELL: The petition of the heirs of Sarah rick, Holmes, Houston, Hubard, Hughes, Hungerford, Cross, Daniel, Dean, Dromgoole, Dunlap, Ellis, Elmer, and James Craig, deceased, praying an allowance, under the Jaines B. Hunt, Charles J. Ingersoll, Jameson, Andrew Farlee, Ficklin, French, Hale, Hamlin, Hammett, Haral- provisions of the act of the 7th July, 1838, in consideration Johnson, Preston King, Labranche, Lucas, Lumpkin. New- son, Herrick, Holmes, Hoge, Hopkins, Houston, Hubard, of the revolutionary services of their father; which was ton, Payne, Peyton, Purdy, Rathbun, David S. Reid, Rhelt, Hubbell, Hughes, James B. Hunt, Jameson, Cave Johnson, referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions. St. John, Saunders, Senter, Simons, Slidell, Robert Smith, George W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy, Presion King, Kirk- By Mr. RAMSEY: The petition of A. M. McDonald, Stiles, Stone. Strong, Tavlor, Thompson, Tucker, Went- patrick, Labranche, Leonard, Lewis, Lucas, Luinpkin, Hugh Stevenson, and sixiy others, citizens of Schuylkill worth, and Woodward-60.
McCauslen, McClelland, McClemand, McDowell, Mckay, county, Pennsylvania, protesting against any interference So the reports were ordered to be printed.
Marsh, Norris, Owen, Payne, Pettit, Emery D. Porter, with the tariff of 1842.
Pratt, Purdy, Rathbun, David S. Reid, Relle, Rhett, Roberts, Also, the petition of Francis Daniel, Mark Thomas, and EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
St. John, Sample, Saunders, Simons, Simpson, Slidell, nincty others, of the same county and State ; the petition of
Robert Smith, Sieenrod, Sriles, Stone, Sykes, Taylor, Daniel Karcher, James McKenna, and forty others, citizens On motion of Mr. TIBBATTS, the rules were
Thompson, Tibballs, Tucker, Weller, Wentworth, Wild of the same county and State , the petition of Morgan Bensuspended for the purpose of disposing of the liams, Woodward, and Joseph A. Wright--91.
singer, Nicholas Jones, and numerous others, citizens of business on the Speaker's table.
NAYS-Messrs. Abbott, Adams, Baker, Barringer, Bar- the same county and State ; and the petition of G. S. Parknard, Bidlack, Jaldes Black, Brengle, Brodhead, Buffing. er, D. B. Epply, and thirty-five others, citizens of Dauphin
Page 7
hour of the gentleman from Kentucky, cut short had been chosen to the Senate in April, but was not, of however, in high places; it had been made in anhis remarks by the announcement of that fact. course, a member of the Legislature that inade the nomin.
other and coördinate branch of this Government;
flis senatorial term commenced on the first MonMr. PAYNE next obtained the foor, and comday of July, and he first took his seat at the extra session
it had been again and again repeated, though as menced by observing that he had never risen be
held in November, to choose the presidential electors often refuted, with a pertinacious determination to fore with the view of making a party speech. * Furthermore, it is also true, that Mr. Clinton became adhere to the charge, in order, by continuing to Hitherto, when he had addressed the House, he the candidate of the peace party.' Yet it is not true that
press the subject upon the minds of the people of had addressed himself exclusively to the subject
he was originally nominated as such, or that Mr.Van Buren,
alter taking his seat in the Legislature, supported him as
ihe country, ihat an effect might be produced, under consideration; but he took this occasion to such. He (Mr. C.) was, in fact, driven into that position like a continual pouring of water upon a rock, announce, at the outset, that such was not now by the force of circumstances; and it is no more than jus- that a conviction of the reality of that which had his purpose. And why should he now deviate tice to Mr. Van Buren to say that after Mr. Clinton became
no existence might be at lase produced. The identified with the peace party as their candidate, his supfrom his usual course? Why, it must have been port of him became languid. Indeed, we have reason io
Senate of the United States passed a resolution, observed that, of late, no question whatever could believe that be thenceforward threw his influence, as far as calling upon the Secretary of the Treasury to state be presented for the consideration of the House, he could do so, cousidering the previous committal of the expressly what the amount of indebtedness was; but it was made to assume a party character and legislative caucus, which he held to be binding upon the
that resolution was responded to, and it then apparty, in behalf of Mr. Madison. The truth is, Mr. Clinton a party debate was got up upon it, without the was never nominated or supported as an opponent of the
peared that not more ihan $6,500,000 of debi, slightest intention to enlighten the House on the war, but directly the reverse. He was thus nominated and which was outstanding upon Treasury notes, was Bubject under consideration. Recently a bill was supported expressly upon the ground that the crisis de. left by Mr. Van Buren; and it was necessary, brought before the House to change the mode of minded a more vigorous arm at the helm of State than Mr.
when speaking of the expenditures of that AdMadison's. holding the election of President and Vice Pres. “ The war had not been acryally declared, it is true, but ministration, to recollect the very extraordinary ident of the United States, so as to take the vote every intelligent man saw that it was inevitable, and very causes of expenditure which then existed in the on the same day throughout the United States, pear; and it was fearrd, as the result proves, that under erection of the public buildings, and in the prose
Mr. Madison's administration it would be feebly conducted. and the House would remember the character of
cution of the war against the Indians. The genBelieving thus, that the times demanded an Executive of that debate. Later still, a proposition was brought grater energy and force of character, the attention of many tleman from Kentucky himself acknowledged that into the House to repeal the distribution act; and patriotic men of both political parties was directed else. there was $8,000,000 of debt. This was a very again a party debate was the consequence. Anwhere than to Virginia for a cand date; and froin the high
important admission, coming from the quarter it intellectual qualities of Mr. Clinton, and the acknowledged other question, which he did not now recollect, energy of his character, it was conceived that he would
did. The proper way in which the matter should came up; and again they had party speeches-all, prosecute the impending contest with greater vigor, and
be considered was to look at the times, and take with one exception, coming from the party in op- bring it 10 a more speedy and honorable close than could be into account the unusual calls that were necessaposition to thai to which he belonged, and evidenidone by Mr. Madison.
rily made upon the Treasury; and not, by one
“ This was the ground upon which he was nominated, ly designed to agitate the public mind. and upon which he was supported by Mr. Van Buren, and
general sweep, condemn the Administration. This system had been pursued so far that it such of the old Republican party as adhered to bim ihrough Why, there was no Administration in the unihad become the duty of the members of the Dem
As 10 the opinions and conduct of Mr. Van versal world that might not be thus condemned, ocratic party lo vindicate themselves from the
Buren in the early stages of the war, we have reason to party charges which had been made against them; jority of the people of this state, even of his own party, at know that they were not exactly in barmony with the ina
no matter what the purity of the Administration
might be. It was the easiest thing in the world and herein was his justification in the unusual the line; for it must here be borne in mind that a very de. to hurl the thunders of indignation against any course he was aboul to pursue, with the indul- cided majority of the Representatives in Congress from the Administration; but it was too late in this day of
State of New York-with Obadial German in the Senate gence of the Chairman of the committee. He at their head-voted against the declaration of war; not,
intellectual enlightenment, to suppose that the trusted he should be pardoned if he went far back however, that they held the contest 10 be unjust, but ihey
people were to be blinded by any such general to notice some charges which had been made by brlieved the country wholly unprepared for war at the time, and sweeping denunciations. It was well known some previous speakers, more particularly by the
and consequently that the declaration was inexpedient. that true economy consists in making proper and gentleman from Illinois, (Mr. Hardin,) who had
Such, probably, were the original views of Mr. Van Buren
-such, certainly, were the views of Mr. Clinton.
discreet appropriations; and he hazarded nothing gone back to the old charge - the oft-refuted * But, the war having been declared, it is due to Mr. in saying that, if gentlemen would take up that charge-of opposition to the last war by Mr. Van Van Buren 10 xay that no public man in the State sup- Administration and test it by this principle, it Buren. Bui, though so often refuled, it was
ported it more thoroughly, hearuly, and zealously through- would stand out in bold relief, as being better brought up here again in a new dress, and, he
nul, than he did. Such, we know, is not the received
opinion in many parts of the country-especially in the
than the former, and infinitely better than that supposed, was to be sent out to the country to in- distant States ; and we frequently spe attempts making, in
which followed it. But, as for the responsibility fluence the people. It was not necessary, he con- the presses opposed to hiin, to render him un popular by of an Administration in reference to expenditures, ceived, thai he should enter at very great length
charging him with opposition to the war itsell, as well as to there was no President who could be said to be into an examination of the purposes and objects
Mr Madison. But the charge is untrue.
“ Many of our political friends will scowl upon us, we
responsible. Who was it that held the purseof Mr. Van Buren in relation to that war; the know, for our frankness on this occasion. But we care not strings? It was this body. They made the ap. records of the country were most conclusive on for that. Justice in all men is our maxim; and we wish propriations; and the Executive was bound, under thal subject; the records of the great State of New
not to beat even Mr. Van Buren by falsehood.
We havc, York were so conclusive that, after their examindeed, truth enough at our command, to do that with.”
ihe obligation of an oath, to carry out the acts ination in relation to that period of our history, Mr. PAYNE resumed, and said he had no The gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. no man could doubt Mr. Van Buren's firmness in doubt many of the political friends of that gen. CLINGMAN) had made a charge against the Dem. the defense of his country.
tleman (Mr. Stone) would scowl upon him for ocratic pariy, in which he cited a quotation from But it was said that Mr. Van Buren roted stating the truth; there was no doubi of that; but the language of a mosi distinguished man, “ that against Mr. Madison, in favor of Mr. Clinton, he was proud to see that there was one man in the Democratic party were held together by the and consequently that he was against the war. that pariy that would do Mr. Van Buren justice cohesive power of ihe spoils of office.” This Now, no man venerated the character and mem- in regard to his course in reference to the late was an expression used by Mr. Calhoun when ory of that illustrious man more than he did, and war, regardless of the scowls of his party. Hay. he was not in intimate relation with the Demo. he trusted, on all proper occasions, he should be ing caused that letter to be read, he did not know cratic party. In contemplating the character of ready to defend either the public or private char- that he could add anything stronger, and therefore that great inan, it would be found that his views acter of Mr. Madison against all attacks that he would pass on, with the remark ihat he had in- were chose of an American statesman, not of a might be made against him; but he now did not tended to quote from an address written by Mr. party man; though separate from the Democratic find it necessary to do so. He, however, ap
Van Buren, and addressed to the people of New party, yet belonging not to the opposite one. If pealed to the recollection and the experience of York, when he was in the Senate; bui not having the gentleman from North Carolina adduced this every gentleman on this floor who recollected the expected this debate to come on at this time, he in order to show the existence of divisions in the events in connection with the late war, whether had it not at hand. He mighe, however, say that Democratic ranks, he had not accomplished his Mr. Madison was not considered by the friends that address exhibited great devotion to the in- | object. Mr. Calhoun might cease to cooperate of Mr. Clinton as not sufficiently vigorous for a
terests of his country, and pointed out the pro- with his political friends, but the day could never war candidate; and whether it was not appre- priety of a vigorous prosecution of the war, in the come when Federalism could be thrown upon his hended that Mr. Madison would not prosecute
burning language of patriotism, which, perhaps, . shoulders. But was it true that the Democratic the war with the vigor which its friends desired was only excelled by the language of the Declara- party were held together by the cohesive power should characterize it? But, on this subject, he tion of Independence.
of the spoils of office? As he might not soon would appeal to Whig authority, and out of their
But what was the next subject matter of accu- have another opportunity of expressing what he own mouih he would condemn chem. He desired sation? A gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. conceived to be ine principles of the Democratic the Clerk to read an article from the pen of Mr. Clingman) and a gentleman from Pennsylvania party, he would take this occasion to do so. What W. L. Stone, editor of the New York Commer: (Mr. STEWART) had charged on Mr. Van Buren were those principles? They were these: perfect cial Advertiser, to show what he said Mr. Van that he had contracted an enormous debt, and left equality in all political and civil rights; exclusive Buren's course was.
it as a legacy on the Administration that suc- privileges to none. None of your banking sys. The Clerk read the letter, as follows:
ceeded him. He was pleased to observe that the iems, with their corrupting influences; none of * We prefer giving a public answer to the foregoing com
gentleman from Kentucky, more conscientious your high protective tariffs, giving exclusive privmunication, made, we doubt not, in good taith, for several
than some others, had not runit up to $30,000,000; || ileges. These were the principles of the Demoreasons. Principal among these, is the strong desire we but that gentleman had evidently made use of the cratic party. There were, of course, some exhave liat justice should be done to all men, and we think tract of Mr. Secretary Ewing, who was the first ceptions to the rule; but not so many as to shake that Mr. Van Buren has not been fairly dralt by in the maltere referred to.
Secretary to his knowledge, and he trusted he the principles of the party. There might be difIt is true, that Mr. Van Buren was one of the early supporters of Mr. Clinton for the office of Presi
was the last, that would ever use official station ferences of opinion among individual members, dent, in the year 1812, in opposition to Mr. Madison ; that lo deceive the public respecting the conduct of but the principles of the party remained unshahe took part in the Republican legislative caucus at which Mr. Chiton was first noininated. The caucus was held, preceding public functionaries.
ken. He admitted there was a difference of opinand that nomination was made, on the 28th of May, nearly
The charge that Mr. Van Buren, during his ion on the subject of protection, but that diilera mouth before the declaration of war. The elections in
administration, created a debt of thirty-odd mil- ence was unimportant; and he insisted that no this state were then held in April, and the poliucal year
lion dollars, which he left to his succesor, was division of a fragment of the party could estabcommenced on the first Mouday in July. Mr. Van Buren totally untrue. The charge had been repeated, li lish the principle that the Democratic party were
Page 8
praying the improvement of the Wabash river; which was
; propriation of $10,000 to improve the harbor at
exerting himself beyond his strength; the advice referred to the Committee on Public Lands. ihe mouth of Genesee river, and insert in its
of his friends coincided with his own opinion that
Also, the petition of Peter Langlois, praying relief in a place $20,000. Also, to add, after the thirty-ninth
a visit to his family, the exercise of the journey, case where a patent has issued to bim for the wrong piece line:
of land; which was referred to the Committec on Public and the repose and kind attentions he would there Five thousand dollars to improve the mouth of Sandy Lands.
receive, would restore his health. It was a misCreek upou Lake Ontario, in the county of Monroe.
By Mr. JAMESON: The petition of sundry citizens of take; for from the time he left here, his strength
different counties in the Staie ot' Missouri, praying for the Mr. HUNT, of New York, offered an amend
declined; and when he arrived there, on the 31st improvement of the westem rivers, and St. Louis harbor; ment making an appropriation of $25,000 for the which was referred to the Coinmittee on Commerce.
of March, it was evident that he had returned to improvement of Eighteen mile Creek, on Lake By Mr. BRODHEAD: The memorial of Charles W.Ash- his family but to die in their embraces. On the Ontario. ley and thirty-seven others, citizens of Carbon county,
3d of April he expired. Pennsylvania, against any repeal or moditication of the The amendment was rejected.
General MOORE was a well educated man, tariff act of 1842. Mr. LYON offered an amendment appropriat
By Mr. DAVIS, of Indiana : The memorials of George Though not blessed with a hardy frame and ro
G. Dunn and finty five others, of Lawrence county, Indi. ing $12,000 for the harbor at the mouth of Kala
bust health, he possessed great intellectual enana; of Andrew Waters and fifteen others, or Sullivan mazoo river; and $12,500 for the improvement of
ergy. His death, at the early age of thirty-four, county, Indiana; of George II. Johnson and thirty-five the harbor at the mouth of Grant river. others, of Monroe county, Indiana; and of Elijah Master,
is a calamity to his family, and a great loss to The amendment was rejected.
and sixty-tive others, of the sixth cougressional district, the State which had adopted him. His political
Indiana, praying a grant of land in the Vincennes land dis Mr. TUCKER moved to strike out all after the
opinions were soundly Democratic. Of his opintrici, Indiana, for the completion of the Wabash and Erie
ions upon theological subjects, nothing is known. enacting clause of the bill.
canal to the Ohio river. The CHAIRMAN decided that the motion By Mr. HOGE: The petition of George Rockwell and
His character was pure and virtuous; we may one hundred and thirty-four olliers, citizens of Warsaw, in therefore conclude, thalwas not in order. the county of Ilancock, and State of Illinois, praying Con
“ For forins of faith while graceless bigots fight, Mr. RODNEY moved to amend the bill by gress to make appropriations for the immediate improve.
His can't be wrong wliose life is in the riglit." adding appropriations for a variety of objects of
ment of the upper Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and the internal improvements, which are enumerated in
security of the harbor of St. Louis; which was referred to Mr. T. concluded by submitting the following
the Committee of the whole on the state of the Union. resolutions: another bill before the House.
By Mr. RAMSEY: The petition of Aquila Bolton, WilThe CHAIRMAN decided that the motion was
Resolved, that the Senate has received with deep sensiliam Wolf, and numerous other citizens of Schuylkill coun
bility the communication from the House of Representanot in order, on the ground that the amendment ty, Pennsylvania, protesting against any interference with
lives, announcing the death of Hon. HEMAN Allen Moore, the tariff of 1812. was substantially, though not entirely, the same
By Mr. DODGE, of Wisconsin : The petition of tiyo hun
a Representative in Congress from the State of Ohio. as another bill before the House. dred and sixty-four citizens of Milwaukee county, Territory
Resolved, That in cokon of sincere and high respect for Mr. RODNEY appealed from the decision of of Wisconsin, ilsking Congress for an appropriation for a
the memory of the deceased, the members and officers of the Chair. road from the town of Milwaukee, via Hasi's Rapids, on
the Senate will wear crape on the left arm, as mourning, The question was taken on the appeal, and the Rock river, to Port Winnerago, in said Territory; which
for thirty days.
Resolved, 'That, as a further mark of respect, the Senate was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post decision of the Chair was sustained-ayes 78,
do now adjourn. Roads. noes 53.
Also, the pruition of ninety-nine citizens of the county of The question was put, and the resolutions were Mr. ROGERS moved to amend the bill by in- Walworth, Territory of Wisconsin, asking the establishi- unanimously agreed to. serting “ $50,000,"instead of " $20,000,” for the
ment of a mail route or post road from Prairieville, in the
county of Milwaukee, via Norih Prairie, in said county, The Senate accordingly adjourned. preservation of harbors on the lakes not enumer- and the village of Palmyra, in the county of Jefferson, 10 ated in the bill.
White Water, in the county of Walworthi; which was re-
The amendment was rejected.
ferred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.
By Mr. MeILVAINE: The remonstrance of Samuel A.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Mr. McCONNELL offered the following Whitaker and one hundred and seventeen others, citizens amendment: of Phenixville, Pennsylvania, against any change what
MONDAY, April 8, 1844. For repairs of the natural bridge in Rockingham county, ever in the present tarifflaws.
The Journal having been read, Virginia, $100,000; and for the inprovement or the naviga
Also, the remonstrance of Samuel A. Whiteville, Wil. tion of Salt river, $25,000. liam Chandler, and sixty to others, citizens of Chester
Mr. WELLER said: Mr. Speaker, Death has county, Pennsylvania, on the same subject.
again been amongst us. Another of our assoMr. WHITE asked if there had been a survey By Mr. HUNT, of Michigan: The petition of L. L. Treat ciates has been taken from this Hall, and transof Salt river?
and one hundred and four othery, citizens of the State of
Michigan, for the establishinennt of a post route from Pon.
ferred to another, and, I trust, a better world-10 Mr. MCCONNELL said that a number of tiac, Oakland county, Miclican, to Orion, in the same
a "house not made with hands, eternal in the Whigs who had been there reported that there county ; which was referred to the Committee on the Post heavens.” My colleague-Hon. Heman ALLEN were many obstructions in the river. Otlice and Post Roads.
Moore--who, but a few days since, stood upon The amendment was rejected.
this floor, as one of the proud Representatives of "Mr. WELLER offered an amendment to come
IN SENATE.
a great and powerful State, now sleeps in the siin as two additional sections to the bill; the one
MONDAY, April 8, 1844.
lent tomb; his spirit rests in the hands of the appropriating $75,000 for the continuation of the
Creator. He died at his residence (Columbus, Cumberland road in the State of Ohio; $75,000 Immediately after the reading of the Journal, Ohio) on Wednesday morning, the 31 instant. for the continuation of said road in the State of A message was received from the House of General Moore came here at the commence. Indiana; and $75,000 for the continuation of said Representatives, by their Clerk, announcing the ment of the present session, apparently in good road in the State of Illinois. The other section
death of Hon. Heman ALLEN MOORE, a Repre- health; but after a few weeks' labor in this Hall, appropriating $25,000 for building a bridge across sentative in Congress from the State of Ohio, and he was stricken by a disease which, although the Ohio river at Wheeling.
the adoption of resolutions testifying the respect sometimes slow in its progress, never fails in the Mr. HUGHES offered an amendment to the
of that body for the memory of the deceased; end to baffle the skill of the most successful phy.
which being read, amendment appropriating $500,000 for the con
sician. Consumption had fastened its fangs upon struction of a national road to the scat of gov
Mr. TAPPAN said: Mr. President, the mes- his vitals, and, in a few short months of sufferernment of the State of Missouri.
sage from the House announcing the death of my ing, closed his career. He left this city for his The amendment was rejected.
honorable colleague of that body, imposes upon family, with forebodings that his days were few,
me the solemn and painful duty of moving the and that he would not live to return to his post. Mr. HOLMES offered an amendment to the amendment appropriating $5,000,000 for extend- | having been our brethren in the public service, honors usually paid to the memory of those who, Notwithstanding his debility, it will be remem
bered that on the day preceding his departure, he ing the Cumberland road to the Oregon terri- have left us to pass that bourn whence no trav- was upon this foor, warmly and zealously adtory.
eler returns. The amendment was rejected.
vocating and carrying through a bill in which a
HEMAN ALLEN Moore was a native of the town portion of his immediate constituents felt a deep The question was then taken on Mr. Weller's of Plainfield, Vermont. His parents were respect- solicitude. It was the last act of his political amendment, and it was rejected.
able, but poor. He was a self-educated man. life. Some other amendments were proposed, and About six years ago he removed to Ohio, and set- The deceased was a native of Vermont, where negatived.
tled with his family in the city of Columbus. He he received a liberal education; he studied law in Mr. PARMENTER proposed to strike out a had chosen the law for his profession; but being Rochester, New York; and after completing his portion of the bill, the effect of which would be poor, he sought and obtained employment as a professional studies, and forming a matrimonial io leave the items of $100,000 and $223,000, and schoolmaster for present support. His learning, alliance, emigrated to Columbus, Ohio, where he to strike out the residue.
his talents, and correct deportment, soon gained maintained a respectable standing at the bar. At The amendment was negatived.
for him the good will of the society around him; the time of his decease, he was about thirty-four Mr. HAMMETT inquired if it was in order his business as a lawyer increasing, he devoted his years of age. After a residence of only six or
whole attention to its labors; and such was his to propose to add the following item:
seven years in that State, he was appointed adju. character and standing, that before he had lived in For the improvement of our harbor of Galveston, $10,000
tant general; and a year afterwards, at the last the State six years, he was promoted to the office congressional election, selected as the RepresentThe amendment was not entertained.
of adjutant general of her militia. Al the last elec- ative upon this floor of one of its largest and most Mr. TIBBATTS moved that the committee tion for members of Congress in Ohio in the Co- respectable districts. Notwithstanding he was a lay aside the bill to be reported to the House, lumbus district, in which were many able men young man, comparatively a stranger, and with and take up bill No. 203.
who were candidates for nomination, he was pre- no experience whatever in legislation, his stern After some conversation, the committee rose, ferred to all his competitors, and was elected by integrity, his strict morality, his useful talents, and reported the bill to the House. the people.
and his unflagging perseverance, gave undoubted The House then adjourned.
General Moore had not been many weeks at- assurance that in his hands the interests of the
tending Congress until he was compelled by dis- people would never be compromitted. I need The following petitions, presented to day, were handed ease to devote his whole care to his own preservto the reporters by the incibers presenting them :
scarcely say to those who witnessed his brief By Mr PETTIT: The petition of John B Semans and
ation; he so far recovered as to attend again a few career as a Representative, that his confideđce was ninety-six others, citizens of Tippecanoe county, Indiana,
days in the House, but it was evident that he was not misplaced.
Page 9
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, BY BLAIR & RIVES.
28TH CONGRESS, 1st Session.
On motion of Mr. A. JOHNSON, leave was sissippi to New Brunswick, and from the lakes The question then recurred on agreeing to the granted to the heirs of Thomas A. Russell to to Bermuda, and had collected much information | resolution. withdraw their petition and papers.
on the subject; and the House had ordered the The SPEAKER announced that the morning Mr. COBB, from the same committee, made an printing of the document he had prepared, which hour had expired. adverse report on the petition of Bennett M. Dell; document would be useless without the illustra
THE TARIFK. which was laid on the table, and ordered to be tions by the maps; and shall we now say these printed.
Mr. MCKAY moved a suspension of the rules maps shall not be published, and thereby lose the Mr. STRONG, from the same committee, made value, if any there was, of the labors of this of. || for the purpose of going into the Committee of the an adverse report on the petition of Charles S. ficer? What are we to gain by employing this Whole on the state of the Union, with a view of Mathews and James Hall; which was laid on the man if his works are io be suppressed, not taking up the tariff bill. table, and ordered to be printed. brought to light? How can the gentleman from
Upon this motion, the yeas and nays were deMr. DUNLAP, from the Committee on Com- || Tennessee understandingly vote to not only re- manded and ordered; and being taken, resulted
ycas 80, nays 84; as follows: merce, reported a bill for the relief of Barnabas fuse the printing, but lo dismiss the officer? 'The Baker and others; which was read twice, and re- | only way to act rationally upon this subject ap
YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Ashe, Atkinson, James Black,
James A. Black, Blackwell, Bower, Bowlin, Boyd, Milton ferred to a Committee of the Whole House. pears to be lo publish the doings of this officer,
Brown, William J. Brown, Burke, Burt, Catlin, Reuben Mr. C. M. REED, from the same committee, and let them go before the country; and thus will Chapman, Chappell, Clinton, Cobb, Cross, Cullom, Daniel, to which had been referred the bill to provide for we be able to decide on the utility of this office. Dean, Dunlap, Elmer, Farlee, Ficklin, Hale, Hammett, improving the entrances into the mouths of the Shall the sum of a few hundred dollars stand in Haralson, Henley, Herrick, Hopkins, Houston, Hubard,
Hughes, Hungerford, Jameson, Cave Johnson, Perley B. Kalamazoo and Grand rivers, on the eastern coast the way, and obstruct and render abortive this
Johnson, Andrew Johnson, George W. Jones, Andrew of Lake Michigan, reported the same with an effort of a learned philosopher, and of this Gov
Kennedy, Preston King, Kirkpatrick, Labranche, Leonard, amendment, which was read.
ernment, to investigate a subject on which so Lewis, Lucas, Maclay, McDowell, McKay, Murphy, NorMr. DAVIS, of Indiana, from the Committee much interest depends? Shall we follow barba- ris, Owen, Payne, Prate, Purdy, Rathbun, David S. Reid,
Reding, , , , , on Public Lands, reported a bill supplementary rians, and reject all propositions for improve- rod, Stetson, Stiles, Stone, strong, Sykes, Taylor, Thompto the act entitled “ An act to settle the title to ments ? and especially this on which most of the son, Tibbatts, Tucker, Weller, Wentworth, Wheaton, certain traets of land in Arkansas,” approved 11th expense has already accrued ? Shall we condemn Woodward, and Joseph A. Wright-80. August, 1842; which was read twice, and referred the child for not walking before it creeps? What
NAYS–Messrs. Abboti, Adams, Baker, Barringer, Ber
nard, Bidlack, Brengle, Jacob Brinkerhoff, Brodhead, Jereto the Committee of the Whole on the state of great improvement has been perfected by the first
miah Brown, Buffington, Cary, Carroll, Causin, Chilton, the Union.
effort? It is but a few years ago that the prop- Clinch, Clingman, Cranston, Dana, Darragh, Garrett Davis, Mr. D., from the same committee, reported a osition to move a vessel by steam was ridiculed Deberry, Dellet, Dickey, Dickinson, Ellis, Fish, Foot, bill for the relief of certain exiles from Poland; to death in a legislative body; a canal bnrlesqued | Grider,' Harper, Hays, Hubbell,'Hudson, James B. Hunt,
French, Giddings, Willis Green, Bryam Green, Grinnell, which was read twice, and referred to the Com- as a great mud ditch;, and locomotives to run
Charles J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin; Jeuks, mittee of the Whole.
twenty miles an hour were only in the imagina- John P. Kennedy, Lyon, McCauslen, McClelland, MellMr. JAMESON, from the same committee, tions of cracked brains. For my part, I have no vaine, Marsh, Edward J. Morris, Morse, Moseley, Nes, reported the following bills; which were read a feeling in this matter but to do justice to the of
Newton, Parmenter, Patterson, Elisha R. Potter, Emery D.
Potter, Preston, Ramsey, Charles M. Reed, Ritter, Rock first and second time, and referred to the Com- | ficer and to the country:
well, Rodney, Rogers, Sample, Schenck, Severance, David mittee of the Whole on the state of the Union: To do justice to the first, then, let us publish L. Seymour, John T. Smith, Caleb B. Smith, Spence, A bill for the relief of certain persons who lost his works, performed under our employment, by
Andrew Stewart, John Stewart, Summers, Tyler, Vance, their preemptions under the act of 19th June, | which only we shall be able to judge of his merit;
Vinton, Wethered, White, Williams, Winthrop, William
Wright, and Yost - 84. 1834, by the location of reservations for the chiefs, and let us do ourselves the justice to make use of
So the House refused to go into the Committee &c., under the treaty with the Creek Indians of the researches of our officer, for which most of
of the Whole on the state of the Union. 1832.
the expense is already incurred. Let us do jusA bill authorizing the inhabitants of township | tice to all, by a reasonable liberality; and by
HARBORS AND RIVERS. one, of range thirteen east, Seneca county, Ohio, || showing some regard to the works of a philoso- Mr. TIBBATTS moved a suspension of the to relinquish certain lands selected for schools, | pher whose merits are acknowledged, not only rules to enable him to offer a resolution to take and to obtain others in lieu thereof.
by the most distinguished and learned men in our the bill making appropriations for certain harbors A bill supplemental to the acts of May 22, own country, but by the most distinguished phi- and rivers out of committee at two o'clock this 1826, and May 27, 1840, authorizing the surren- losophers in Europe. Shall it be said, sir, ihat day. der of bounty lands drawn by soldiers of the last we turn our backs on those devoted to science ? Mr. ROGERS moved to amend by extending war, and the location of others in lieu thereof. that this Congress closes its eyes, like barbari- the time to three o'clock.
Mr. SIMONS, from the Committee on Engrav-1 ans, on philosophy and rejects improvements Mr. C. JOHNSON demanded the previous ing, reported the following resolution; which was attempted to be made by a preceding Congress? question; but being informed that the subject of considered, and agreed to:
Indeed, sir, if fault is to be found in expense on the resolution was not the western harbor bill, he Resolved, 'That the Committee on Engraving have en
this subject, it must be ascribed to the last, and withdrew the demand. graved and published twelve hundred and fitcy copies of not to this Congress.
The question was put on suspending the rules; the maps accompanying report No. 407, from the Commit Sir, let me say, once for all, that while I watch and a division being called, sixty-five rose in the tee on Military Affairs.
the box, you need not be alarmed at the squan- | affirmative. Mr. S., from the same committee, reported the dering of money; and I bind myself that your following resolution; which was considered, and
Mr. REDING then demanded the yeas and map and chart printing shall not amount to one agreed to:
nays, which were ordered; and being taken, re. fourth what it has for past years. If these maps | sulted-yeas 88, nays 62. Resolved, that the Committee on Engraving have en. had been published, as proposed at the comgraved and published fifteen bundred copies of each of
The rules having been suspended by this vote, thirty maps, to be selected by said committee, to accoin
mencement of the session, and as such work has pany the said document: Provided, That the cost of the been heretofore done, it would cost the Govern- tion; which was read:
Mr. TIBBATTS offered the following resoluengraving, printing, lithographing, and paper, for said maps, ment probably $40,000. This, I am happy to say, shall not exceed $1,500.
Resolved, That all debate in the Committee of the whole I had an influence in preventing; and I believe
House on the state of the Union on House bill (No. 203,) Mr. SPENCE, from the Committee on En- all can be published which is necessary to ac- making appropriations for certain barbors and rivers, shall graving, made a report, accompanied by a reso- complish the object, for $1,500; and to dismiss cease at four o'clock, p. m.,this day, (if the committee shall lution, to publish ihe maps to accompany the the officer, and omit to publish his work, is to
not sooner come to a conclusion upon the same ;) and the report of ihe War Depariment, illustrating the me'undignified in this body, and an evidence of as may be pending, or offered to the same ; and shall then
committee shall then proceed to vote on such amendments theory of storms. Mr. C. JOHNSON moved to amend the reso. edge at which we have attained, instead of ad. a pertinacious adherence to the standard of knowl- ll report it to the House, with such amendments as may have
been agreed to by the commitiee. lution to print the maps, by striking out all after vancing; and evincing thereby an unphilosoph- Mr. DROMGOOLE expressed his strong obthe word '“ resolved," and insert a substitute to ical condition incompatible wiih our land of libjections to the resolution, and to the hurrying 80 discontinue this office in the War Department, lerty and light, and at the same time doing great important a bill through, embracing a variety of and urged that it was useless.
injustice to a disinterested and distinguished phi- details, without discussion. If the bill was to be Mr. SIMONS replied by saying that perhaps | losopher, who has spent a life and fortune in sci- taken out of committee at two o'clock, the two no man in the House would be less likely io chase entific researches.
gentlemen who might first obtain the floor, might idle experiments, and to be governed by the Mr. C.JOHNSON moved to strike out the ori- consume the whole time allowed for debate in winds, and to be affected by storms, than he was; ginal resolution, and insert a substitute in the form expressing their own views on it, while no one that his prejudices had been strong against enter- l of a joint resolution; which proposed to abolish | would be permitted to reply to them. Besides, taining this subject; but he confessed to be open the office of meteorologist, which is attached to it was not so certain that this bill would be taken to conviction, and ready to consider propositions the office of Surgeon General.
up when the House resolved itself into the Comfor improvement. He had given the subject con- Mr. HOPKINS moved the previous question; mittee of the Whole, for the committee would sideration, and was convinced that the author which was sustained by the House.
then have the power to give the preference to any was a scientific man, and wise on the subject he Mr. C. JOHNSON called for the yeas and nays other bill. He considered the House pledged by had prepared under his appointment; that this on his amendment, and they were ordered; and the vote it gave the other day, to take up the officer had been employed under a large salary, being taken, resulted-yeas 75, nays 86. tariff bill to-day; and he should make a motion had established extensive inquiries, from the Mis- So the amendment was not adopted.
to that effect as soon as the House resolved itself
Page 10
Upon the introduction of the amendment, and how else could he go on and vindicate himself but by ap- Treasury notes of the preceding Administration; and until before the vote was taken, the gentleman from
pealing to the record? He had said on the first blush, on the Senator from New Hampshire brings up his own paper
the first impulse when the gentleman had offered this reso- to par, from its present depreciation, lei him be less solicitKentucky (Mr. WHITE] came to his seat, evi
lution, that it was a falsehood that Mr. Clay had ever spoken ous about the Treasury notes to be issued by the present dently under much excitement, and stated in a or written any such language. Now, what were the facts ? Administration. positive, but respectful, manner, that no such What did this resolution aver ?
“ But whence this new-born zeal in regard to taxation ? sentiment or language could be found in any de
“Mr. W. read the amendment to the resolution of Mr. It was, he admitted,scandalous that this Government should
KENNEDY, offered, yesterday, by Mr. Brown, as follows: have gone on for four years past, and was going on now, by claration or speech ever delivered by Mr. Člay,
“ • That this flouse approve of the sentiments of Henry the expenditure of more than was received. Taxation, he either in or out of the Capitol.
Clay, expressed in his speech at the extra session of Con- knew, and had before said, was the remedy for this. Carry He stated, at the time, that he had copied the gress, 1841, as follows: “ Carry out the principles of the out, then, the spirit of the compromise act. Look to revenue extract from the Ohio Statesman, and that he be
compromise act; look to revenue alone for the support of alone for the support of Governinent. Do not raise the ques
Government. Do not raise the question of protection, lieved it contained the sentiments of Mr. Clay, as
tion of protection which I had hoped had been put to rest. which I hoped had been put to rest. There is no necessity There is no necessity of protection, for protection. But he had expressed them in some speech delivered for protection.",
what was the course of my honorable friend from New in the Senate during the last Congress. That he
“Now (Mr. W. continued) here was a specific allega- Hampshire, (for I heartily reciprocate the friendship he proimmediately made diligent search therefor, but at
tion; here was the date and the place. Now he had gone fessed for me the other day,) when he had a tax bill under
a great deal further; he had averred not only that, at that consideration? Where was he then? Did be vote for the that time was unable to find the extract; that
time and place, no such speech had ever been made by Mr. tax bill before us? Did he not rather choose to sip his tea upon the next day-when, by the courtesy of the Clay, but he had further averred that at no period of his and coffee a little longer, and to withhold the tax from those House, he was permitted io make an explanation | Life, before or since, had Mr. Clay ever uttered such a sen- luxuries? And will be now consent to tax these articles? which he conceived to be due to himself, as his timent."
If he will, I go along with him, heart and hand. honor had been implicated, as he had been charged
Again, the gentleman says:
“ The Senator talks of the public lands as though they
were thrown away. Did not the States receive them? Did with attributing language and sentiments to Nr. “ He had said to the gentleman from Indiana, what he not the people have the benefit of them? But why (he Clay which that distinguished person had never
now repeated, that this was a forgery; and he had told the asked) this covert attack upon the land bill, when another uttered or beld- he then stated that, in good || w.) could establish the contrary to be tre.
gentleman that he could not stablish it, but that he (Mr. bill is under consideration. We will meet you openly and
And the fairly,(said Mr. CLAY,) when this question comes before the faith, he had made the extract from a paper whose gentleman, no doubt, had been searching in Mr. Clay's Senate. It would be remembered that when the honorable editor he believed to be an honorable man, and speeches, with a keen, an eagle eye, for the very doctrine gentleman (Mr. WOODBURY) sat at the other end of the incapable of misrepresenting any one; that he and words contained in this resolution; and he predicted avenue, begging and lamenting over the necessities of the
that he had not found them, and that he never could find said upon that occasion that he had nothing to take
Government, he recommended (and twice in one session them. The gentleman might add together words taken of Congress) the issue of Treasury notes. Did we make back, for he believed the extract, if not in the exact froin different sentences, and make out this; but he had any opposition to them? No, even though opposed to them language, contained sentiments oft-repeated by never found, nor could ever find, it in one continuous sen- in principle, we submitted to them; and now he would say, Mr. Clay. But that no one who knew him would tence or paragraph. Mr. W. defied him to do il, in any en passant, that he was opposed to the whole system of suppose he would willfully misrepresent Mr. speech delivered in Congress or out of Congress."
issuing Treasury notes, and that he could not vote for this Clay, or put language in his mouth which he had
Mr. B. said he would conclude by reading an
bill, unless his voie was necessary to save it. But how was
it with the Senator from New Hampshire? Notwithstandnever used, or attribute to him sentiments which other very emphatic extract from the gentleman's
ing he had worked like a beaver, (laughter,) session after he had never uttered; and that if, upon thorough speech:
session, to procure the passage of Treasury notes, he was search, he was unable to find the language, or
“Now, here Mr. W. had showed to the House three very now found, even when the country was suffering, embar
different speeches delivered by Mr. Clay on the tariff, in rassing the passage of this bill." sentiment, as an honorable man he felt himself
1841, (and they were the only speeches he did deliver.) bound at some future day, lo declare to the House And gentlemen found in every speech upon that occasion
Now, (said Mr. B.,) the words attributed to Mr. and to the country that he had been misled by Mr. Clay had uniformly-unitorinly contended for and re- Clay in the amendment are these: “ Carry out the the paper.
iterated the same doctrine as Mr. W. had averred he had principles of the compromise act. Look to revenue
always entertained. In every speech he had directly in To this the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. language and sentiment repudiated-ay, repudiated-the
alone for the support of Government. Do not raise White) desired, by way of explanation, to re- forgery Mr. W. held in his hand, (viz. the extract quoted the question of protection, which I hoped had been put ply, declaring that he felt his personal honor in. in the resolution of Mr. Brown.) Mr. Clay had never to rest. There is no necessity for protection.” And volved in this controversy. Not wishing to mismade use of such a sentiment or language; nerer, never!”
the words used in the speech are these: “ Carry represent or misquote the gentleman, he would Now, (said Mr. B) let us recapitulate. What out the spirit of the compromise act. Look to revenue read some extracıs from his (Mr. White's) speech does the gentleman aver?
alone for the support of Government. Do not raise upon that occasion, as reported in the National “ That Mr. Clay had never, in any speech in his life, the question of protection, which I had hoped had been Intelligencer: from the first day he entered this Hall to the last day of his
pul to rest. There is no necessity of protection, for service in the other branch of Congress, uttered such a “Mr. Wurte said he was more than thankful in the sentiment as was alleged in the resolution of the gentleman
protection.' Here, they stand side by side, with courtesy of the House; and he was siitistied, when he had from Indiana."
the language almost the same, and certainly the done, that the House would conclude that he was not disposed to abuse that courtesy. He had stated that he felt his
Again, he says:
ideas conveyed are identical. If he had seen the
National Intelligencer before offering the amendown honor and character to be involved in this matter; and “That upon solemn conviction which he felt, knowing that it was due to him that he should be allowed an oppor- the man, (Mr. Clay,) he knew it was impossible in the na
ment, he would have copied it verbalim from that tunity to make a personal explanation. It would be recol- ture of things, in the truth of his character, in the consist
paper, because all that is contained in the one can lected (he said) by the gentleman from Indiana and other ency of his course upon political subjects, that any such be found in the other, the greater part of it being gentlemen, that when this resolution had yesterday been sentiment had ever been ultered by him."
word for word and syllable for syllable. offered by that gentleman, he (Mr. W.) had gone to the
Carry Clerk's desk and read it, and had then gone to the gentle
And again, he says:
out the spirit of the compromise act,” said Mr. man from Indiana and stated-not behind his back, or in “Now it devolved upon him (Mr. W.) to vindicate his Clay. Now, where is the difference between car: an offensive manner--that he was mistaken in his author- own truth and honor by proving fully, to the satisfaction of rying out the "spirit” and the “principles” of ity for that being a declaration of Mr. Clay. Not only to all, the statement which he had made." the gentleman from Indiana, but to many other gentlemen,
that act, as he had it in his quotation? “Look Mr. W. had averred that Mr. Clay had never, in any specch
What statement? Why, sir, that Mr. Clay to revenue alone for the support of Government,' in his life, from the first day that he had entered this Hall had never, upon any occasion given utterance io occurs in both extracts. What does Mr. Clay to the last day of his service the other branch of Con- the sentiment attributed to him in the extract. So
mean by this declaration, unless it be that, in gress, uttered such a sentiment as was alleged by the reso- much for the argument of the gentleman from lution of the gentleman from Indiana. Although he had
framing a tariff bill, you should look to revenue said this in the most emphatic and unqualified manner, he
Kentucky. Now, sir, how stands the case ? alone ? This is all that the most zealous oppohad meant to impuie to the gentleman from Indiana no Upon the one hand, he (Mr. B.) had declared
nent of the pretective policy ever contended for. want of honor, no crime of forgery. Far from it. He had that Mr. Clay had used the sentiments; upon the Even the ulira advocates of the doctrine of free seen the same words that were quoted in the gentleman's
other, the member from Kentucky (Mr. WHITE) trade ask for no more. “ Do not raise the quesresolution contained in a newspaper; he bad compared it with the extract from the Columbus (Ohio) Statesman.
had averred that Mr. Clay had " used no such tion of protection, which I had hoped had been The gentleman had, no doubt, been deceived by the confi. language, and ultered no such sentiment." In
put to rest. A correct quotation from both. dence that we had in a paper agreeing with him in political this dilemma, Mr. B. felt himself bound to prove What did Mr. Clay mean by saying that he sentiments. This was not the only extract in that paper. There were various extracts containing the principles, or
the truth of his allegation; or, on failure, to ad- “hoped the question of protection had been put the alleged principles, of Mr. Clay and of Mr. 'Van Buren ;
mit, with mortification, that he had been de- to rest?” The only inference that can be drawn and it was natural for the gentleman to have supposed that, ceived. For the purpose of sustaining the de- from the declaration is, that, like the sentiment in this array of extracts, no suppression of the truth, or claration then made, and of vindicating himself, uttered by his friend and compeer, Daniel Websuggestion of falsehood had been made ; and therefore he imputed nothing improper to the gentleman from Indiana.
from the charges made by the Whig press of at- ster, when, in old Faneuil Hall herself, the cradle " But upon that solemn conviction which he felt, knowtributing language to Mr. Clay, which he had
of American liberty, he declared that the “naing the man, he knew it was impossible in the nature of never uttered, he had now risen to trespass upon tional bank was now an obsolete idea.” So Mr. things, in the truth of his character, in the consistency of the time and beg the indulgence of the House. his course upon political subjects, that any such sentiment
Clay could but have meant that protection was had ever been uttered by him, and, if he was correctly
After much labor and diligent research, he finds but an “obsolete idea," a humbug that had had quoted, that it could not be found in extracts from any of that, upon the 21st day of January, 1842, in the its day, and, like all other humbugs, died-—"had his speeches or writings. Now, it devolved upon him (Mr. United States Senate, Mr. Clay made the follow- been put to rest.” The last clause of the quotaW.) to vindicate his own truth and honor by proving fully, || ing remarksche Treasury note bill then being tion avers that there is no necessity of protecto the satisfaction of all, the statement which he had made. The gentlenian from Indiana, while he vindicated himself
under consideration; and lest he should be ac- tion, for protection." Where is the difference by bringing to view the circumstances under which he had cused of garbling, he would give the entire speech between the two_"no necessity of protection, offered this resolution, still had not been willing to take his as it stands reported in the National Intelligencer. and “no necessity of protection, for prolection 2”. (Mr. W.'s) averment that no such principle, that no such Here Mr. Brown requested the Clerk io read language could be found in any of Mr. Clay's speeches in
None whatever; the words “for protection" being 1841, or at any other time. the following speech:
mere tautology, conveying no separate thoughi. “Mr. Ratubun called Mr. W. to order, stating that he "Mr. Clay replied to Mr. Woodbury, and asked, what What is idea sought to be conveyed here, was through his own matter, and was now going to Mr. did the honorable Senator do when at the head of the Treas.
unless it be that a tariff law, framed with a view Clay.
ury Department? His policy seemed to have changed. In “Mr. Wurte replied that he could not vindicate himself || point of fact, we had been going on with an excess of ex
to“ revenue alone,” will of itself afford a suffiunless he showed ihe truth of the averment he had made. penditure over our receipts for four years. Treasury notes cient protection to all manufacturers—to AmeriIf, having averred that no such sentiment could be found had been issued for four successive years. They had heen can industry? in any speech of Mr. Clay, he failed to prove and satisfy thrown from one year into another, and they were thrown the House of it, how did he stand? He stood condemned over by the last Adininistration into this Administration,
Having said this much, he would leave it to before the House and before the country. This was the and for this Administration to redeem. The notes now be
Page 11
rules of the House: Immediately on the Speaker's taking || reason, he proposed that the canal memorials The SPEAKER replied that it would require the chair, each morning, the Clerk shall proceed to call the roll of the House, and shall thereupon enter upon the Jour
should go to a select committee. He would not a majority of two thirds to make a special order. pal the names of the members who are present; also, the
now trouble the House with any argument as to Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL here modified his names of those who are absent.
the merits of either; this was not the proper time resolution, so as to make it a postponement of The resolution being objected to,
for such argument. All he asked (and that he the tariff bill till the last Tuesday of December Mr. STEENROD moved to suspend the rules; || as the one interest had a bill in the House, the day;
did ask as a matter of common justice) was, that, next, instead of making it a special order for that but the motion was lost without a division..
other should be permitted to have one also. If, Mr. WHITE called for the reading of the resENGRAVING OF MAPS.
when the bills came up, the House decided in olution as it was modified. The SPEAKER announced the business next favor of the river bill, in preference to the canal, The resolution was read. in order to be the unfinished business of yester
so be it; the friends of the canal would acquiesce, Mr. WHITE called for the yeas and nays. day, on the resolution reported by the Commit- but they wanted fair play. The gentleman from The SPEAKER stated that this was a motion tee on Engraving to prini fifteen hundred copies Illinois (Mr. McCLERNAND] has said that the to suspend the rules, for the purpose of offering of a map sent to Congress by the Surgeon Gen- minority on the Committee on Public Lands has a resolution to postpone the consideration of a eral, accompanying a report illustrating the the
been suffered to make a report. That was true. particular subject; and now he would suggest to ory of storms.' The pending question was on But the gentleman well knew that no minority of ihe gentleman from Pennsylvania that it was a agreeing to the resolution.
a committee could report a bill; and it was a bill, motion to suspend the rules for the purpose of Mr. C. JOHNSON called for the yeas and not a mere report, the friends of the canal wanted. | moving a posiponement of a subject which was nays, and they were ordered; and being taken, The only mode in which they could obtain this not now before the House; and therefore the resulted-yeas 88, nays 70.
was through a select committee; and that, he Chair would feel bound to decide such motion of So the resolution was agreed to. trusted, would not be refused to them.
postponement to be out of order. On this motion Mr. HUDSON called for the Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL was understood then WABASH AND ERIE CANAL. yeas and nays.
to withdraw the modificalion of his motion. The SPEAKER then called for reports from The yeas and nays were not ordered.
The question recurred on the motion to susthe Committee on Public Lands.
The votes being counted by the Speaker, there pend the rules, for the purpose of offering the Mr. McCLERNAND, from that committee, were-ayes 68, noes 33—not a quorum.
original resolution; on which the yeas and nays reported back to the House a variety of memo- Tellers were appointed; and, having counted were ordered. rials on the subject of the enlargement of the the votes, they reported-ayes 77, noes 40.
The question was taken, and there wereWabash and Erie canal, from whose further con- The motion was agreed to.
yeas 147, nays 26; as follows: sideration he moved that the committee be dis
YEAS-Messrs. Abbott, Adams, Ashe, Alkinson, Baker, charged, and that they be laid upon the table.
THE TARIFF.
Barringer, Barnard, Bidlack, James Black, Blackwell, Mr. HOUSTON requested the gentleman to
Mr. DROMGOOLE then moved that the rules Boyd, Brengle, Jacob Brinkerhoff, Brodhead, Jeremiah
Brown, Milion Brown, Buffington, Burke, Burt, Cary, allow them to go to the Committee of the whole, be suspended for the purpose of going into the
Carroll, Causin, Reuben Chapman, Augustus A. Chapman, having in charge a bill on that subject. Committee of the whole on the state of the
Chappell, Chilton, Clinch, Clingman, Clinton, Cobb, Coles, Mr. OWEN moved their reference to a select | Union, with a view of taking up the tariff bill. Collainer, Cross, Cullom, Dana, Darragh, John W. Davis, committee of five members.
On this motion the yeas and nays were or.
Deberry, Dellet, Dickey, Dillingham, Droingoole, Dunlap, Some conversation and explanations ensued, in dered.
Ellis, Elmer, Farice, Ficklin, Fish, Foot, French, Giddings,
Byram Green, Grinnell, Grider, Ilale, Hammett, Haralson, which Mr. SAMPLE, Mr. McCLERNAND, Mr. C. JOHNSON moved a call of the House;
Hardin, Harper, Hays, Herrick, Holmes, flopkins, Houston, Mr. OWEN, Mr. WRIGHT, of Indiana, and which was not agreed to.
Hubard, Hubbell, Hudson, Hughes, Hungerford, James B. others took part.
The and nays were taken, and resulted Hunt, Charles J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. "Ingersoll, Irvin, yeas
Jenks, Andrew Johnson, Cave Johnson, Perley B. Johnson, Mr. McCLERNAND at length intimated that yeas 85, nays 87; as follows:
George W. Jones, John P. Kennedy, Kirkpatrick, La. he was willing to withdraw the motion to lay on YEAS-Messrs. Atkinson, James A. Black, Blackwell, branche, Lewis, Lucas, McCauslen, Maclay, McClernand, the table at the request of Mr. Sample, to give Bowlin, Boyd, Jacob Brinkerhoff, Burke, Burt, Reuben McConnell, Mcllvaine, McKay, Marsh, Edward J. Morris, that gentleman an opportunity to make some
Chapman, Augustus A. Chapman, Chappell, Cobb, Coles, Morse, Moseley, Nes, Newton, Norris, Owen, Parmenter,
Cross, Cullom, Daniel, John W. Davis, Dillingham, Drom. Patterson, Payne, Phænix, Emery D. Potier, Preston, Ramstatements on this subject, on condition that he
goole, Duncan, Ficklin, French, Hale, Hammett, Haralson, sey, Rathbun, Charles M. Reed, Reding, Relie, Rheit, Ricwould renew it.
Herrick, Hopkins, Houston, Hubard, Huglies, Hungerford, ter, Roberts, Robinson, Rockwell, Rodney, Rogers, Sample, Mr. HOPKINS rose to a question of order. James B. Huni, Jameson, CaveJohnson, Andrew Johnson, Schenck, Severance, David L. Seymour, Simpson, Slidell, The gentleman had made his motion as part of
George W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy, Preston King, La. Caleb B. Sinith, John T. Smith, Robert Smith, Thomas his report from the Committee on Public Lands, || Clernand, McConnell, McDowell, Mckay, Murphy, Norbranche, Leonard, Lucas, Lyon, McCauslen, Maclay, Mc- Smith, Spence, Steenrod, Stetson, Stiles, Strong, Sum
mers, Sykes, Taylor, Thompson, 'T'ibbatis, Tilden, Tyler, and therefore he had no control of it.
ris, Owen, Payne, Petiit, Emery D. Potter, Purdy, Rathbun, Vinton, Weller, Wentworth, Wethered, Wheaton, Wila Mr. ADAMS called for a division of the ques
David S. Reid, Reding, Relle, Rhell, Roberts, Robinson, liams, Winthrop, Woodward, Joseph A. Wright, and Yost St. John, Simpson, Slidell, Thomas Smith, Robert Smith,
-147. tion; and, being divided, the question was first
Spence, Steenrod, Stetson, Stiles, Stone, Sykes, Taylor, NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, James A. Black, Bowlin, taken on discharging the committee from the fur- Thompson, Tibbatts, Tucker, Weller, Wentworth, Wheat. William J. Brown, Catlin, Cranston, Daniel, Dean, Dickther consideration of the memorials. ton, Woodward, and Joseph A. Wrighi-85.
inson, Henley, Hoge, Preston King, Leonard, Lyon, McUpon the next branch of the resolution, viz: to
NAYS-Messrs. Abbott, Adams, Anderson, Ashe, Baker, Dowell, Murphy, Peitit, Peyton, Purdy, David S. Reid, St. lay the memorials upon the table, a division was
Barringer, Barnard, Bidlack, Brengle, Brodhead, Milton John, Senter, Simons, Jolin Stewart, Tucker, White, and
Brown, Jeremiah Brown, Buffington, Cary, Carroll, Catlin, William Wrighi-26. called, and the votes being counted by the Speak- Causin. Chilton, Clinch, Cllingman, Collamer, Cranstol, So the rules were suspended. er, there were-ayes 51, noes 37; no quorum Dana, Darragh, Garrett Davis, Dellet, Dickey, Dickinson, voting. Ellis, Elmer, Farlee, Fisli, Foot, Giddings, Byram Green,
Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL then offered his resoTellers were then demanded and ordered.
Grinnell, Grider, Hardin, Harper, Hays, Hoge, flubbell, lution, to make the tariff bill the special order for
Hudson, Charles J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Messrs. GRINNELL and C. Johnson were ap
the last Tuesday in December. Jenks, Perlcy B. Johnson, John P. Kennedy, Kirkpatrick,
Mr. DROMGOOLE moved to amend the respointed, who reported—ayes 62, noes 46; being McClelland, Mellvaine, Marsh, Edward J. Morris, Morse, less than a quorum.
Moseley, Nes, Parmenter, Patterson, Peyton, Phænix, olution by striking out "the last Tuesday of A second count was demanded; and there were
Praut, Preston, Ramsey, Charles M. Reed, Ritter, Rockwell, December,"and inserting the words “to-morrow
Rodney, Rogers, Sample, Schenck, Senter, Severance, at twelve o'clock." -ayes 60, noes 66.
David L. Seymour, Simons, John T. Smith, Caleb B. Smith, The motion to lay on the table was negatived.
On this motion the previous question was John Stewart, Tilden, Tyler, Vance, Vinton, Wethered, Mr. OWEN moved that so many of the me
White, Williams, Winthrop, and William Wright—87. moved, and the yeas and nays demanded in varimorials reported back from the Committee on So the rules were not suspended.
ous parts of the House. Public Lands as referred to a grant of lands for Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL offered the following I would require a majority of two ihirds ?
Mr. WHITE inquired if the pending motion the extension of the Wabash and Erie canal to resolution, and moved to suspend the rules to re
The SPEAKER was 'of opinion that a majorEvansville, be referred to a select committee of || ceive it:
ity was sufficient to carry the amendment. five. He would not, on this occasion, detain the
Resolved, That the bill to modify and amend the act en Mr. WHITE inquired what majority would House over five minules. He knew well that, titled “ An act to provide revenue irom imports," (No. 213, on local matters such as this, ar.d especially on first session Twenty-Eighth Congress,) be made the special
be required to adopt the resolution, if it were order of the day for the last Tuesday of December next.
amended as proposed ? a mere question of reference, the House would be impatient under any lengthened remarks. Yet Mr. THOMPSON moved a call of the House.
The SPEAKER replied that a vote of two this he would say: that the subject embraced in The motion was agreed to.
thirds would be required. the memorials which he had moved to have re- The roll was called; and one hundred and sey
The previous question was then sustained, and ferred to a select committee, was one of very deep enty members answered to their names.
the yeas and nays ordered on the amendment; interest to a large portion of the State of Indiana, The absentees having been called, it was as
and, being taken, resulted-yeas 90, nays 92; as
follows: and which formed the subject of a joint resolu- certained that one hundred and eighty members
YEAS--Messrs. Anderson, Atkinson, James A. Black, tion of that State at the last session of her Legis. were present.
Blackwell, Bowlin, Boyd, Jacob Brinkerhoff, Williain d. lature. The object was to obtain a grant of lands The SPEAKER directed the officers of the Brown, Burke, Burt, Catlin, Reuben Chapman, Augustus in aid of the completion of the Wabash and Erie House to close the doors.
A. Chapman, Chappell, Clinton, Cobb, Coles, Cross, Culcanal to Evansville. But, in regard to this matter, Mr. C. J. INGERSOLL moved to suspend all
Jom, Daniel, John W. Davis, Dean, Dromgoole, Duncan,
Dunlap, Elmer, ficklin, Hale, Hammett, Haralson, Henley, there were two interests-two rival interests-in further proceedings under the call.
Herrick, Holines, Hoge, Hopkins, Houston, Hubard, the Stale; the one in favor of completing the na- The motion was agreed to-ayes 78, noes 58. Hughes, Hungerford, James B. Hunt, Jaineson, Cave Johntional thoroughfare from the canal to the Ohio, Mr. C. J. INGERSOLL hóped the House son, Andrew Johnson, George W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy, by way of the river Wabash; the other in favor would indulge him by suspending the rules to re
Preston King, Labranche, Leonard, Lewis, Lucas, Lyon,
McCauslen, Maclay, McClelland, McClernand, McDowell, of completing it by way of the canal, as in these ceive the reports of the standing committees.
McKay, Murphy, Norris, Owen, Payne, Pettit, Emery D. memorials proposed. Of these two interests, the The SPEAKER said that there was a motion Potter, Purdy, Rathbun, David S. Reid, Reding, Relse, one (the river interest) had a bill in the House; to suspend the rules pending.
Rhett, Roberts, Robinson, Simpson, Slidell, Thomas Smith, the other (the canal interest) had not been able to Mr. RHETT asked if that resolution required || Strong, Taylor, Thompson, Tibbatts, Tucker, Weller,
Robert Smith, Spence, Steenrod, Stetson, Stiles, Stone, obtain a bill from a standing committee. For that a vote of two thirds?
Wentworth, Woodward, and Joseph A. Wright -90.
Page 12
relation to this matter, for directing this special embraces more of the advantages of locality--more central had; and, since the fortification must be put there, survey. Was that done? Was there a 'voice in position as to population, territory, and products-more
and since the repairs of the Navy musi be done raised at that time against the proposition to sur
the spot of preference, as far as public expression has been
inade, than any other point in the West. It is the highest
upon the sea-board, (because, in certain emergenvey specifically this spot, conceived by all mem
point on the Mississippi river that is at all times unob- cies, it would be impracticable to run up a disbers from the State of Mississippi to be the proper structed by ice, and from which navigation south can al- tance of eight hundred miles, to Memphis to have place for the location of this depot? The bill ways be safely depended on in low water. It is situated passed the House of Representatives with scarcely on a high and commanding bluff, supported by a vast and
the repairs done) vessels must be repaired at Penfertile back country; is below the mouths of the Ohio, the
sacola or Key West. These were the points for · any opposition. He believed it would be seen by
Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers, and in the midst of one supplies and repairs. a reference to the Journal, that the yeas and nays of the finest regions of timber in the world.”
He held in his hand a report which was made were not called. On its passage through the House
to the Bureau of Engineers; and a very valuable it was introduced to the Senate; but at so late a
“ But other circumstances still more strongly recommend Memphis for ils advantages in a national point of view.
and able paper it was. In 1840 this report was period that it was impracticable to act upon it. It It is in the interior, eight hundred miles from the mouth of made on the defense of the coast, and the estabwas passed by the House on the 24th of August, the great Mississippi, with undoubted navigation at all times lishment of a depot. He would read a few pas1842, and was brought into the Senate on the next for the largest vessels. It is at a point far enough south not to be disturbed in winter by ice, and far enough north to be
sages from it to the Senate, which would present day. By some mistake, it was referred to the saved in suminer from the peculiar diseases of the South.
the matter in a clear point of view. It referred to Committee on Commerce. The committee dis
It is far enough in the interior to be protected from surprise the coast between Passamaquody and the mouth .covered the mistake, and asked, next day, to be by a sudden assault from a hostile fleet; and, by the appli- of the Sabine, and it was to that part he wished discharged from the further consideration of the cation of steain, is near enough the sea board to bring its subject. It was then referred to the Committee preparations for defense and attack to bear upon the ocean
to call the attention of the Senate: in any and every emergency. It is below the mouths of
“ The first positions that present themselves, on doubling on Naval Affairs. Congress adjourned on Wednes- all but two of the great tributaries of the Mississippi, where
around Cape Florida into the Gulf of Mexico, are Key West day, the 31st of the same month; and in the press the greatest number of efficient volunteers, and the greatest
and the Dry Tortugas. of business before it, so near the termination of amount of provisions and munitions of war can be thrown
“ This board concur in the opinion heretofore expressed in the least possible time, and at the least possible expense.
in favor of these fine harbors; and they beg leave to refer the session, had no time to examine into the subAt no point can all the materials for building steamers and
for very interesting statements, in relation to the latter har. ject. The consequence was, there was no action other vessels, and subsistence and supplies of every descrip
bor especially, to a letter from Commodore Rodgers to the upon it. What followed? In the succeeding year, tion, be concentrated so rapidly and at so small expense.
Secretary of the Navy, July 3, 1829, (Senate Document, (at the ensuing session of Congress,) this matter A distinguished officer of the Navy, in writing of the advant
first session Twenty-First Congress, vol. 1, No. 1, page 236 ;) ages of Memphis in this point of view, says:
and letter from the Secretary of the Navy, March 25, 1830, was again agitated in the House of Representa
"Instead of carrying the live-oak from Louisiana to
(Senate Documents, first session Twenty-First Congress, tives; memorials were presented; and a bill passed New York or Boston for building steamers, as we now do,
vol, 2, No. 111, page 1.) the House authorizing the survey of this specific it could then be carried, at ball the cost, and only one sixth
"A naval force, designed to control the navigation of the spot. The bill passed the House of Representathe distance, to Memphis. A national dock-yard there
Gulf, could desire no better position than Key West or the would open a market for the hemp of Kentucky, the coal
Tortugas. Upon the very wayside of the only path through tives, and was brought to the Senate, and referred of Pennsylvania, the pork of Ohio, the beef of Illinois, the
the Gulf, it is, at the same time, well situated as to all the to the Committee on Naval Affairs; and he recol--|| Hour of Michigan, the copper of lowa, the lead of Missouri, great points therein. It overlooks Havana, Pensacola, lected himself being at the pains of inquiring and for the iron, the mechanical skill, and agricultural pro
Mobile, the mouths of the Mississippi, and both the inlei
and the outlet of the Gulf." whether there would be any doubt in regard to
ducts of all these States.'" the propriety of founding a depot at that spot, The memorial from the State of Arkansas was
This was the point at which the resources of and whether the advantages of that location were to the same effect. The State of Mississippi ori.
the nation could be gathered. It was the point not so superior that it was needless to direct a ginally selected this point, as best suited for the
at which we were to protect the interest of the survey of any other spot. He remembered per- location of a depot. It was true, she had since
western and southern commerce. fectly well that his friend from Kentucky [Mr. rescinded her resolutions, and instructed her Rep- perfect shelter for vessels of every class, with the greatest
“ The Tortugas harbors, in particular, are said to afford CRITTENDEN) had had some misgivings as to resentatives and Senators to propose Natchez; || facility of ingress and egress. And there can be no doubt whether this site should be selected; but after re- but if Natchez should not be chosen as the spot, that an adversary in possession of large naval means would, flecting upon the matter, and hearing the opinions that they should vote for Memphis--that being
with great advantage, make these harbors his habitual reof gentlemen who had lived there, he changed his their second choice. There were, also, memo
sort, and his point of general rendezvous and concentration
for all operations on this sea. With an enemy thus posted, mind; and the bill passed the Senate without the rials from Tennessee, from Mississippi, and Ark- the navigation of the Gulf by us would be imminently haz. slightest opposition. It was the general sentiment ansas; and a memorial from the Legislature of ardous, if not impossible; and nothing but absolute naval that, if a depot was to be established on the Mis- | Kentucky, asking that an establishment should
superiority would avail anything against him. Mere mili
tary means could approach no nearer than the nearest shore sissippi river at all, Memphis was the proper lo- be made somewhere in that State for the use of
of the continent." cation. Accordingly, a bill was reported from the the Navy of the United States. There was a me
It should be recollected that this was the report Committee on Naval Affairs to the Senate; and it morial from the General Assembly of Missouri,
of a board of most eminent military engineers. passed into a law. That bill appropriated the sum asking that an agency should be established in of $3,000 for the purpose of an examination and the West for the cultivation and manufacture of
It was the report of the board of engineers, at the survey of the harbor of Memphis, in the State water-rotted hemp. The general sense of the
head of which presided Colonel Totten, whose of Tennessee, to ascertain the advantages of that West was, that there should be a national estab
reputation was of the highest character. place for a naval depot. lishment of this kind somewhere on the Missis.
With regard to Pensacola, these observations
were made: In May of the same year, the Secretary of the sippi river, which should be responsive to the
Pensacola bay.—The upper arms of this considerable bay Navy, acting under the authority of this bill, ap- || prayer of these different memorials.
receive the Yellow-Water or Pea river, Middle river, and pointed a commission for the purpose of making In regard to the capacities of Memphis for this Escambia river. The tributaries of the last, interlocking the survey. It was made; and the report of that work, he apprehended that there had been an en- with the Alabama and the Chattahoochie, seem to mark the commission (which consisted of a captain, comtire mistake in the discussion of this matter, as to
roules whereby, at some future day, canals will convey a
part of the products of these rivers to Pensacola ; while the mander, and lieutenant, in the naval service of what was intended to be done, or what would be
qualities and position of the harbor, and the favorable nathe United States-very able men, all of them) || proper to be done. It was proposed that Mem- ture of the country, have already marked out iines of railhad been communicated to the Senate. It was phis should be a place of construction and repair.
road with a vast interior region.' upon the evidences of that report that memorials | The two subjects were confounded. Memphis Colonel Totten then came down to New Orleans, from Arkansas, (which mighi be considered as a might be a place for the construction of vessels; and indicated the nature of the defenses that ought disinterested State,) Tennessee, Mississippi, and but it did not follow that it should be a place for there to be established. Louisiana-showing the general sense of the repairing vessels. Besides, there was a vast It would be perceived, then, that in a military West-were sent to Congress; and a bill was in- amount of workmanship to be done in fitting ves. point of view, so far as the defense of the countroduced simultaneously in the House of Repre- | sels that might be done at Memphis, independent | iry, and the commerce of the river Mississippi sentatives and the Senate. That introduced in l of the construction of them. There were chain and of the Gulf of Mexico were concerned, it the House had been referred to the appropriate cables, tanks for water, caboose-houses, steam- was the policy of the United States lo establish committee; which, in its subsequent report, pro- engines, boilers, &c. All these were things that a dock for repairs at Tortugas or Key West. It posed to strike out the original bill, and insert a might be executed there as well as at any other would be necessary also to have constructed at substitute; and it was still pending before that place. The workmen and material could be ob- Pensacola a naval depot and dock-yard for the body.
tained there as well as elsewhere. It presented | purpose of repairs, as contradistinguished from The history of the previous action of Congress || great advantages in regard to the convenience of the construction of vessels; because, on account upon this subject brought us down to the ques. obtaining material for the construction of vessels of the climate, and the difficulty of getting hands, tion as to the propriety of postponing any legis. || -of iron, as well as of wood.
the place of construction should be at a more lative action upon this bill. Why should the It was an entire misapprehension to confound convenient and healthy point. Senate-after this matter had been debated and the constructing and repairing of vessels. They What was expected by the Senate? Did they discussed here, not once, but over and over again,
were two different things. The repairing of ves- expect to have vessels sent in a complete state, in the presence of gentlemen representing all the sels should be done upon the sea-board. We from the hands of the contractors, into their naplaces at which it was proposed to establish the should be prepared for this exigency on the spot, tive element, fitted for sea in every respect, armed depot, all concurring that such a work was ne
and at the moment when it was necessary. De- at all points ? No; this was not to be done. At cessary-delay further action upon it? If it were pots of repair should always be located ai or near a very trifling expense many vessels were sent true that Memphis was the proper spot for the
the ports of defense. It seemed to him that the from the places where they were constructed to construction of a depot--and the report showed
true mode in which the Gulf of Mexico was to other poris for this purpose, as was the case of conclusively that it was-why not carry the work | be defended was this—and he would expend any the Pennsylvania, which was sent from Philadelinto execution without delay?
amount of money that was necessary for the pur- || phia to the harbor of Norfolk. Upon the subject of this site, he had a memo- pose at the entrance into the Gulf at Dry Tor- In order to get rid of the embarrassment occarial from the General Assembly of Tennessee, in
iugas, or Key West, there should be permanent sioned by this confusion of two different terms, which he found the following passage:
fortifications and a dock, and that would be the it was necessary to separate them. Construction “In reference to this well-situated and flourishing young
proper place for a depot of repairs. There should was one thing-repair another. Memphis might city of the West, your memorialists will do but little more
be a similar establishment at Pensacola. In that possess many advantages as a place for the conthan express the entire conviction that it is a point which ll position, control over all the country could be li struction of vessels, but none as a place of repair,
Page 13
Tellers were called for; and Messrs. VANCE and forfeiture of her coasting license; which was referred to that action, he would not consider himself dis- Tibbatts were appointed; and they reported
the Committee on Commerce.
By Mr. BROWN, of Pennsylvania : The memorial of citi-
courteous to that body. The House had passed ayes 73, noes 46. zens of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, remonstrating
a bill, which was now before the Senate, retrenchThe bill was then read the third time, and against any alteration in the existing tarifi' law of 1842. ing the expenditures of the Government; we had, passed.
By Mr. DODGE, of lowa : The petition of citizens of || by that act, declared certain officers to be unThe House next took up on its engrossment
Des Moines county, praying the establishment of a mail
route from Burlington via Henry Seuile's and John Salli-
necessary and useless; we had also reduced and the bill for the relief of Daniel Grant and others, day's, in Benton township, to Toolsborough, in Louisa
curtailed other expenditures, and it is now for owners of the fishing schooner James and Henry. county, lowa; which was referred to the Committee on the Senate, upon its own proper responsibility to The bill was opposed by Mr. C. JOHNSON, the Post Office and Post Roads.
the country, to pass or reject that bill; the Repand advocated by Messrs. WALE, J. BRINK
Also, the petition of citizens of Lee county, earnestly reERHOFF, DUNLAP, SEVERANCE, and monstrating against the repeal of the act of March 3, 1843,
resentatives of the people have indicated their which provides for rerunning and remarking the northern
will, and if the Senate choose to disregard it, let WINTHROP.
boundary of the half-breed tract, (so called) in the county them do so. We have done our duty, and I deAfter which, the question being put on order- of Lee; which was referred to the Committee on the Judi- sire the people to know it. We have proposed a ing it to be engrossed for a third reading, it was ciary.
retrenchment-I do not know the precise amount, decided in the affirmative. The bill was then read the third time; and on
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
though large-and if the Senate refuse to concur
with us, let them say so, and let the country deche question, “ Shall this bill pass?"
WEDNESDAY, April 13, 1844.
cide between us. Mr. H. said he would not Mr. C. JOHNSON demanded the yeas and
On motion of Mr. HARPER, by leave, it was
consent to place himself and this House in the nays; which, being ordered and taken, resulted
ridiculous attitude of passing a bill declaring cer
Resolved, that the Secretary of War be requested to com-yeas 78, nays 52. municate to this House an authentic copy of the contract
tain officers and salaries useless, and immediately So the bill was passed.
for making the sixth mile of the Cumberland road west of upon the heels of that proposed retrenchment, The bill for the relief of Levi Eldridge and
Zanesville, Ohio; logether with a copy of the notes of Mr. pass a bill making appropriations for the very
Knight, on which the contract was founded; and the notes others, was next taken up and read. of Mr. Carpenter, according to which the contract was
officers and salaries. He hoped this House would Mr. C. JOHNSON called for the reading of the completed ; and copies of the depositions of John Kerr and never be guilty of so gross an inconsistency. Let report; which was read.
John Brady; and also the survey of James Boyle and us but do our duty, and leave the results to our
Charles Roberts. The bill was then, after being ordered to be en
constituents. By them he was willing to be grossed, read the third time, and passed.
On motion of Mr. SUMMERS, by leave, it judged. To their decision he would cheerfully
submit. He was unwilling, however, to acNARRATIVE OF EXPLORING EXPEDITION.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is knowledge such responsibility to the Senate. The bill extending the privilege of copyright hereby, requested to furnish to this House copies of any The gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Wurre] to the authors of the narrative and account of the
letters or communications which may have been received
at that Deparıent from Coinmodore M. C. Perry, coin-
says the passage of a bill through this House is exploring expedition was taken up. manding the United States naval forces on the western
not even presumptive evidence that it will pass Some debaie ensued, in which Messrs. HALE, coast of Africa, touchin? the condition of the colonial sel. the Senate. He thought otherwise, and would HOLMES, MARSH, J. R. INGERSOLL, tlements on that coast, or in reference to any intercourse or act accordingly. He presumed the Senate would OWEN, ADAMS, DAVIS of Indiana, BURKE, negouiations which he may have held with the native
do its duty; and it was its duty to pay great detribes. WELLER, STEENROD,C.JOHNSON, BAR
PAY OF THE ARMY.
ference to the action of this House, the immediNARD, SIMONS, MCDOWELL,SCHENCK,
ale Representatives of the people, and fresh from and others, took part.
Mr. MCKAY moved a suspension of the rules, the bosom of their constituency. If other gentleOn motion of Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL, the for the purpose of going into the Committee of men are subservient to the other branch of the further consideration of the subject was post
the Whole on the state of the Union, to finish the National Legislature, let them be so. He knew poned until Friday next.
consideration of the Army appropriation bill, it was competent for the Senate to reject our re
which, some time since, was laid aside to enable ADJOURNMENT OVER.
trenchment bill. It was also competent for that the Committee of the Whole to act on the bill from body, in that event, to so change this bill as to Mr. DUNCAN moved that when the House
the Committee on Retrenchment to regulate the make it conform to their action on the other. adjourns, it adjourn to meet on Monday next. pay of the Army.
They can reject this provision if they choose; The yeas and nays were demanded.
Mr. VANCE hoped the House would not and if they reject the other bill, he presumed they Mr. DUNCAN withdrew his motion.
agree to the motion, and thereby set aside the would add appropriations to this, so as for them The House then adjourned. Private Calendar.
to conform to each other; and when the Senate
Mr. DROMGOOLE called the gentleman from shall have so acted, and sent the bills back to us, The following petitions, presented to-day, were handed
Ohio to order, remarking that the subject was not then will be our time for action. When we find to the reporters by the members presenting them : By Mr. HENLEY: The papers in the case of John Hogg, debatable.
that the Senate is determined to defear the econan applicant for a pension for revolutionary services, were
Mr. RAMSEY called for the yeas and nays; ' omy and saving of the public money we propose, withdrawn from the files, and referred to the Committee and, being ordered, they resulted-yeas 90, nays
then we will be driven to the fatal necessity of on Revolutionary Pensions.
57. By Mr. ATKINSON: The petition of Thomas W. Jor.
yielding to their extravagance; until then, he dan, of Portsmouth, Virginia, asking for puy for services
So the rules were suspended; and the House would not presume the Senate intended to disrerendered by him in the capacity of purser on board the On. resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole, gard the will of the people, and trample their inkalıye; which was referred to the Comınittee on Naval (Mr. Weller in the chair,) and resumed the terests under foo:, Affairs.
consideration of the bill making appropriations By Mr. RAMSEY: The petition of General Thoinas
Mr. T. SMITH said he was of the opinion Harper, William Sawyer, and eighty-six others, citizens of for the pay of the Army:
that this House ought to make its action consiste Lyken’s Vallev, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, protesting Mr. McKAY proposed to amend the bill by When the retrenchment bill was taken up, against any interference with the taritf of 1842.
increasing the item of appropriation for the pay this bill was laid aside, that the House might be By Mr. C. M. REED: The memorial of Lewis Martin and one hundred and ninety-eigiit others, citizens of Richland,
proper, in order to make it conform to the bill advised as to what alterations they were disHuron, and Erie counties, Ohio, asking an appropriation
which lately passed the House regulating the pay posed to make, and make the appropriations to for repairing and continuing the work on the harborat Ver- of the Army, and establishing the salary system, correspond with these alterations. They had million, on Lake Erie.
and dispensing with allowances for subsistence, passed that retrenchment, making a reduction of Also, the memorial of A.C. Swann and sixty five others, citizens of Erie county, Pennsylvania, without party dis
&c. The aggregate appropriation, he said, would about half a million of dollars; but gentlemen tinction, approving the tariff of 1849. and remonstrating
not be increased, though it was necessary that said that bill was not yet a law, and that this against Congress making any modification. this item should be increased.
House must await the action of the Senate. So Also, the ineinorial of Joseph A. Rankin and one hun. Mr. VANCE observed that the gentleman was far as the House was concerned, that act was a dred others, citizens of Clarion county, Pennsylvani, of the sagle import, and remonstrating against the passage of
proposing to regulate appropriations according law; and he would not desire to have the Senate the bill reported by the Committee of Ways and Means. 10 a system proposed in a bill which had not be- left in doubt as to the intention of the House. Also, the remonstrance of John King and thirty eight come a law.
He would not have the sincerity of the House others, citizens of Mckean county, Pennsylvaniil, agajust
The amendment was debated by Messrs. BAR- questioned; and it must be, necessarily, if they any alteration of the tariff of 1812. Also, the inemorial of Lyman Robison and seventy-eight
NARD, HALE, WHITE, BLACK of South first pass an act making reductions, and afterothers, citizens of Waltsburg, Erie county, ot the same im- Carolina, and J. R. INGERSOL.
wards continue the appropriations as if no such purl.
Mr. HOUSTON (in reply to some remarks act had been passed. Also, two petitions, signed by B. Bartholomew nid one hundred and forty five others, of Warren county, Pennsylo
from Mr. White) said he could not understand Mr. WHITE wished to say a very few words vania, praying Congress to establisti a mail route on the the object of the gentleman from Kentucky, (Mr. in reply to the gentleman from Indiana. The road from Russelbury to Sugar Grove, in raid county, and White.] He seemed to have great fears of giv- gentleman said that this bill was not to conform to establish a post office at Beachwood Four Corners. ing offense to the Senate; and says that by adopt- to the law as it was, but to the law as it is. Now
Also, the memorial of J. B. Loomas and sevenly ope others, citizens of Clarion County, askilig a reduction of the
ing this amendment, we will be guilty of dis- that was just what he wanted. The law, as it rates of postage, and remonstrating against the present courtesy to that body. He did not think so; he
was,
had not been changed one iota by the pasrates as unju-t an oppressive.
understood that we were the immediate Repre- sage of the retrenchment bill. By Mr. WETUIERED: The memorial of John Williams, sentatives of the people, and certainly presumed Mr. T. SMITH said his reference was to the George Riley, and one hundred and two others, ill the
to know their interesis and desires; we were reneighborhood or Franklin and Powbatan, Maryland, earu
law, so far as this House was concerned, and he estly remonstrating against any charge in the cariff law of sponsible to them, and not to the Senate. His so stated it, 1842, which is restoring the country to prosperity.
course in legislation had been, and ever should Mr. WHITE. That was true; but the terms By Mr. THOMPSON: The petition of John J. Mc.
be, independent of the opinions or views of any Caughan and sundry other citizens of Harrison county,
of the gentleman were calculated to mislead. He Mississippi, praying a grant of certain lands in said commiy,
other department of the Government. His guide contended that the House should now act in ref. in lieu of certain sixteenth sections, which are valueless had been, and ever should be, the interest of the erence to the existing laws; for the mere passage or otherwise appropriated; which was relerred to the Com- people; and when he believed their interest re- of the retrenchment bill, without the action of the mittee on Public Lands. Also, the petition of William C. Seaman, of Biloxi, Mis
quired particular action from him, if it were not Senate and Executive, had not changed he exsissippi, praying indemnity for the loss of the schooner
in condict with the Constitution, he would so act, isting state of things. To pass the bill with this Pawline, seized, condenned, and sold, onder an alleged regardless of the opinions of the Senate; and in amendment would be legislation without prece
Page 14
great many excuses would have to be made, and terson, Peyton, Phænix, Elisha R. Potter, Pratt, Preston, This was the language which should impress as each individual member presented a distinct Ramsey, Charles M. Reid, Ritter, Rockwell, Rodney, Ro
itself upon every individual within those walls. gers, Sample, Schenck, Senter, Severance, Thomas H. case, and each was debatable, ihe whole day would Seyinour, David L. Seymour, Siinons, Albert Smith, John
It was in accordance with the principle which he be fruitlessly wasted. Nominal fines might be T. Smitli, Caleb 8. Smith, Spence, Andrew Stewari, John had laid down, that that Government which seimposed in some cases, and they would be but Stewart, Strong, Thomassoni, Tilden, Vance, Vanmeter, cured to its citizens the greatest amount of pernominal; for surely the House would not under- Vinton, Wethered, White, Williams, Winthrop, William
sonal liberty, and took from them the lesser amount Wright, and Yost-95. take to enforce the attendance of members in this way. If their own sense of duty and their desire
Mr. DUNCAN moved that the House take up it by what name they chose.
of their earnings, was the better Government, call to promote the public good failed to secure their the bill regulating the time of holding the elec- He proposed to call the attention of the comattendance, it would be in vain to impose fines
tions for electors of President and Vice President. mittee to some of the acts of the Federal partyupon them. It was for the House to record the Mr. McKAY moved that the House resolve for he chose to call things by their right names, names of the absentees. Their constituents must
itself into Committee of the Whole on the Army || though his friend and colleague (Mr. MORSE) had and would hold them responsible. He hoped the appropriation bill.
chosen to designate the party to which he (Mr. newspapers would not fail to notice the names of Mr. PETTIT thought it would be better to | H.) belonged, as Locofocos. He supposed the the absentees.
take up the resolution of the Senate fixing the day gentleman used the term faceliu 'sly; but, for •Mr. HOLMES said he had generally been op- for the adjournment of the present session. himself, he preferred the plain, straight-forward posed to calls of the House; but he agreed with the The question was put on Mr. Mckar's mo- manner of calling things by their right names. gentleman from Indiana, (Mr. Davis,] that they || tion, and decided in the affirmative.
He chose to call the party Federalists of the Hartwere sometimes very necessary. The argument
ARMY APPROPRIATION BILL.
ford convention slamp. He would ask, had the of the gentleman from Mississippi was, that the
committee heard from his colleague an intimation members of this House were responsible to their So the House resolved itself into the Committee of the principles of his party? They had not constituents alone; and that, therefore, the call of of the Whole on the state of the Union, (Mr. Wel- || The gentleman had not utiered a single syllable the House was not only unnecessary, but actually, Ler in the chair,) and resumed the consideration which could lead to an understanding of those . a work of supererogation. The constituency of of the bill making appropriations for the support principles. No; like an adroit, shrewd, skillful members of that House had their righuis, undoubt. of the Army.
tactician, he had carefully abstained from avowedly, but the representatives of the nation had Mr. MORSE, who was entitled to the floor, ing a single principle by which himself or his theirs also; and he believed it was their duty, as continued his remarks of Saturday, in reply to friends were guided. Their principles were well representatives of a national constituency charged Messrs. McDowell and ATKINSON.
understood, however, to be of the ultra Hartford with important functions, to compel the attend- He justified the call of an extra session in 1841, convention school; their principles were to take ance of members, and, if necessary, to enforce on the ground of a large national debt of upwards the hard earnings of the poor, and put them in legal pains and penalties for that purpose. He of thirty million dollars existing, with an ex- the pockets of the capitalists. Such were the did hope, after what they had seen of the dispo- hausted Treasury. The amount of the debt, he principles by which they would be actuated in sition of members to avoid voting upon an im- was told, was not so much as the sum at which case they had the power. They were in favor of portant question he might say, the great question he had stated it; but, he repeated, the obligations a national bank. They were in favor of a high of the session that the call would be followed up
of the Government were of that amount, though tariff--a protective tariff. Yes; such protection by sending the Sergeant-at-arms to enforce the it was possible some portion miglit not be called as the lamb receives from the wolf; such protecmandate of the House. If it were ever necessary for within the year. He also noticed the state tion as the vulture would extend to its vicum. that prompt action should be had upon any ques
of our commerce, and then the promises and pro- His friend and colleague had talked a good deal tion, now was the time in regard to this important fessions of political parties, ai various periods, | about the consistency of his party as contrasted question of the tariff.
for the promotion of the great interests of the with that to which he belonged. He believed it Mr. REDING moved the previous question. country and the economical administration of its was Cæsar who said he wondered how a sooth
On seconding the demand for the previous ques- government. He then went on to inquire what isayer could look another soothsayer in the face tion, tellers were appointed; who reported-yeas were the principles of the Democratic party? without a smile at the credulity of those who beninety; noes not counted.
Mr. PAYNE replied, perfect equality in all civil lieved in their predictions. In like manner he was The previous question being seconded, and political rights, between citizen and citizen- surprised that his colleague could rise here withThe main question was ordered to be now put, monopolies to none.
out a smile himself, or without producing a smile viz: “shall further proceedings in the call be sus
MI: MORSEcontinued, anıl wentoverthe broad on the faces of gentlemen of his own party, and pended?"
ground of party differences, concluding with the talk about the consistency of the party of which On this question the yeas and nuys were de- motion to strike out half the proposed appropri- he is a member. What were the promises which manded and ordered; and being taken, resultedation.
were made by that party, and how did they reyeas 107, nays 64.
Mr. HAMLIN said it was, indeed, of little im- deem those promises? They even desecrated the All further proceedings were suspended. porunce by what name things were called. Call stars and stripes of the national banner by abasing
The resolution of Mr. C. Johnson to terminate ihings by what name they pleased, principles, and them, when they should have floated in the free debate on the Army appropriation bill was taken principles alone, were the issue upon which they breeze of heaven, to the level of a miserable piece up:
should aci, and on which they should determine of bunting, and made to bear the despicable party Mr.C.JOHNSON called for the previous ques- all measures on which they were called to decide watch-word, “Tipand Ty:" When nextthey rear tion.
and to deliberate. He cared not 'by what name their banners there should be inscribed upon them: The previous question was seconded.
they called the government under which we live: “here is a party who have violated their pledges Mr. C. JOHNSON modified the resolution, so he cared not whether it were despotic or demo- and broken all their promises." as to terminate debate on the bill in two hours
cratic in name-unless, indeed, its name were He would, with permission, read a few extracts after going into committee.
indicative of the opinions by which it was admin- first from the confessions of a member of the FedThe main question was ordered and put on the istered. That government, call it by what name eral party, (Mr. Newton,) and next from an adadoption of the resolution, and decided in the
they pleased, which took from the earnings of the || dress published and promulgated by that party in affirmative.
laborer the smallest amount, and secured, at the Virginia in 1840. (Mr. H. here read the extracts Mr. McKAY moved to suspend the rules for
same time, to the citizen the greatest amount of referred to.] He would call the attention of the the purpose of going into the Committee of the personal liberty, and the rights of person and the committee, for a few moments, to the action of Whole on the state of the Union on the tariff bill. rights of property, was the best government under the Twenty-Seventh Congress, which had been
Mr.C.JOHNSON called for the yeas and nays, | heaven. He cared not, he repeated again, by what so highly lauded by some gentlemen. That Conwhich were ordered; and the question being taken,
name they called it, so that it were one that ex- gress violated every promise which had been made it was decided in the negative-yeas 84, nays 95,
tended to the citizen, in person and in property, to the people by the Federal party, not only in as follows:
the greatest amount of liberty, and took from him relation to the expenditures of the Government YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Atkinson, Benton, James A.
the smallest amount of his earnings for the sup- and in relation to proscription, but all other promBlack, Blackwell, Bower, Bowlin, Boyd, Jacob Brinker
port of government in its various forms and func- || ises. Joff, William J. Brown, Burke, Burt, Caldwell, Reuben
tions. That was the government, and such were He would not enumerate in detail all the acts of Chapman, Chappell, Coles, Cross, Cuilom, Dana, John W. the principles for which he would go, and to which that Congress; he would merely allude to a few Davis, Dromgoole, Dunlap, Elmer, Hale, Hamlin, Haral- he would adhere, call them by what name soever son, Henley, Herrick, Holmes, Hopkins, Houston, Hubard,
of them. And first, the bankrupt law-a law conHughes, Hungerford, James B. Hunt, Cave Johnson, An
they pleased. He had witnessed somewhere in lining not a single principle or safeguard which drew Johnson, George W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy, Pres
his life-but where he did not now recolleci-a || had entered into every system of bankruptcy which ton King, Labranche, Leonard, Lewis, Lucas, McCauslen, | painting, which, as he gazed on it, he felt spoke | had ever been tolerated in any country. It was Maclay, McClelland, McClernand, McConnell, McDowell, McKay, Mathews, Joseph Morris, Murphy, Norris, owen painting on which there was a representation of indebtedness; or, as the gentleman from Virginia
from the canvas an impressive lesson. It was a neither more nor less than a sponge to wipe out , Rathbun, David Reid, Reding, Relre, Rhett, Roberts, St. John, Simpson,
the crowned head of a king; another figure in the had well said, a new way of paying old debts Slidell, Thomas Smith, Robert Smith, Steenrod, Stetson, surplice of a priest; another in the attire and garb, || without means; and the same Congress, before Siiles, Stone, Taylor, Thompson, Tibbatis, Tucker, Wel ler, Wentworth, Wheaton, Woodward, and Joseph A.
and with the stars and garters, of the knight. | its time had expired, so odious was the measure Wright-84.
There were likewise others in the more humble in the view of all honest men, were forced to reNÄYS—Messrs. Abbott, Adams, Ashe, Baker, Barringer, l garb of agriculturists and laborers; and if the can- peal the act. There was no man in the part of the Barnard, Bidlack, James Black, Brengle, Brodhead, Milton vas could have spoken what, perhaps, it was county where he resided who would stand up in Brown, Jeremiah Brown, Carý, Carroll, Catlin, Causin, designed to say, the individual who was repre. Clinch, Clingman, Collamer, Cranston, Darrali, Garreti
its favor; if any one should attempt it, he would Davis, Richard D. Davis, Deberry, Dellet, Dickey, Dickin
sented with the crowned head might have said, not long be suffered to stand up. son, Dillingham, Ellis, Farice, Fish, Foot, French, Gid- “I rule over all;" the priest might have said;“I Mr. MORSE said that he made a speech in dings, Byram Green, Grinnell, Grider, fardin, Harper, pray for all;" the soldier might have said, " I fight favor of that law, and yet he was returned to this Hays, Hoge, flubbell, Hudson, Washington Hunt, Charles J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Jenks, Perley B. Johnson,
for all;" and the more humble figures in the back | Congress. John P. Kennedy, Daniel P. King, Mcílvaine, Marsh, Ed
ground, the agriculturists and laborers, might say, Mr. HAMLIN said he had never heard of that ward J. Morris, Morse, Moscley, Newton, Parmenter, Pat- "I pay for all.
speech before, nor did he believe it would bear at
Page 15
The following amendment was offered:
By Mr. HARPER: The petition of John Hammond aud Mr. HUNTINGTON, from the Committee on
twenty-four other citizens of Guernsey county, Obin; the For furnishing suitable books for the use of the soldiers,
Commerce, to which was referred House bill to petition of James Kuox and nineteen others, citizens of said $1,000. township and county; the petition of Sanuel A. Fulton
establish a new collection district in the Territory The amendment was rejected.
and fifty-threc others, citizens of Westland, in said county ; of Florida, to be called the Suwannee districi, Mr. BOYD, ist obedience, he said, to instruc
and the petition of G. D. Stout and fifty-one others, cini- reported the same back without amendment, and tions from the Committee on Military Affairs,
zens of said township and county, remonstrating against re- with a recommendation that it be indefinitely post
pealing or disturbing the present tariff. proposed the following amendment in relation to By Mr. MORRIS, of Pennsylvania : The petition of WI- poned; accompanied by the following resolution: the military post at Newport, Kentucky:
Jiam Greaves and forty-six others, and of H. Wetherald and Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be instructed And be it further enacted, 'That the Secretary of War be,
thirty-nine others, asking for a reduction of the duty on to institute inquiries as to the trade and commerce, foreign and he is hereby, authorized to purchase, for the use and
and domestic, of the Gulf of Mexico, between the port of
Also, the petition of A. Barrows and others, against the St. Marks and Charlotte bay, and especially at or near the in the name of the United States, so much ground, nut ex- repeal or modification of the tariff of 1812, as tending to the ceeding two acres, at and adjoining the barracks at New
Cedar Keys; and that he report to the Senate, at its next derangement of currency and the contusion of business. port, in the State of Kentucky, as lie may deem necessary
session, the facts he shall obtain, with bis opinion of the
By Mr. HUNT, of New York: The remonstrances of for the convenience and safety of the said post.
expediency of the establishment of a new collection district, one hundred and tifly two citizens of Niagara county, New And be it further enacted, That the sum of $15,500 be
with a port of entry at Cedar Keys. York, and of fifty-six citizens of Allegany county, New appropriated for the purchase of said ground, and for the York, against any reduction of the present tariff.
SAC AND FOX INDIANS. further purpose of repairing the present buildings, and erect- By Mr. FISH: The petition of Robert Furlong, for a ing any others that inay be necessary at said post : Pro- pension. Also, tlic petition of susan Bruin, for a pension | ing the survey of the northern line of the reserva
The bill entitled "An act to repeal an act directvided, That the sum appropriated for the purchase of the
of of New additional ground shall noi exceed the sum of $5,500 jor
York, in relation to the fortifications of the Gulf of Mexico. tion of the half breeds of the Sac and Fox tribe the whole of the two acres proposed to be purchased; and By Mr. McILVAINE: The remonstrance of Jolin B. if the title cannot be obtained for all of said ground, then he
of Indians by the treaty of August, 1824," apCheesman and ninety-nine others, citizens of Chester counmay purchase lots number 4, 5, 6, 32, and 33, at a sum not
proved March 4, 1843, was taken up. exceeding $4,900.
ty, Pennsylvania, against any alteration of the present tariff,
“which has more than realized the best expectations of its
After a few remarks by Messrs. ATCHISON On the question of the adoption of this amend- friends."
and HUNTINGTON, in explanation and in sup.
By Mr. WENTWORTH: The remonstrance of sixtyment tellers were appointed; who, having counted
port of its provisions, the bill was read the third eight citizens of Chicago, against the adıission of Texas the votes, reported—71 in the affirmativo, and 47 into this Union; whicli was referred to the Committee on
time, and passed. in the negative. Foreign Affairs.
POSTAGE-FRANKING PRIVILEGE. So the amendment was adopted.
By Mr. BIDLACK: The proceedings of a meeting of the citizens of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, in favor of the
On motion of Mr. MERRICK, the Post Office Mr. CROSS proposed the following amend- present lariff and against the proposed change.
bill was taken up as in Committee of the Whole. ment; which was rejected:
Mr. MERRICK said he believed the question Amend by adding at the end of the bill:
IN SENATE.
pending was on the amendment proposed by the For completing barracks, quarters, &c., at Fort Towson,
Senator from New Hampshire, (Mr. WOODBURY.) west of Arkansas, $3,000.
TUESDAY, April 16, 1844. For completing barracks, quarters, &c., at Fort Smith,
The PRESIDING OFFICER stated that the Arkansas, $30,000.
Mr. BATES presented a remonstrance of sixty
amendment of that Senator was to strike out the For continuing the building and repairing of barracks, four citizens of Brookfield, Massachusetts, against word “double,” in the sixteenth line of the first quarters, &c., at Fort Gibson, in addition to the appropriation of last year, $12,500.
the annexation of Texas to the United States; || section, and to insert “ fifty per cent. more than." For completing barracks, quarters, &c., at Fort Jesup,
which was referred to the Committee on Foreign [The effect of this amendment would be to make Louisiana, 84,000. Relations.
the postage of every additional quarter of an SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That $39,416 of the Mr. CHOATE presented a memorial from ounce over the half ounce chargeable with single amount heretofore appropriated by the acts of 14th May, 1836, and 3d of March, 1839, for forts, barracks, &c., on the
James Richardson and others, of Dedham, Mas- | postage; half as much more as the single postArkansas and western frontier, and transterred to the sur
sachusetts, remonstrating against the passage of age.] plus fund, be, and the same are hereby, reappropriated, to an international copyright law; which was re
Mr. MERRICK objected to the amendment, close outstanding accounts for expenses already incurred ferred to the Commitiee on the Judiciary, chiefly on the ground of making a reduction on for the erection of barracks, &c., at Fort Smith.
Mr. PHELPS presented a memorial from the rates of postage proposed by the bill. The Mr. HARALSON proposed an appropriation Charles M. Keller, asking that the Commissioner
minimum rate had been fixed on half an ounce of $1,000 for the purchase of the island for the of Patents may be authorized to grant him a patent || weight, which was ascertained to be quite latipurpose of fortification at the mouth of the Sa- for a certain invention, which that officer is pro- tude enough for any ordinary sheet of writing vannah river.
hibited from doing whilst he (Keller) is employed paper. It had also been ascertained that thin The amendment was rejected.
in that office; which was referred to the Commit- letter paper weighed less than a quarter of an Mr. HALE proposed to amend by inserting:
Patents and the Patent Office.
ounce. Double postage for three fourths of an
Also, a memorial from two hundred and five Provided, That the headquarters of the Army shall not
ounce would, therefore, be in accordance with the be within the District of Columbia.
citizens of Pittsford, Vermont, and one from principle of obtaining revenue from double letters. The amendment was rejected. citizens of Troy, Orleans couniy, Vermont, pro
He trusted the amendment would not be adopted, testing against the annexation of Texas to the Mr. PATTERSON proposed an appropriation | United States; which were referred to the Com
as it would be a great risk, and would really afford
very little relief. of $15,000 to commence the erection of a fort at mittee on Foreign Relations.
Mr. WOODBURY was surprised at the Senthe harbor of New York.
Also, a memorial from one hundred and seven The amendment was rejected.
ator's opposition to the amendment, which had citizens of Pittsford, Vermont, against the pro- for its object to make the bill conform to the genOn motion of Mr. DROMGOOLE, the com- posed modification of the tariff. Also, a memo- eral principle upon which it was based, that of mittee then rose and reported the bill and the rial of like character from Willoughby, Vermont; || charging postage according to weight. This was amendments which had been agreed to by the which were referred to the Committee on Finance. a just principle, supported by the analogies of committee.
Mr. TAPPAN presented two memorials of other countries, such as England, France, and Mr. C. JOHNSON moved the previous ques- citizens of the country of Brown, Ohio, and the Prussia, where double postage was chargeable tion.
proceedings of a public meeting of citizens of only on double weights. His wish was to have The previous question was seconded; and the || Ripley, same county and State, against the an- the bill restored to the correct principle. main question ordered to be now put.
nexation of Texas to the United States; which Mr. MERRICK remarked that heretofore douThe question was then taken upon the amend- were ordered to lie on the table.
ble postage was charged upon a second slip of ments reported by the committee; and they were Mr. STURGEON presented five several memo- paper; the present proposition would be a great agreed to. The question was put on the engrossment of the of Pennsylvania,
not be but only bill, and decided in ihe affirmative.
terference with the present tariff'; which were the weight. His principal objection to the amendThe bill was then read the third time, and passed; referred to the Committee on Finance.
ment was, that it would have the effect of causing and the House adjourned.
Mr. BAYARD presented a memorial, signed
a considerable reduction in the receipts of postage by one hundred and fifty highly respectable in- | expected by the bill. The following petitions, presented to-day, were handed habitants of Seneca county, Ohio, remonstrating The question on the amendment was put by the to the reporters by the members presenting them :
against any change in the existing tariff law. Chair; but a quorum not voting, By Mr. CALDWELL: The petition of Mrs. Catharine The memorialists represent that that law has pro
Mr. MERRICK rose and made a minute exGale, of Lincoln county, Kentucky; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.
duced most beneficial effects in securing them a planation of the proposition, with a view of enBy Mr. PHENIX: The petition of J. D. Wyckoff, pray- home market, and that goods have been purchased | abling the Senate to vote understandingly on the ing to be paid for articles furnished the New York custom- at as low a rate as they have ever been; which question, house. By Mr. CARY: The petition of William Bromagbin, for
was referred to the Committee on Finance. Mr. ALLEN suggested that this being a bill a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Invalid
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES.
which proposed a very important change in the Pensions.
practice of the Government, it appeared to him By Mr. RELFE: The petition of the citizens of St. Gen- Mr.JARNAGIN reported back without amend
that it ought not to be taken up and discussed evieve, Missouri, asking Cougress to make appropriations ment, and with a recommendation that it be indef- || piece-meal during the morning hour. It would for the improvement of the western rivers; wbich was referred to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the
initely postponed, House bill for the relief of Sally be much better to put it on the general orders and Union.
McCraw. The report accompanying was ordered let it obtain the consideration of a whole day. By Mr. HUGHES: The petition of James C. Noel and to be printed.
It was here explained that such was the positwenty eight others, citizens of the State of Missouri, ask
Mr. FOSTER, from the Committee on Claims, || tion which the bill now occupied. ing Congress to donate certain lands to them, the money to
reported a bill for the relief of Pierre Menard, The amendment was adopted—ayes 17, noes enter which they deposited with William Wright, receiver of the land office at Palmyra, Missouri, but said William Josiah T. Betts, Jacob Feaman, and Edmund 15. Wright failed to use the inoney for that purpose, and ap- Roberts, of the State of Illinois, sureties of Felix Mr. WOODBURY suggested another amendpropriated it to his own use; and further ask, if this relief
St. Vrain, late Indian agent, deceased; which was ment. He did not mean to press it, unless accannot be given, that Congress may grant thein the right of preemption upon any unappropriated lands, with the priv- read, and ordered to a second reading. The report ceptable to the chairinan of the Post
Office Comilege or paying for the saine within five years.
accompanying was ordered to be printed. mittee. Under the bill, as it stands, the least
viale, numerously signed by citizens of the State concession, for the number of slips or sheer in
Page 16
Mr. McDUFFIE, on condition that the vote ive rates he proposed. His proposition was: Mr. FRENCH, from the Committee on the on his motion would be taken this evening, con- three cents for thirty miles; five cents for one hun- || Judiciary, to whom was referred the resolution of sented to withdraw it for the present.
dred and eighty miles; ten cents for four hundred the House of the 28th of February last, in relaThe motion to postpone indefinitely was, by miles; and for all greater distances, fifteen cents. tion to the claim of the State of Kentucky, for general assent, withdrawn.
He would also accommodate those who write keeping in close confinement convicts of the FedThe question then recurred on Mr. Breese's
on coarse paper, no matter how large the sheet eral court for the district of Kentucky, made a motion to make the uniform rate of postage for all might be, by making a single sheet subject to report thereon, accompanied by an amendment to distances five cents; and on this question the yeas | only single postage; and to accommodate those the bill making appropriations for the civil and and nays were called for, and ordered.
who write on thin, light paper, and send bank diplomatic expenses of the Government for the Mr. SIMMONS expressed it as his opinion notes as inclosures, he would make one fourth of fiscal year ending June 30, 1845. that the proposed reduction would increase very an ounce chargeable with only single postage. The amendment was committed to the Commitconsiderably the revenue of the Department. The following was his amendment:
tee of the Whole on the state of the Union, Mr. MERRICK said it subverted all the calThat there shall be charged, in lieu of the rates of post
Mr. FRENCH, from the Committee on the culations of the Post Office Committee, and was aze now established by law, the following rates, viz: for Judiciary, made a report upon the petition of Manan experiment pregnant with danger. He hoped every single letter conveyed any distance under thirty miles, lius V. Thompson, executor of Miles W. Dickey, the amendment would not prevail.
three cents; for thirty and under one hundred and eighty miles, five cents; over one hundred and eiglity and under
accompanied by a bill for his relief,
Mr. ALLEN made a short explanation in re- four hundred miles, ten cents; over four hundred miles,
The bill was read a first and second time, and lation to what he had said on the question of post- fifteen cents; and for a double letter, double these rates; referred to a Committee of the Whole House. ponement.
and for a treble letter, treble these rates; and for a quad- Mr. COLLAMER, from the Committee on Mr. BUCHANAN did not approve of the re
ruple letter, quadruple these rates; and every parcel com-
posed of one piece of paper, or which does not exceed one
Manufactures, reported the following resolution; duction to the extent proposed by the amendment; quarter of an ounce in weight, shall be considered a single which, under the rule, lies one day upon the table: for he feared the result would be to make the leiter; and every parcel composed of not more than two Resolved, That the extra number of ten thousand copies Department a burden upon the Treasury. He pieces of paper, or not exceeding one half ounce in weight,
of the report of said committee, on the subject of manushall be deemed a double letter; and every parcel containwas willing to try the experiment proposed by
factures, made to the present Congress, be printed for the ing not more than four pieces of paper, or not weighing use of the members. the bill, but not to go so far as the amendment
over one ounce, shall be considered a quadruple letter; proposed. and for every additional quarter of an ounce, beyond one
On motion of Mr. C. JOHNSON, it was
The question was then taken by yeas and nays
ounce in weight, the additional postage of a single lelter Ordered, That the Committee on Indian Affairs be dis- shall be added.
charged from the consideration of the memorial of thic repon Mr. Breese's amendment; and resulted-yeas
resentatives and heads of families of two thousand five 6, nays 34; as follows:
Mr. MERRICK objected, with regard to the hundred Cherokee Indians, known as the “ Treaty party,” YEAS–Messrs. Breese, Francis, Seinple, Simmons,
amendments of the Senators from Indiana and in relation to an examination of the accounts and expendWalker, Woodbridge-6.
Maine, to the increase of the distance for the five itures of money under the treaty of 1835-36 with the CherNAYS-Messrs. Allen, Archer, Atchison, Atherton, cents rate, and to any lower rate than five cents
okees; and also from the meinorial of John Rogers, James Bayby, Barrow, Bates, Bayard, Buchanan, Choate, Clay
Cary, and Thomas L. Rogers, chiefs and head men of the ton, Colquitt, Erans, Fairfield, Foster, Fulion, Hannegar, for any distance.
Cherokees, in behalf of themselves and the Cherokee old Haywovu, Huger, Huntington, Jarnagin, McDuffie, Man- Mr. SEVIER was opposed to this interminable settlers west of the Mississippi, in relation to the origin gum, Merrick, Miller, Morehead, Pearce, Porter, Sevier, discussion. He wished to know when it was to and history of their government west of the Mississippi, Tappan, Upháin, White, Woodbury, and Wright-34. be brought to an end. It was an obstruction to
the removal of intruders, and reparation for injuries; and So the amendment was rejected. all other business, without making any progress
that the memorial be laid upon the table. Mr. SEMPLE proceeded to amend the seventh itself. He hoped it would be brought to a close
Mr. HARDIN, from the Committee on Milisection, eighth line, by striking out the word one way or the other without further delay.
tary Affairs, to whom was referred the bill to "packages.” He explained that the object was
On motion of Mr. FOSTER, the Senate then
establish an armory at the city of Massac, in the
State of Illinois, reported an amendatory bill, to prevent packages of unlimited weight being adjourned.
accompanied by a report in writing; which was seni by mail.
committed to the Committee of the Whole on the Mr. MERRICK explained that another section HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
state of the Union. of the bill provided that no package exceeding
WEDNESDAY, April 17, 1844.
Mr. VINTON, from the Committee on the Juthree pounds should be sent by the mail. The amendment was rejected.
Mr. WELLER presented a memorial of a con
diciary, to whom was referred the bill from the vention of delegates, chosen by general election,
Senate to amend an act entitled "An act to estabMr. HANNEGAN moved to amend the first
of the inhabitants of the city of Washington, for lish the northern boundary line of the State of section of the bill by striking out from part of the sixth to the end of ihe thirteenth line, and insert
the purpose of revising the charter of said city, Ohio, and to provide for the admission of the
praying the adoption of "a bill to continue, alter, State of Michigan into the Union, upon the coning the following:
and amend, the charter of the city of Washing- ditions therein expressed," approved June 15, Upon every letter in manuscript, or paper of any kind, 1 ton," prepared by said convention, and accom- 1836, reported the same without amendment; being a single sheet and not exceeding in weight one bali panying the said memorial; which memorial was
and he moved that it be put upon its passage. an ounce, by or upon which intorination shall be asked or communicaied in writing, or by marks and signs, there shall said on the table.
Mr. DODGE, of Wisconsin, rose and stated be charged and collected for conveying the saine any dis- Mr. ADAMS presented a memorial of sundry
that the confusion and noise in the House was tance not exceeding one trundred and fity miles, five cents; citizens of the United States, in attendance upon
such that he did not hear the title of the bill; nor and for any distance exceeding one hundred and fifty miles
the meetings held in the city of Washington, in did he suppose that the gentleman from Ohio and not exceeding three hundred miles, ten cents; and for any distance exceeding three bundred miles and not ex. March last, for the promotion of science, praying [Mr. Vinton] would move to put this will on its ceeding five hundred miles, fifteen cents; and for any for aid to enable the National Institute to pre- passage at the time of reporting it from the Comdistance exceeding five hundred miles, twenty cents.
serve its collections, and extend its usefulness; mittee on the Judiciary.' He stated that the bill He explained that the object of making the which was referred to the Committee on the Li- was one of importance to the Territory which he distance for five cents one hundred and fifty miles, || brary.
had the honor to represent; and he claimed to be was to putdown successfully the private expresses
Mr. C. J. INGERSOLL called for the orders
heard upon it.
He therefore moved that the bill interfering with the revenue of ihe Department, of the day; which was agreed to, after a brief
be referred to the Committee of the Whole on Mr. MERRICK said the object of the commit- conversation, in which several members took the state of the Union. The Legislature of Wistee was not to place the Government in a position part.
consin had spoken on this subject; and he proof competing with private expresses; but to sal
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES.
tested against any action on ihis bill until the isfy the public of the just intentions of the Gov
subject could be fairly presented and duly con
The SPEAKER announced the orders of the ernment, and thereby to carry public opinion with
sidered, it, in its efforts to put down by law private exday for the morning hour to be the call for re
Aftersome conversation, in which various mempresses, ports from committees.
bers took part, the bill was committed to the ComMr. HANNEGAN explained that he was as
Mr. McKAY, from the Committee of Ways | mittee of the Whole on the state of the Union. much in favor of putting down, with the bigh
and Means, to whom were referred the amend- On motion of Mr. BARRINGER, it was hand of the law, the violators of the Post Office
ments of the Senate lo the bill making appropriarights, as the Post Office Committee possibly could tions for the current and contingent expenses of
Ordered, Tbat the Coinmittee on Naval Affairs be dis
charged from the consideration of the memorial of David be. He would go as far as any one to put down the Indian department, and for fulfilling treaty
Myerle, and that it do lie on the table. illegal expresses, and all violators of the laws.
stipulations with the various Indian tribes, for the Mr. C. J. INGERSOLL, from the Committee The yeas and nays were called for on this
fiscal year commencing on the 1st day of July, on Foreign Affairs, reported a bill to provide for amendinent, and ordered.
1844, and ending on the 30th day of June, 1845, the ascertainment of claims for spoliations prior Mr. EVANS thought this a very important
reported the same without amendment, and recamendment, and therefore required some considommended that the House disagree to all except
to the 31st July, 1801; which was read a firsi and
second time, and committed to the Committee of eration. He feared it proposed too great a reducthe second of the said amendments.
the Whole on the state of the Union. tion in the lower rates of postage, and not enough
The bill and amendments were committed to the Mr. WHITE, from the same committee, rein the higher rates. He thought some graduated
Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union. ported a bill for the relief of the legal representscale could be adopted which would be much
Mr. McKAY, from the same committee, re- atives of Richard W. Meade; which was read a more effectual than anything yet proposed. He
ported a bill making appropriations for the service had prepared an amendment himself, and would of the Post Office Department for the fiscal year
first and second time, and committed to a Com
mittee of the Whole House. suggest that it be read now, with a view that
ending June 30, 1845; which was read a first' and On motion of Mr. HOUSTON, it was both it and that of the Senator from Indiana might second time, and committed to the Committee of be ordered to be printed, between this and tothe Whole on the state of the Union.
Ordered, That the Committee on Territories be dis
charged from the consideration of the memorials froin the morrow morning. It would be best, he thought,
On motion of Mr. DAVIS, of Indiana, it was
Legislature of the Territory of lowa, for a donation of land in that case, at this late hour, to adjourn. He
Ordered, That the Committee on Public Lands be dis.
for a seminary of learning at West Point, in Lee county, stated the nature of his proposition, and the reacharged from the consideration of the memorial of the
and for an additional land office at lowa City; also, from sons which had induced him to select the respect- || ing the preëmption laws, and that it be laid on the table. Legislature of the State of Alabama, in relation to reënact
the memorial of the trustees of the academy at Quincy, ia Florida, for a grant of land ; and that said petitions be laid upon the table.
Page 17
who bupported this system might draw distine- went through two or three States. Where was The main question, being on concurring in the tions, if they pleased, between themselves and the the distinction, except the one river was a little amendment to increase the appropriation for the Whig party; but
further south than the other? Mr. McC. con- Ohio river between Pittsburg and the falls of Louis* Optics sharp it takes, I ween,
tended that there was no objection to appropria- | ville, was put and decided in the afirmative-yeas To see what is not to be seca."
Lions for harbors on the lakes that would not with 90, nays 87; as follows: These measures, which the Whigs had pro- equal force apply to the Ohio and Mississippi; YEAS-Messrs. Abbot, Ashe, Baker, Barnard, Bidlack, claimed to be in accordance with their cardinal and in support of his argument, quoted the opin- James Black, Jacob Brinkerlioff, Brodhead, Jeremiah principles, and which had been defeated by the ions of Mr. Madison, which were read by the
Brown, Buffugton, Carroll, Causini, Clinch, Cranston, Darvelo of General Jackson, were now about to be | Clerk from his table.
ragh, Garrett Davis, Dickey, Douglas, Duncan, Fish, Fout, revived by the Democratic party; and well might
Foster, French, Giddings, Grinnell, Grider, Hardin, Harper,
He went on, at great length, to show that Mad- Hays, Henley, Hubbell, Hudson, Washington Hunt, Charles his friend (Mr. RuETT] say that the Whigscheered ison, Jackson, and Van Buren had never objected, J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Jameson, Jenks, them on in the work. When he saw gentlemen on constitutional grounds, to these works; and he
Perley B. Johnson, John P. Kennedy, Daniel P. King, from the West come in and tell them that every contended that they were works that were neces
Kirkpatrick, McCauslen, McClelland, McDowell, MCriver--no matter where might be its source-no
Ilvaine, Marsh, Edward J. Morris, Joseph Morris, Morse, sary to the defense of the country in case of war. Moseley, Patterson, Pettit, Peyton, Phæuix, Elisha R. Potmatter through what territory it fowedwas a He then proceeded to ask those gentlemen who ter, Emery D. Potter, Preston, Ramsey, Charles M. Reed, proper object of internal improvement; and when professed to have constitutional scruples on this
Ritter, Robinson, Rockwell, Rodney, Rogers, St. John, he saw that, by making a log-rolling bill in which subject, how they could vote for fishing bounties,
Sample, Schenck, Senter, Severance, David L. Seymour,
Albert Smith, John T. Smith, Thomas Smith, Caleb B. every part of the Union was to have its share, so or a protective tariff, and not vote for this bill? Sinith, Stecnnd, Andrew Stewart, Summers, Thomasson, as to carry it through the House, the old exploded How could southern gentlemen vote for the an- Tibbatt Tilden, Tyler, Vance, Vantmeter, Vinton, Wethsystem of internal improvement was to be revived, l, nexation of Texas, and yet refuse to vote for this
ered, White, Winthrop, William Wright, and Yosi—90. he confessed he had lost all hope of seeing an end
NÁYS-Messrs. Ander:011, Atkinson, Barringer, Belser, bill on constitutional grounds? If the Constitu- Benton, James A. Black, Bower, Bowlin, Boyd, Brengle, put to the odious system of unjust taxation and tion gave the right to annex Texas to this Union, Milton Brown, Burke, Burt, Caldwell, Cary, Catin, Redextravagant expenditures. He besought gentle- it was by a resort to its spirit rather than to its ben Chapman, Augustus A. Chapinan, Chappell, Chilton, men to pause, and not suffer themselves to be letter; and surely the spirit of the Constitution
Clingman, Cobb, Coles, Cross, Cullom, Daua, Daniel, seduced by any local appropriations into a viola
Richard D. Davis, John W. Davis, Deberry, Dellet, Dickwas not opposed to this bill. But again: how
inson, Dillingliam, Dromgoole, Dunlap, Elmer, Farlee, ion of the Constitution. He felt a deep interest | could they purchase new territory if they had no Ficklin, Byram Green, Hale, Haralson, Hoge, Hopkins, in the prosperity of Charleston; but he could not power to improve the old? The eastern gentle
Houston, Hubard, luglies, Hungertord, James B. Hunt, vote for this bill, though that city was to derive men would, perhaps, reply that they voted for a
Cave Johnson, Andrew Johnson, George W. Jones, Ansome benefit from it.
drew Kennedy, Preston King, Labranche, Lennard, Lewis, protective tariff to protect the labor and capital of Lucas, Lyon, McConnell, McKay, Newton, Norris, Owen, After a few more remarks from Mr. H., their citizens; and yet they could resuse io vote Parmenter, Purdy, Rathbun, David S. Reid, Reding, Relse,
Mr. McCLELLAND observed that, as a mem- for this bill, which was essentially a bill for the Russell, Thomas H. Seymour, Simons, Simpson, Robert ber of the Committee on Commerce, he felt some protection not only of the properiy but the lives
Smith, Spence, Stetson, Jolin Stewart, Siiles, Stone, little disposition to trespass on the time of the
Strong, Taylor, Thompson, Weller, Wheaton, Williams, of their fellow-citizens. He defended the bill, at Woodward, and Josephi A. Wright-87, House, so as to give his views on the question much length, both from the necessity and approunder consideration. Though a member of the priateness of the appropriations, and also on the inserting " Wabash' after the word " Illinois,
The question was put on the next amendment, same party with the gentleman who last addressed ground of economy; for an early appropriation and rejected--yeas 41, nays 133; as follows: the House, yet he would take the occasion to say would indeed cause a less expenditure than if the that he concurred entirely in the views expressed work was longer delayed.
YEAS-Messrs. Adams, Barnard, Buffington, Carroll,
Causin, Cranston, Darragli, Garrett Davis, John W. Davis, by the gentleman from Illinois, (Mr. Douglas.) Mr. KENNEDY, of Indiana, after some intro- Dickey, Dillingham, Fish, Font, Grinnell, Grider, Hardin, We of ihe West, said he, believe that appropri- ductory remarks, said it was not so material to Jenks, John P. Kennedy, Mcllvane, Edward J. Morris, ations for the improvement of the western harbors him whether General Jackson or other distin
Morse, Moseley, Owen, Pettit, Phænix, Preston, Ramsey, and rivers are constitutional; and it will take guished men went to certain point, as whether
Rogers, Sample, Schenck, Severance, Caleb B. Smith,
Spence, Andrew Stewari, Vance, Vanneler, Vinton, better arguments than we have heard to-day to the point itself was right. Whether General Jack- Wethered, White, Winthrop, and Joseph A. Wright-41. make us believe to the contrary. Until these son vetoed a measure of this description on the
NAYS--Mesers. Abbot, Anderson, Ashe, Atkinson, appropriations were granted, the West could not ground of constitutionality or expediency, he cared
Baker, Barringer, Belser, Benton, Bidlack, James Black, sustain its commerce, nordefend the western coun- not now to inquire; but subsequent events had
James A. Black, Bower, Bowlin, Boyd, Brengle, Jacob
Brinkerhoff, Brodhead, Milton Brown, Jeremiah Brown, try from that enemy which they were most in satisfied the people that General Jackson was right. Burke, Burt, Caldwell, Carey, Catlin, Reuben Chapman, dread of. He would ask the gentleman from South He believed it was constitutional; but there were Augustus A. Chapman, Chappell, Clinch, Clingman, Cobb, Carolina on what principle he based his vote for things in the bill for which, in point of expediency,
Coles, Collainer, Cross, Cullom, Dana, Daniel, Richard D. an appropriation for the Ohio and Mississippi, he could not und would not vote. It was a con
Daris, Deberry, Dellet, Dickinson, Dromgoole, Duncan, and denied appropriations to the lakes, which the
Dunlap, Ellis, Elmer, Farlee, Foster, French, Giddings, stitutional and proper exercise of the power of Willis Green, Byrain Green, Hale, Haralson, Harper, western people said were essential for their de- | Congress to make an appropriation of money for Hays, Henley, Holmes, Hoge, Hopkios, Houston, Hubard, fense? What distinction did he draw between the improvement of the western rivers; therefore
Hubbell, Hudson, Hughes, Hungerford, Washington Hunt, appropriations for light-houses on the lakes and he would go thus far; but when it was attempted
James B. Hunt, Charles J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. Ingersoll,
Irvin, Jameson, Cave Johnson, Perley B. Johnson, Andrew appropriations for harbors?
to introduce a system which must, if followed out, Johnson, George W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy, Preston Mr. HOLMES said that, in his opinion, Con- | swallow up the whole subject of internal improve- | King, Dániel King, Kirkpatrick, Labranche. Leonard gress had a right to remove obstructions in the ment, he would take the liberty of setting himself
Lucas, , Marslı, , McClelland, McConlakes, for the reason that the jurisdiction was in
nell, McDowell, Mckay, Joseph Morris, Newton, Norris, against it.
Parnienter, Peyton, Emery D. Potter, Pardy, Rathbun, the United States; but Congress could not im- He moved to amend the bill by striking out from Charles M. Reed, David S: Reid, Reding, Relfe, Ritter, prove the harbors, because the jurisdiction was the sixth to the tenth line inclusive, being the
Robinson, Rockwell, Rodney, Russell, St. Jolin, Senter, in the States. For the same reason, Congress $50,000 for the upper Ohio, and $180,000 for the
Thomas H. Seymour, David L. Seymour, Simpson, Slidell, could improve the Ohio and Mississippi rivers,
John T. Smith, Thomas Smith, Robert 'Smith, Steenrod, lower Ohio, the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ark- Stetson, John Stewart, Stiles, Stone, Strong, Summers, for, the United States possessing proprietary and
Taylor, Thompson, Tibbatts, Tilden, Tyler, Weller, territorial jurisdiction over them, ihe States could The two branches of the above clause having
Wheaton, Williams, Woodward, William Wright, and not improve them if Congress did not. But Con- | been amended in Committee of the Whole, a dis
Yost-133. gress could not improve the Illinois river, for it!cussion ensued upon a point of order as to whether
The next amendment was to increase the apdid not possess jurisdiction over it; the jurisdic- | the question should be first taken on the amend propriation of $180,000 to $223,000 for the imtion of that river was in the States through which menis proposed by the committee, or upon the provement of the Ohio river, below the falls at it fowed, and they had the power to improve it. amendment of the gentleman from Indiana.
Louisville, and of the Mississippi, Missouri, IlliMr. MCCLELLAND contended that, on the Mr. DROMGOOLE understood it to be clearly nois, and Arkansas rivers. gentleman's own argument, Congress had the established that the amendments made in Com
The yeas and nays were called for; and being right to improve the harbors of the lakes. Mr. mittee of the Whole must first be gone through ordered, resulted—ýcas 85, nays 92; as follows: McC., after referring to the ordinance of 1787, for with by the House. The Manual was distinct on
YEAS-Messrs. Adams, Ashe, Baker, Barnard, Bower, the purpose of comparing it with the grounds on that subject; and in addition to that, it was the
Bowlin, Boyd, Milton Brown, Willian J. Brown, Jeremiah which the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr.
Brown, Buffington, Carroll, Causin, Clinch, Cranston, best way to avoid confusion and get on with the Darragh, Garrett Davis, Dellett, Dickey, Douglass, Duncan, Holmes) based his support of appropriations for business. Why, there had just now been a dozen Fishi, Foot, Foster, French, Willis Green, Grindell, Grides, the Ohio and Mississippi, said he would again gentlemen on the floor at once, and nobody could
Hardin, Harper, Henley, Hoge, Hudson, Washington Hunt, ask him what right Congress had to place a light- | iell what the question was.
Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Jameson, Jenks, Perley B.Jobuhouse on any shore of Lake Erie, and claim juris- The SPEAKER thought the motion of the gen
son, John P. Kennedy, Labranche, Lyon, Marsh, McCaus
len, Mcllvaine, Edward J. Morris, Joseph Morris, Morse, diction over it, if it had not the right to make a tleman from Indiana (Mr. KENNEDY) was in order. Mosely, Owen, Patterson, Peyton, Phænix, Emery D. harbor at the same spot, and also to take juris- || The priority which the gentleman referred to
Potter, Preston, Ramsey, Charles M. Reed, Relfe, Rockdiction over it? Why, the gentleman, as chair- related only to the time of putting the question. | Smith, Calet' B. Smith, Robert Smith, Spence, Steenrod,
well, Rodney, Rogers, Sample, Severance, siidell, Thoinas man of the Committee on Commerce, had reported It was in order to offer an amendment to perfect a Stephens, Andrew Stewart, Stone, Summers, Tbomasa bill appropriating $500,000 for light-houses; and bill before striking out any portion of it." A mo- son, Tibbatts, Tilden, Tyler, Vance, Vanmeter, Vinton; yet he denied the power of Congress to appro- tion was made to strike out; and, before putting
Weller, Wentworth, White, Winthrop, and William Wright priate money for harbors. He would also ask that question, a motion was made to perfect the NAYS–Messrs. Abbott, Atkinson, Barringer, Belser, ihe gentlemen who were opposed to making an bill, which was perfectly in order.
Benton, Bidlack, James Black, James A. Black, Blackappropriation for the Mlinois river, how it hap- Mr. DROMGOOLE appealed from the decision
well, Brengle, Brodhead, Burke, Burt, Caldwell, Cary, pened that many of them voted last year for the of the Chair.
Cauín, Reuben Chapman, Augustus A. Chapman, chap. bill making appropriations for the Ohio and Mis
pell, Chilton, Clingman, Cobb, Coles, Collamer, Cross,
The question was taken; and the Chair was Cullom, Dana, Daniel, Richard D. Davis, John W. Daves, sissippı, including the Arkansas, one of its trib- sustained by a vote of-ayes 65, noes 55. Deberry, Dickinson, Dillingham, Dromgoole, Dunlap, Ellis, utaries? Was it because the Arkansas was not The question was then put on the second to the
Elmer, Farlee, Giddings, Lyram Green, Hale, Ilaralson, confined to a single State, but ran through two or
Hays, Holmes, Hopkins, Houston, Hubrưd, Mubbell, Hunprevious question, and carried. threei If so, the Illinois had equal claims, for it
gerford, James B. Hunt, Cave Johnson, Andrew Johnson, The main question was ordered.
George W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy, Preston King, Daniel
Page 18
Hunt, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Jameson, Jenks, Perley Mr. C. JOHNSON raised a point of order. his reasons for submitting his motion. He was B. Johnson, John P. Kennedy, Preston King, Daniel P.
The gentleman from Illinois, in giving his reasons as anxious as any gentleman here to appropriate King, Kirkpatrick, Labranche, Lyon, Marsh, McCauslin,
for being excused, had no right to go into an ar- the amounts named in the bill for the improvement McCleland, McClernand, Mcllvainc, Mathews, Edward •]. Morris, Joseph Morris, Morse, Moseley, Owen. Parter- gument in reply to the gentleman from Ohio. of the navigation of the Ohio and Mississippi son, Pettii, Peyton, Phenix, Elisha R. Potter, Emery D. Mr. T. SMITH inquired, if the House excused rivers, and would to-day, or any other day of this Potter, Pratt, l'resion, Ramsey, Charles M. Reed, Relse,
the gentleman from Illinois, whether it would not session, vote for a bill to effect this objeci; but he Ritter, Robinson, Rockwell, Rodney, Rogers, Russell, St. John, Sample, Schenck, Senter, Severince, David L. be a prohibition of his voting.
could not consent to vote for a bill that embraced Seymour, Simons, Slidell, Albert Smith, Thomas Sunith, Some member observed: “Sufficient unto the appropriations for such rivers as the Illinois. Caleb B. Smith, Spence, Steenrod, Stephens, Stetson, An- day is the evil thereof."
His opposition rested upon the effects that would drew Stewart, John Stewart, Stone, Strong, Summers, Mr. DOUGLAS said he understood, when the result from the adoption of such a policy; for if Thomasson, Tibbatts, Tilden, Tyler, Vance, Vanmeter, Vinton, Weller, Wentworth, White, Winthrop, and Wild
gentleman from Ohio rose to give his reasons for we appropriated money to the Illinois river, there liam Wright--107.
being excused, the Speaker decided that the Chair are hundreds of rivers that empty into the Ohio So the motion to lay the bill on the table was
could not anticipate what excuse the gentleman and Mississippi that have equal claim upon Conlost.
was about to urge, and the gentleman from Ohio gress; and if we are to give to all such the amounts
went on to state that the retention of the Illinois ihey may require, we must resort to direct taxMr. BRINKERHOFF inquired whether it in that bill would go to the exhausting of the ation to carry it on, and ultimately render the was at this time in order to move to recommit the
Treasury of the country, and to the infliction of Government bankrupt, and grind the people into bill?
direct taxation; and in doing this he was permit- || dust. The SPEAKER replied that it was not then in ted to go on, and his friend from Tennessee (Mr. The question was put on excusing Mr. Mcorder.
C. Johnson) had not deemed it necessary to call Dowell from voting; and decided in the affirmMr. STEENROD inquired of the Chair, if the him to order, nor to support him (Mr. D.) in call- ative. question of engrossmeni should prevail, whether
ing that gentleman to order. The gentleman from The question was then put on the engrossment the previous question would not then be exhaust
Ohio, a few days since, moved to insert an amend- of the bill; and decided in the negative-yeas 86, ed, and whether it would not then be in order to
ment to appropriate $100,000 for the Cumberland næys 102; as follows: move to recommit the bill?
road, never dreaming then that he was driving YEAS-Messrs. Adams, Ashe, Baker, Barnard, Bowlin, The SPEAKER said that the previous question this Government to the adoption of a system
Jacob Brinkerhoff, Jeremiah Brown, Buffington, Carroll, would be exhausted on taking the question on which would lead to the imposition of direct
Causin,Clinch,Collamer, Cranston, Darragh, Garrett Davis,
Dellet, Dickey, Douglas, Elmer, Fishi, Florence, Foot, engrossment; and that it would then be in order taxes.
Foster, French, Giddings, Willis Green, Byrain Green, to move to recommit the bill.
He had another word to say to the gentleman Grinnell, Grider, Hardin, Harper, Hays, Hoge, Hudson, Mr. STEENROD (amid cries of " Order!”
from Ohio; they well understood themselves, and Washington Hunt, Charles J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. Inger“ Order!'') said that, in that case, he should vote had entered into a combination by which the ap
soli, Irvin, Jenks, Perley B. Johnson, John P. Kennedy,
Daniel P. King, Lyon, Marsh, Mathews, McClelland, Mcfor the engrossment of the bill, under a pledge propriation for the Upper Ohio had been doubled;
Ilvaine, Edward J. Morris, Morse, Mosely, Patterson, of some of his friends that it would be recommit
and, having done that, they got some of the In- Pettit, Perion, Phænix, Elisha R. Potter, Emery D. Pouter, ted, to strike out the Illinois river. diana members to go with them, and moved to
l'reston, Ramsey, Charles V. Reed, Relfe, Rockwell, RodMr. WELLER asked to be excused from voting strike out the Illinois river; and why? Because
ney, Rogers, St. John, Sample, Schenck, Severance, Albert on the bill as it now stands. He said this bill
Smitli, Julin T. Smith, Caleb B. Smith, Steenrod, Stephens, they had got a canal running to the lakes from the
Andrew Stewart, Thomas son, Tibbatts, Tilden, Tyler, makes an appropriation for the improvement of river, and they well knew that if the Ilinois river Vance, Paumeter, Vinton, Wentwortli, Wethered, White, the Ninois river, a river running entirely within was improved, and their canal was completed, it "Vinthrop, and William Wright-€6. the limits of a single State, and could not, in his would take the entire business in that direction;
NA'S--Messrs. Anderson, Atkinson, Barringer, Belser, opinion, be regarded as an improvement of a gen
Benton, Bidlack, James Black, James A. Black, Blackand for pitiful local jealousies of a superior work well, Boyd, Brengle, Brodhead, William J. Brown, Burke, eral nature.
they were willing to oppose the appropriation for Burt, Caldwell, Cary, Catin, Reuben Chapman, Augustus Mr. WHITE rose to a question of order. The the Illinois river,
Á. Chapman, Chappeil, Chilton, Clingman, Cobb, Coles, reasons assigned by the gentleman from Ohio were Mr. WELLER desired the gentleman to say,
Cross, Cullom, Danin, Daniel, Richard D. Davis, John W.
Davis, Deberry, Dicking on, Dillingham, Dromgoole, Dunvery good reasons why he should vote against the when he spoke of a combination of Ohio meni- can, Dunlap, Ellis, Farlee, Hate, Haral-on, Henley, Herengrossment, but not sufficient reasons for excus. bers, if he had any allusion to him.
rick, Holmes, Hopkins, Houston, Ilubard, Hubbell, Hugles, ing him frora voting.
Mr. DOUGLAS said he did not know that the
Mungerford, Jiunes B. Hunt, Cave johnson, Andrew JoinMr. WELLER said that, whether his reasons
son, George W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy. Preston King, gentleman from Ohio was at that meeting.
Kirkpatrick, Labranche, Lewis, Lucas, Maclay, McCaulwere satisfactory to the gentleman or not, they Mr. DAVIS, of Indiana, remarked that the gen- McConnell, McDowell, McKay, Joseph Morris, Newwere his reasons, and it was for the House to teman from Illinois had alluded to members from ton, Norris, Owen, Parmenter, Payne, Prati, Purdy, Rathjudge whether they were sufficient. Indiana; and he desired to know if that gentleman
bun, David S. Reid, Keding, Rinest, Ritter, Roberts, RobinThe SPEAKER overruled the point of order; ! had any allusion to him.
son, Russell, Senter, Thomas H. Seymour, David L. Sey
mour, Simons, Simpson, Slidell, Spence, Stetson, John and said that the rule provided that a gentleman Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. BELSER, Mr. DOUG- Stewart, Stiles, Stone, Strong, Summers, Taylor, Thompdesiring to be excused from voting should give a LAS, and others, made remarks, which were not son, Weller, Wheaton, Williams, Woodward, Joseph A. brief statement of his reasons. Now, it was im- || heard in the confusion and excitement that pre
Wright, and Yosi-102. possible for the Chair to know what a gentle- vailed.
Mr. WENTWORTH moved to reconsider the man's reasons might be till he heard them.
Mr. DAVIS, of Indiana, remarked that all he vote just passed; and said his object was to give Mr. WELLER had stated that this work was had to say was, if the gentleman alluded to him, those gentlemen who manifested much attachment of a local character, and, aside from the want of that it was unqualifiedly false.
to the bill with certain modifications a chance to constitutional power—which may well be ques- The SPEAKER called the House to order, and have those modifications by reconsidering and her tioned-he believed that an appropriation made to required the
members to take their seats; and then committing the bill. He had voted for the bill such works, of a local character, would lead to a suggested to the gentleman from Illinois that the just lost, and had done all he could to pass it. system of corrupt, log-rolling legislation, which rules prescribed a very narrow limit of remark He was now willing to try it in a new shape. would eventually increase the expenditures of the under such circumstances; and he submitted to He saw his friend from Ohio (Mr. Duncan) try. Government, so as to produce a necessity for that gentleman the propriety of adhering to the ing to get the floor, and he cheerfully yielded it direct taxation. No duties upon imports could course prescribed by the rules.
to him. ever sustain the expenditures produced by such Some conversation was continued by Messrs. Mr. DUNCAN moved to reconsider the vote a system. If money be appropriated from the BELSER, DOUGLAS, and DAVIS, of Indiana, I just taken; and observed that he had no wish that Federal Treasury to ihe Ilinois, hundreds of other and mutual explanations were made.
ihat question should be taken now. He merely rivers in the country, equally important, would Mr. DOUGLAS then resumed bis remarks; | wished the motion entered, and the question might demand appropriations. He therefore believed and, after a few observations, he withdrew the be taken two or three days hence. that if such local works were to be sustained by motion to be excused from voting.
The SPEAKER said that the motion for reconthe General Government, direct taration was the A very irregular discussion followed, in which | sideration was the first subject before the House, inevitable result. If, in this view, he voted for Messrs. SCHENCK, WELLER, BRINKER- and must be taken at once, unless postponed by the bill, he sanctioned an appropriation establish-HOFF, VANCE, C. JOHNSON, and many a vote of the House. ing a most dangerous precedent. If he voted others, participated; many of the gentlemen dis- Mr. WHITE insisted on taking the question against it, he would be represented as unfriendly avowing all knowledge of such a meeting as that at once. to the other improvements embraced in the bill. alluded to by the gentleman from Illinois.
Mr. J. BRINKERHOFF said he supposed that He was anxious to have given his support to the Mr. SCHENCK having originated this debate the previous question had been exhausted on the other items in the bill, but as he found them in by moving to be excused from voting, now with- | question of engrossment; and that
, if the vote bad company, he was compelled to go against the drew that motion.
should be reconsidered, it would be in order to whole. He regretted the necessity which com- Mr. BELSER rose to a question of order, and move to recommit the bill. He therefore moved pelled him to do this.
contended that the gentleman could not withdraw the previous question on the reconsideration. The SPEAKER rose, and was putting the his motion.
Mr. SCHENCK claimed the floor, and made question on the motion to excuse the gentleman The SPEAKER decided that the motion was some remarks to show that he had a right to it from Ohio, when withdrawn.
before the gentleman from Ohio rose to move the Mr. WHITE called for tellers.
Mr. BELSER appealed from the decision of previous question, Mr. WELLER said, to save the House so the Chair.
Mr. DUNCAN said he had never yielded the much trouble, he would withdraw his motion. The question was then taken on the appeal; | floor to either of the gentlemen, except, for pur
Mr. DOUGLAS also asked to be excused from and resulted in sustaining the decision of the voting, and proposed to state the reasons.
poses of explanation, to his colleague nearest The Chair.
him, (Mr. J. Brinkerhoff;) and his colleague reasons why he asked to be excused from voting The question recurring on the engrossment of were the reverse of those given by the gentleman
was out of order when he moved the previous the bill, from Ohio, who said the Illinois river was in this Mr. McDOWELL moved to be excused from
question. bill; and because it was, he could not vote for it.
The SPEAKER remarked to the gentleman voting on the same, and desired to assign briefly Il from Ohio, that if the reconsideration prevailed
Page 19
great pleasure, if such was his desire, yield the Mr. BRODHEAD asked for the reading of the The resolution being read the third time, and floor to him.
resolutions. Mr. WRIGHT remarked that he would accept
the question being on its passage, The Clerk read them accordingly.
Mr. KING, of New York, moved to lay it on the courtesy of the Senator from Alabama, if it Mr. ADAMS then moved that the resolutions the table. was the disposition of the Senate to hear him. be laid on the table, and be printed.
The motion was rejected. He spoke thus conditionally, in consequence of Mr. C. J. INGERSOLL asked if it would be Mr. PARMENTER, after some remarks in the manifestation just made of unwillingness to in order to amend the motion by moving its refer- opposition to the resolution, moved to postpone proceed with the discussion.
ence to the Committee on Foreign Affairs? its further consideration to this day week. Mr. W. addressed the Senate for two hours, at The SPEAKER said it would not be in order, The motion was rejected. the expiration of which, without having con- the motion to lay on the table having preference Mr. WELLER moved the previous question cluded his remarks, he yielded the floor for the over all others.
on the passage of the resolution; which being purpose of an adjournment being moved.
The question was then taken on laying on the seconded, and the main question ordered, [The report of Mr. Wright's speech is with table and printing, and decided in the affirmative. Mr. PARMENTER called for the yeas and held till it can be presented in full.]
COLT'S SUBMARINE BATTERY.
nays, which were ordered; and being taken, reADJOURNMENT TO MONDAY.
sulted-yeas 102, nays 70.
Mr. McKAY offered the following resolution; So the resolution was adopted. On motion, it was agreed that when the Senate which, by general consent, was considered and Mr. COBB moved a reconsideration of that adjourned it should be to Monday next.
agreed to: The Senate then adjourned.
vote; and on that he called for the previous quesResolved, That the Secretaries of War and Navy be re- tion. quested to communicate to this House the fact whether
Mr. HALE moved a postponement of the conthe combustible agent used by Mr. Colt was a secret before HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. he made the same known at the seat of Government; and
sideration of that motion until to-morrow. whether the mode of its application to harbor defense be The SPEAKER decided that motion to be out Friday, April 19, 1844.
new; and, if new, what objections there are against its of order. On motion of Mr. LYON, it was adoption, if objections do exist.
Mr. HALE then demanded the yeas and nays Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS. to communicate to this House the probable cost per mile Mr. C.JOHNSON hoped it would be the pleas- The SPEAKER put the question on seconding of surveying the township lines, in the copper mining district, on Lake Superior, in tlie State of Michigan, and such
ure of the House to dispose of the documents on the demand for the previous question; and 60 information as he may possess concerning the practicabil- the Speaker's table, of which he understood there voted in the affirmative, and 38 in the negative ity, expediency, and expense of procuring, in connection were several.
no quorum voting. with said survey, sufficient geological information to serve
The SPEAKER then communicated the follow- Mr. WELLER called for tellers, and they were to define with accuracy the limits and to describe the character of said district. ing:
ordered; and Messrs. White and Burke were On motion of Mr. THOMPSON, it was
À letter from the Secretary of War, transmit- appointed; and they reported 73 in the affirmative, ting a report in relation to experiments made by
and 46 in the negative. Resolved, That the Committee on Public Lands be inofficer under the direction of the Department, for
So there was a second. situcted to inquire into the expediency of reporting a bill to confirm certain private entries of land in the northwest- the purpose of testing the strength and utility of The main question was also ordered to be put; ern land district, in the State of Mississippi, named in the cannon manufactured from wrought iron; which | and, on agreeing to the motion, the yeas and nays accompanying papers.
letter and report were referred to the Committee were ordered, and resulted-yeas 12, nays 35. THE AMISTAD CASE. on Naval Affairs.
So the motion to reconsider was negatived. Mr. WHITE called for the orders of the day. || ting a report in relation to the importance of a A letter from the Secretary of War, transmit
NEW POST ROUTE. The resoluuon from the Committee on Manuharbor at Manitowoc, in Wisconsin; which letter
Mr. MURPHY, with unanimous consent, infactures, for the printing of ten thousand extra
and report were referred to the Committee on troduced a resolution; and it was agreed to, as copies of the report of that committee, on the subCommerce.
follows: ject of the tariff, was the first business in order.
NAVY-YARD AT MEMPUIS.
Resolved, That the Committee on the Post Office and "To this resolution, Mr. INGERSOLL, when it was
Post Roads inquire into the expediency of establishing a before the House on a previous day, moved an The bill from the Senate to establish a navy. post route from Brooklyn to Gravesend, in the State of New
York. amendment by the addition of a provision to print yard and depot at or near the city of Memphis, ten thousand xtra copies of the report of the on the Mississippi river, in the State of Tennessee,
IOWA LEGISLATURE. Commit:ee on Foreign Relations, respecting the
was read twice, and referred to the Committee of On motion of Mr. COBB, the vote taken on the Amistad schooner case. the Whole on the State of the Union.
bill giving permission to the Legislature of Iowa Mr. WHITE moved the previous question.
IOWA LFGISLATURE.
to hold an extra session was reconsidered. Mr. WELLER moved to lay the whole sub- The amendments of the Senate to the bill giv- || curred in, and the bill was passed.
The amendments of the Senate were then conject on the table.
Mr. BELSER desired a division of the ques-ing the assent of Congress to the holding of an tion when the House came to vote on the resoextra session of the Legislature of Iowa were read;
WESTERN HARBOR BILL. and, on motion of Mr. COBB, referred to the Comlution.
Mr. DUNCAN called up his motion to reconmittee on Territories. The division was not then in order.
sider the final vote yesterday on the bill making Mr. WHITE asked for the yeas and nays on
PAY OF CLAIMS.
appropriations for the improvement of certain harthe motion to lay on the table, which were or- The amendments of the Senate to the joint res
bors and rivers; and, after a few explanatory obdered; and being taken, resulted-yeas 86, naysolution respecting the application of certain ap- servations, he moved the previous question on that 62; as follows: propriations heretofore made, were read and con
motion. YEAS -- Messrs. Anderson, Atkinson, Benton, James curred in.
The previous question being seconded, and the Black, Blackwell, Bower, Bowlin, Boyd, Jacob Brinker
SAC AND FOX RESERVATIONS.
main question ordered, hoff, William J. Brown, Burke, Burt, Caldwell, Catlin,
Mr. BELSER called for the yeas and nays. Reuben Chapman, Augustus A. Chapinan, Cobb, Cullom, The bill from the Senate to repeal the act entiDana, Daniel, Richard D. Davis, John W. Davis, Dillingtled “An act directing the survey of the northern
The yeas and nays were ordered, ham, Droingoole, Duncan, Dunlap, Elmer, Farle, Ficklin, line of the reservations for the half breeds of the
The main question on the reconsideration was Byram Green, Hale, Haralson, Henley, Herrick, Hoge, lopkins, Hughes, Hungerford, James B. Hunt, Cave Johnson, Sac and Fox tribes of Indians, provided for in the
taken, and resulted-yeas 129, nays 40; as fol
lows: George W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy, Presion King, Kirk- treaty of 3d August, 1834," approved March 3, patrick, Labranche, Leonard, Lucas, Lyon, McCauslen, 1843, was read iwice, and referred to the Com
YEAS–Messrs. Abbott, Adams, Ashe, Baker, Barnard, Maclay, McClelland, McClernard, McConnell, McDowell,
Benton, Bidlack, James' Black, Bowlin, Boyd, Jacob McKay, Murphy, Norris, Payne, Emery D. Potter, Pratt, mittee of the Whole on the State of the Union.
Brinkerhoff, Milton Brown, Jeremiah Brown, Buffington, Rathbun, David S. Reid, Reding, Relfe, Ritter, Roberts,
WILLIAM P. ZANTZINGER.
Cary, Carroll, Catlin, Chilton, Clinch, Cranston, Cross, Robinson, Russell, St. John, Thomas H. Seymour, Simons,
Dana, Darragh, Garrett Davis, Richard D. Davis, Deberry, John T. Smith, Thomas Smith, Steenrod, Stetson, Stiles, On motion of Mr. RAMSEY, the Committee Dellei, Dickey, Douglas, Duncan, Dunlap, Ellis, Elmer, Strong, Taylor, Thompson, Weller, Wentworth, Wheaton, of the Whole was discharged from the further
Farlee, Ficklin, Fish, Florence, Foot, Foster, French, GidWilliams, Woodward, Joseph A. Wright, and Yost-86.
dings, Willis Green, Byram Green, Grinnell
, Grider, HarNAYS–Messrs. Abbot, Adams, Ashe, Baker, Barrinconsideration of the joint resolution for the relief
din, Harper, Herrick, Hoge, Hubbell, Hudson, Hughes, ger, Barnard, Belser, Bidlack, Brengle, Brodhead, Milton
of William P. Zantzinger, and the same was taken Hungerford, Washington Hunt, James B. Hunt, Charles J. Brown, Jeremiah Brown, Buffington, Chilton, Clinch, up in the House, the question being on its en
Ingersoll, Irvin, Jameson, Jenks, Perley B. Johnson, Jobs Clingman, Collamer, Cranston, Darrab, Garrett Davis, De
P. Kennedy, Preston King, Daniel P. King, Kirkpatrick, berry, Dellet, Dickey, Ellis, Foot, French, Giddings, Wilgrossment.
Labranche, Leonard, Lyon, Marsh, Mathews, McCaulsen, Jis Green, Grider, Hardin, Harper, Hudson, Washington
The resolution directs the accounting officers McClelland, McClernand, McDowell, Melivaine, Edward Hunt, Charles J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Jenks, of the Treasury to audit and settle the accounts J. Morris, Joseph Morris, Morse, Moseley, Owen, PatterPerley B. Johnson, Marsh, Mellvaine, Edward J. Morris, of Mr. Zantzinger on principles of justice and
son, Peyton, Phænix, Elisha R. Potter, Emery D. Potter, Morse, Moseley, Patterson, Elisha R. Potter, Ramsey,
equity. Rockwell, Rodney, Rogers, Sample, Schenck, Albert Smith,
Pratt, Preston, Purdy, Ramsey, Rathbun, Charles M. Reed,
Relfe, Ritter, Robinson, Rockwell, Rodney, Rogers, St. Caleb B. Smith, Andrew Stewart, Thomasson, Tilden,
After a discussion, in which Messrs. STEEN- John, Sample, Schenck, Senter, Severance, David L. Sey Tyler, Vance, Vinton, White, Winthrop, and Williani ROD, RAMSEY, SMITH, C. JOHNSON,
mour, Slidell, Albert Smith, Jolin T. Smith, Thomas Smith, Wright-62. HALE, PARMENTER, WHITE and BREN
Caleb B. Smith, Robert Smith, Steenrod, stetson, Andrew So the whole subject was laid on the table. GLE, took part.
Stewart, Stone, Suong, Summers, Thomasson, Tibbatts,
, , , , WentA message was received from the Senate, ac- Mr. WELLER moved the previous question; Worth, Wethered, wheaton, white, Winthrop, William companied by various bills which had been passed which being seconded, and the main question
Wright, and Yost—129. by that body. ordered,
NĂY'S-Messrs. Atkinson, Barringer, Belser, Blackwell
, Mr. HALE called for the yeas and nays; but
Burke, Reuben Chapman, Augustus A. Chapman, Cobb, ANNEXATION OF TEXAS.
Coles, Cullom, Daniel, John W. Davis, Dillingham, Dromthey were not ordered. Mr. ADAMS, by leave of the House, pre
goole, Hale, Haralson,'Holmes, Hopkins, Houston, Hubard, The main question, being on the engrossment
Cave Johnson, Lewis, Lucas, Maclay, McConnell,
Mcsented a series of resolutions of the Legislature of the resolution, was taken, and resulted in its
Kay, Newton, Norris, 'Parmenter, Payne, David S. Reid, of Massachusetts against theannexation of Texas. Il being decided in the affirmativo.
Reding, Thorns H. Seymour, Spence, John
Stewart, Tay. lor, Thompson, Williams, and Woodward_40.
Page 20
purporting to be numerously signed by owners of Stiles, Stone, Taylor, Thompson, Wheaton, Williams, had heretofore been preferred by citizens of the United vessels and steamboats on the lakes, setting forth Woodward, Joseph A. Wright, and Yost-73.
States on the Government of Denmark, did, in its execu
NAYS_Messrs. Abbot, Adarns, Ashe, Baker, Barnard, tion, embrace the claim to indemnity for the aforesaid the want of a harbor on the west side of Lake
Benton, Bower, Bowlin, Brengle, Jacob' Brinkerhoff, Mil- prizes sent by Commodore John Paul Jones into Bergen; Michigan, and asking for an appropriation for ton Brown, Buffington, Cary, Carroll, Chilton, Clinch, || and, if not so included, are the claimants to those prizes the construction of one at Sheboygan; which was Clinton, Collamer, Cranston, Dana, Darragh, Garreu Davis, excluded by the terms of that treaty from further claim on
the Government of Denmark. Richard D. Davis, Dellet, Dickey, Douglas, Ellis, Elmer,
referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Fish, Florence, Foot, Foster, French, Gíddings, WillisTIIE TARIFF. Green, Byram Green, Grinnell, Hardin, Harper, Henley, REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES. Hoge, Hubbell, Hudson, Washington Hunt, James B. Hunt,
Mr. MCKAY rose, and stated that he would Mr. BATES, from the Committee on Pensions, Charles J. Ingersoll, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Jenks, Cave
now make the motion of which he some days Johnson, Perley B. Johnson, Andrew Kennedy, John P. reported back, without amendment, and with a
Kennedy, Daniel P. King, Preston King, Labranche, Leon- since gave notice that the House resclve itself recommendation that it do pass, bill from the
ard, Lyon, Marshi, Mathews, McCauslen, McClelland, Mc- into the Committee of the Whole on the state of House supplementary to the act for the relief of Dowell, Mcllvaine, Joseph Morris, Morse, Moseley, Nes,
the Union, for the purpose of taking up the tariff Elizabeth Gresham. Owen, Pettit, Peyton, Phenix, Elisha R. Potter, Emnery D.
bill; but first, that there might be a full attendPotter, Pratt, Preston, Purdy, Charles M. Reed, Relfe, RobHe also, from the same committee, made an ad
inson, Rockwell, Rodney, Rogers, St. John, Sample, ance, he would move a call of the House. verse report on the petition of William J. Moody;
Schenck, Senter, Severance, David L. Seymour, Alberi which was ordered to lie upon the table, and be
The SPEAKER put the question; and the Smith, Thomas Smith, Caleb B. Smith, Spence, Steenrod,
motion was agreed to. Stephens, Andrew Stewart, Strong, Summers, Thomasson, printed. On motion of Mr. BATES, the Committee on Tibbatts, Tilden, Tyler, Vance, Vanmeter, Vinton, Weller, The roll being called, one hundred and eighty
nine members answered to their names. Wentworth, Wethered, White, Winthrop, and William Pensions was discharged from the further con
Wriglit-111. sideration of the petition in behalf of Mrs. Green;
The names of the absentees being called, six
GEORGIA MILITIA. and it was referred to the Committee on Naval
others answered, making in all one hundred and
Mr. CLINCH, on leave, introduced a bill Affairs.
Excuses were ninety-five members present.
made for those who were absent, individually; provide for the settlement of the claims of the State BILL INTRODUCED.
of Georgia, for the service of four companies of and the call being ended, Mr. EVANS, on leave, introduced a bill grant. || her militia in the years 1841 and 1842; which was
Mr. McKAY renewed his motion, that the ing a pension to James Duffey; which was read read a first and second time, and committed to the
House resolve itself into the Committee of the twice, and referred to the Committee on Naval || Committee of Claims.
Whole on the state of the Union, for the purpose Affairs.
of taking up the tariff bill; and on this motion EASTERN HARBORS AND RIVERS. NOTICE OF A BILL.
he asked for the yeas
and
nays. Mr. WOODBRIDGE gave notice that he would, House had just disposed of the western harbors
Mr. BARNARD rose, and remarked that the The yeas and nays were ordered; and being
taken, resulted-yeas 104, nays 94; as follows: on to-morrow,
ask leave to introduce a bill for || and rivers bill, and there was another bill relating the better protection of the commerce on the lakes.
YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Atkinson, Belser, Benton, to eastern rivers and harbors, which stood on the James A. Black, Blackwell, Bower, Bowlin, Boyd, Jacob TREATY WITII TEXAS. question of its passage. He would inquire if it Brinkerhoff, William J. Brown, Burke, Búrt, Caldwell,
Catlin, Reuben Chapman, Augustus A. Chapman, Chapwas in order to move to take up that bill now for Mr. ARCHER remarked that he understood
pell, Clinton, Cobb, Coles, Cross, Cullom, Dana, Daniel, that an important executive communication had the purpose of disposing of it?
John W. Davis, Douglas, Dromgoole, Duncan, Dunlap, Elbeen received; he therefore moved that the Sen
The SPEAKER replied that it was not in order. mer, Ficklin, French, Byram Green, Hale, Hammett, Harate proceed to the consideration of executive busi
Mr. BARNARD then moved a suspension of alson, Henley, Herrick, Holmes, Hoge, Hopkins, Houston,
Hubard, Hubbell, Hughes, Hungerford, James B. Hunt, the rules, for the purpose of moving to take up ness, with a view of having that communication
Jameson, Cave Johnson, Andrew Johnson, George W. referred and ordered to be printed; the Senate to that bill.
Jones, Andrew Kennedy, Preston King, Labranche, Leonresume legislative business in time to enable the
The SPEAKER replied that it would require a | ard, Lewis, Lucas, Lyon, Maclay, Mathews, McCauslen, honorable Senator from New York (Mr. WRIGHT) vote of two thirds.
McClelland, McClernand, McConnell, McDowell, McKay,
Joseph Morris, Murphy, Norris, Owen, Payne, Pettit, Em
Mr. BARNARD replied that the other bill had to finish his remarks on the subject of the tariff.
ery D. Potter, Praut, Purdy, Rathbun, David S. Reid, RedThe motion was agreed to. The galleries were been taken up by a vote of two thirds; and he
ing, Relfe, Rhett, Roberts, Robinson, St. John, Thomas H. ordered to be cleared, and the doors of the Senate hoped this would be taken up in the same way, Seymour, Simons, Simpson, Slidell, Thomas Smith, Rob
Mr. DROMGOOLE called for the yeas and
ert Smith, Steenrod, Stetson, John Stewart, Stiles, Stone, were closed.
Strong, Taylor, Thompson, Tibbatts, Weller, Wentworth, When the doors were reopened, the Senate nays on the motion of the gentleman from New
Wheaton, Woodward, and Joseph A. Wrighi-104. adjourned.
York, and they were ordered; and resulted-yeas NAYS—Messrs. Abbott, Adams, Ashe, Baker, Barringer, 105, nays 88; as follows:
Barnard, Bidlack, James Black, Brengle, Brodbead, Mil.
ton Brown, Jeremiah Brown, Buffington, Cary, Carroll, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
YEAS—Messrs. Abbot, Adams, Ashe, Baker, Barringer, Causin, Chilton, Clinch, Clingman, Collamer, Cranston,
Barnard, Bidlack, Brengle, Brodhead, Milton Brown, Jere- Darragh, Garrett Davis, Richard D. Davis, Deberry, Dellel, Monday, April 22, 1844.
miah Brown, Buffington, Jeremiah E. Cary, Carroll, Cat- Dickey, Dickinson, Ellis, Farllce, Fish, Florence, Foot, Jin, Causin, Chilton, Clinch, Clingman, Collamer, Crans
Foster, Giddings, Willis Green, Grinnelí, Grider, Hardin, The Journal having been read, ton, Dana, Darragh, Garrett Davis, Dellett, Dickey, Dunlap,
Harper, Hays, Hudson, Washington Hunt, Charles J. IngerThe SPEAKER stated that the first business Ellis, Elmer, Farlee, Fish, Florence, Foot, Giddings, Willis
soll, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Jenks, Perley B. Johnson, in order was the motion to reconsider the vote on
Green, Byram Green, Grinnell, Grider, Hardin, Harper, John P. Kennedy, Daniel P. King, Marsh, Mcllvaine, Ed- Hays, Hubbell, Hudson, Washington Hunt, Charles J. In-
ward J. Morris, Morse, Moseley, Nes, Newton, Parmenter, passing the bill making appropriations for the im- | gersoll, Joseph R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Jenks, Perley B. John- Patterson, Peyton, Phenix, Elisha R. Potter, Preston, Ran.provement of certain western harbors and rivers. John P. Kennedy, Preston King, Daniel P. King, Charles M. Reed, Ritier, Rockwell, Rodney, Rogers, Mr. HOUSTON asked the general consent of Marsh, McClelland, Mclllvaine, Edward J. Morris, Morse,
Russell, Sample, Schenck, Senter, Severance, David L. the House to take up the amendment of the SenMoseley, Murphy, Newton, Patterson, Peyton, Phenix,
Seymour, Albert Smith, John T. Smith, Caleb' B. Smith, Elish R. Poner, Emery D. Potter, Pratt, Preston, Purdy, ate to the bill giving the assent of Congress to the
Spence, Stephens, Andrew Stewart, Summers, ThomasRamsey, Charles M. Reed, Ritter, Robinson, Rockwell,
son, Tilden, Tyler, Vance, Vanmeter, Vinton, Wethered, holding of an extra session of the Legislature of Rodney, Rogers, St. John, Sample, Schenck, Senter, Sev
White, Williams, Winthrop, William Wright, and Yost the Territory of Iowa. eranc, David L. Seymour, Simons, Albert Smith, Caleb
94. B. Smith, Spence, Stepheus, Stetson, Andrew Stewart, Mr. STEENROD and others called for the Stiles, Strong, Summers, Thomasson, Tibbatts, Tilden,
So the rules were suspended, and the House orders of the day.
Tyler, Vance, Vanmeter, Vinton, Weller, Wethered, resolved itself into the Commitiee of the Whole, Mr. CLINCH asked the general consent of the
Wheaton, White, Winthrop, William Wright, and Yost- (Mr. Hopkins in the chair.)
105. House to introduce a bill to provide for the pay NAYS-Messrs. Anderson, Atkinson, Belser, Benton,
Mr. McKAY then moved that the committee of four companies of Georgia militia, who served James Black, James A. Black, Blackwell, Bower, Bowlin, take up bill (No. 213) entitled "A bill to modify in the Indian wars.
Boyd, William J. Brown, Burke, Burt, Caldwell, Keuben and amend the act entitled 'An act to provide Objections being made, Chapman, Augustus A. Chapman, Chappell, Clinton, Cobb,
revenue from imports, and to change and modify Mr. COBB moved to suspend the rules.
Coles, Cross, Cullom, Daniel, Richard D. Davis, Jobn W.
Davis, Deberry, Dickinson, Bromgoole, Duncan, Ficklin, l existing laws imposing duties on imports, and The SPEAKER said the motion was not in Foster, French, Hale, Hammett, Haralson, Henley,Holmes,
for other purposes,'
approved August 30, 1842. order, and again stated the question before the
Hoge, Hopkins, Houston, Hubard, Hughes, Hungerford, This motion being carried without a division, House.
James B. Hunt, Cave Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Goerge W. Jones, Andrew Kennedy, Kirkpatrick, Labranche,
the bill was taken up and read through. Mr. BRINKERHOFF moved the previous Leonard, Lewis, Lucas, Lyon, Maclay, Mathews, McCaus
The Clerk again read the first clause. question; which was seconded-ayes 85, noes 48.
len, McClernand, McConnell, McDowell, McKay, Joseph Mr. C. J. INGERSOLL moved to strike out, Mr. BARNARD asked if it was in order to
Morris, Nes, Norris, Owens, Payne, Pettit, Rathbun, David in the third line, the word “ September," and inmove to postpone the question? S. Ried, Reding, Rhett, Roberts, Russell, Thomas II. Sey
sert “January;" and in the fourth line, strike mour, Simpson, Slidell, John T. Smith, Thomas Smith, The SPEAKER said that it was not. Robert Smith, Steenrod, John Stewart, Stone, Taylor,
out the word " four," and insert the word “five.” The question on now putting the main question Thompson, Wentworth, Williams, Woodward, and Joseph | This clause, as reported, proposes that the bill was taken, and decided in the affirmative. A. Wright—88.
shall take effect from and after the first SeptemMr. DICKINSON called for the yeas and nays;
So the rules were not suspended.
ber next; and the amendment proposes to fix the which being ordered, the question was taken, and
CLAIMS ON DENMARK.
1st January, 1845. He said this alteration was decided in the negative-yeas 73, nays 111; as
necessary, that persons engaged in commercial follows:
Mr. NEWTON submitted the following reso- pursuits might have proper notice of such a great YEAS-Messrs. Anderson, Atkinson, Barringer, Belser, lution; and it was agreed to:
change as this bill proposes to make. Bidlack, James Black, James A. Black, Blackwell, Boyd, Resolved, That the President of the United States be re- Mr. OWEN proposed, at the outset of the deBrodhead, Burke, Burt, Caldwell, Catlín, Causin, Reuben quested to inform this House what measures, if any, are bate on this important subject-for all would adChapman, Augustus A. Chapınan, Chappell, Clingman, now in progress to obtain from the Government of Den
mit that it was an important subject—to speak to Cobb, Cullom, Daniel, John W. Davis, Deberry, Dickin- mark indemnity for three ships and their cargoes, sent by son, Dromgoole, Farlee, Grider, Hale, Hammett, Maralson, Commodore John Paul Jones, in the year 1799, as prizes
the general principles of the bill, rather than to Herrick, Holmes, Hopkins, Houston, Hubard, Huglies, into Bergen, and there surrendered by order of the Danish the amendment, by which a change was proposed George W. Jones, Kirkpatrick, Lewis, Lucas, Maclay, King to ihe British minister, in obedience to the demand in the period for the commencement of its operaMcClernand, McConnell, McKay, Edward J. Morris, Nor- of that minister; whether the treaty concluded between
tion. ris, Parmenter, Payne, Rathbun, David S. Reid, Reding, our Government and Denmark in 1830, in pursuance of Rheut, Ritter, Roberts, Russell, Thomas S. Seymour, si- which $650,000 was paid by Denmark to the Government
The CHAIRMAN interposed, and remarked mons, Simpson, John T. Smith, Stetson, John Stewart, of the United States, in satisfaction of all claims which that the parliamentary rule would confine the
Page 21
Also, the petition of Sally Hart, for a pension.
Mr. PEARCE suggested an amendment to the pay of the marines; and the loss, therefore, was Also, the petition of Hannah J. Read, praying Congress
second section. After the word “clerk,” in the the same as that of seamen. The rate of comto allow pensions to all widows who were married prior to
sixteenth line, to insert " $200 to a chief engineer, January 1, 1800.
pensation for seamen was $12 per month, or $144 By Mr. WETHERED: A petition from Warren, Balti- and $150 to a second engineer."
a year; ordinary seamen $10 per month, or $120 more county, Maryland, representing that the present tariff Mr. ATCHISON inquired what compensation a year; landsmen $9 per month, or $108 a year. has revived trade in all its branches, and consequently given was provided by law for the engineers
He believed the marine got $7 a month, or $84 a employment to many of the petitioners who were without
Mr. PEARCE stated that the compensation of employment before its passage; they therefore pray Con
year; but the Government allowed him $33 a year gress to abstain from all legislation on the subject.
a chief engineer was $1,500 a year, and that of a for his clothing, which made $117; so that any By Mr. HERRICK : The petition of Samuel H. Gould, second engineer $900 a year.
loss sustained by him was, in point of fact, the for the passage of an act authorizing the Treasurer of the
Mr. CHOATE had intimated the other day United States to refund to him money paid for land which was afterwards sold to another individual.
that the maximum fixed by this bill for the com- Mr. CHOATE said that when the amendment By Mr. PURDY: The petition of some three hundred | pensation of petty officers and common seamen came to be considered, he would withdraw that inhabitants of Broome county, New York, for a reduction was too low. He then expressed the hope that portion which proposed to strike out marines. of postage. By Mr. RAMSEY: The petition of Jacob H. Laafar, H.
the chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs Mr. BAYARD observed that the question of B. Sidell, and seventy-two others, citizens of Berks coun- would enlarge it. As this was not done, he should the rate of compensation was one of judgment ty, Pennsylvania, protesting against any interference with offer an amendment. Strike out, in the eighteenth altogether. It was not a thing to be reasoned the tariff of 1842.
line of the second section, the words “ twenty- upon à priori. Whether we referred to the ex
five dollars to any petty officer, sergeant, or cor- perience of the British Government upon this IN SENATE.
poral of marines," and insert" sixty dollars." In subject, or to the opinion of our own officers, he
the nineteenth line, strike out the words “twenty Tuesday, April 23, 1844.
thought that the scale of compensation fixed upon dollars," and insert “ fifty dollars” to a seaman by the committee was the proper scale. The Mr.JOHNSON presented the memorial of Balie or marine; and, in the same line, strike out the scale he found (the Board of Admiralty in Eng. Peyton, United States district attorney for the || word “ marine."
land) was lower than that proposed in this bill. eastern district of Louisiana, praying that pro- Mr. ALLEN desired to suggest that the con. (Here Mr. B. wentinto a detail of the compensation vision may be make by law for the safe custody | sideration of these amendments should be delayed allowed by the Board of Admiralty.) of insane persons charged with the commission until the sense of the Senate should be tested in Mr. TÁPPAN thought that the proposition of of criminal offenses against the United States; ) regard to the policy of such a provision at all; the Senator from Massachusetts went rather too which was referred to the Judiciary Committee. because he should move to strike out the whole far. Instead of accepting his proposition, he Mr. HUNTINGTON presented a memorial of the second section. When the bill was under
would propose the sum of $35 to petty officers, from W. E. Robinson, a naturalized citizen of consideration before the Senate some time ago, and $30 to seamen and marines. the United States, a native of Ireland, now resid- | he made some observations against this section Mr. CHOAT'E had made the motion with a ing at New Haven, Connecticut, praying the of the bill, as introducing a bad policy into the view to indemnify, in an adequate manner, men passage of a law protecting naturalized citizens | naval service. He should not go into an argu- who had behaved extremely well in a moment of against the claims which may be set up by for. ment upon the subject now, because he did not tremendous peril, and who had ample means of eign Governments in time of war to their perpet- think it would be proper, unless the Senator from saving their effects by abandoning ihe ship. It ual allegiance; which was referred to the Com
Massachusetts (Mr. Choate) should withdraw was not an application on their part for relief, mittee on the Judiciary.
his amendment, so that the sense of the Senate Mr.CRITTENDEŃ presented two memorials || might be tested upon the principles of the second
but an application for indemnity and for justice.
If his amendment should fail, and the amendment from Bucks and Lebanon counties, Pennsylvania, || section of this bill. Before that was done, and of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. Tappan) be agreed remonstrating against any alteration in the present the sense of the Senate taken, the amendments to, he should feel constrained to vote against the tariff; which were referred to the Committee on would be lost.
bill. Finance. Mr. BUCHANAN presented a memorial from
Mr. CHOATE supposed that if the motion of Mr. WOODBURY remarked that the grada
the Senator from Ohio (Mr. ALLEN) to strike out tions of compensation for losses in England were the religious society of Friends, in Pennsylvania, || the second section should fail, it would then be in New Jersey, and Delaware, strongly praying order to consider his amendment.
made according to the standard of the rank and
pay of the claimants, and not in reference to their against the annexation of Texas; which was re- The PRESIDENT suggested that the proper actual losses. He conceived the object ought to ferred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. course would be first to perfect the section pro- be to come as near as possible to the actual losses; REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES.
posed to be amended, and then for the Senator and that the only way of doing this in the presMr. HUNTINGTON, from the Committee on
from Ohio (Mr. ALLEN] to submit his motion to ent case was to iake the evidence of the officer, Commerce, reported back, without amendment, strike out the section.
who had written the letter read by the Senator and with a recommendation that it do pass, the
Mr. ALLEN acquiesced in this course. from Massachusetts. He approved of the amendjoint resolution from the House in relation to cer
Mr. CHOATE said that the effect of the amend- ments founded upon that oficer's representations,
ment would be to raise the maximum compensalain property purchased for the use of the United
and would vote for them. States in the port of Bath, in the State of Maine;
tion of petty officers from twenty-five to sixty Mr. BAYARD proceeded to comment upon the and, on motion of Mr. H., the previous orders of dollars; and in the case of seamen, from twenty arguments in detail, observing that, as the hour the day were postponed, and the resolution was
to fifty dollars. The clothing of the marines was for the special order had arrived, he did not wish taken up as in Committee of the Whole, consid
furnished by the Government, and therefore could to interfere with the right of the Senator from ered, reported to the Senate, read the third time,
not be a loss to them. He would not detain the New York (Mr. WRIGHT) to proceed with his and passed.
Senate with any extended remarks. He was con- argument upon the tariff question. He would On motion of Mr. MILLER, the Committee on
vinced that the maximum fixed in the bill would, therefore move to postpone the further considerathe District of Columbia was discharged from the
in many instances, fail to indemnify the losers. tion of this bill till to-morrow. further consideration of the memorial of the offi. It was apparent to the Senate that, if this bill
THE TARIFF. cers of the several volunteer companies of Wash | passed, the Department could never exceed the ington city and Georgetown, praying to be created
maximum. It was evident that the amounts would, The resolution of the Finance Committee, to inio a separate corps; and it was referred to the
in most cases, prove inadequate to indemnify the postpone indefinitely the bill introduced by Mr. Commitiee on the Militia.
losers. Instead of making any argument in favor || McDuffie for the reduction of duties to the stand
of these men, he would read a passage from a ard of the compromise act, was then taken up as PRIVATE CLAIMS.
letter of an officer of the Missouri, (De Selle,) the unfinished business of Friday. Several adverse reports of the standing commit- || which described their conduct, under the very Mr. WRIGHT concluded his speech in oppo. tees on private claims were taken up, and con- | trying circumstar.ces in which they were placed. sition to the prohibitory system as contradistincurred in by the Senate.
[The letter stated, in substance, that these men guished from a revenue stai dard of duties, affordWESTERN HARBORS BILL.
remained on board the ship, in imminent peril, ing incidental protection. Mr. W. spoke for two The bill from the House making appropriations until ordered by the captain to abandon her. hours, during which he illustrated his remarks by for the improvement of certain harbors and rivers
Their conduct received highest commendation ample statistical references in proof of his position, in the West was taken up, read twice, and referred
at Gibraltar, and deserved special commendation that no system of protection can be dutiable and to the Committee on Commerce.
from their countrymen, and he hoped they would effective of the object sought, that is based upon
evince it by cheerfully supplying their losses. the principle of prohibition. INDEMNITY TO NAVAL OFFICERS, ETC.
The letter then went into a detailed scale of these Mr. DAYTON expressed a desire to address The Senate resumed the consideration of the losses.)
the Senate on the subject; but the hour being too bill supplementary to the act entitled " An act This bill provided a measure for their special far advanced to proceed to-day, he hoped the ques. regulating the pay of the Navy of the United | relief; but, in proposing to indemnify them, it was tion would be postponed until to-morrow. States."
certain it did not carry that object into execution. The subject was accordingly postponed. The bill provides indemnity to the officers, sea- Mr. BAYARD thought $50 for petty officers men, and marines, who have lost, or may lose, I would be sufficient. The amendment of the Sen
POSTAGE-FRANKING PRIVILEGE. property by the wreck of United Siates vessels of ator from Massachusetts gave them $60. Before On motion of Mr. MERRICK, the bill to re
saying anything upon the merits of the bill, there duce the rates of postage, to limit the use, and Mr. BAYARD said that, before proceeding any was one part of the amendment offered by the correct the abuse of the franking privilege, and further in this matter, he would move to strike | Senator from Massachusetts which he observed for the prevention of frauds on the revenue of the out the word " sailing,"before" masters,” in the was founded upon a misapprehension. He [Mr. Post Office Department, was taken up, as printed fourteenth line of the second section. The term Choate) proposed to strike out “marines,' and with the amendments heretofore adopted. " sailing masters" was now obsolete. It had been made that motion under the assumption that the Mr. MERRICK remarked that although, gen. changed for two or three years; and the same marine could lose nothing, because his clothing | erally speaking, the bill as amended was printed officers were now known in the naval service as I was found by the Government. But the Senator with great accuracy, there were some few errors masters.
forgot that these clothes were deducted from the to be corrected, and some changes in phraseology
Page 22
eight, beef from five to seven-almost all articles of But what is more unjust than the duty of eight || reply that precedes his correspondent's publicaabsolute necessity that we have to buy, is selling at cents per bushel of fifty-six pounds of salt in the tion: twice their cost in the countries where they are tariff bill of 1842? And even at this price, the "Salt.-Of all the wrongs of the protective policy, there produced. Mark the expression; I say in the manner in which it is laid is not fully understood. are none greater than those exercised towards sali. Salt countries where they are produced. Under this I give you the following case, to 'illustrate the is an article of as universal necessity as fuel, and almost
as much as water or air. God knew this would be the act, the price of our iron, pins, cotton goods, and operation of this duty on salt as it is in the tariff
case, and He made it as plenty as it would be necessary. even our plowshares and sugar that we purchase, || bill of 1842:
Heavy rock salt is created without labor in the West Inis more than double their prices in the places of
dies. “ The following are the facts exhibited by a cargo of
A glowing sun forms it in the salt lakes, and along production. And will any one tell us of ihe West Ivica salt just imported and sold.
the streams which flow from the salt springs, in exhaustthat we are receiving double the cost of producing “ The cargo consisted of four thousand six hundred and
less quantities. The poor people of these places have noth
ing else to exchange for provisions and other necessaries our beef, pork, flour, corn, &c.! When men will forty-one measured bushels of fine Ivica salt, which cost
of life; and they are glad to bring the salt, and deliver it talk about raising the price of beef, pork, flour,
on board, commissions and all charges included, five and
a balf cents per bushel.
on board our vessels, at a very inoderate compensation for and corn, then they may talk about farmers being “ The custom-house measurers made of it six thousand
the labor alone; and in payment, they ask only for provis
ions. Here is a business altogether of American industry, protected. But with the present prices of these nine hundred and sixty-two bushels of fifty-six pounds ; articles, while at the same time woolen and cotduty eight cents per filliy-six pounds, or twelve cents per
Our farmers raise the produce; our small vessels carry it
out, and return with cargoes of salt. This salt, made at bushel measure, and one hundred and iwenty per cent. on ton goods, iron, salt, and sugar, are sold at whole
God's manufaciory, is the best in the world. Men cannot, sale for near twice their cost in the countries of “ This cargo of salt sold at twenty-two cents a bushel,
or, at most, have not, equaled it. It is of indispensable their production, it comes with a bad grace from leaving four and a half cents freiglit. But for the duty, it
necessity in preserving the quantities of provisions in our
country, as bountiful as the supply of sali at Anguilla. them to talk of protection to farmers. In fact, would have paid the same freight if sold al ten cents per
Why not get our supplies at God's manufactory, and accept bushel." the language is grossly insulting to their intel
the boon he offers to us? It is too good and too cheap, ligence, in addition to the wrong done their in- Now, it will be seen in this case, and this fully
say our political economists; and so they get a kettle; and
go to salt making, and call this protecting American indusdustry.
illustrates the whole system, that without this try. Such declarations are but adding insult to injury. No one thing has helped us of the West so duty this same salt could be sold at ten cents per The salt duty is an enormous wrong to the great West; much as the liberal movement in England. But | bushel, with the same profit to the importer. The
and we hope the intelligent yeomanry, who are so unreafor the change of the tariff abroad, I do not believe bill before us proposes to fix the duty at twenty
sonably oppressed by it, will throw it off with the indigna
Lion which it merits. We give below a well written article, that we of the West would have realized more per cent. ad valorem. This duty of twenty per by a gentleman practically acquainted with all its details: than two thirds what we have in the last two years cent, on this same salt, taking its rates at our *** DUTY ON SALT.- Messrs. Editors: Amongst the articles for our staple articles. But for these markeis the ports, would be two cents per bushel. Then you
on which our Representatives in the last Congress thought agriculture of the country would have been in a have the salt sold at twelve cents per bushel,
proper to levy a beavy las, is that of salt, but for what
special purpose I am not aware. far worse situation than it now is, and at this very which, under the operation of the present tariff ** The nominal duty on salt is eight cents per bushel, but time it is the most depressed, as it is by far the || act, has to bring twenty-two cents per bushel. the real duty paid on any foreign coarse salt far exceeds greatest interest of the country.
This duty of eight cents per bushel of fifty-six || Luis; as filliy-six pounds is der med and taken to be a busliel,
while the salt really weighs from seventy to ninety pounds The benefits of foreign trade are beginning to 1 pounds, is a higher duty than we have ever had to the measured bushel, by which it is invariably bought be known to hundreds of my own districi by actual on this article, considering the price of the article and sold. The cost of the heaviest and best article of forexperience, who have taken their cargoes of beef, || the time the other duties had all been laid, as com- eign salt, at the place where obtained, does not exceed ten pork, corn, four, and other productions of their pared with the present price of salt. This duty | Thus, instead of paying eight cents, it really pays fourteen
cents per measured busbel, and is often bought for less. farms, to the great southern market; who have is more than one hundred per cent. on the average cents, or nearly one hundred and fifty per ceni.; and the rowed their own hoosier boat alongside of the ship, || kind of salt imported into this country. On the lightest and poorest article, supposing it to cost the saine brig, or schooner from abroad, and have emptied || alum salt, without which salted provisions cannot
price abroad as the best, pays at least one hundred per cent. their loads into these vessels, to be transported to be cured for long keeping or for exportation, this
“ It is estimated that not less than fifteen million hogs
were slaughtered in the United States in 1843. Of this nuinsome of the islands of the ocean, or to the shores | duty is outrageous and oppressive, and is felt more ber probably twelve inillion were salted-requiring, on an of the Old World; and though they have received severely by the western agriculturists than by any average, hali a bushel of salt-making an aggregate of six but low prices, comparatively speaking, yet they other portion of the country, from the heavy pork million bushels. of the quantity of beef slaughtered for will tell the advocate for a high protective tariff', that || packer to the citizen who only uses the ordinary
packing in the same year, it may be safely assumed that at
least two million bushels were used for curing beel; strikes at this competition in the market by the quantity for family purposes, stock, &c. The making the total quantity of salt used for curing beer and foreigner: you cut off the sales of your produc- || price of the sun-made salt has been declining so pork, in one year, eight million busbels. In this city, (New tions among us, or tax you too largely to get into | rapidly for a number of years past, that it is not
York,) during the last three years, there have been inspected the market, and we will suffer to the same extent
and repacked with foreign salı, over five hundred thousand at all improbable that, in a short time the cost of
barrels of beef and pork; and it is fair to estimate that there in the sales of our agricultural productions; and it will be nothing more than the labor of gather- have come to this city, during the saine period, at least from the day laborer on the farm to the heaviest | ing it up, after it is made by the rays of the sun. eighty thousand barrels of beef and pork inspected in the agriculturise in the West, all would feel the effect The people of the West Indies, and all the coun
river counties of this State, and packed with ihe same kind of such a policy:
tries of that latitude, and even including the pop- “ * Provisions packed with ordinary domestic salt suffer a The plain, industrious citizen in his field, as ulation of the whole of the Mediterranean coasts, depreciation in value not only in foreign but in our own well as ihe political economist in his study, knows would be glad to exchange this arlicle of life for markets. Is it not astonishing, then, that inen can be found this simple truth: that the nation that buys is the immense surplus provisions of the West. Re
who will advocate a policy so directly injurious to one of nation that sells.
the most important branches of the industry of the country, move the heavy duty from this article of universal
and in fact to all interests ? Will any man tell us that we can have a home necessity, and it will enter into the western con- "We have often endeavored to show that the great and market for our immense productions? It is idle | sumption from the lakes to the Gulf of Mexico; il gond Being who creates all things, and with them all the for us of the West to expect one sufficient to con- and, by the competition, bring the price of the
laws which should govern them, had diversified the products
of the earth so as to make the highest amount of human sume our surplus products. The great and fertile Kana wha and other salts down to a just compar- enjoyment to depend on universal trade ; that He had done valley of the Mississippi alone can nearly feedative value. Comparing the cost of its produc- this for the purpose of creating and perpetuating the free with her agricultural products, and clothe with tion with the greai articles of prime necessity
intercourse of his creatures; that, for the regulation of her cotton, the civilized world. What are we now, wheat, corn, pork, and the like--we of the West
this intercourse, He had established a code of laws, shaped, and what will we be in the future? Look at the
like all his other laws, to promote the highest happiness of recollect something of the game played at the his whole family; and that it is therefore not only bad polterritory of the North west, that in the next fifty | Kanawha salt works some years ago, when a few icy, but rebellion against God, to resist these laws. He years will bring five new States into this Union- gentlemen of wealth (monopolists) were allowed has made air: is it not a crime for one portion of men to ihe whole essentially an agricultural region, and to purchase out other small capitalists, who were
combine and prevent another portion from breathing it!
He has made water: have we not all a right to drink it? will, to a great extent, be settled by an agricul- engaged in making salt, and actually did cover He has made fuel : and who shall prevent is from being tural people. Already is Iowa Territory throw. over some of these wells, and refused to run them, warm, and call it good policy? He has made salt : and ing her ihousands of barrels of four, beef, and knowing that they could make more by running
when men combine to preveni their fellow-men from going pork, annually into the New Orleans market; fewer wells, having the monopoly in their own
to God's depositories for supplies, they rebel against God,
as well as wrong their fellow-men. It is with sentiments daily is seen the humble citizen of the East, with hands; and thousands of us in the West had the such as these-not in irreverence, but in gratitude-that his family, and those of the Old World, wending extreme pleasure of paying from one dollar to a we speak of God's manufactory. When you see vats buill, their way into the bosom of the West, to culti- dollar and a half per bushel for this necessary of
and kettles boiling, and producing an imperfect result, vate the soil, to till the earth, to raise the neces
whose manufactory is thai? When you see the salt spring life. Gentlemen made fortunes. “Protection"
bursting from the side of the hill, and flowing along to the saries of life, to transport the surplus, to cause by such a tariff law as this, is a question that valley, while the clear and burning sun evaporates the the “ wilderness to blossom as the rose," and to comes home to every man in the West. Are you water, and leaves rock salt in massy deposits all along its render the once uninhabited forest vocal with the willing to give one hundred per cent. to this in
course, of a quality which no art can equal, whose manupraises of the living God. Now, all that he asks
factory is that? This is our Father's manufactory, and all terest in this country, and thereby deprive your- his children are invited by him to go to it for supplies. It is, that his Government of equal laws will not selves, to the same extent, of selling something is daring impiety to interrupt those who come. If it is imattempt, by restriction, (other ihan are absolutely || abroad! Will any name, however beautiful ii piety to recognize the goodness of God in his wide pronecessary for its support, economically adminis- may be, whether called " American system,”' pro
vision for our wants, then we bave been guilty of impiety."" tered,) to prevent him from exchanging his arti- tecting American industry, or anything else, induce It has been runored and I do not know but cles for the productions of other nations and lat- you to say that this duty of one hundred per cent. I what it is entitled to be called something stronger itudes, that he may consider necessary for his is right or will you say, with me, thai twenty than mere rumor—that if this bill passes, and comfort, peace, and happiness. Our farmers want, per cent. is ample, as the tax that should be im- || becomes the law of the land, a large number of and must have, not only this Union, but the whole posed upon this article, a proper and legitimate | manufacturing establishinents will instantly cease world for a market. If this is not so, then we revenue duty? And I cannot here omit to use the operations; and by that means hundreds, perhaps should tear in pieces our treaties of commerce, remarks of a gentleman who is well acquainted thousands, of hands be turned out of employment, recall our ministers and consuls, abolish our ex- with this subject the conductor of one of the notwithstanding numbers of them are now dividpensive Navy, created to proteci our trade, pass leading papers of the day. His first remarks | ing from ten to twenty per cent. profit. embargo laws, and thus draw ourselves in from precede ihe publication of a correspondent who Sir, for what is this rumor set afloat? Is it the rest of the world, and cease to have any fur- | had some acquaintance with this subject: and, | true?" Are we to witness such a movement by ther connection with the great family of nations. when taken to task for his language, made the Il a combination of capitalists at this junction? And
Page 23
tion than that of making the number of stamps The SPEAKER again said the gentleman could of fatality seemed to attend all attempts on his to each member of Congress equal. only be heard by general consent.
part to secure an opportunity to address the Mr. EVANS said that was the sole effect of the Nr. KENNEDY, of Indiana, repeated the House. It would be recollected that, when a dea alterations.
expression of his desire to correct a misrepre- | bate sprung up concerning the reference of a porNo other amendments being offered, the ques- sentation of himself.
tion of the President's message, at the commencetion was on ordering the bill to be engrossed for Mr. WHITE said he had no doubt the House ment of the session, he was prevented from para third reading; upon which question the yeas would hear the gentleman from Indiana and him- ticipating in that debate by a sudden and severe and nays were called for; and being ordered, self too. Such had been the course hitherto pur- indisposition; and on yesterday his remarks were resulted-yeas 29, nays 14; as follows: sued.
arrested by the occurrence of a scene such as he YEAS–Messrs. Allen, Atherton, Bayard, Buchanan, Mr. BRODHEAD asked the gentleman from had never before witnessed, and such as he hoped Choate, Clayton, Crittenden, Dayton, Evans, Fairfield, Kentucky if the editor of the paper alluded to had he never would again; one which he would gladly Francis, Henderson, Huntington, Jarnagin, Merrick, Mil
refused him the privilege of inserting a correction blot out from the history of this Congress. It ier, Morehead, Pearce, Porter, Simmons, Sturgeon, Tallmade, Tappan, Upham, Walker, White, Woodbridge, or explanation.
was not for him, a young man and a young memWoodbury, and Wright-29.
Mr. WHITE was understood to say that he || ber, to lecture that House, if he should be so disNAYS--Messrs. Atchison, Bagby, Barrow, Benton, had made no such request.
posed; but he trusted he might be permitted to Breese, Colquitt, Foster, Fulton, Haywood, Huger, Mc
Mr. C. JOHNSON insisted on the question say that much of the violence and heat which Duffie, Mangum, Semple, and Sevier--14.
being taken on the motion to suspend the rules for manifested itself there arose from the habit which So the bill was ordered to be engrossed and
the purpose of going into the Committee of the prevailed of speaking upon every other subject read a third time. Whole on the state of the Union.
except the one especially under consideration. It THE TARIFF.
Mr. WHITE said this had always been con- was a practice which he did not admire, and one Mr. DAYTON expressed a wish that the Sensidered a privileged question.
which he did not intend to imitate. ate would intimate, in some way or other, when
Mr. MORRIS, of Pennsylvania, hoped the He would endeavor to confine himself strictly it would be most agreeable to resume the discus- | gentleman from Kentucky would be allowed to to the bill under consideration. It would be resion of the tariff question. It was all the same to explain.
membered that, in the debate to which he had him when it should be the pleasure of the Senate The SPEAKER reiterated the decision, that alluded, that sprung up in the early part of the to hear him—to-morrow would answer. He was it could only be done by general consent of the
session in reference to this subject, the gentleman desirous a day should be fixed, but had no dis- House.
from New York (Mr. BARNARD) contended that position to interfere with other business.
Mr. WHITE appealed to the gentleman from
it was in vain to look to great Britain for a marMr. MERRICK hoped the Senator from New Ohio (Mr. WELLER) to withdraw his motion, that ket for our surplus productions; and ventured the Jersey would consent to let the motion lie over that obstacle might be removed.
prediction that, in five years, Great Britain would till Monday. It was desirable that the Post Office Mr. WELLER said if he was to come into the become an exporter of agricultural productions. bill, and some other business, should get through | House to explain all that the newspapers said of
He, on that occasion, in reply to the gentleman, this week.
him, he should often do it, and should consume had proceeded to show thai the tariff established DISTRICT BANKS. much time. If, however, the gentleman had a
by the British Parliament, in 1815, was based Mr. MILLER hoped his colleague would as
personalexplanation to make, he would not persist upon the position that, unless by legislation the
in his motion; for he had no disposition to pre- prices of breadstuffs were kept up to eighty shilsent to the postponement. While up, lie would move to make the bill for rechartering the banks
vent the gentleman making a personal explana- | lings sterling the quarter, much of the cultivable. tion. He therefore withdrew his motion.
land would have io be abandoned. He further of the District of Columbia the special order for Mr. WHITE then inquired if there was any
proceeded to show that, in consequence of the Friday. The motion was adopted. objection to his explanation.
reduction of prices which had occurred in Great Mr. ELMER objected.
Britain in consequence of the resumption of specie The Senate then adjourned.
Mr. MORRIS, of Pennsylvania, moved a sus- payments by the Bank of England, the English pension of the rules, to give the gentleman from
corn laws were remodeled in 1832, on the assumpHOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Kentucky an opportunity to proceed with his tion that it was still necessary to keep up the explanation.
price of grain to seventy shillings, or else an WEDNESDAY, April 24, 1844. Ir. ELMER called for the yeas and nays on
abandonment of the cultivation of much land in The minutes of yesterday were read and ap- that motion, with the observation that he wished
the kingdom must ensuie; and it was a fact that proved. to record his vote against such a motion.
such occurrences were not unknown. Great PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS. Mr. KENNEDY, of Indiana, rose to a ques
Britain had been a very large importer of grain Mr. WELLER moved that the House resolve tion of order. He rose first, and desired permis- | how could it be possible that she should ever be
from this country; and under such circumstances, itself into the Committee of the Whole on the sion to make an explanation; and he wished to
come the rival of this country in the production state of the Union, for the purpose of proceeding know how it was that the motion in relation to with the consideration of the tariff bill. the gentleman from Kentucky took precedence.
of grain? Mr. KENNEDY, of Indiana, hoped the The SPEAKER explained.
He took the position that it was impossible to gentleman from Ohio would withdraw that motion,
Mr. KENNEDY, of Indiana, remarked that
build up a home market in this country for our that he might have the opportunity to correct a he could make his explanation by a simple para
surplus agricultural productions. It could not be report, published in one of the city papers, (the graph.
done. Intelligencer.)
Mr. COBB suggested to the gentleman from
Mr. B. refuted the argument so often used, that Mr. WHITE said he rose to a privileged quesPennsylvania (Mr. Morris) to inake his motion
a protective tariff furnished a consumption for the tion.
applicable botli to the gentleman from Kentucky I agricultural products of the country. He showed Mr. KENNEDY, of Indiana, remarked that (Mr. White) and the gentleman from Indiana,
the small number of manufacturers and mechanics his was a privileged question likewise. (Mr. KENNEDY.]
in comparison with the whole population of the Mr. WHITE said, for the first time in his life
Mr. WHITE Certainly.
country; and, deducting from these the shipand he wished the reporters at both desks to
Mr. MORRIS, of Pennsylvania, assented; and
wrights, bricklayers, carpenters, cabinet makers take down every word he uttered he felt called the motion was so amended.
in the interior, and other mechanics, who could upon to notice a paragraph which appeared in one
The yeas and nays were then ordered on the
in no way be benefited by a protective tariff, the of the city papers.
motion to suspend the rules; and being taken, number of consumers of agricultural products Mr. C. JOHNSON rose and addressed the resulted-yeas 98, nays 64.
was too trifling to be computed. He argued that, Chair.
So the rules were not suspended, (two thirds not
until this Government could build up an adequate The SPEAKER* simultaneously remarked to voting in the affirmative.)
home market--which could not be done for centhe gentleman from Kentucky that his explana
Mr. CHAPMAN, of Alabama, when his name
turies-it would be of no value to the farmer, for tion could only be made with general consent. was called, said that he had always regretted the
the prices of the home market would be governed
by the prices abroad. But a protective tariff, so Objections were made in several parts of the practice of this House of indulging members in House. explaining or correcting newspaper reports and
far from furnishing a home market, to a great
extent, prevented a foreign one; because, by proMr. KING, of New York, said it certainly paragraphs. The present, he thought, was a fit could not be desirable to revive, on this floor, a occasion to correct the error, without just cause
hibiting importations, exports were also dimindiscussion of the occurrences of yesterday, nor
of suspicion of unworthy motives, as the appli- ished, because foreign nations would not buy our to open the door to anything that might lead to cation embraced a member of each of the political productions unless they could make returns in
iheirs. The absurd argument that a high tariff altercation. That whole subject had been referred parties. He therefore voted against a suspension of the rules.
made low prices had been so ably refuted by to a committee, by whom the facts would be as
other gentlemen, that he would not touch on that
TIE TARIFF. certained and reported to the House; and this
point. There was one fact, however, in illustramatter should await the report of that committee. Mr. WELLER then renewed his motion to go | iion, which came within his own knowledge, that He trusted the House would refuse to suspend into the Committee of the Whole on the state of was so apt to the purpose, that he could not rethe rules at this time, to take up that matter, or the Union; which was agreed to; and the commit- frain from mentioning it. The citizens of his anything connected with it.
tee took up the “bill to modify and amend the neighborhood were now engaged in the oonstrucMr. DROMGOOLE inquired if the gentleman
act entitled . An act to provide revenue from im- tion of a railroad from the town he lived in to from Kentucky wished to correct a misreport of ports, and to change and modify existing laws the lakes, for the purpose of facilitating the transany of his remarks.
imposing duties on imports, and for other pur- portation of their products. Many of the stock. Mr. WHITE replied that that to which he poses,'approved 13th August, 1842.”
holders were good Whigs and high tariff men, wished to call the attention of the House was in The CHAIRMAN stated the pending question, and, of course, subscribed to the doctrine that what purported to be a report of what had oc- and announced that the gentleman from Ohio a high tariff made low prices. These gentlemen curred in this House, but not in the usual current [Mr. J. BRINKERHOFF) was entitled to the floor. were petitioning Congress to reduce the duties on reports.
Mr. J. BRINKERHOFF observed that a kind their railroad iron, and writing to him, urging
Page 24
when I look around this Hall, I see two portraits, Mr. HUDSON, who moved that the committee between Messrs. WHITE and RATHBUN; which and but two, adorning its walls. The one, that rise; which motion being adopted, the committee was agreed to. of the Father of his Country; an American truly rose and reported progress; and by birth; an America: far more by the noble prin- The House adjourned.
DEATH OF HON. MR. BOSSIER. ciples he cherished-by the glorious deeds that
Mr. SLIDELL. Mr. Speaker, but a few short have made his name the first, the brightest, on The following petitions, presented to-day, were handed weeks have elapsed since I was called upon to the page of human history! The other-ay! sir,
to the reporters by the members presenting them:
By Mr. C. M. REED: The memorial of P. S. Cole, Esq.,
discharge the melancholy duty of announcing the whose is the other? Let the gentleman from
and seventy citizens of Warren county, Pennsylvania, ap- death of a Senator from Louisiana. We have now Maryland answer me; whose portrait is the other? proving of the tariff of 1842, and remonstrating against any to deplore the loss of one of her Representatives A European's; an aristocrat's—if to be born modification by Congress. among an aristocracy makes a man one of them- By Mr. SEYMOUR, of New York: The petition of the
upon this floor. My colleague and friend, Pierre trustees and directors of the Troy and New York Steam
Evariste Bossier, died last night at his lodgings selves; a subject of a European king; one bred
boat Association, praying permission to change the name in this city, after a protracted, but not painful, up in the very atmosphere of a court. What does
of the steamboat Albany; which was referred to the Com- illness. He had been gradually declining in his portrait there? Would it not be well for the mittee on Commerce. gentleman, the first day that resolutions are in By Mr. BENTON: The petition of Reuben Hildreth, of
strength, and expired without a struggle or a Herkimer, New York, asking for arreargey of pension ; groan. order, to introduce one for the purpose of taking which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary He preserved, through his long illness, the down-of snatching from its station there-the Pensions.
serenity of temper and cheerfulness of disposition portrait of that man;. of the good, the wise, the By Mr. NORRIS: The petitions of Jane D. Alexander, Saruli Byam, Hannah Ball, Matilda Bruce, Amey Bartlett,
which had distinguished him through life. His great, the venerated La Fayette; of him whom Sarah Bowers, Lydia Brigham, Bettee Boynton, Ruhamah
last moments were soothed by the attentions of this nation delighted to honor; of him who, when
Burnham, Rachel Cutler, Polly Dunster, Rebecca Diamond, numerous attached and sympathizing friends, and he sought these shores, was received by America Abigail Dart, Rachel Davis, Hannah Derby, Kesiah Emer
by the presence of an effectionate wife, who had, as never nation, till then, received a man? If I, son, Csebia Evans, Lucy Elliot, Esther Eaton, Naomi Felt, because I am foreign born, be unworthy to open Betsey Foster, Eunice Faulkner, Elizabeth Green, Asuhan
with untiring assiduity, watched over and minGerould, Ruth Hemmingway, Anna Hunt, Lucy Hardy,
istered to him as woman only can do. such a discussion as this, that portraitis unworthy Rebecca Joslin, Lucy Kirshall, Submit Lawrence, Lois Mr. Bossier was a native of Louisiana, of to look upon it. Yet, what sacrilegious hand dare Laken, Sally Matthews, Ruth Metcalf, Sarah McMurphy, French descent, his family being among the earpluck it thence? llannah Morse, Sybil Palmer, Hannab Prentiss, Lucy
liest settlers of the colony. He was one of that Sorry am I, sir, to recognize the bastard spirit | Revis; Mary Priest, Susanna Pratt, Susanna Peters, Mary
Robins, Olive A. Phillips, Elizabeth Richardson, Polly ancient population which, in many parts of our of native Americanism here. I know that it has
Stration, Rebecca Stacey, Lydia Stone, Betty Taylor, Mary State, still preserve the language, manners, and had its brief hour in New York; but I did not Wright, Sarah Whitney, Mary White, Lydia Wise, Sarah know it was to find its advocate, its partisan, in a Wasliburn, Dina Wilcox, Sarah Whitcomb, Mary Chad
customs of their fathers; remarkable for their member of this House. Unworthy, sir-utterly wick, and Mary Chase, severally praying further allowance
almost patriarchal simplicity, their unbending of two years' pension from the 4ti: of March, 1841, 10 the honesty, their chivalrous courage, their frank and unworthy-is that narrow and illiberal spirit to 4th of March, 1843.
manly spirit; a population surpassed by none in find a representative in any legislative body; least On motion of Mr. SMITH, of Illinois, the papers in the
all the wide expanse of this Republic, for its paof all on the floor of the Congress of America.
casc of George Kinder, Jubilee Posey, and Joel Whitesides, America is the land, not of one class, one tribe, praying Congress to make good the deficiency in certain
triotic devotion to our free institutions. lands purchased by them of the Government, were taken My colleague was the type of this class; unpreone people; a home, not for those only to whom from the files of the House, and referred to the Committee tending in manner, courteous in deportment, alike favoring fortune has granted birth within its bor- of Claims.
inaccessible to the blandishments of flattery and ders. The world claims birthright in America! The world admits America's own claim to be “the
IN SENATE.
the influences of intimidation, elevated above
every mercenary consideration, gentle in his temland of the free and the home of the brave." The
Thursday, April 25, 1844.
per; but when his rights were invaded, or his free claim this for their country; the brave claim Immediately after the reading of the journal, a honor assailed, ever ready to defend the one and it for their country. I, foreign-born though I be,
message was received from the House of Repre- vindicate the other. Homo antiqua virtute ac fide; I rightfully claim it for my country. It is mine by
sentatives, announcing the death of Hon. Peter or, in the language of his own Gallic ancestry, a free selection, by deliberate preference; the gentleman's by accident only. And now I am willing isiana, and communicating the resolutions of conE. Bossier, a Representative of the State of Lou- “ chevalier sans peur et sans reproche.” He had
served for ten years in the Senate of his native judgment shall go,and the decision be made which
dolence and respect adopted by that body on the State, in a manner alike creditable to himself and of us has the best of it. occasion.
useful to his constituents, and was still a member Mr. WETHERED said that there was this difference between the gentleman and the portrait
The resolutions were read by the Secretary: of that body for an unexpired term, when he
Mr. JOHNSON, in a few remarks, very imon this side the Hall, (La Fayeite,) and the gen
yielded to an unsolicited and spontaneous nomperfectly heard in the reporter's gallery, stated ination for Congress, and was elected by a large tleman from Indiana (Mr. OWEN] on the other.
ihat it had become his duiy to address the Senate majority in a district which had been considered That gentleman (pointing to La Fayette) fought for the liberties of the people of this country; and
on this painful occasion. He had been informed as opposed to him in politics. Transferred to
that the event which rendered this necessary had the councils of the nation, a long vista of usefulthat gentleman (pointing to Mr. Owen) wished to occurred last night, in this city, after a lingering deprive them of their libcrties. (General laugh- || disease, which ihe deceased bore with Christian
ness, upon this more elevated theater, appeared
to have opened before him. His attention to ter.)
fortitude and resignation. Summoned from the business, his excellent judgment, would have Mr. HUNT, of New York, observed that the
scene of his earthly duties, although far removed rendered him a most valuable Representative. first question which presented itself was that of
from his home, he had the consolation of being His modesty and diffidence might have prevented constitutional power—whether this Government, surrounded in that trying hour by those best calunder the Constitution, possessed the power to
him from participating freely in the debates of impose duties for the purpose of protecting the in- | office of smoothing the pillow of death. He reculated to render soothing the last sad and tender the House; but in the less brilliant but equally
useful labors of the committee-room, he would terests of the producing classes of the country. || signed his spirit to Him who gave it, in the pres- have done the State good service. It was hardly necessary to go much at length into
ence of the wife of his bosom, and of some of his He has been cut down before he had fairly started the argument of that part of the question. If there
most devoted friends. still remained any doubt on the subject, it ap
in his new career; but he had already acquired
Residing in a different section of the State of the respect and esteem of all who knew him. peared to him that the question had been put io
Louisiana, he had not the pleasure of an intimate “ Sic erat in fatis;" but, while we bow in submisrest by the concurrent authority, not only of all || acquaintance with Mr Bossier. He was a native sion to the decree of Providence, let us profit by the Presidents of the United States, but by the cotemporaneous construction of the first Con- distinguished for every noble and chivalrous of ihat State-a Creole by birth-and of that race the admonition it conveys. Since the last ses
sion of Congress, seven members of this House gress which sat after the adoption of the Consti
attribute that dignifies human nature. The high and three of the Senate have been gathered to tution. The experience of the world had shown
station to which he had been delegated in the their fathers. Weare, indeed, but“ that those countries where manufacturing industry
poor players, other branch of Congress, afforded ample proof who fret and strut their hour upon the stage, and was protected, were the countries in which was
of his own worth, and of the confidence and then are heard no more. If this feeling could found the greatest degree of prosperity. In them
respect of those who could best appreciate it. be more deeply impressed upon us all, it would were found wealth, employment for labor, and the He moved, as a tribute of respect on this occa- tend to soften the asperities of debate-to check greatest improvements in the arts. Protection caused a subdivision of labor, which led to persion, the following resolutions:
all violent ebullitions of party spirit. When, tofection and profit. Allusion had been made to the
Resolved, That the Senate has received with deep sensi
morrow, we shall follow to the tomb the mortal bility the message from the House of Representatives, an- remains of him who but so recently participated prevailing distress in England under its protect- nouncing the death of Flon. Peter E. Bossier, a Represent- || in our deliberations, would it not be well for each ive policy, but that he deemed incident to the ative of the State of Louisiana. density of her population. He defended at some
Resolved, That, as a token of their respect to the mem
and every one of us, standing around his yet unory of the deceased, the members of the Senate will attend length the protective policy; he said it was ad
closed grave, silently to make the solemn pledge his funeral at twelve o'clock, m., to-morrow, and will wear that no harsh recriminations, no personal altercavantageous to the agriculiurists, and that class the usual badge of mourning for thirty days; and, as a tions, no unseemly broils, shall hereafter desecherished it; it was also profitable to the cotton furiber mark of respect, that the Senate do now adjourn. grower of the South.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted;
crate the sanctity of this Hall? Mr. HAMMETT assured the gentleman that and the Senate adjourned.
Mr. S. then offered the following resolutions; nineteen twentieths of the people of his State
which were unanimously adopted: would satisfy that gentleman that it was injurious
Resolved, That the House has heard with deep emotion
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, to them.
the annunciation of the death ot Hon. PETER E. BossIER,
a member from the State of Louisiana. Mr. HUNT, of New York, went on to sustain
THURSDAY, April 25, 1844.
Resolved, That this House tenders to the relatives of the his position that the protective policy was pro- The Journal having been read,
deceased the expression of its sympathy on this affecting motive of the interests of all classes.
Mr. ADAMS asked to be excused from serv
event; and as a testimony of respect for the memory of Mr. BELSER next obtained the door, buigave ing on the committee appointed to inquire into
Page 25
respecting the Indians remaining in said Territory, and the remarks on the importance of the question, es- our flag planted on the Columbia river, and all orders which have been given to said officer with respect to the removal of said Indians from that Territory, or their
pecially to that portion of the country from which British authority there extirpated. It now, howcontinuance in it; together with all letters from any citi- he comes, he said some gentlemen on that floor
ever,
suited the tactics of the party opposed to zens of Florida which may have been addressed to the De- have demanded protection for particular interests; || him to seek to drive this Government to impose partment, or referred to ii, respecting the proper policy to but against what, he inquired, was this protec- | high protective tariffs to operate against the be adopted with said Indians; and that he also transmit to this House copies of whatever information may have been
tion to be given? Was it against fraud, or against | pauper labor of England.” But whence did those received at the Department respecting the recent Indian
violence, or oppression ? No; it was against low | genilemen derive their protective system? No aggressions and murder in West Florida.
prices, or, as gentlemen sometimes expressed it, | Government on the face of the earth had carried CALL FOR INFORMATION.
against the cheap pauper labor of England and this protective system to a greater extent than
other foreign countries. But how was this pro- | Great Britain; and what effect did it produce on Mr. LEWIS offered the following resolution: tection to be afforded? There was no way but the laboring people? Misery and starvation; disResolved, That the President of the United States be to increase the duties on imports, and thus in- | tressing accounts of which were continually comrequested to communicate to this House copies of such portions of the correspondence, public or private, in the
crease the price of manufactures by giving the ling orer to us. And why was this when we, who years 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, and 18:20, between our minis- manufacturers the control of the home market. were but sixteen or eighteen days'sail from Engters at the court of Madrid and the Deparunent of State, But by doing this, they would increase the price land, produced so much more than we can conbetween those ininisters and the Spanish Secretaries of of manufactured articles to the consumer, while sume of the fruits of the earth? State, and between the Department of State and the Spanish ministers accredited to this Governinent, and which
they diminished the revenue raised for the neces- In Great Britain, the whole of the real estate correspondence may not have been hitherto communicated sary expenses of Government. There must be was in the hands of about thirty-five or forty to either House of Congress, and published under the $20,000,000 raised for that purpose, either by di. thousand people; and in order to give them proauthority of either.
rect taxation or by imposts on foreign goods; and tection, the Government has imposed a duty on Mr. J. BRINKERHOFF objected.
if there were five classes of articles on which the breadstuffs so high as to amount to a prohibition Mr. LEWIS moved a suspension of the rules. $20,000,000 were to be raised, that would leave of their importation under the operation of the
The question being taken by yeas and nays, $4,000,000 to be raised by each. Suppose woolen corn laws. The titled aristocracy of Great Britian, resulted-yeas 119, nays 23; as follows:
goods to be one class, and the woolen manufac- || who principally own all the lands, have become YEAS-Messrs. Ashe, Adams, Atkinson, Barringer, Bar- iurers called for the protection of that article, and wealthy and powerful; but has not that wealth nard, Benton, Bidlack, James Black, James A. Black, to accomplish that object such a duty was im- | been extorted from the mass of the working men Bowlin, Boyd, Brodhead, William J. Brown, Burke, Caldwell, Reuben Chapman, Augustus A. Chapman, Chappell
; posed as had the effect of lessening the importa- of the country? The gentleman told the House Chilton, Clinzman, Coles, Cross, Cullom, Daniel, Garrett
tion of woolen goods into this country: was not that there was to be no humbug here. Now, if Davis, Richard D. Davis, John W. Davis, Deberry, Dickey, the revenue of the country thereby diminished ? this charge which the gentleman made of the Dickinson, Dromgoole, Duncan, Dunlap, Ellis, Farlee, And if the $4,000,000 to be raised by the import- Democratic party being under British influence Ficklin, Florence, Foot, French, Giddings, Willis Green, Byram Green, Grinnell, Hale, Hardin, Harper, Henley,
ation of woolen goods should be reduced one half, was not a humbug, he did not know what one Herrick, Holmes, Hoge, llopkins, Houston, Hudson, Joseph
did it not follow, as a necessary.consequence, that was. A few days ago, they were told that the R. Ingersoll, Irvin, Jenks, Cave Johnson, Perley B. John- the Government must levy $2,000,000 more on people could be gulled and deceived no longer. son, Andrew Kennedy, Daniel P. King, Kirkpatrick, La- the other taxable articles, the injustice and folly He had hopes that the canvass this fall was to be branche, Leonard, Lewis, Lucas, McClelland, McConnell, McDowell, Mellvane, Edward J. Morris, Murplıy, Nes, of which were plain and palpable?
conducted on no other principles than appeals to Norris, Owen, Peyton, Pollock, Elisha R. Potter, Emery But it was said that protection now would en- sober reason; but here was a charge made from D. Potter, Pratt, Preston, Ramsey, David S. Reid, Ritter, able our manufacturers to compete with those of that quarter of the House which has always been Roberts, Robinson, Rogers, Russell, Saunders, Schenck, || foreign countries, and would lead to a reduction Senter, Thomas H. Seymour, David L. Seymour, Simpson,
termed a British party, and who have invariably Slidell, Albert Smith, John T. Smith, Thomas Smith, Ca
of the article protected to the consumer. With sided with England, that the Democratic party leb B. Smith, Robert Smith, Steenrod, Stephens, Andrew the average rate of protection by this bill-to was under British influence. But let us examine Stewart, Stiles, Stone, Strong, Summers, Thompson, Tib- which must be added the rate of insurance and the argument of the gentlemen on the other side. batts, Vance, Vanmeier, Vinton, Weller, Wentworth, Wheaton, White, Wintlırop, Woodward, William Wrighi,
other expenditures—there was a protection of They say that Great Britain will not admit the Joseph A. Wright, and Yosi-119.
forty-five or fifty per cent. for the manufacturers: | importation of our agricultural products, and that NAYS-Messrs. Abbot, Baker, Brengle, Jacob Brinker
and was not that sufficient? But had they made the Democratic party, notwitlistanding, are for hotf, Milton Brown, Jeremiali Brown, Butington, Clinton, the progress that was promised? In 1790 the admitting her manufactures at a low rate of duty, Cranston, Dean, Grider, Hamlin, Hungerlord, Washington Hunt, Jaines B. Hunt,' Preston King, Marsii, Mathews,
average rate of duties was seven and a half per and in this way reduce this country to a state of McCaulsen, Moseley, Reding, Rockwell, Tilden, and Ty
cent.;
and, with that protection, it was represented • colonial dependence. In reply to this, one single ler-23.
that they would soon be enabled to get along very fact was worth a dozen arguments. How stood Mr. DAVIS, of Indiana, moved the previous well; but what was the fact? In 1816 the average our trade with England? question on the resolution.
rate of duty was twenty-five per cent.; in 1824 it Now, it was shown by the public documents Mr. ADAMS asked the gentleman to withdraw was thirty three and a half; and in 1842 they got that, from the year 1828 io 1837, a period of high his motion, to enable him io offer an amendment, along with the very moderate average rate of duties, we exported to Great Britain and her posstriking out the proviso at the end of the resolu
duties of forty per cent. In a period of fifty sessions $166,000,000 worth of our products, and tion.
years, they had thus progressed from seven and imported from that country $180,000,000 worth Mr. DAVIS, of Indiana, withdrew the motion a half to forty; and how long, then, he would of her manufactures. From 1837 to 1841, when on condition that the gentleman would renew it | ask, would it take to bring them to the promised the tariff had been brought down by the comproafter offering his amendment.
reductions? He next proceeded to show the mise act, we exported to Great Britain and her Mr. ADAMS offered his amendment striking | increased rate of duties on particular articles at possessions $48,000,000 worth of our products out the proviso.
various periods up to the present time, and then more than we imported. This was during a peThe SPEAKER said the amendment was not
gave statistical statements of exports and imports riod when there was no high tariff. In the period in order, without the consent of the gentleman
to show that our exports--which he assumed of a high tariff, (1834 to 1837,) we imported who offered the resolution.
as evidence of prosperity—were greater under $20,000,000 more than we exported. And yet Mr. LEWIS said that a call on the Executive
a low than under a high tariff. During the gentlemen told us that Great Britain would buy for information, without the proviso in the reso
period from the year 1829 to 1832, our exports nothing from us. In 1842 the whole amount of lution, was altogether unusual, otherwise he would
were $239,600,000; but from 1838 to 1841,'a flour exported abroad was $7,000,000, and of this accept it with pleasure.
period when we had a low tariff, our exports more than one half was carried to England. Of Mr. ADAMS said there had been numerous
were $420,000,000 of domestic goods; being || pork, beef, live stock, &c., the whole amount excases where resolutions calling for information
$180,000,000 more for the same period of four || ported was two million and some odd thousand had been adopted without the proviso.
years, under a low than under a high tariff. For dollars, and England alone took $1,250,000 of it. Mr. LEWIS then accepted ihe amendment as
ihe period from 1834 to 1837, inclusive, (the four So much for the argument that England would a modification, presuming that the President years of the compromise law,) this country im- not take our agricultural products. But they would have no difficulty in answering the call.
ported $607,000,000 worth of goods, and during were told that it was necessary to build up a home The previous question being then seconded by
the same period exported $542,000,000 worth of market for our breadstuffs, and that the way to the House, under its operation the resolution was
domestic produce-being an excess of imports of do so was to protect American manufactures. passed.
$65,000,000. From 1838 to 1841, (being four years The gentlemen who were in favor of protecting Mr. HARPER asked the general consent of of a low tariff,) our imports were $510,000,000, manutactures by the imposition of duties on imthe House to make a report from the Committee
and our exports $536,000,000, or $26,000,000 of ports endeavored to persuade those who repreon Patents. excess of exports over imports.
sented the agricultural interest that it was for their Objections being madt,
He also adduced other statistical proofs of the interest to stand still and be taxed, on the ground Mr. HARPER moved to suspend the rules; // position which he assumed, and then proceeded that they were going to furnish a home market but there being only sixty-five gentlemen voting
io notice the accusation which had been made by for the products of their agriculture. in the affirmative, the question was decided to be gentlemen in opposition, that the advocates of this It was worth while to look at the number of lost.
bill were the advocates and friends of British in- persons employed in manufactures, as compared
terests. He noticed the tenderness which those THE TARIFF.
with the rest of the population of the United gentlemen themselves manifested towards Great States, to ascertain to what extent a home marOn motion of Mr. NORRIS, the House re- Britain when some gentlemen on this floor, some ket had been afforded by the operation of the solved itself into the Committee of the Whole on weeks ago, contended for the termination of the high tariff system. Mr. W. here read from the the state of the Union, (Mr. Hopkins in the chair,) || joint occupancy of Oregon, and added that he tables in the census a statement showing the numand resumed the consideration of the bill 10 had no attachment to Great Britain or her institu- ber of persons engaged in the different branches amend and modify the act of 1842, imposing tions. He recollected that that Government had of manufacture, from which he made out the duties on imports.
attempted to perpetuate the yoke on the necks of whole number engaged in manufactures of all Mr. WELLER, who was entitled to the floor our revolutionary fathers, nor could he forget her kinds to be 179,685 persons. The very statefrom Saturday last, proceeded to address the com- subsequent outrages on our rights. He had, there- ment of the number was sufficient to show the mittee in favor of the bill. After some prefatory Il fore, no attachment for her; and he desired to see absurdity of supposing that the manufacturers
Page 26
In that letter he said that the rumor that the vote such partnership. He could say to him, that if After a few other observations, he adverted to
of Kentucky would be given to Mr. Adams, was he would address that letter to Mr. Clay, he had the remarks of the gentleman from Kentucky,
traced directly to a letter or letters written early no doubt he would receive a prompt reply, and (Mr. White,) in relation to evidence furnished
in January, by Mr. Clay himself, to some of his every explanation that was necessary.
friends in Kentucky, noi, perhaps, using the very
by Mr. Benton, General La Fayette, the editor of
Mr. BOYD said he chose to address Mr. Clay the Richmond Enquirer, &c.; and he expressed words, but expressly conveying the idea. Now for that letter; and but for ihat letter, he would
and his friends in his place as a representative of surprise that his colleague had not made some
the people; and he could not subject himself to not have replied to his colleague at all. Sir, here
reply to the notice which Mr. Ritchie had taken the abuse he would be likely to receive, unless of his speech, in which notice there was an accuis an extract from a letter which appeared in the protected by the shield of his colleague. He here sation of making garbled extracts. Kentucky Argus of that period; and from that in his place, and in the character of a Represent- Mr. WHITE asserted that he had given his paper it was copied into all the Kentucky papers, ative of the people, addressed Mr. Clay, and he extracts fairly. at least in all of them that were friendly to the called on him and his friends to explain all the Mr. BOYD
then proceeded to notice the declaraelection of General Jackson. The date is 8th circumstances connected with this leiter, and if it tion of his colleague, that he had not heard of this January, 1823; and it was a letter written to Mr. did not exist, to show it. He believed in his letter until he saw it mentioned in his (Mr. B.'s) F. P. Blair, then a resident of Frankfort, Ken- conscience that the letter did exist, to the pur- | communication; and after recapitulating the testitucky:
port, if not in the exact words he had quoted mony adduced, he proceeded.' Mr. Trimble said “A friend of Mr. Adams comes to nie, with tears in his He had additional evidence to prove that this let- he voted for Mr. Adams, because it was distinctly eyes, anı says: Sir, Mr. Adams has always had the great- ter existed. Mr. Clay was called on to publish ascertained that he would make Mr. Clay Secreest respect for you, and the highest admiration for your talents. There is no station to which you are not cquai.
it, but refused, alleging that it would not be dec- tary of State. General Metcalfe said they could You were undoubtedly the second choice of New England;
orous to do so, because there were some things noi possibly get Mr. Clay made Secretary of and I pray you to consider whether the public gond and in it that were of a private nature; but that the Staie without voting for and electing Mr. Adams." your own future interests do not distinctly point you to the letter had been placed in the hands of a commit- Mr. F. Johnson said he voted for Mr. Adams 10 course you ought to pursue. My friends entertain the belief that their kind wishes towards me will, in the end,
tee of his friends; and any person who wanted get Mr. Clay made Secretary of State. This was be more likely to be accomplished by so bestowing their to see it might do so. Many did see it, and in the testimony; and from it there was but one inerYour Representative is inclined to concur with us
itable conclusion. But, in addition, he had what a this way the copy was taken that was published. in these sentiments; and, as I know his respect for your opinion, I request, if you concur in our views, that you
But there was other proof to sustain the fact that very distinguished man (Mr. McDUFFIE) thought will write to himn by return mail, to strengthen him in his
such a letter was written. There were letters of that transaction; he believed the evidence of inclinations. Show this to Crittenden alone.”
written to David White, the Representative spoken the transaction was clear enough to satisfy any Now, did such a letter exist? That was the
of in Mr. Clay's letter to Mr. Blair, to strengthen court of justice: inquiry to which his colleague the other day him in his inclination to serve Mr. Clay, by vot
“I assert, (says Mr. McDuffie, of South Carolina,) and said:
ing for Mr. Adams. Mr. Crittenden wrote a am willing to stake my humble stock of reputation upon the ** This was too grave a charge to be made on such vague
letter to strengthen Mr. White in his inclinations, truth of the assertion, that the circumstances of the extraorand uncertain grounds. Until that letter was produced, nd so did Mr. Blair. Others of Mr. Clay's | dinary coalition betreen Adams and Clay furnish as strong there was not, in lois judgment, any evidence before the friends wrote letters to him with the same object
cvidence of an abandonment of political principle on the part country that the letter bad been written; and he now
of Mr. Clay, and of a corrupt political hargain betvreen him challenged his colleague, and he would be responsible
in view; and these appeals proved to be so strong and Mr. «dams, us is ordinarily required to establish the for it, that, if Mr. Clay were called on, he would take off
that he finally voted for Mr. Adams, and the vote guilt of those who are charged in a court of quarter sessions every shackle froin the correspondence. And unless his of Kentucky was by this means given to that
with the common crimes known to the land, colleague produced the letter, he said bis allegation stood gentleman. Mr. White afterwards came out in condemned before the American people and the civilized
His colleague, in his remarks, pointed to sevworld."
an apology to the people of his district, and gave eral distinguished men, and he would also point
as an excuse for the vote he gave, the urgent letIn another place, his colleague said:
He would point to a distinguished ters he had received on that subject; and said that, || Whig member of Congress from Virginia now on « That be had never heard of the letter till he saw the letter of his colleague. le had never seen it in his life.
in giving his vote, he voted for Mr. Clay, and this floor, who was said to have joined in a resoAnd he had only to say, in relation to it, that if there was not for Mr. Adams.
lution of this sort. any such letter, and his collengue would address a line to
His colleague the other day had asked why he Mr. WELLER inquired to whom the gentleMr. Clay, he would throw off all the shackles, and disclose had not read an extract from the testimony of to him all the correspondence."
man alluded ? Jeptha Dudley. Of Mr. Dudley he would remark Mr. BOYD replied, Mr. Willoughbr NetAs his coileague had proposed to him to make that there was not a more highminded, honorable TON. a call on Mr. Clay in relaiion to this letter, he man in Kentucky than he was.
The resolutions were as follows: would now propose to him that they should both Mr. WHITE remarked that he agreed with join in that call; and for this purpose he had drawn that.
“Resolved, That we regard the evidence already before up a letter, addressed to Mr.Clay, which he hoped Mr. BOYD said he could not, therefore, be ac
the public as amply sufficient to verify the charge of a cor
rupt understanding between John Q. Adams and Henry his colleague would join him in signing. It was cused of being afraid to hear what Mr. Dudley Clay, by which they were enabled to elevate each other to due to the country, and due to Mr. Clay himself, said. He then read the following extract:
office, contrary to the strongest indications of the wishes that this matter, considering the importance that
of the people.
“Resolved, That we regard the example thus set, of er. “J. Dudley, a member of the Senate, being called on, had been attached to it, should be settled; and he stated on the floor of the Senate that, in January, 1825, F.
posing to auction the highest offices of State, as an indeliwould now say that if Mr. Clay could show that P. Blair (the intimate and confidential correspondent and
ble stain on the republican party of our country, and as such a letter did not, and never did, exist, he friend of Mr. Clay, who, as was proved by another witness,
marking the approach of that decay of public inorals which
is the constant forerunner of the ruin of republics." had stated, three or four weeks before the presidential elecshould cheerfully take all the pains in his power to retrieve his character from ihe slightest impu
tion, that Mr. Clay would be Secretary of State if Mr. Adams
was made Presidert, and who had refused to swear, when
He then quoted, in support of his position, like tation in regard to it. He would here ask the called on, upon the ground that the information he had was testimony of Mr. Badger, a member of the late Clerk to read the letter he had drawn up for his obtained in the course of friendly communications and Adminisiration; but, as his time was nearly excolleague to join him in signing.
private correspondence, which he deemed confidential) came
into the Senate Chamber, seated himself near me, and in-
hausted, he hurried on to the question in relation The letter was then handed to the Clerk, and
quired my opinion on the resolutions passed, requesting to Mr. Clay's vote on the repeal of the bankrupt read, as follows:
our members of Congress to vote for General Jackson as law, than which there was never a more direct House of REPRESENTATIVES, April 28, 1844.
President of the United States. Mr. B. desired that I would violation of public sentiment by a Representative Sir: The public notice having been called to a letter, write letters requesting the members, and particularly D.
of the people. The opinion of Kentucky was well White, from this district, to consult with Mr. Clay, and said to have been written hy you at Washington city, the
known on that subject; and Mr. Clay had professed vote as he might desire. To this I objected, and gave my 8th of Janary, 15:25, addressed to Francis P. Blair, then a resident of Frankfort, Kentucky, touching the then pending reasons therefor.
to hold it to be the duty of the Representative to presidential election, in which it is charged you said to
“ Mr. B. appeared surprised that I sbould raise any objec
carry out the wishes of his constituent, no matter tions, particularly as I was opposed to the resolutions. He Mr. Blair, among other:hings, ia substance, as follows:
how a knowledge of those wishes was obtained. said that a number of menibers of both Houses, who voted " A friend of Mr. Adans comes to nie with tcars in his eyes, and says: Sir, Mr. Adams has always had the great
for the resolutions, had written such letters, and that I could Such were his opinions before 1824-before he est respect for you, and the higbest admiration for your
do it with more propriety. He said, if Mr. White could be turned his back on Democracy, that he might be, talents. There is no station to which you are not equal. induced to vote for Mr. Adams, he would obtain the vote of
as he has ever since been, locked in the embrace Kentucky, and with it the rotes of most of the western States, You were undoubtedly the second choice of New England,
of Federalism, which would clect him; in which case Mr. Clay would obtain and I pray you to consider whether the public good and your own future interests do not distincuy point to you the
the appointment of Secretary of State. I then inquired how Here the Chairman's mallet announced the excourse which you ought to pursue.
that fact had been ascertained ? His answer was, that piration of Mr. Boyd's hour, and he resumed his
letters had been received from gentlemen of undoubted veraci*My friends entertain the belief that their kind wishes
seat. towards me, will, in the end, be more likely to be accomty at Washington city, containing such information, and I
Mr. C. B. SMITH next obtained the floor, and inight rely with contidence on tliat statement." plished by so bestowing their votes. Your Representative is inclined to concur with us iu these sentiments; and as
This was the testimony to which his colleague
adverting to the remarks of a colleague (Mr. I know his respect for your opinion, I request, if you conalluded the other day, and then asked if he could
OWEN} in relation to the poverty and wretchedeur in our views, that you will write to hiin by return mail
ness of the English citizens, contended that it was to strengthen him in his inclinations.
read it without a blush. Now, his colleague must Show this to Cril
occasioned, not by her protection of her manu look to other cheeks if he expected to find a blush tenden alone." To avoid all misapprehension, therefore, and to the end on the reading of such testimony as that.
factures, but of her breadstuffs, and in consethat even-handed justice may be done to all, we respect
Mr. WHITE had not alluded to the gentleman rarchy, &c. He asserted that there was une
quence of her aristocracy, her pampered kiefully ask to be intorined whether such a letter ever existed, and it go, that you will furnish for publication (if from Kentucky, within your reach) the original, or a copy of said letter; Mr. BOYD. Well, that was the testimony of
analogy between the systems of the two counor if not within your reach, that you will give full author
Jeptha Dudley; and with other testimony, it went
ity to Mr. Blair to publish said letter, or a certified copy
to show that a letter had been there, and that it
trations of the operation of the tariff systems and Respectfully, your obedient servants, had done its work. David White said that he
free trade, quoting largely from Alison's History. Hon. H. CLAY.
Mr. S. denied that the farmer was taxed, as Mr. WHITE had only to say to his colleague,
had received many letters, and that he cast his 1 alleged by the opponents of the protective system, in reply to his proposition to unite with him in a
for his implements of husbandry. He asked the call on Mr. Clay, that he could not enter into any pleasing his constituents by doing so.
irict did not buy their iron cheaper now than they
Secretary of State, believing that he should be