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[Cries of "Leave!" "Leave!" "Go on!" "Go on!"]

Mr. CHANDLER. I will be well content to occupy this place, but I object to the hyperborean winds that blow in upon my back, and I ask some remedy for that. I do not like this attack in the rear. I beseech the House, therefore, to allow ne the privilege of presenting resolutions which ok towards a remedy. We are, day by day, tempting to pass laws here for putting money into this man's and that man's pocket, to the comfort rd convenience of the people; but salis populi prema est lex-the great law of the land is the health and comfort of the legislators. [Laughter.] I hope, therefore, that it will be heard, and approved, and passed.

Cries-"I object!" "I object!"]

Mr. CHANDLER. It seems to be an interior gentleman who objects. Is the first resolution njected to?"

Cries "No!" "No!"].

Mr. JONES, of Tennessee. Read the first resolution.

The first resolution was then read as above. Mr. SCURRY. I would inquire of the gendenan from Pennsylvania, what he means by the Comfort of the members? I do not understand it.

Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia. I submit to the Chair, whether it is not a question of privilege? Mr. CHANDLER. It is a question of privilege entirely, whether the House vote it down or

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Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia, It was decided by the Speaker of the last Congress, that the election of a Doorkeeper, which touched the organization of the House, was a question of privilege.

The SPEAKER. That is very true; but the election of Doorkeeper is provided for by the rules of the House.

Mr. STEPHENS. A proposition touching the health and comfort of the members is a privileged

question and, of course, overrides all others.

The SPEAKER. The Chair overrules the paint order raised by the gentleman from Georg

Mr. SCURRY. I have no doubt there are many here-Whigs and Democrats-who would be desirous of getting friends to administer to their comfort; but I would like to know what comfort they would provide.

Mr. CHANDLER. Let me have only a word upon the second resolution.

Objection was made.

Mr. C. then withdrew the resolution.

The question was then taken on the first resohe, and it was adopted.

M. FULLER, of Pennsylvania, presented a petition of citizens of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, praying Congress to make suitable provision for the erection of a line of telegraphs from Fort Independence to some eligible point on the Pacific cast: which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. JONES, of New York, presented the petition of the supervisors and others of the towns in the county of Onondaga, New York, asking that bounty land may be granted to the officers, musiCans, and privates of the twenty-seventh brigade of New York militia, who were ordered into the service October 25, 1814, and discharged on the 27th November, at Sackett's Harbor, one hundred miles from home; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands, with instructions to inquire and report by bill or otherwise upon granting bounty lands to the persons serving in the brigade mentioned in the petition, and to all who rendered service under similar circumstances.

Mr. HASCALL gave notice that he will, tomorrow, or at some subsequent time, ask leave to introduce a bill to be entitled "An act to amend an act entitled 'An act to reduce and modify the 'rates of postage in the United States, and for other purposes,' approved March 3, 1851.

Mr. FULLER, of Maine, presented the petition of Samuel Adams and others, with an accompanying paper of Castine Hancock to himself, praying for the erection of a light-house on the island of Au-Haute, in Penobscot bay; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Also, the petition of Hiram R. Nason, and other citizens of Crawford, Washington county, Maine, praying for the establishment of a post road through said town; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr.. WALSH moved that the rules be sus

Mr. PENNIMAN submitted joint resolutions of the Legislature of Michigan, relative to moneyspended, and the House resolve itself into Comadvanced by said State to the United States, and for the amount paid by the State for expenses incurred while a Territory in maintaining the territorial boundary; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. BISSELL asked leave to introduce a bill

making a grant of public lands to the several States of the Union, for the benefit of the indigent insane.

Objection being made, leave was not granted. Mr. OLDS, from the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads, reported a joint resolution authorizing the Postmaster General to legalize certain contracts for the transportation of the mail in second time by its title. California and Oregon; which was read a first and

Mr. O. said: As I intend to ask the House to put the resolution upon its passage, I will say a few words in explanation."

It will be recol

lected by the members of the last House that this bill passed the Senate, and was lost in this body, at the moment of the adjournment, under a call for the previous question and the yeas and nays. It authorized the Postmaster General to make proposals for carrying the mail in California and Oregon, the contracts to be opened and acted upon at San Francisco. Objection was then made, in consequence of the belief of some members that it would establish a sub-department of the Post Office in California. The Postmaster General, acting upon the supposition that the law would pass, had the advertisements made in California and Oregon, and ordered the contracts to be opened in San Francisco; but the bill having failed in this House there was not time for readvertisement. The proposals consequently were opened at San Francisco, and adopted, with the reservation indorsed upon Department at any time it saw proper. The Postthe contracts that they conld be abrogated by the master General states in his report, that these contracts have been made upon advantageous termsmuch lower than those made previously. He does not ask that there shall be a sub-department there, but merely that these contracts thus entered into shall be legalized and continued until 1854, the same period as other contracts in the Northwestern and Southwestern division of the mail contracts for the United States are to exist. The resolution does away with all the objections urged before the last House, and the legalization of these contracts saves the necessity of readvertisement and reletting.

The joint resolution was then ordered to be engrossed, and read a third time.

Subsequently, having been engrossed, it was read the third time and passed.

Mr. OLDS moved that the vote by which the resolution was passed be reconsidered, and to lay the motion to reconsider upon the table; which latter motion was agreed to.

Mr. GORMAN, from the Joint Committee on Printing, reported a resolution providing for the printing of one hundred copies of the Journal and documents of the House of Representatives in addition to the number now printed, to be deposited with the Secretary of State for distribution according to law.

Mr. G. said he would make simply this remark, that the Secretary of State addressed a letter to the Clerk of this House, informing him that the usual number of copies was insufficient, and would not supply the officers of our four Territories with the public documents.

The joint resolution was then read a first and second time, and ordered to be engrossed and read a third time; and subsequently, having been engrossed, was read a third time and passed.

The SPEAKER stated that the next business in order was the unfinished business of yesterday; which was the resolution offered by the gentleman from South Carolina, [Mr. AIKEN,] providing bounty land to certain volunteers in the Florida war. The question immediately pending was upon the demand for the previous question.

Mr. ORR rose to a privileged question. He moved that when this House adjourns to-day, it adjourn to meet on Monday next; which motion was agreed to.

Mr. MARSHALL, of Kentucky, moved that the House do now adjourn; which motion was rejected.

mittee of the Whole on the state of the Union, for the pursose of taking up and considering the resolution relating to the workmen upon the Capitol, and upon that motion called for the yeas and nays; which call was subsequently withdrawn, and the motion rejected.

Mr. SMART moved that the House adjourn. The yeas and nays were called for, but not ordered.

[A message was received from the Senate, informing the House that that body had passed the bill entitled "An act to provide compensation to 'such persons as may be designated by the Secretary of the Treasury to receive and keep the pub'lic moneys, under the 15th section of the act of 6th May, 1846, under the additional security re'quired by said act;" also, "An act for the relief of Margaret L. Worth."]

Mr. SEYMOUR, of New York, requested to be permitted to suggest to the mover to, withdraw his motion for adjournment until the President's message was referred. There were important

matters in that document to be referred to committees of the House.

The question was then taken on the motion to adjourn, and agreed to-ayes 88, noes 74. The House then adjourned until Monday.

NOTICES OF BILLS.

By Mr. FAULKNER: A bill to provide for the settlement of claims against the United States.

By Mr. PORTER: A bill to relinquish to the State of Missouri the two per cent. of the net proceeds of the public lands sold in said State since the 6th day of March, 1820, and which have been heretofore withheld from said State.

Also, a bill to grant to the State of Missouri the right of way and a portion of the public lands, to aid in the construction of a railroad from the city of St. Charles, on the Missouri river, to the northern limits of said State.

By Mr. MILLER: An act entitled An act making an appropriation for the improvement of the Missouri river. By Mr. MILLSON: A bill making further provision for the satisfaction of Virginia military land warrants.

PETITIONS, &c.

The following petitions, memorials, &c., were presented under the rule, and referred to the appropriate committees: By Mr. FAULKNER: The petition of Isaac Fouke, administrator of Eli H. Carrell, of Harper's Ferry, Virginia, praying relief on account of loss sustained by the purchase of a building at said place.

Also, the petition of the heirs of James Greer, deceased, praying compensation for the use of a patent machine for boring gun-barrels at the national armory at Harper's Ferry. Also, the petition of Thomas Russell, a disabled mechanic at the National Armory at Harper's Ferry, praying to be placed on the pension roll.

By Mr. DAWSON: The petition of Edmund Rine, of the second regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers in Mexico, praying for bounty land.

Also, the petition of John R. Edie, heir of John Edie, praying for commutation pay and interest.

By Mr. APPLETON, of Massachusetts: The petition of the Boston Marine Society, for restoration of the light on the Minot Ledge, in Massachusetts bay.

IN SENATE.

FRIDAY, December 19, 1851.

Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. C. M. BUTLER.

Mr. HUNTER presented the credentials of the Hon. JOHN I. MCRAE, appointed a Senator by the Governor of the State of Mississippi, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the Hon. Jefferson Davis; which was read; and the oath prescribed by law having been administered to Mr. McRae, he took his seat in the Senate.

PETITIONS.

Mr. MASON presented the petition of Thomas J. Page, praying compensation for services rendered as purser on board the brig Dolphin, in the years 1849 and 1851; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. FISH presented the petition of D. S. Edwards, Richard McSherry, and Elisha R. Kane, medical officers in the Navy, praying to be placed on the same footing as to pay and allowance with the medical officers of the Army, during the time they served on shore with the army in Mexico; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Also, a memorial of the assistant marshals for taking the Seventh Census in King's county, New York, praying additional compensation for their services; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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Ordered, That the memorial of Clements. Bryan & Company, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. HAMLIN, it was

Ordered, That the petition of Noah Miller, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Commerce. On motion by Mr. CLEMENS, it was Ordered, That the petition of William R. Hallet, administrator of Joshua Kennedy, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. CHASE, it was Ordered, That Bryan Callaghan have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

REFERENCE OF PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. On motion by Mr. HUNTER, it was Ordered, That so much of the President's annual message as relates to the finances be referred to the Committee on Finance; that so much thereof as relates to naval affairs be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs; and that so much thereof as relates to military affairs be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. FELCH, it was

Ordered, That so much of the President's annual message as relates to the public lands be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. MASON, it was Ordered, That so much of the President's annual message as relates to the foreign relations of the country be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

NOTICES OF BILLS.

Mr. MANGUM gave notice of his intention to ask leave to introduce a bill for the relief of John B. Bryan, administrator of Isaac Garretson, deceased, late a purser in the United States Navy.

Mr. MILLER gave notice of his intention to ask leave to introduce a bill for making appropriations for the improvement of certain harbors and rivers.

FLOGGING IN THE NAVY.

Mr. GWIN submitted the following resolution; which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be requested to furnish the Senate with any letters from officers of the

Navy on the subject of corporal punishment in the Navy, and any code or codes of law or regulations which he may have had prepared for the better government of the Navy. CLERK TO THE COMMITTEE ON PRINTING. Mr. BORLAND submitted the following resolution; which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Printing be authorized to employ a clerk during the present Congress, to whom the usual per diem compensation shall be paid out of the contingent fund of the Senate.

FLORIDA CLAIMS.

Mr. MALLORY submitted the following resolution; which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the President be requested to furnish to the Senate the original record of examinations of witnesses prepared by a "Board of Examiners," composed of General Churchill, United States Army, and other officers, relative to sundry claims of citizens of Florida, and also the record of examinations of witnesses prepared by Major Thomas, United States Army, and other officers, on the same subject, which records were prepared by order of the War Department, and are now on file in said department.

IRON REGION OF LAKE SUPERIOR. Mr. BORLAND, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the resolution of Mr. FELCH, of the 18th instant, "that five thousand 'five hundred additional copies of the report of 'Messrs. Foster and Whitney, in relation to the iron region of Lake Superior, Michigan, which 'was ordered to be printed by the resolution of the Senate of the 13th March last, be printed 'for the use of the Senate, and that three hundred

'copies thereof be furnished to the Smithsonian 'Institution for distribution, and two hundred copies to Messrs. Foster and Whitney," reported that the same be printed; and the report was concurred in.

BILLS INTRODUCED.

asked and obtained leave to bring in a joint resoluMr. SEWARD, agreeably to previous notice, tion, to establish certain mail routes in the State of time by its title, and referred to the Committee on New York; which was read a first and second

the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. ATCHISON, agreeably to previous notice, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill for the relief of the heirs and legal representatives of Colonel Alexander G. Morgan; which was read a first and second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. FISH, agreeably to previous notice, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill amendatory of the act entitled "An act to provide for holding the courts of the United States, in case of the sickness or other disability of the judges of the districts courts," approved July 29, 1850; which was read a first and second time by its title, and, with the accompanying papers, referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

JOINT RESOLUTIONS FROM THE HOUSE.

The joint resolution, providing for the binding of certain documents, was read a first and second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Printing.

The joint resolution to authorize the Postmaster General to legalize certain contracts for the transportation of the mail in California and Oregon, was read a first and second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

The joint resolution providing for the printing of additional copies of the Journals and Public Documents, was read a first and second time by its title, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

BILLS PASSED.

The following engrossed bills were severally read a third time and passed:

A bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a register to the brig Ada; and

right of way, and a donation of public land, for A bill granting to the State of Mississippi the the purpose of locating and constructing a railroad from Brandon to the eastern border of said State, in the direction of Montgomery, in the State of Alabama.

THE COMPROMISE MEASURES.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the special order, viz: the resolution submitted by Mr. FOOTE, and amended on the motion of Mr. BADGER, as follows:

A Resolution declaring the Measures of Adjustment to be a definitive settlement of the question growing out of domestic slavery.

Be it enacted, That the series of measures embraced in the acts entitled "An act proposing to the State of Texas the establishment of her Northern and Western boundaries, the relinquishment, by the said State, of all territory claimed by her exterior to said boundaries, and of all her claims upon the United States, and to establish a territorial government for New Mexico," approved September 9, 1850; "An act for the admission of the State of California into the Union," approved September 9, 1850; "An act to establish a territorial government for Utah," approved September 9, 1850; "An act to amend and supplementary to an act entitled 'An act respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of their masters,' approved February 12, 1793," approved September 18, 1850; and "An act to suppress the slave trade in the District of Columbia," approved September 20, 1850, commonly known as the "Compromise Acts," are, in the judgment of this body, a settlement in principle and substance-a final settlement of the dangerous and exciting subjects which they embraced, and ought to be adhered to by Congress until time and experience shall demonstrate the necessity of further legislation to guard against evasion or abuse.

Mr. FOOTE, of Mississippi, who was entitled to the floor, resumed and concluded the speech commenced yesterday; the report of which is withheld, at his request, for revision. lished in the APPENDIX.] [It will be pubMr. HOUSTON next obtained the floor, but he gave way to

Mr. RHETT, who desired to make a brief reply. He, however, also yielded to the request of Senators. And the Senate adjourned.

IN SENATE.

SATURDAY, December 20, 1851. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. C. M. BUTLER. PETITIONS.

Mr. SEWARD. Mr. President, I present the New York, praying for the adoption by the Govpetition of the Industrial Congress of the city of erment of the United States of a policy in its diplomatic relations with foreign Powers which shall favor all struggles for freedom worthy the genius of a democratic people.

The memorial, which is as follows, was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations: To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled:

The Industrial Congress of the city of New York, dee ply sensible of the benefits and blessings flowing from free institutions and republican government-the happy possession of the American people-are anxious that these blessings should extend to, and be enjoyed by, the entire family of

man.

The last few years have witnessed many manful efforts and heroic struggles on the part of the people of the Old World, to cast off the yokes of despotism and monarchical government, and erect in their stead forms of government more in consonance with the principles of democratie liberty.

These struggles have not yet ceased. The fire of liberty has not yet been quenched, but is burning with an intensity in the bosoms of our European brethren equaled only by that which pervaded our fathers in America's earlier career.

The Industrial Congress esteem it the religious duty of a people so fortunately situated as are the people of the United States, to manifest their sympathy and extend their aid in behalf of the depressed of other lands. It therefore respectfully memorializes your honorable bodies so to modify the foreign policy of the Government of the United States as to admit of a practical expression of sympathy and extension of aid, on the part of our people, in behalf of such victims of European despotism as may hereafter desire and require it.

In thus memorializing the Congress of the United States, the Industrial Congress would not be understood as seeking to involve our Government in foreign war, to infringe upon our treaties with other nations, nor to disturb our international law. On the contrary, we simply ask that in our diplomatic relations with foreign Powers, a position shall be assumed and maintained in behalf of all struggiers for freedom, worthy of a just, generous, and democratic people, knowing that the assumption of such a position the part of Government will be followed by a ready arty response from the citizens of the United States; and that this combination of sympathy for the oppressed cannot but be instrumental in hastening the day when the entire human race shall be delivered from the thiraldom of monarchy and despotism. In behalf of the Industrial Congress :

H. A. GUILD, Secretary.

Mr. DAWSON presented the petition of W. R. Nevins, praying an extension of his patent for a machine for rolling and cutting crackers and biscuits; which was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. MORTON presented the petition of Daniel Brister and others, praying compensation for property taken and destroyed by the Camanches and other Indian tribes; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. SMITH presented the memorial of Charles Massey, jr., and other citizens of Philadelphia, praying indemnity for French spoliations prior to 1800; which was referred to the select committee on French Spoliations.

Mr. HAMLIN presented a petition of citizens of Maine, praying an appropriation for the erection of a breakwater in Owl's Head harbor, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. GWIN presented the petition of Z. F. Johnston, an officer in the Navy, praying the reimbursement of certain expenses to which he was subjected in obeying an order of the Secretary of the Navy, and to be allowed the pay of a Captain in the Navy during the time he discharged the duties of that office; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

PAPERS WITHDRAWN AND REFERRED. On motion by Mr. CLEMENS, it was Ordered, That the petition of Thomas Rhodes, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by DODGE, of Iowa, it was Ordered, That John C. Sheldon have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. MASON, it was Ordered, That Albert Fitz have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. UNDERWOOD, it was Ordered, That the petition of Mira M. Alexander, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

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PUBLISHED AT WASHINGTON, BY JOHN C. RIVES.-TERMS $3 FOR THIS SESSION.

32D CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION.

NOTICES OF bills.

Mr. SEWARD gave notice of his intention to wk leave to introduce a bill for the relief of Thos. H. Leggett.

Mr. SEBASTIAN gave notice of his intention to ask leave to introduce a joint resolution authoring the Secretary of the Interior to commute the payment of certain Choctaw annuities.

REPORT FROM STANDING COMMITTEES. Mr. MANGUM, from the Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the bill for the rehef of the personal representatives of William A. Slacum, deceased, reported it without amend

ment.

BINDING OF DOCUMENTS.

Mr. BORLAND. Then I move that the resolution be taken up now.

The PRESIDENT. It requires unanimous consent. If there be no objection the resolution wil be taken up.

The joint resolution was then read a second time, and considered by the Senate as in Committee of the Whole.

It provides that all the Executive documents of which additional copies have been ordered to be printed, which shall not contain less than two hundred and fifty pages, shall be bound, under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing, provided the cost thereof shall not exceed 12 cents per volume.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1851.

door-I will not say to fraud, for I make no such
charge against any parties-but at all events, we
opened such a door as let in upon us, if not in-
vited, culpable disregard of the terms and condi-
tions of the contract. The binding was greatly
inferior to the kind stipulated for, and it proved
impracticable to hold the contractors to their con-

tract.

NEW SERIES....No. 9.

some extenuating circumstances in relation to this matter, to the benefit of which these contractors are entitled. The large editions of documents which are published go to the binders in a state which precludes and absolutely prevents the binding of the documents in that manner in which they would be bound if the sheets were dry and in a different state of preparation when they go to be bound. If a document is bound while the sheets are yet moist, it will after binding shrink, and it cannot be so well bound as it can be if it be allowed to lie till the sheets are dry. Hence the distinction between this and ordinary binding. But if Senators will look at the documents which have been bound, and particularly that mass to which allusion has been made, I think they will be found to be of a good quality. It should be borne in mind that the sum which we pay for the binding of all these documents is but twelve and a half cents per volume. It is a matter in which, individually, I feel no particular interest; but still I am decidedly of opinion that while we publish large editions of the various works to which I have alluded, it is desirable that we should put them into a state in which they may be preserved, and for that reason I shall vote for the resolution.

Mr. MANGUM. I move that the further consideration of the resolution be postponed until Monday next. It is interfering with and cutting off the morning business.

Mr. HAMLIN. Let it go over until Monday. Mr. BORLAND. I hope that will not be done, for I shall not be here on Monday next, and I should like to be present when the resolution is again considered.

Mr. MANGUM. Well, then, say Monday week.

Mr. BORLAND., Yes; Monday week. That will do.

In justification of myself, I feel bound to state a fact in this connection. Under that contract, which seemed as stringent as it was possible to make it, so far at least as words and obligations could go, I, as chairman of the Committee on Printing, had to examine and pass upon these documents when they were brought in by the contractor. The work at first was nearly up to the contract, and Mr. BORLAND. I am directed by the Com-the committee agreed to receive it notwithstanding mittee on Printing, to whom was referred a joint it was a little below the quality stipulated for. resolution of the House providing for the binding But the next batch of documents was so badly of certain documents, to report the resolution with- printed, and especially so badly bound, that, as out amendment, and to recommend its adoption by chairman of the committee, I considered it my the Senate. I ask that the resolution may be read, duty to reject them. The committee at first susas then I have a remark or two to make upon it. tained me in the course I pursued; but notwithThe PRESIDENT. The resolution has not standing this decision, those having the work to come up for action. do, persevered in doing it in the manner I have mentioned. Documents were piled up in the document rooms, appeals were made to the members of the committee, and others of the Senate and House, and my rejection, at first sustained, was overruled, and thus we were imposed upon by this inferior work. Under the joint resolution under Mr. BORLAND. I have no objection to the which the committee was formed, and the subse-postponement of it. I would be glad to have it quent resolution for binding, made it my duty to postponed indefinitely. make this examination, &c., of these documents, and the binding. That I performed that duty faithfully, I believe no one will question; and yet, under the operation of the persuasion of the contractor, my decisions were overruled and the contract was thus trampled under foot. I believe, sir, most decidedly, that such a system of contracting as that of which we have already had experience, will result in nothing better than putting money into the hands of speculators; that inferior work will be done, and that the Senate and the country will thus be imposed upon. Money will be taken out of the Treasury which will not go to subserve the public interest, and the pockets of speculators will be filled with it. Sir, I am opposed to such a Mr. BORLAND. I am opposed to the resolu- system. We may not, perhaps, get clear of the tion, and I will briefly state the reasons of my opwhole of the evil, because we must have printing Mr. WALKER. I desire to take up the resoposition. This resolution proposes to adopt the done; but here, I think, is a door which has been lutions which I had the honor of introducing the same course with regard to binding public docu- opened to imposition, and which I think may now other day, with the view of moving that they be ments, that was adopted last session. And I ask be effectually closed, and with great advantage to printed. I refer to the resolutions of inquiry adthe attention of Senators to this matter, because it the public. At any rate I, for one, cannot agree dressed to the Committee on Foreign Relations, is one especially affecting their convenience, as well to a proposition of this sort, because I feel fully in reference to our foreign policy. I make this as the interests of the country, so far as the print- convinced that we will not get the work done with- motion, because I discover that there is some mising and binding of the documents are concerned. out great delay and greater imposition. As chair-apprehension existing, not only in the minds of At the last session a resolution was adopted by man of the committee I am unwilling to perform which it was agreed to bind all the public docu- this duty, because I know quite well in advance tients of a certain size. At that time it was sup- what will be the consequences. I know that I posed that this course would greatly increase the will not be sustained in my duty; and so far as value of the documents by enabling us to keep the committee is concerned it will avail nothing to them in better preservation. The practical work-protect the Treasury and the public. ing of that resolution, however, was the very reverse of what was intended by the adoption of it. So far from facilitating the work, and so far from rendering the documents more valuable by placing them in a better condition for preservation, the reverse of this was the case. And one of the principal causes of the long delay which we experienced in obtaining these documents was, that the binding required considerable additional time. As a consequence of this, we have not yet received all the documents which were ordered last session of

Mr. BORLAND. Before proceeding with the remarks which I have to offer, I desire to submit an amendment, which is necessary, in order to give the effect intended, to the resolution as it came from the House. The amendment is to insert the word "of," after the word "that" in the first line. The question was taken on the amendment, and i was adopted.

Congress.

There is another ground of opposition, to which I desire to refer. This proposition for binding the documents opened another door for additional imposition upon the Senate and the country by providing another case of failure to comply with the terms of the contract. We all well know the inferior character of the work which was done under contract during the last two or three years in the way of printing. That was bad enough. We had submitted to imposition enough, and difficulty enough, in getting the documents printed; and when we agreed to have them bound we opened a

Mr. HAMLIN. I concur in many of the suggestions which have fallen from the chairman of the Committee on Printing; yet as to the propriety of adopting the resolution which the House has sent to us, I do not agree at all with him. I am inclined to think, while we print extraordinary numbers of the President's message, and the Patent Office reports, and various other reports from different Departments of the Government, containing valuable and useful information to the country, that it is desirable to preserve them, and put them in a state of preservation for distribution through out the country. It is very true, I believe, that in but few if any instances where contracts have been made by Congress, have the contractors been made to comply strictly with their contracts. Indeed, I know of none that have been literally complied with. I think, however, if Senators will take the trouble to examine the matter, they will find that these binders have better complied with their contract than almost any other contractors with Congress. I know of no contractors who have fulfilled their contracts so faithfully as these binders have done. And, sir, let me say further, that there are

The question was then taken on the motion of Mr. MANGUM to postpone the further consideration of the joint resolution until Monday week; and it was decided in the affirmative.

MONARCHICAL versus CONSTITUTIONAL
GOVERNMENT.

Senators, but also in the public mind, in reference to what these resolutions are. In one of the papers published in this city, the Union-towards which I entertain the most cordial feeling, as well as towards the publishers of that paper, and I am very confident that they do not feel otherwise towards myself-I find this statement:

"Mr. Walker introduced a resolution declaring it the true tion in the cause of Hungary." policy of the United States to 'intervene against interven

I have also been inquired of by Senators, and indeed by several others, whether my resolutions were absolute, and declaratory of the policy of the United States, or whether they were merely resolutions of inquiry. The resolutions themselves having relation to a very important subject, and finding this misapprehension prevailing regarding them, I desire that they may be printed, in order that there may no longer be any misapprehension about them, and that their phraseology may be submitted to the most careful examination and scrutiny. The motion to take up the resolutions was agreed to, and they were then ordered to lie on the table and be printed.

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The resolution was accordingly read. Mr. BORLAND. Is the resolution open to amendment?

The PRESIDENT. It is open to amendment, unless it be referred.

THE LIBERATION OF ABD EL KADER. The joint resolution requesting the President of the United States to interpose the friendly offices of this Government with the President of the Republic of France in behalf of the liberation of Mr. UNDERWOOD. This whole subject is Abd el Kader, came up in its order, was read the now under the consideration of the Commit-second time, and was then passed over. tee on Public Lands. I have been instructed to hold a conference with the Commissioner of Public Lands, and expect to report on Monday or Tuesday next. I think, therefore, it would be better to let this resolution lie over until the committee who have this bill under consideration make their report; and when it is made it will most probably be matured in such a way as to make the whole matter satisfactory. I therefore think it advisable to postpone the subject for the present.

Mr. BORLAND. I quite agree with the Senator from Kentucky; but I have an amendment which I wish to propose to the bill when it comes ⚫ up for consideration, and which I wish to be referred to the committee with the other papers.

The amendment was read, as follows:

Be it further resolved, That in all cases where the militia, or volunteers, or State troops, were called out under the requisition of the Secretary of War, or of any officer of the United States Army duly authorized, and whose services have been recognized and paid by the United States, shall be considered as having been in the service of the United States, and shall be entitled to the benefit of the act of which these resolutions are explanatory.

Mr. SHIELDS. I wish to say a single word in reply to the Senator from Kentucky, [Mr. UNDERWOOD,] and that is, that this bill passed the Committee on Public Lands in both branches of Congress last session, but by some means or other it failed between the two Houses. I believe it has also passed the Committee on Public Lands this session.

The PRESIDENT. No, it was introduced on leave.

Mr. SHIELDS. Well, it is the same bill which passed the committees of both Houses last session, but failed by some means which I cannot explain.

Mr. UNDERWOOD. I rise to state to my friend from Illinois that the Committee on Public Lands have an amendment under consideration, which it is of some consequence to be matured, and which will probably be done next week. That amendment is to make the locations which have taken place on land warrants assignable as well as the warrants themselves. There are, also, some other amendments in contemplation; and I have some information, derived from the Commissioner of Public Lands, which I propose laying before the Committee. Now, although this resolution in substance passed during the last session of Congress, it did not make provision on this new subject I have mentioned, and therefore I think it would be better to refer this resolution to the Committee on Public Lands, that have the subject under consideration, and let that committee review the whole subject and report early upon it.

Mr. SHIELDS. Certainly I have no objec

tion.

The PRESIDENT. Does the Senator from Kentucky make that motion?

Mr. UNDERWOOD. With the consent of the Senator from Illinois I will move its reference to the Committee on Public Lands.

The question being taken on the motion to refer, it was agreed to.

Mr. BORLAND. I now move that my amendment be printed.

to.

The motion to print the amendment was agreed

Mr. WALKER. There is an amendment which I wish to offer. It is a proviso to the first resolution; and as the amendment offered by the Senator from Arkansas has been ordered to be printed, I move that my amendment be printed also.

The amendment is as follows: Provided, That not more than two land warrants, of one hundred and sixty acres each, or their equivalent in warrants of less denominations, shall be located by or in the name of the same individual upon any of the public lands. The motion to print the amendment was agreed

to.

THE EXILED IRISH PATRIOTS.

The joint resolution expressive of the sympathy of Congress for the exiled Irish patriots, Smith O'Brien, Thomas F. Meagher, and their associates, came up in its order, and was read the second time, and then passed over.

PRINTING OF THE JOURNAL, &C.
The resolution providing for the printing of ad-
ditional copies of the Journal and public documents,
was read a third time and passed.

CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION.

Mr. UNDERWOOD. I have a matter to bring before the Senate for which I have a precedent in the casee of Mrs. Worth. Mrs. Alexander, of Kentucky, is the only daughter of George Madison, late Governor of Kentucky. She represents that her father, being captured and taken prisoner and being carried to Quebec, never received compensation, and no provision was made for his family. I move that the papers be withdrawn from the files of the Senate, and referred to the Committe on Pensions, so that this lady may be put upon the same footing as other ladies, being the representative of a distinguished man, who, it is said, lost his life by disease contracted in the service of his country.

The PRESIDENT. Has any report been made in this case?

Mr. UNDERWOOD. I believe that a favor

able report has been made, but I am not quite
certain.

Leave was given to withdraw the papers, and
they were referred to the Committee on Pensions.

THE COMPROMISE MEASURES.
The Senate then resumed the consideration of
the special order, being the resolution submitted
by Mr. Foore, declaring the compromise measures
a definitive settlement of the questions growing out
of the subject of slavery.

A debate ensued, to which Mr. RHETT and Mr.
FOOTE were the parties, which occupied the Senate
until near the usual hour of adjournment. And
for which see Appendix.

Mr. HOUSTON then rose and said, that as the
day was so far advanced he should prefer to take
an earlier portion of the day on Monday, if it met
with the approval of the Senate.

The suggestion was assented to, and on motion
the Senate proceeded to the consideration of Ex-
ecutive business; and after some time spent therein
the doors were reopened, and,
The Senate adjourned.

IN SENATE.

MONDAY, December 22, 1851.

Mr. JONES, of Iowa, presented the proceedings
and a memorial of the Railroad Convention of the
State of Iowa, in favor of the enactment of a law
granting the right of way and making a grant of
land to that State, in aid of the construction of a
railroad from Dubuque to Keokuck, and from Dav-
enport to the Missouri river, at or near Council
Bluffs, in Iowa; which were referred to the Com-
mittee on Public Lands.

Also, the memorial of Mary Robb, widow of
Hugh Robb, a soldier in the last war with Great
Britain, praying to be allowed a pension; which
was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Also, the petition of S. Hempstead and others,
praying that a pension may be granted to David
L. Davis, in consideration of an injury received
while in the service of the United States as an as-
sistant surveyor of public lands; which was re-
ferred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. HAMLIN submitted additional documents
in relation to the petition of Nathan Weston, jr.;
which, with his petition on the files of the Senate,

were referred to the Committee on Military Af-
fairs.

Mr. DOWNS presented the petition of Thomas
Mullett, praying compensation for his services as
a deputy surveyor of public lands in Louisiana;

which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Also, the petition of W. C. Templeton, proposing to establish a line of mail steamers from New Orleans, via Tampico, to Vera Cruz, and praying that the Postmaster General may be directed to enter into contract with him for the transportation of the mail between those places; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

PAPERS WITHDRAWN AND REFERRED.
On motion by Mr. PRATT, it was
Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of John Ireland,
on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of
Claims.

STEAMSHIP PROMETHEUS. *
On motion by Mr. CASS, it was

Ordered, That the message of the President of the United States, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, information in relation to the firing into and seizure of the American steamship Prometheus, by a British vessel of war, transmitted to the Senate the 17th instant, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. MESSRS. FOSTER AND WHITNEY'S REPORT. On motion by Mr. FELCH, it was

Ordered, That of the additional number of copies of the report of Messrs. Foster and Whitney, ordered to be printed by the resolution of the Senate of the 19th instant, five hundred be furnished to the Commissioner of the General Land Office.

CLERK TO THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.

Mr. HUNTER submitted the following resolution; which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Committee on Finance be authorized to employ a clerk during the present session, who shall receive the usual compensation.

BILLS INTRoduced.

Mr. SEWARD, according to previous notice, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill for the relief of Thomas H. Leggett; which was read a first and second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. DODGE, of Wisconsin, by unanimous consent, asked and obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution for the relief of Alexander P. Field, late Secretary of Wisconsin Territory, and sureties; which was read a first and second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. MANGUM, according to previous notice, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill for the relief of John R. Bryan, administrator of Isaac Garretson, deceased, late a purser in the United States Navy; which was read a first and second time by unanimous consent, and, with the papers on the files of the Senate, referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES.

Mr. SHIELDS, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill to authorize the State of Illinois to select the residue of the lands to which she is entitled under the act of 2 March, 1827, granting land to aid that State in opening a canal to connect the waters of the Illinois river with those of Lake Michigan, reported it without amendment.

Mr. DODGE, of Iowa, from the Committee on ing the right of way and making a grant of land Public Lands, to whom was referred a bill grantto the State of Iowa, in aid of the construction of a railroad in said State, reported it with an amend

ment.

Mr. JONES, of Iowa, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Elizabeth Arnold, submitted a report, accompanied by a bill for her relief.

The bill was read, and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS. Mr. MILLER. Pursuant to a notice which I gave on Saturday last, I ask leave to introduce a bill making appropriation for improvements in

certain rivers and harbors.

In presenting this bill to the Senate, I desire merely to say, that it is the same bill as that which passed the House at the last session of Congress but which was defeated in this body on the last night of the session, for want of time to bring it

to a final vote.

It has been the habit of both branches of Congress to delay action upon measures of this kind until towards the close of the session, when it is impossible to give to them that attention which their importance demands.

My object in introducing this important measure to the attention of the Senate at so early a day, is by save it from the catastrophe which defeated it to give ample time for its consideration, and there at the last session. I hope that the subject may receive the early attention of the Committee on Commerce, to which I move its reference.

Leave being granted to introduce the bill, it was

read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

FLOGGING IN THE NAVY.

Mr. HALE. I move to take up a resolution which was laid upon the table some days ago, calling upon the Secretary of the Navy for some information in regard to the practice of flogging in the Navy.

to.

The motion to take up the resolution was agreed

Mr. HALE. I now move to amend the resolution, by striking out all after the word "resolved," and inserting what I now send to the Chair. The amendment was read, as follows:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to nform the Senate whether any charges were preferred by any officer of the United States frigate Cumberland against William K. Latimer, while commanding said frigate on her recent cruise, for illegal punishment and disobedience of orders; and also, whether any court of inquiry was balden on the conduct of said Latimer, and if so, what was dhe unding or recommendation of said court of inquiry; and if any such charges have been made against said Latimer, or if any such court of inquiry has been holden, that be furnish the same to the Senate; and that he also inform the Senate what proceeding the Secretary of the Navy has taken in the premises, both as regards said Latimer and the officer who preferred said charges.

Mr. DAWSON. I would suggest to the Senator from New Hampshire, whether it would not be better to alter his amendment so as to call upon the President for this information. I believe it is not usual to call upon the Heads of Departments directly for any information, but through the medum of the President. I move to amend the amendment by striking out the words "Secretary of the Navy" and inserting the words the "President of the United States." I believe this is the asual course.

Mr. HALE. I am not positively certain what the practice is; but 1 understand that it is both

ways.

The PRESIDENT. Does the Senator from Georgia propose to amend in the way he has suggested?

Mr. DAWSON. I have no particular wish to interfere with the amendment of the Senator from New Hampshire. My only object was to observe & conformity to what I believed to be the usual

custom.

The PRESIDENT. Sometimes calls for in-
formation are made upon the Heads of Depart-
ments, and at others upon the President. I be-
heve there is no fixed custom upon the subject.
Mr. DAWSON. Well, it is immaterial, and I
will withdraw my amendment.

The question was then taken on the amendment
offered by Mr. HALE, and it was agreed to.
The question then recurred on the adoption of
the resolution as amended, and it was decided in
the affirmative.

CONSIDERATION OF PRIVATE CLAIMS.
The PRESIDENT. The resolution of the
Senator from Maryland will now be taken up for

consideration.

The resolution provides, that from and after the frstof January next, Fridays of each week shall be set apart for the consideration of private claims, and that on these days private bills shall have priority over all other business.

Mr. DAVIS, (in his seat.) I hope that resolu

of this body, unless their action is to receive some
attention on the part of the Senate. Let me ask
why this committee is to be engaged session after
session in investigating private claims, if gentlemen
are to express the hope (no doubt expecting that by
the mere expression of the hope it will be realized)
that such a resolution as that will not pass?.

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Mr. President, unless the Senate agree to fix
some particular day in each week for the consid-
eration of these claims, they will not be considered
at all. The experience of the whole of the last
Congress shows this to be true. It is clear that
you are doing injustice to this committee of the
Senate by imposing upon them this labor without
considering what they have done. Mr. President,||
I repeat that I am instructed by this committee to
ask for the passage of this resolution by the Senate;
and it may be as well to say, that if the Senate
will not consent to give some little attention to
what we do, we do not intend to do anything more
but to ask the Senate to abolish the committee.

beg to say that I did not make any such assertion as that. Not at all. I merely wished that a discrimination should be made here between a certain class of bills known as private bills, and a certain other class called public bills. That was all I intended.

Mr. PRATT. The Senator from Massachusetts does not make in terms, the assertion or the argument which I attributed to him; but in reality he does so. What is it that he asks? He says that he has no objection that some days should be fixed for the consideration of private claims, but he wants such days fixed as will not interfere with public business. Although, therefore, in so many words the Senator does not assert what I stated, yet in substance he certainly did so. All these claims are to be superseded if there be anything for the consideration of the Senate which is called "public business." I apprehend that there is not a single claim which has been passed upon by that committee which was not investigated most rigidly and patiently; and I am satisfied that none of them were favorably reported upon which ought not at once to have passed. On the contrary, I know, both as a member of this body and as a member of that committee, that not one of these claims has been passed upon by the Senate. Where the Government is indebted to citizens it is the duty of Congress, which I believe the Senator from Mas

Mr. DAVIS. It is very true, Mr. President, that I did express a hope that this resolution would not pass, and I did so because I believe that by adopting it, we are not going either to save the time of the Senate or to facilitate the dispatch of business. I do not know how it should happen in the course of a session of three months, when every bill goes upon the calendar, private as well as public, that we should not reach these pri-sachusetts will not in the abstract deny, to pay vate bills. But then I take it as the result of another disorderly practice which we have adopted here and I trust the Senate will excuse the use of

that word, for I do not use it disrespectfully-I
refer to the system of making special assignments
of business from day to day, and from time to
time, and from hour to hour. Now, to say the
least, I think that this is an erroneous practice;
that it creates confusion; that it does not hasten
the progress of business at all; while, on the con-
trary, I believe that if we would permit the busi-
ness to go on in the order in which it stands on
the calendar, we should accomplish much more
than we do, and do it more to our satisfaction. I
have no objection to the assignment of a day or
days for the consideration of these private claims,

if the honorable Senator and his committee desire
it; but instead of selecting certain days of the
week for that purpose, I would select those sea-
sons and times when the public business does not
press upon us; and in such seasons and times I
would assign certain days for taking up these bills
and for the action of the Senate upon them.

There is another reason why I would prefer this
course—a reason in the force of which I think all
gentlemen here of any experience will agree-and
that is, that if you assign Fridays and Saturdays
to private bills, you will seldom have a quorum in
this body. Gentlemen will abandon the Senate.
That is the experience of the past, and if you adopt
this rule again you will very often find yourselves
in that condition. Those gentleman only who
happen to feel an interest in private claims, will
come here just for the purpose of having those
claims in which they are particularly interested
brought to an issue. Other gentlemen will say,
"I have no particular interest in this business; I
can employ my time in a manner which will be
much more agreeable to me, and I will leave the
Senate."

tion will not pass.
Mr. PRATT. I did not suppose that this res-
If any change is to be made in the mode of doing
business, I believe it would be better to take the
olution would have met with opposition on the
business as it stands upon the calendar, and lessen
part of any member of this body; but I understood
the Senator from Massachusetts to say, in an
the number and frequency of special appointments
-the assignment of particular days for particular
under tone of voice, that he hoped this resolution things if you please, and take them in the order
would not pass. I was a member of the Commit- in which they stand on the docket. I by no means
tee of Claims during the last session of Congress,
and I have the honor of being upon the same
wish to throw any obstruction in the way of pri-
vate bills, but desire that they may go through the
committee now. During the last session there Senate in the ordinary way. If I differ with the
were more than a hundred claims favorably re-
gentleman, it is merely as to which is the best way
of doing this business, he appearing to suppose
that we can accomplish it best by the adoption of
one mode, while I think we can do it best by the
adoption of another.

ported upon by the committee, and yet not one of
them was acted upon by the Senate. During the
same session, there were more than one hundred
claims which were reported upon unfavorably, and
all of these latter mentioned reports were immedi-
tely sanctioned by the Senate. Anterior to the
last Congress I believe that two days in each week
are assigned for the consideration of private
tains. I have been instructed by the committee
it will the Senate to pass this resolution. I hope
it will be adopted; for one thing is certain, and
thats, that that committee design to ask the Sen-
die to abolish it as one of the standing committees

Mr. PRATT. I do not know that I precisely comprehend the argument of the gentleman from Massachusetts; but if I do understand it, it is this: That the claims of the citizens of this country against the Government for money due them do not come under his category of "public business;" that it is not a kind of business which demands the action of Congress

Mr. DAVIS. If the Senator will allow me, I

those citizens, rather than to attend to resolutions and discussions which the gentleman may consider as public business, especially such business as we have been engaged in since the commencement of this session. I hold that we should have been much more profitably engaged if, instead of discussing the abstract propositions which have thus far engaged our attention, we had been engaged in doing justice to citizens who have claims against the Government-if we had been engaged in paying our honest debts. Yes, sir, this would have been much better than devoting our attention to people who have no particular claim upon us.

I hope, then, that this resolution will be passed. It is due to those claimants that it should be passed, and to refuse to pass it is to do injustice. There are claims here which have been standing for the last ten years, which have been favorably reported upon, and which certainly ought to be passed. That the Government owes the money there can be no doubt. That money has never been paid; and I hold it to be the duty of this body to fix some day for that purpose. To this end I have offered this resolution, so as to see whether we can prevail upon Senators to pay the just claims of their fellow-citizens upon the Government, and to attend to the reports of their committee.

Mr. MANGUM. After a long course of observation I am satisfied that any departure from the ancient rules of the Senate in this respect will tend to obstruct rather than to facilitate the course of business. If this body will do what it did some years ago-pertinaciously adhere to the calendar, we shall get through the whole business satisfactorily and accurately. But, sir, there is a struggle here towards the close of the session, and very often at the early part of it, to get precedence to take up particular claims in which individual Senators feel an interest, to the prejudice of all others. If the Senate will adhere to the ancient rule, and suffer nothing to be taken up out of its order, unless it be in a case of great emergency, we shall accomplish all in due season. I am opposed to the passage of this resolution. I have seen this thing attempted at least twenty times, with very indif ferent effect as to the progress of business, besides the risk of injustice sometimes being done to the Treasury by the minority. On the other hand, if everything comes up in its due order, everything will be done satisfactorily to the country and to this body. I hope, therefore, that this resolution will not pass. I am perfectly satisfied that all the business of the Senate can be done, and well done, if the Senate will adhere to its ancient rule and take up all business in its order. Under such a rule, public and private business shares an equal

fate.

Mr. ATCHISON. I concur with the Senator from North Carolina in one point of view, If we

do adhere to the calendar all these difficulties will

be obviated. But the Senator knows as well as any gentleman here that we do not do it—that the Senate never has done it

Mr. MANGUM, (in his seat.) Yes it has,

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