gentleman from Ohio as merely yielding for an explanation. Mr. CARTTER. Certainly. I only yielded for an explanation, and I wish now to state a fact. Mr. MARSHALL. I declined to take the floor for the purpose of explanation. The CHAIRMAN. The Chair desires to know of the gentleman from Ohio, whether he had yielded the floor finally, or merely for explanation? Mr. CARTTER, Only for explanation. Mr. MARSHALL. Well, I'declined at the time to accept it for that purpose. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Ohio is entitled to the floor. Mr. CARTTER. I will yield the floor finally in a moment, but not by calling the previous question. The fact that I was about stating at the time my friend from Kentucky rose, was this, that every one of these warrants costs the public Treasury two dollars. Now I want this measure opened up. If we dispose of this public domain, let us do it intelligently and responsibly, and not under the gag of the previous question, or by force of the drill, taking hold upon combinations here. Give us an open sea, and a fair sail upon this question, and I apprehend that a portion of this bill at any rate will be obliterated. Mr. JONES of Tennessee. It is very evident, I think, from the vote of this House refusing to lay upon the table the motion to reconsider the vote by which the bill was ordered to be engrossed, that the bill is not now in a form that meets the wishes and views of a majority of the House. While there is a decided majority of the House for the main and principal feature of this bill, there is also, I think, a majority against the bill as it now stands. In the first place, the first section of this bill is perhaps wholly and entirely unnecessary, because this House has, upon a former day of the present session, passed a provision to effect exactly the same purpose that this section is intended to accomplish. The next section, which provides for giving fees and augmented fees to the receivers and registers of the land office who shall locate the land warrants, is not in a form that suits myself, and I think very many of us, if not a majority of this House. I must say that I do not understand the full bearing of that section. If it shall pass into a law, I suppose it is to give to these officers the same fees to which they would have been entitled if the land had been entered and paid for as provided for in this section; and not only this, but, if I understand it, it does more-it authorizes the registers and receivers to receive similar fees for the land warrants they have heretofore located under the law granting bounty lands to the soldiers in the Mexican war. But this section makes a distinc tion between the soldiers who are the beneficiaries of the Government under the acts of Congress granting bounty lands. It provides that the soldier shall locate the land himself, and that the Government shall then take the responsibility of paying the register and receiver for locating them. I ask you how does the soldier who paid it in the first instance to the receiver of the land office get it back from that officer? This bill provides in the first instance, that everybody shall make payment to the register and receiver the fees for locating the warrants, and that when he comes to settle with the Treasury Department there shall be refunded to him from the Treasury of the United States as much as he has received from the man himself. It provides that "The registers and receivers of the United States land offices shall hereafter be severally authorized to charge and receive for their services in locating bounty land warrants, the same rate of compensation or percentage to which they are entitled by law for sales of the public lands for cash, at the rate of one dollar and twenty five cents per acre, the said compensation to be hereafter paid by the assignees or holders of such warrants, in all cases where the same have been transferred by the soldier or his legal or personal representative, under the provisions of the acts of Congress, and the regulations of the General Land Office on that subject, and to be paid out of the Treasury of the United States, upon the adjustment of the accounts of such officers, where it shall be shown to the satisfaction of the General Land Office that the same was located by the soldier or warrantee, or in case of his death by his next of kin, as provided by the acts of Congress aforesaid." Mr. BISSELL. Will the gentleman allow me for a moment? Mr. JONES. Certainly. Mr. BISSELL. By the terms of this resolution it is not contemplated that the soldier himself, in locating the warrant, shall pay anything to the register and receiver for said location. The Goverument itself is to allow compensation to the register and receiver, when the soldier has not transferred the warrant; but when the soldier has made a transfer, the assignee who made the purchase is required to pay the compensation to the register and receiver. to. Mr. JONES. That is just what I am coming When it had been stricken out in the House, the bill went to the Senate, and it was understood that Mr. Vinton followed it there and got the proviso incorporated. It came back to the House, and a committee of conference was appointed upon the bill, and that committee, I believe, with my friend from Virginia, [Mr. BAYLY,] and Mr. Vinton both, on it, on the part of the House, reported it back here, when the clock wanted but five, ten, or, at most, fifteen minutes to twelve o'clock, the 4th of March, 1851. I then called for a vote upon it. I wished to defeat the proviso; and I would have defeated the appropriation bill sooner than to have seen it passed the House with the proviso in it. The committee had not time to meet again, and unless the House concurred in the report the bill would be lost. In that state of feeling, and at Mr. JONES. Still you authorize the soldier to transfer his warrant, and you charge the assignee the price of the fees which you authorize the register of the land office to receive for making the location. When the man comes to buy the warrant from the soldier, it will reduce the value exactly to the amount which he is to pay to the receiver of the land office. Then this section makes an appropriation out of the Treasury; and by our rules the bill should be considered in Com-that period of the session, passed the proviso, after mittee of the Whole on the state of the Union, where this section has not been considered. To the next section, which provides for extending the benefits of the act approved September 28th, 1850, to other persons, I have no objection; but it will not suffer from undergoing an investigation by the committee to which it will be referred, and who will report it back in an intelligible form which will bear the test of scrutiny. I desire to make a few remarks upon another subject which has been introduced here; that is, the proviso which was incorporated into the civil and diplomatic bill the last session prohibiting the location of bounty land warrants upon any lands other than those which had been surveyed and brought into market. I think the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. BAYLY] will find he is mistaken when he says that this provision was incorporated into the civil and diplomatic bill under the recommendation of the Secretary of the Treasury that it would be necessary to make a loan. My recollection, is that the recommendation of the Secretary of the Treasury for a loan was in the first session of the last Congress. This proviso, restricting the location of these bounty land warrants, was passed upon the last day of the last session of the last Congress, when it had been ascertained that the revenues of the country would exceed even the wasteful and extravagant and prodigal estimates and demands of the Administration, sustained and backed by the Congress of the United States. Mr. BAYLY, of Virginia, (interrupting.) I only wish to set the gentleman from Tennessee right as to the matter of fact in relation to this loan. Does not my friend recollect that he and I had three or four discussions during the last session of Congress, in which he undertook to show that the bills we had reported largely exceeded the revenues of the country? Mr. JONES. That was the first session. Mr. JONES, (resuming.) Then how did this proposition get into the civil and diplomatic bill? They cannot say I did it. The first move which was made was to refuse to make any appropriation for the further survey of the public lands and to provide for their being brought into market subject to being located upon by these warrants. The Department said that they must have money to survey the lands, and it was decided to put it into the bill, at the instance of Mr. Vinton, whose name has been mentioned in connection with this subject; but when the appropriation was put in, it was accompanied by a proviso to prevent the location of warrants upon such lands as should hereafter be surveyed. When it came into the House that proviso was stricken out of the bill by an overwhelming majority, so large that those who advocated it had no show at all upon the question. Mr. Vinton was, from the beginning, uncompromisingly opposed to the passage of the bounty land law, and threw all the obstacles in his power in its way. If I mistake not, my friend from Virginia [Mr. BAYLY] voted against that law when it was before the House. Mr. BAYLY. I must say that my friend from Tennessee does not exhibit his usual accuracy today. I voted for it. Mr. JONES. I recollect that the gentleman said in a speech that he did not want his constituents to get these lands and remove from his State. Mr. TAYLOR. Will the gentleman from Tennessee permit me to ask him if this proviso did not come from the Senate, as an amendment? three fourths of the members had voted against it. I hope this bill will be referred either to a select committee or to the Committee on the Judiciary, or to some other committee, which will take the subject into consideration and make the bill such as it should be and such as shall meet the wishes of a majority of this House, and which, at all events, shall provide for the repeal of that proviso in the civil and diplomatic bill of the last session. I move the previous question. The previous question was then seconded, and the main question ordered. Mr. CLARK asked that the previous question might be withdrawn for a moment. [Cries of "Too late!"] The SPEAKER said no remarks could be made after the previous question had been seconded. The question was now upon reconsidering the vote by which the bill was ordered to be engrossed and read the third time. The question was then put, and carried in the affirmative. So the House agreed to reconsider; and the question again recurring upon ordering the bill to be engrossed and read a third time Mr. DUNHAM moved to refer the bill to a select committee of five. The question was put, and the motion to refer was agreed to. Mr. DUNHAM moved to reconsider the vote just taken, and to lay that motion upon the table,” which latter motion was agreed to. CUBAN AFFAIRS. Mr. BAYLY, of Virginia, asked that by unanimous consent the Chair be permitted to lay before the House the several Executive communications upon the Speaker's table. One of these was of a most important character, and should be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. There being no objection, The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communication from the President of the United States, viz: To the House of Representatives : I transmit to the House of Representatives a report from the Secretary of State in answer to the first part of a resoIntion of the 15th December, 1851; and also a report from the Secretary of the Navy, in answer to the remaining part of the same resolution. MILLARD FILLMORE. WASHINGTON, 23d December, 1851. The [The first part of the resolution of the House referred to in the above, called upon the State Department for any information in its possession in regard to the conclusion of a treaty between Spain, France, and Great Britain in relation to the Island of Cuba, and the nature of such treaty. Department informs the House that it has no knowledge of the conclusion of any such treaty, and that there is good reason to suppose that no such treaty has been entered into, although there is no official information upon the subject. The second branch of the resolution called upon the Navy Department for information in regard to the relative strength of the British, French, and the United States squadrons in the West India seas, and whether additional appropriations are necessary to increase the force of the United States on Navy reports that the United States have in those seas but that station. In response to the above, the Secretary of the five vessels, carrying sixty-five guns in the aggregate; that the British squadron consists of twenty-one vessels, carrying in the aggregate six hundred and thirty-two guns; and that the force of the French is deemed to be equal to that of the English. He also states that additional appropriations are necessary if the United States squadron be increased, unless the vessels be drawn from other stations.] Mr. BAYLY moved that the communication and accompanying documents be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and be printed; which motion was agreed to. The SPEAKER also laid before the House a communication from the Treasury Department, transmitting, in compliance with the 20th section of the act of 26th August, 1842, detailed statements of the manner in which the contingent funds of said Department have been expended during the year ending the 30th day of September, 1851; which, On motion by Mr. HOUSTON, was referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, and ordered to be printed. Also, laid before the House a communication from J. J. Abert, Colonel of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, a report relative to the construction of roads in Minnesota Territory, in answer to the resolution of the House of the 15th instant; which, On motion by Mr. SIBLEY, was referred to the Committee on Territories, and ordered to be printed. Also, a communication from the Navy Department, transmitting a report from the Fourth Auditor of the Treasury, exhibiting in detail form the pay and allowance of the several officers of the Navy and Marine Corps of the United States for the fiscal year ending 30th June, 1851; which, On motion by Mr. BOCOCK, was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, and ordered to be printed. JOHN S. THRASHER. The SPEAKER also laid before the House the following communication from the President of the United States, viz: To the House of Representatives: In answer to a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 15th instant, requesting information in regard to the unprisonment, trial, and sentence of John S. Thrasher in the Island of Cuba, I transmit a report from the Secretary af State, and the documents which accompanied it. MILLARD FILLMORE. WASHINGTON, December 23, 1851. The communication having heen read, Mr. BAYLY, of Virginia, moved that it be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. BROOKS moved to amend the motion as follows: With directions to examine into the laws of domicil in the Island of Cuba, and to see if they are not proper matters for negotiation and treaty." The question was put, and the amendment was agreed to. Mr. B. said: I do not propose to make any remarks upon that amendment at the present time. A MEMBER. You can't, for it has passed. Mr. B. continued. But I will, at a proper time, by the indulgence of the House, enter into an explanation of what these laws are, and how unrudy they operate upon our citizens, and the reason why think it a proper subject for negotiation upon the part of our Government. The whole subject was then referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. BOCOCK. I believe that the first message which was read from the President of the United States, was in answer to a resolution offered by my colleague from the Petersburg district, Mr. MEADE,] a few days ago, calling upon the Executive for information, as to whether there had been a treaty concluded between England And France having relation to Cuba. The communication in answer to this legitimately goes to the Committee on Foreign Relations. There was another part of that resolution calling upon the President of the United States to inform the House whether, in his opinion, it was necessary that our navy in the Gulf of Mexico should be increased. In answer to that part of the resolution there was a communication from the Navy Department, and it is my impression that communication should go to the Committee on Naval Affairs. The chairman of that committee is not here, and supposing that is the legitimate reference, I move, or ask, if it is not apparent to the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations that it be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. Mr. BAYLY, of Virginia. The reference I moved was a proper one, as the communication refers to international affairs. I have not, however, the slightest objection to the reference proposed by my colleague. Mr. BOCOCK. If the reference to the Committee on Foreign Relations is the proper one, I am satisfied. Mr. HASCALL moved the House adjourn; which motion was agreed to. So the House adjourned. Also, for the same, the President and Secretary of the Marine Society of the city of New York. Also, for the same, the Society in Philadelphia. Also, for the same, the Chamber of Commerce in the city of New York. Also, for the same, citizens residing in the city of Philadelphia. Also, for the same, citizens residing in Ifavre de Grace, France. Also, a memorial from the Chamber of Commerce in the city of New York, for the construction of a light house on Sandy Key, Florida. By Mr. BRAGG: The memorial of the assignees of the claim of Francis Collel, praying for the confirmation of the title to a tract of land in the city of Mobile. By Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky: The memorial of the administrators of John H. McHalton, deceased, praying to be allowed the commutation to which he was entitled. By Mr. GAYLORD: The petition of J. S. Arinstrong and sixty others, citizens of Wesley and vicinity, Washington county, Ohio, asking a grant of land for the benefit of education in the "Independent School Association, of the Commonwealth of Wesley." Also, the petition of citizens of Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, asking the establishment of a mail route from the town of Somerset, in Perry county, to the town of Jackson, in Licking county, Ohio. By Mr. WILLIAMS: Two petitions, numerously signed, praying for a mail-route from Decaturville, Decatur county, by the way of the Hermitage and Swallow Bluff, to Savannah, Harden county. By Mr. MILLSON: The petition of Vincent Walker, and other watchmen of the Gosport navy-yard, asking an increase of their pay. Also, the petition of Thomas Murry, asking the payment of compensation improperly withheld." By Mr. CHANDLER: The memorial of Patrick Hayes, C. Massey, jr., and many other citizens of Philadelphia, asking Congress to remunerate the sufferers by French spoliations on the commerce of its citizens of this country previous to 1800. By Mr. MOORE: The memorial of citizens of Philadelphia asking an appropriation for the erection of piers and harbors in the Delaware river and bay. Also, the memorial of Messsrs. H. P. & W. C. Taylor, and Powers and Weightman, of Philadelphia, asking Congress to pay the expenses of sending the American specimens of art to the London Industrial Exhibition. IN SENATE. FRIDAY, December 26, 1851. Prayer by the Rev. L. F. MORGAN. The PRESIDENT called the Senate to order at thirty-five minutes after twelve o'clock; and stated that there was not a quorum present. Mr. FELCH. I move that the Senate adjourn. Mr. MANGUM. Will the Senator withdraw that motion? Mr. FELCH. I withdraw it. Mr. MANGUM. I move that when the Senate adjourns, it adjourn to meet on Monday next. The PRESIDENT. The Chair is under the impression that the motion cannot be received. The Constitution of the United States expressly designates what is to be done. We cannot adjourn for more than three days without a joint resolution; and when there is not a quorum in attendance we can only adjourn from day to day. Such is the Constitution of the United States. Mr. FELCH. Then I renew the motion to adjourn. Mr. BRADBURY. I think there will be a quorum present in a few minutes. I hope the Senate will not adjourn until we order some investigation into the causes of the late fire. I think the Sergeant-at-Arms might easily secure a quo rum. The PRESIDENT. It is in the power of the Senate to send for absent members if such is its pleasure. Mr. CASS. I do not think it is worth while to send for absent members during the holidays. I have prepared a resolution in relation to the fire, which I intended to submit, but I am willing to let it lie over. Mr. FELCH. If there is any object to be accomplished by withdrawing the motion, I will withdraw it. The PRESIDENT. The only object which can be accomplished by not adjourning, will be the sending for absent Senators. The Senate can order the attendance of absent members, or wait to see whether or not they will come in. Mr. CASS. I would only say that I do not think there is any probability of obtaining a quorum. Mr. MANGUM. I renew the motion to adjourn. The motion was disagreed to-ayes 10, noes 10. After waiting for some time longer without obtaining a quorum, On the motion of Mr. MANGUM, the Senate adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. FRIDAY, December 26, 1851. The House met at twelve o'clock, m. The following gentlemen have been appointed by the Speaker to constitute the select committee on the joint resolution in relation to the assignability of land warrants, viz: Mr. DUNHAM, of Îndiana; Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia; Mr. HARRIS, of Tennessee; Mr. Tuck, of New Hampshire; and Mr. BISSELL, of Illinois. BURNING OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. The SPEAKER, by unanimous consent, laid before the House a communication from the Librarian of Congress; which was read, as follows, viz: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, December 25, 1851. SIR: It is my very painful duty to communicate to Congress the destruction of the books, paintings, statuary, medals, and other property of the principal saloon of their Library, yesterday morning, by fire that originated in the room, in a manner to me altogether unaccountable, as no fires have been used in it for a long time, and no candles, lamps, or other lights, have ever been used in it during the whole time that it has been under my charge. I have not been able to ascertain the precise number of the books that were destroyed, but believe that it may be estimated at about thirty-five thousand. It is truly gratifying to have it in my power to add, that about twenty thousand volumes of books that were in the Law Room, and in the two rooms adjoining the Saloon of the Library, are safe. Many of these books belonged to the library of the late President Jefferson, that was purchased by Congress in the year 1815. They constitute the several chapters in the Catalogue of the Library, agreeably to Mr. Jefferson's classification, under the following heads: Ancient History; American History; Ecclesiastical History; Chemistry; Mineralogy and Conchology; Moral Philosophy; Law of Nature and Nations; the five chapters composing the law department of the Library; Religion; Politics, (including the science of Legislation, Political Economy, Commerce, Banking Statistics, &c.,) part of the chapter on Architecture, and the entire chapter on Music; Dialogue and Epistolary; Logic; Rhetoric and Orations, and the Theory of Criticism. I sincerely hope that the searching investigation Congress will give to the distressing event, which every lover of science and literature must deeply deplore, will lead to a detection of the causes that produced it, and to the adoption of means that will prevent, in all future time, a recurrence of the sad calamity. With the most respectful regard, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JOHN S. MEEHAN, Librarian. To the Hon. LYNN BOYD, Speaker of House Representatives U. S. Congress. Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky, asked the unanimous consent of the House to introduce a joint resolution in reference to the subject referred to in the communication just read. [Cries of "Read it!" "Read it!"] The resolution was then read the first and second time, as follows: Joint Resolution authorizing an inquiry into the origin of the late fire, by which the National Library was destroyed. Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds be instructed to inquire into the origin of the fire by which the National Library was consumed, on the 24th instant, and whether the same occurred from the negligence of any officer of Government, or person in the eшployment of either or both Houses of Congress, or from the defective construction of the furnaces or flues, or was the act of an incendiary; and also the extent of injury to the building, and the best mode of reconstructing the Library Room, so as to afford perfect security in the future against the like disaster, and report the facts to the House. The said committee shall have power to send for and examine, on oath, such persons as may have information touching the premises. Mr. SWEETSER. I move to amend the resolution by making it the duty of a select committee, to consist of five, instead of the Committee on Public Buildings. The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Ohio moves to strike out the "Joint Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds," and insert a “select committee of five." Mr. SWEETSER. At the suggestion of the members around me, I will move to insert the Committee on the Library, instead of that proposed in the resolution. The question was then taken on the amendment, and it was lost. The resolution was then read a second time, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. Mr. FOWLER. I suggest an amendment to the last part of the résolution. It proposes that the committee shall have power to send for such persons as may have information. Now, how are we to know they have information? I suggest as an amendment the words "that may be supposed to have information," instead of the words used in the resolution. The SPEAKER. The amendment can be introduced only by unanimous consent. Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky. It has been suggested to me, that in the resolution offered to the House, the Library has been miscalled, and that instead of being called the National Library, it should be called the Congressional Library, or the Library of Congress. I suppose that by the unanimous consent of the House that alteration can be made. The SPEAKER. If there was no objection the alteration could be made. No objection being made, the resolution was altered accordingly. The SPEAKER. The proposition of the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. FOWLER] is objected to, and cannot be entertained. weather. I request the gentleman from Alabama to withdraw his call for the regular order of business, to enable me to introduce a bill for that purpose. Mr. COBB. I have no objection. I consent. Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky. I ask the general consent of the House to introduce a bill, and to move to refer it to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union. Several MEMBERS. "Read the bill!" An act making appropriation to meet the expenses incurred The reading of the communication from the Commissioner of Public Buildings was then called for, and it was read, as follows: OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS, WASHINGTON, 26th December, 1851.. Honorable RICHARD H. STANTON, Chairman Com. on Public Buildings and Grounds : SIR: The late destruction of the Hall of the United States Library by fire, has left a mass of burning books and papers, which I am now having removed. I am also constructing a temporary roof (covered with tin) over the exposed arches which cover the rooms immediately east of the Library, which I hope to finish this week. To enable me to pay the cost of these works, and also the buckets, axes, &c., purchased during the fire, and wages of men employed to guard the premises and prevent further extension of fire to other parts of the Capitol, I very of five thousand dollars, which I hope will be sufficient for these purposes. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, WM. EASBY, Commissioner of Public Buildings. Mr. STANTON, of Tennessee. It seems to me that the resolution is defective in one particular. I merely make the suggestion to the gentleman who offered the resolution, and to the House, that if the House concur with me in that respect it may be amended without objection. One object respectfully pray your committee to ask for an appropriation of the resolution seems to be to inquire into the best mode of making the Library, when it should be rebuilt, fire-proof, so that it cannot be subjected to any similar accident in future. I simply wish to inquire, and suggest whether the range of investigation ought not to go further than this, and inquire as to the best means of making the whole Capitol fire-proof. It is well known to all that this accident not only destroyed the Library, but endangered every other part of the Capitol. The structure of this building above the House and Senate is of wood, and both the Senate and House of Representatives are liable to be consumed at any time, as was the Library day before yesterday. I make this as a suggestion, and I think the resolution should be so amended. Objection was made to any such change, and the suggestion was not considered The resolution was then read the third time and passed. SEIZURE OF THE BRIG AROC. Mr. FULLER, of Maine, by the general consent of the House, introduced the following resolution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to this House, if not incompatible with the public interest, any information in possession of Government relative to the seizure of the brig" Aroc," of Eastport, Maine, owned by Z. A. Paine, and commanded by Captain A. C. Spates, and the detention and imprisonment of the master in the year A. D. 1850, by the Haytian authorities at the port of Jeremie; and also what measures, if any, that may have been taken to procure indemnity to the owners of said brig for her detention, and for the im prisonment of the master. Mr. SWEETSER asked the unanimous consent of the House to withdraw certain papers from the files; but it was objected to. Mr. COBB. Many of us have important bills to present to the House, and have referred to the appropriate committees, but we shall never be able to do so, unless we proceed to the regular order of business. The regular order of business is calling the States and Territories for petitions, and I call for that order of business now. EXPENSES OF THE FIRE. Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky. With the permisson of the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. COBB] I will state that the Committee on Public Buildings received a communication this morning from the Commissioner of Public Buildings, stating that great expense had been incurred in extinguishing the fire on the 24th instant, and that an appropriation is needed to meet this expense, and for the purpose of putting the building in a condition to be secure from the action of the Mr. SWEETSER. The bill makes an appropriation of money, and must go to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union. The SPEAKER. Is there any objection to the introduction of the bill? Mr. SWEETSER. Yes, sir, I object. Mr. COBB. I now make a motion to proceed with the call for resolutions, dispensing with the call for petitions, &c. Mr. CLINGMAN, (interrupting.) If the gentleman will allow me, I ask the general consent of the House to offer a resolution, of which I have given previous notice, and which I think will meet with no objection, which resolution is as follows: Resolved, That so much of the standing rules as provides for calling States and Territories for petitions, be rescinded and repealed. Objection was made by Mr. JONES, of Tennessee, and the resolution was not received. Mr. RICHARDSON. I move that when this House adjourns, it adjourn to meet on Tuesday next. Mr. FOWLER demanded the yeas and nays; which were ordered. Mr. RICHARDSON. Is there a quorum? The SPEAKER. A quorum is not necessary on a proposition for yeas and nays. Mr. BOCOCK. I move to strike out Tuesday, and insert Monday. Mr. RICHARDSON. I have no objection. Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia. I wish to be indulged to say a word or two. If we adjourn over till Tuesday, it will be impossible to pass before that time upon the bill, of which notice was given, appropriating money to defray the expenses incident to the burning of the library, and necessary to preserve the other portions of the building now exposed to the weather. It is a bill that should be passed immediately, and sent to the Senate, before its adjournment to-day, for action thereon. If the House remain in session, reports from committees will soon be in order, when the chairman of the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds can introduce as a matter of right his bill, which has just now been precluded by the objection of the gentleman from Ohio, [Mr. SWEETSER.] The House should not adjourn today before passing the bill. We must sit here until we can reach that bill in the regular order of business. Mr. RICHARDSON. There is barely a quo Mr. SWEETSER. I withdraw the objection I made to the introduction of the bill offered by the gentleman from Kentucky, [Mr. STANTON,] but I do it with considerable reluctance. I was in favor of a more stringent course than that indicated by the chairman of the Committee on Public Buildings, but I withdraw it upon the suggestion of my friends. The SPEAKER. The question is now upon the motion of the gentleman from Illinois, [Mr. RICHARDSON.] Mr. RICHARDSON. I withdraw my motion in reference to adjournment for the present. Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky, by unanimous consent then introduced the bill, heretofore referred to, making appropriation to meet the expenses incurred in consequence of the late fire at the Capitol; which was read a first and second time by its title. Cries" Read the bill!" "Read the bill!" The bill was accordingly read as reported above. Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky. I move that it be referred to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union. Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia. There can be no objection to its being passed upon immediately, without sending it to the Committee of the Whole. The rule can be suspended by unanimous consent; and we can pass it, and send it to the Senate for their action upon it to-day. There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time; and being engrossed it was then read a third time and passed. Mr. RICHARDSON. I now renew the motion I made a few moments since, that when the House adjourns, it adjourn to meet on Tuesday YEAS-Messrs. Aiken, Willis Allen, John Appleton, William Appleton, Ashe, Averett, Babcock, Thomas H. Bayly, Barrere, Bartlett, Beale, Bennett, Bissell, Bocock, Bowne, John H. Boyd, Bragg, Brooks, Albert G. Brown, Burrows, Busby, E. Carrington Cabell, Caldwell, Chastain, Churchwell, George T. Davis, Disney, Dockery, Dunham, Eastman, Edgerton, Evans, Ewing, Fitch, Florence, Floyd. Henry M. Fuller, Thomas J. D. Fuller, Gorman, Hall, Hamilton, Harper, Isham G. Harris, Sampson W. Harris, Hebard, Houston, Howard, Hunter, James Johnson, John Johnson, Robert W. Johnson, George W. Jones, George G. King, Mace, Humphrey Marshall, Martin, McCorkle, MeDonald, McMullen, Millson, Miner, Morehead, Olds, Om, Penn, Powell, Price, Richardson, Riddle, Robinson, Sackett, Schermerhorn, Schoonmaker, Scurry, David L. Seymour, Smart, Snow, Stanly, Frederick P. Stanton, Richard H. Stanton, Stuart, Sutherland, Taylor, Benjamin Thompson, Thurston, Venable, Wallace, Addison White, Wilcox, Williams, and Yates-91. NAYS-Messrs. Abercrombie, Allison, Brenton, Briggs, Joseph Cable, Lewis D. Campbell, Chapman, Clark, Cleve land. Clingman, Cobb, Conger, John G. Davis, Doty, Ficklin, Fowler, Gaylord, Goodenow, Goodrich, Grey, Grow, Hascall, Haven, Hendricks, Henn, Hillyer, Horsford, John W. Howe, Thomas M. Howe, Ingersoll, Ives, Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Daniel T. Jones, Preston King, Kubus, Laudry, Lockhart, Mason, Meacham, Molony, Murphy, Nabers, Newton, Peaslee, Penniman, Perkins, Rantoul, Robie, Scudder, Origen S. Seymour, Benjamin Stanton, Alexander H. Stephens, Stone, Sweetser, George W. Thompson, Townshend, Tuck, Watbridge, Ward, Washburn, Watkins, Welsh, and Wildrick-64. So the motion was agreed to. Mr. ORR moved that the House do now adjourn; upon which question tellers were demanded and ordered, and Mr. ORR and Mr. FOWLER appointed. The question was taken, and the tellers reported-ayes 74, noes 59. So the House adjourned to Tuesday next. Five Points, to Cass, on the Susquehanna and Waterford turnpike, ten miles east of Franklin. By Mr. CLEVELAND: The petition of S. Burrows and other citizens of the town of Wales, in the State of Massachusetts, praying for the settlement of all national questions by a Congress of Nations. By Mr. BENNETT: The petition of C. A. Thorp, Esq., and other citizens of Chenango, New York, asking for a law to give more effective protection to the rights of pat enters. By Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky: The memorial of Robert Mills, late Architect of Public Buildings, recommending the construction of a temporary Hall for the use of the House of Representatives on the site of the late Library Room, and the use of the present Hall for the Library. By Mr. BAYLY, of Virginia: The petition of Charles Fletcher, of Lancaster, for a contract for carrying the United States mail in a line of steamers proposed to be established between Norfolk, in Virginia, and Cadiz, in Spain. IN SENATE. SATURDAY, December 27, 1851. Prayer by the Rev. L. F. MORGAN. There being no quorum present, On the motion of Mr. SMITH, the Senate adjourned. IN SENATE. MONDAY, December 29, 1851. Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. C. M. BUTLER. FLOGGING IN THE NAVY. The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Navy, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 224 instant, the record of the proceedings of a Court of Inquiry, convened November 20, 1850, on board the United States ship Cumberland, in the bay of Naples, for the investigation of charges preferred against William K. Latimer, an officer in the Navy; which was read and ordered to lie on the table. DEFICIENCIES IN NAVAL APPROPRIATIONS. The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Navy, communicating estimates for deficiencies in the appropriations for the naval service for the year ending June 30, 1852; which was read: Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs. PETITIONS. Mr. SHIELDS presented the petition of James Corrigan, a pensioner of the United States, praying an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions. Mr. CLEMENS presented a petition of citi zens of Cherokee county, Alabama, praying that i remuneration may be demanded of the Spanish Government for the seizure of the property of Edward Stiff, a citizen of the United States, and his imprisonment by order of the Captain General of Cuba; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Mr. FELCH presented the petition of Amos Kendall and John E. Kendall, praying compensation for services rendered the Western Cherokees in prosecuting their claims; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Mr. WALKER presented the petition of citizens of Wisconsin, praying that the right of preemption and a credit of two years may be allowed to the settlers on the Menomonee Purchase, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands. Mr. UNDERWOOD presented additional evidence in relation to the claim of James Jeffries and Jeremiah M. Smith; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. Mr. DAWSON submitted additional evidence in relation to the claim of Calvin B. Seymour; which, with his memorial on the files of the Senate, was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Mr. DODGE, of Wisconsin, presented a petition of citizens of La Crosse county, Wisconsin, praying the establishment of a mail route from La Crosse to Black River Falls, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. Mr. GWIN presented the petition of Santiago E. Arguello, a captain in the California battalion, praying compensation for losses sustained during the late war with Mexico; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. PAPERS WITHDRAWN AND REFERRED. On motion by Mr. FELCH, it was Ordered, That the petition of Joseph W. Edwards, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions. On motion by Mr. PRATT, it was Ordered, That the memorial of citizens of Baltimore, on the files of the Senate, relating to the establishment of a line of mail steamers between the ports of Baltimore and Norfolk and England, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. On motion by Mr. P., it was Ordered, That the memorial of William Blackiston and others, citizens of Maryland, in relation to the establishment of a line of mail steamers between the ports of Baltimore and Norfolk and England, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads. On motion by Mr. DAWSON, it was Ordered, That the petition of Willard Boynton, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. On motion by Mr. BELL, it was Ordered. That the memorial of the representative of William Russwurm, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. On motion by Mr. DODGE, of Iowa, it was Ordered, That the petition of William Roberts, and the documents relating to the claim of Rhoda Frisbie, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions. NOTICES OF bills. Mr. SEBASTIAN gave notice that he should ask leave to introduce a bill to grant the right of way and a portion of the public lands in the State of Arkansas, to aid in the construction of certain railroads therein. Mr. DAWSON gave notice that he should ask leave to introduce a bill to provide for the payment to the State of Georgia of moneys expended and losses sustained, in horses and equipments, by the volunteers of the State militia, while engaged in the suppression of Indian hostilities. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES. Mr. ATCHISON, from the Committee on Indian Affairs, to which was referred the memorial the relief of the representatives of Joseph Watson, of the heirs of Joseph Watson, reported a bill for deceased; which was read, and passed to the second reading. Mr. JONES, of Iowa, reported from the Committee on Enrolled Bills that they had presented to the President of the United States the joint resolution providing for the printing of additional copies of the Journals and public documents. THE HOLIDAYS. On the motion of Mr. ATCHISON, it was Ordered, That when the Senate adjourns, it will adjourn to meet again on Friday next. MILITARY ROADS IN IOWA. Mr. JONES, of Iowa, submitted the following resolution; which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to: Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of constructing a military road from Dubuque, in the State of Iowa, to Fort Dodge, in said State. Mr. JONES also submitted the following resolutions; which were considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to: Resolved, That the Secretary of War be directed to communicate to the Senate such information as may be on file in the War Department relative to the construction of a military road from Fort Dodge to Dubuque, in Iowa; and that he inform the Senate what the cost has been for the transportation of the munitions of war, provisions, &c., used at said fort, from the usual place of deposit upon the Mississippi river. Resolved, That the Secretary of War be also directed to communicate to the Senate a plan and estimate for the construction of a military road from Dubuque to Fort Dodge, and the amount necessary to pay for the survey and estimates for such road. GEOLOGY OF IOWA, WISCONSIN, AND MIN NESOTA. The following resolution, submitted by the Senator from Iowa, [Mr. DODGE,] came up in order for consideration: Resolved, That five thousand five hundred copies of the report of Dr. D. D. Owen, on the geology of Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Territory of Minnesota, together with the maps, illustrations, &c., be printed; and that five hundred copies be delivered to the Commissioner of the General Land Of fice, two hundred copies to Dr. Owen, and three hundred copies to the Smithsonian Institution. Mr. UNDERWOOD. That resolution was passed over the other day at my instance, and I am so very hoarse now that I do not know that I can speak upon the subject at all; but I want to make a suggestion to my friend from Iowa, [Mr. DODGE.] 1 perceive, from the wording of the resolution, that the printing is to be done in the quarto form. All the printing that has been done heretofore has been done in the octavo form. By departing from the mode of doing the printing, if I am correctly informed, you will leave the printer at liberty to make his own charges, without any regard to the past action of Congress on that subject. This proposal seems to me to be a departure from the mode which we have heretofore adopted in relation to printing. If we pursue it we shall order a thing to be done in a new mode, and there will be nothing to govern us in fixing the compensation. I think our past experience ought to have shown us that this mode is not the right one. I desire that this matter shall be referred to the Committee on Printing. According to my experience on subjects of this sort, there will be a great many plates, diagrams, and engravings. I recollect having looked into the subject a year or two ago, and the amount paid for engravings in a report from the Patent Office was such as to astonish me. I believe it amounted to some thirty or forty thousand dollars for a single volume. If we adopt a resolution of this sort, changing the form in which the printing is to be done without knowing anything of the number of diagrams or plates which it may be necessary to print, we shall do it in ignorance of the amount of the cost. I therefore think it would be prudent-and I make that motion-to refer this matter to the Committee on Printing, that that committee may make an investigation of the whole subject. Mr. DODGE, of Iowa. I do not object to the reference of this resolution to the Committee on Printing, though the number stated is precisely that which was ordered to be published of Foster & Whitney's report. This document was ordered to be published at the Executive session of the Senate, commencing the 4th of March, 1851, by a resolution which I offered at that time. But as it is proposed to publish it in a new form, and as I am anxious that it shall be published in that form, (that being the form recommended by Dr. Owen,) and as the Senator from Kentucky has made some observations in reference to the matter, I hope the resolution will be referred to the Committee on Printing. The question was then taken on the motion to refer, and it was agreed to. PRINTING OF THE CENSUS RETURNS. The following resolution, offered by Mr. BRIGHT, was taken up for consideration: Be it resolved, &c., That the Joint Committee on Printing be directed to contract with Donelson & Armstrong for printing the Census returns, upon such terms as they may deem reasonable. Mr. SMITH. As this is a subject of very considerable importance, and as it will involve an appropriation to the amount of several hundred thousand dollars, I should be very sorry to have it brought under consideration, and receive its disposition at our hands while the Senate is as thin as it is at the present time. I have no disposition to throw any obstacle in the way of the consideration of this question; but I desire to take the opinion of the Senate of the entire body-upon it. There is very little more than a quorum now present; and I would suggest to my friend from Indiana, that the consideration of the resolution had better be postponed until after the holidays, and at an early day next week I will be prepared to submit to the Senate such suggestions as I may deem proper. I therefore move that the subject be postponed until Monday next, when I will be prepared to have it taken up, and disposed of at as early a day as possible. Mr. BRIGHT. It will be recollected that this resolution has been the standing order of the body for the last ten days. I refused to call it up on one occasion, when the honorable Senator from Connecticut objected. He alleged that he would be ready, on the morning following, with an amendment. There is an urgent necessity for acting on this subject. A part of the returns of the census are ready for delivery, and ought to be in the hands of the printer. I dislike to press it if the honorable Senator objects; but I can see no good reason for delay in the matter. The public contract which we have for the printing of this body does not cover this class of printing, and we have to dispose of it to other and different persons than those holding the contract. The joint resolution provides that the Committee on Printing shall contract with the gentlemen named in it, who are prepared to go on with the printing, at fair prices. I can see no objection to the resolution, and I hope it may be the pleasure of the Senate to take it up and act upon it now. Mr. SMITH. I have already said to the Senate that we have very little more than a quorum present. There are only some thirty-four or thirtyfive Senators here, and it is exceedingly doubtful whether there will be a quorum in the Chamber if we undertake to go into the discussion of this resolution.. I have some suggestions to make to the Senate in opposition to its passage, and I hope to be able to satisfy the honorable Senator from Indiana that there are very serious objections to its adoption; but I am unwilling to address myself to only about one half the Senate. I believe it is very unusual to take up questions of this importance, involving the expenditure of some three or four hundred thousand dollars, if not half a million, when there is but little over one half the Senate present, to make a disposition-a final disposition-of them, so far as we are concerned. I wish to say nothing at present in regard to the character of the resolution; but it is a proposition to reverse what has been the policy of the two Houses of Congress during the last five or six years. Some four or five years ago we determined that the public printing should be divorced from the political presses of this city. It is now proposed to reestablish the connection which formerly existed. If it shall be the purpose of the Senate to reestablish that connection in the manner proposed by my honorable friend from Indiana-if that be the real judgment and opinion of the body -I for one shall not complain; because I have no objection whatever to the respectable and worthy gentlemen named in the resolution. But I wish the opinion of the entire Senate upon the subject. I am unwilling to be called upon to address the Senate on a subject of so much importance when there is barely a quorum present. I therefore feel it my duty to persist in the motion to postpone its consideration. I certainly do not desire any delay. I have come for three or four mornings in succession prepared to address the Senate on the resolution. But I trust those gentlemen who constitute the majority in this body will be willing to postpone the question until we have the Senate in its usual condition, with something more than a bare quorum. Mr. BRIGHT. I understand the honorable Senator from Connecticut to remark that some four or five years since, this body proposed to divorce the printing from the public press of this city. The proposition was made and acted upon, and I ask him, and every other Senator, what has been the result? What has the sequel proved? That we have either not had the printing done at all, or done in a manner unfit to be put in our archives. The work proposed to be done by this resolution is important, containing statistics to which we shall want to refer in all time to come; and to print it upon paper of the character used under the contract system, and to have it done in the manner in which it is now done will render it valueless. This resolution is framed with reference to giving the work to responsible persons-persons who are ready to commence it, and to execute it, as the Committee on Printing may require. It is not an appropriation of money. The honorable Senator says that it will involve an expenditure of thousands of dollars. It is true that money will be expended, but it is to be expended under the direction of our committee, and one of them is a gentleman practically acquainted with the subject. The Census returns are soon to be presented, and hence I find an apology for pressing the matter now. I am willing to hear the Senator from Connecticut at this time, and I presume the body generally are ready to hear him. Mr. PRATT. In my judgment we have not the necessary information to enable us to act upon this resolution. I notice that the Secretary of the Interior, speaking upon this subject in his report, says: "With the view of enabling Congress to form a just estimate of the importance and varied character of the information derived from the late census, and of the admirable arrangement of the tables, the Superintendent has, with my sanction, caused the returns of Maryland to be printed for the use of the members of the two Houses. That State was selected, because, from its central position, and the character of its population, soil, productions, and industrial pursuits, its census presented the best illustration of the extent and practical utility of the information which has been gained. "Another object was to furnish a specimen of the style in which, according to my judgment, it ought to be published. Such a specimen will be of great value in contracting for the publication of the entire work by furnishing a standard by which the contractor will be governed in regard to the paper, printing, and general style of execution." I have seen a part of the proof-sheets of the publication which the Secretary of the Interior says he has caused to be prepared; but it has not been laid upon our tables; and I think the Senate should be informed of the extent of the printing, for which they are about to contract, before they authorize it to be done. The census of Maryland, which the Secretary proposes to exhibit to the members of both Houses, contains a short history of the State, and of each county in the State, the period at which it was settled, by whom it was settled, and a great deal of information of this kind. If the whole Census returns are printed upon such a basis, they will take up some twenty or thirty volumes as large as the Documentary History which is being published, some of which are in the archives of the Government, and involve the expenditure, I suppose, of half a million of dollars. A SENATOR. Yes, more. Mr. PRATT. Yes, or more. I do not know what the amount is to be; but ought we not to know what it is to involve before we direct the printing? If we publish a work of this character, ought we not to see the work itself, and form some judgment of its utility, before we direct the committee to contract for its printing? What is the resolution? "That the joint Committee on Printing be directed to contract with Donelson & 'Armstrong for printing the census returns, upon such terms as they may deem reasonable." What is to be printed? If it is to be a history of each one of the United States, and of each county in those States, giving the population of each, the period at which, and by whom, it was settled—if it is to be such a work as has been prepared in reference to Maryland, surely each Senator ought to examine it before we vote to have it published. If it is sufficiently valuable to be printed in this form, it should be done in the best manner, regard less of the cost. But for one I desire to see the work-to see the sample which the Secretary of the Interior says he is preparing to exhibit to us, which is now being printed, and which will be laid upon our tables. I desire that it shall be laid there, so that each Senator may examine it and know what it is. Mr. HAMLIN. Will the Senator allow me to ask a question? I would inquire if the printing to which he has alluded has not been suspended? I have been informed, and I deem the information to be reliable, that from some cause the printing has been suspended, and that nothing is now being done in regard to the matter. Mr. MÄNGUM. Perhaps I can answer that question. I had an interview with the head of the Census Bureau, and he informed me that this work was in progress now, and would soon be completed, and that it was impossible to form a just estimate of what expenditure would be required until that work should be laid before the Senate. I have no sort of objection to the gentlemen mentioned in the resolution. They would perform the duties as well as any others I have no doubt: I have no choice in that respect. But I do think before we embark in so large an expenditure, we ought to know something about it. I hope the Senator from Indiana will not press the immediate consideration of this resolution, in the absence of such information as would let us know what we are about to do. It has been said that half a million of dollars will be required. Sir, it will in all probability be three half millions-certainly nearer that amount than half a million. I hope we shall not take a leap in the dark. I hope the consideration of the resolution will not be pressed upon the body when there is scarcely a quorum present. At all events, before I give a vote affirmatively upon any proposition of this sort, I desire to know the probable amount of the expenditure, and this can be ascertained only when we have the work alluded to on our tables. Mr. PRATT. I did not know that the work had been suspended. I knew it had been commenced, and I have seen some twelve or fifteen proof-sheets of the Maryland census of which the || Secretary speaks. I should like to be informed, if it has been suspended, why it has. We want that information. I should like to know with whom the contract was made to print it; whether the printer under that contract is to be connected with the contract under this resolution; and whether the suspension has not been caused by the propo sition contained in the resolution. I desire all this information before I vote upon the subject. But my great object in rising was to ask the attention of the Senate to this point: If the work is to be published in the manner proposed by the Secretary of the Interior, we should examine it— we should see that it is a work of such a character as would do credit to the country before we order its publication. If it is to consist of the mere tabular statement of the census, as the last was, I should have no objection to any mode of publication which might be required. But if it is to be published in this extended form, according to the view of the Secretary of the Interior, and as it will be published if this resolution passes, I say we have not sufficient information in regard to the character of the work to vote understandingly upon it. Mr. GWIN. I think the arguments of the Senators from Maryland and North Carolina justify us in passing this resolution now. If we get the information of which they speak, it must be through the committee. What does this resolution propose to direct the committee to do? To print the census. If they find it necessary to give this historical account of each State, they will come to the two Houses of Congress for instructions. This resolution simply provides for the publication of the census. Mr. BADGER. What for? The census. Mr. GWIN. What is the census taken for, if it is not wanted? Why was it taken, if not to make a portion of the permanent archives of the country? I want it printed at once. The Senator from North Carolina [Mr. MANGUM] says that it will cost several half millions of dollars. I should like to know if the postponement of it will make it cost any less. If we are going to print it, let us do it at once. Whether we print it under the contract, or give it to different individuals, let us do it at once. I think that the very information these gentlemen wish will come more properly through the committee than any other way. If the committee want additional power, or additional instruction, let them come to the Senate and House of Representatives for it. We ought to act on the subject, so that the printing may progress. In regard to the specimens alluded to by the Senator from Maryland, he seemed to intimate that they were probably printed in the office of the gentleman mentioned in the resolution. Mr. PRATT. I did not say so. Mr. GWIN. I take it for granted that they have had no agency in the suspension of the work. I feel confident that they have not. The object of the Senate should be to have this work printed, and an appropriation should be made at once. We have another special order for next Monday. If we postpone this resolution to that day, it may lead to its being put off from time to time. It seems to me that its postponement will only embarrass the Senate. I think we had better take it up and pass it, or amend it, now. Mr. PRATT. I have been very singularly unfortunate, if the argument which I intended to make has proved the exact contrary of that for which I used it. What is this resolution? Is it that this committee shall inquire in reference to what is to be done, and what is to be published? Does it give to the committee the power to inquire? On the contrary it takes from the committee that power, and directs them to contract for the printing of the census, which the Secretary of the Interior has prepared. That book, that census, that which he has reported to the Senate as having been prepared as the census, is what this committee is directed to print. They have, under this resolution, no power to inquire. They are not instructed to inquire. The sole power proposed to be conferred by this resolution is to contract for the printing of that paper, which has been prepared by the officers of the Government as the returns of the Seventh Census. I apprehend, then, that I was not wrong in the argument which I made. Mr. BADGER. The Senator from California seems to have fallen into a mistake an evident mistake as to the nature of the joint resolution |