UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

The SPEAKER then announced that the first business in order would be the unfinished business of yesterday-the motion to refer to the Committee on Military Affairs the bill to refund to the State of California certain moneys collected in her ports.

COMMITTEE ON REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS. Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky. I rise to a question of privilege. I perceive that I have been 4 pointed on three of the standing committees of

e House. The rules allow me to decline serving on one of these committees, and therefore I arail myself of the right to decline serving on the Committee on Revolutionary Claims. In doing dis, I intend no disrespect to the Speaker, nor to any of the members of that committee, but simply because I cannot perform the duties of so many &mmittees.

The SPEAKER. Under the rules of the House, the gentleman has a right to decline serving; and if there be no objection, he will be accordingly

excused. So it was

Ordered, That Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky, be excused from further service on the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, and that the Speaker be authorized to fill the vazoey ereated thereby.

Ordered, That the petition and papers of Henry Johnson be withdrawn from the files of the House, and referred to the Committee on Invalid Pensions.

"After an hour shall be devoted to reports from commit- || tees and resolutions, it shall be in order, pending the consideration or discussion thereol, to entertain a notion that the House do now proceed to dispose of the business on the Speaker's table, and to the orders of the day."

Then by the 58th rule:

"The unfinished business in which the House was engaged at the last preceding adjouzament shall have the preference in the orders of the day, and no motion on any other business shall be received without special leave of the House until the former is disposed of."

Mr. HALL. I rise to a question of order. I understand that no debate is in order upon the question of priority of business.

The SPEAKER. The Chair has already announced that the question of order is not debatable. Mr. EVANS. I was reading the rules. Mr. HALL. I understand you are making a speech.

Mr. EVANS.

Not in the least. I suggest that the first business in order is the call of States for

petitions, next for reports of committees; and then resolutions are in order. And when the orders of terday will have the preference. I call for the the day come up, the unfinished business of yesreading of the 23d, 27th, and 58th rules.

The rules were then read as inserted above. The SPEAKER. The Chair begs leave to state the ground of his decision, which is this: But On motion by Mr. HUNTER, by unanimous for the fact that the previous question had been consent, it was seconded and the main question ordered to be put, the rules referred to would have required this bill to go over and take its place upon the calendar of the House. But the House ordered the main question to be put, and thus gives this bill or the unfinished business preference over all others. The main question must therefore be now put. By reference to the Journal of the Twenty-eighth Congress, the gentleman will find a decision directly in point. Is there any appeal from the decis

THE WORKMEN ON THE CAPITOL. Mr. FLORENCE. I ask the unanimous consent of the House to submit a resolution. It is known probably to the House, that a number of persons have been recently discharged from emoyment on the works at the Capitol now in pogress of construction. I have been called upon by a number of these persons, and they desire me to present a resolution.

The following is the resolution:

ion of the Chair?

No appeal being taken, the Speaker stated the question as follows: The gentleman from California [Mr. MARSHALL] moved a reference of this bill to the Committee on Military Affairs. The gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. JONES] moved its reference to the Committee of Ways and Means. Upon this question the previous question was seconded and the main question ordered, and the yeas and nays were also ordered upon said question. The first question will be upon the proposition to refer the bill to the Committee on Military Affairs. Mr. MARSHALL, of California. I would ask Mr. CLINGMAN inquired of the Chair the permission of the House to make a few remarks

Resolved, That the Committee on Public Buildings, or whichever committee may have charge of the subject, be rotested to report forthwith a bill making further approprations for the continuance of the work recently in progtes for the extension of the Capitol buildings, in order that large number of mechanics and workingmen, who have een deprived of work, and thereby their present means of Fastence, having been discharged a few days ago from that employment, may be again employed, it being exceedrgy difficult at this inclement season of the year to obtain employment elsewhere in the city.

order of business?

The SPEAKER. The Chair has already announced that the unfinished business of yesterday is now in order. Any other business cannot intervene except by the unanimous consent of the House. The gentleman from Pennsylvania asks the unanimous consent to introduce a resolution. Mr. RICHARDSON. I rise to a question of order. I understand the Chair to state that the urin shed business of yesterday is in order.

The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman from Parois (Mr. RICHARDSON] allow the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. FLORENCE] to ask the animous consent of the House to introduce a resolution?

Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia. I object to the Introduction of any business out of order.

Mr. RICHARDSON. I understand the Chair to state that the business in order is the unfinished business of yesterday. I want to call the attention of the Chair to the fact, that upon yesterday a motion to suspend the rules was in order. I understand the rule to be, that when the day arrives upon which it will be in order to move a suspenon of the rules, business undisposed of on the previous suspension day would come up as the regular business in order. Hence it is not now in order this not being suspension day-to recur to the bill introduced yesterday under a suspension

Mr. CARTTER. I object.

Davis, John G. Davis, Dimmick, Dockery, Dunham, Eastman, Edmundson, Ficklin, Florence, Floyd, Thomas J. D. Fuller, Gamble, Hall, Hamilton, Hammond, Isham G. Harris, Sampson W. Harris, Haws, Hebard, Hibbard, Hillyer, Holladay, Horsford, Houston, John W. Howe, Ingersoll, Ives, Jackson, John Johnson, Robert W. Johnson, Daniel T. Jones, George W. Jones, J. Glaney Jones, Preston King, Kurtz, Mace, Mam, Humphrey Marshall, Martin, McDonald, McLanahan, McMullin, McQueen, Millson, Morrison, Murphy, Murray, Nabers, Orr, Outlaw, Andrew Parker, Samuel W. Parker, Peaslee, Penn, Penniman, Phelps, Rantoul, Riddle, Robbins, Robie, Robinson, Ross, Schermerhorn, Schoonmaker, Scurry, David L. Seymour, Origen S. Seymour, Skelton, Smart, Abr'm P. Stevens, Stone, Stuart, Sutherland, Benj. Thompson, Geo. W. Thompson, Thurston, Townshend, Venable, Wallace, Watkins, Wilcox, Wildrick, and Williams--110.

So the motion was rejected.

The question was then taken upon referring the bill to the Committee of Ways and Means; and it was agreed to.

Mr. COBB. I call for the regular order of busi

ness.

PAY TO HON. MR. DARBY.

Mr. MOORE, of Pennsylvania. I wish to offer a resolution, and I am sure I will get the unanimous and favorable action of this House upon it. Mr. DARBY, a Representative from the St. Louis district, came to Washington to enter upon the discharge of his duties as a Representative. On Monday morning, the 1st of December, he was suddenly and unexpectedly stricken down with paralysis; and from that time to the present moment he has been confined to his bed as an invalid

and helpless as an infant. He is here now at the seat of Government, thousands of miles away from his family and friends, in this distressing and helpless condition. I feel sure that the mere mention of these facts will be sufficient to claim from

the members of this House favorable action upon

this resolution..

The resolution was read, as follows:

Resolved, That inasmuch as Mr. JOHN F. DARBY, of the First District of Missouri, has been in Washington from the commencement of the session, and been prevented by severe indisposition from taking his seat as a member of this House, that he be allowed to draw his per diem and mileage; and that the Sergeant-at-Arms is hereby authorized to pay him the same.

Mr. JONES, of Tennessee. I would suggest to the gentleman to modify his resolution by substituting the Speaker for the Sergeant-at-Arms. It is the Speaker who has charge of the matter, and not the Sergeant-at-Arms.

The question was then taken, and the resolution was agreed to.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS.

Mr. COBB. I call for the regular order of business. Let us hear from Utah.

The SPEAKER then proceeded to call the States and Territories for petitions, commencing with the Territory of Utah.

Mr. DOTY, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill, of which previous notice had been given, granting the right of way and making a donation of land to the State of Wisconsin, in aid of the construction of the Central Railroad; which was read a first and second time by its title, and re

Subsequently, On motion by Mr. HALL, this reference was reconsidered, and the bill was committed to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. RICHARDSON. Is it in order to make a motion to suspend the rules to allow the man to proceed?

The SPEAKER. It is not in order.

The question was then taken upon referring the bill to the Committee on Military Affairs, and decided in the negative—yeas 75 nays 110; as follows:

YEAS-Messrs. Abercrombie, Allison, Bell, Bibighaus, John H. Boyd, Breckenridge, Albert G. Brown, Burrows, E. Carrington Cabell, Lewis D. Campbell, Chapman, Cleveland, Cullom,awson, Disney, Doty, Edgerton, Evans, Ewing, Faulkner, Fitch, Fowler, Freeman, Henry M. Fuller, Gaylord, Goodenow, Green, Grey, Grow, Harper, Hart, Hascall, Haven, Thos. M. Howe, Andrew Johnson, James Johnson, George G. King, Kuhns, Landry, Letelier. Edward C. Marshall, Mason, McCorkle, McNair, Meacham, Meade, Miller, Miner, Molony, Henry D. Moore, John Moore, Morehead, Newton, Olds, Perkins, Polk, Porter, Price, Sackett, Smith, Snow, Benjamin Stanton, Fred. P. Stanton, Richard H. Stanton, Alexander H. Stephens, St. Martin, Sweetser, Taylor, Tuck, Walbridge, Walsh, Ward, Welch, Addison White, and Yates-75.

NAYS-Messrs. Aiken, Charles Allen, Willis Allen, Andrews, Wm. Appleton, Ashe, Averett, David J. Bailey, Bennett, Bissell, Bocock, Bowie, Bragg, Brenton, Brooks, Buell, Busby, Joseph Cable, Caldwell, Carter, Caskie, Chastain, Clark, Clinginan, Cobb, Curtis, Daniel, George T.

the State of California, and for granting donations and other purposes; which was read a first and second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. ABERCROMBIE, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill, of which previous notice had been given, granting the right of way and making a donation of land to the State of Alabama, in aid of the construction of the Girard railroad which was read a first and second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. BRAGG, leave was granted to withdraw from the files of the House, for the purpose of presentation to the Senate, the joint resolution of the State of Alabama, in regard to certain reserved lands in Clarke county, in that State.

Mr. LETCHER, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill, of which previous notice had been given, to change the time for holding the district courts of the United States in the western district of Virginia, and for other purposes; which was

read a first and second time by its title, and, with the various petitions heretofore presented upon this subject, now on the files of the House, was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. KING, of New York, asked permission to offer a resolution.

Mr. EVANS objected, and called for the regular order of business.

RESERVED LANDS IN IOWA.

Mr. HENN, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill, of which previous notice had been given, to relinquish to the State of Iowa lands reserved for salt springs therein; which was read a first and second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. H. I have also a resolution which I wish to offer, and I hope that it may be put upon its passage immediately, as it is a matter of importance to my constituents. It is a resolution, I apprehend, that will not be objected to by any one. Mr. EVANS. I object.

DDITIONAL LAND DISTRICTS. Mr.HENN. I have also another bill which I wish to introduce, and of which previous notice has been given. It is a bill creating three additional land districts in the State of Iowa.

Mr. TAYLOR objected to its introduction. On motion by Mr. HOWARD, it was Ordered, That the memorial of George Simpton, praying compensation for vessels lost in the public service during

the late war with Mexico, be taken from the files and referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. CABELL, of Florida, asked the unanimous consent of the House to introduce a resolution. Mr. EVANS objected.

Mr. PHELPS asked the unanimous consent of the House for leave to introduce a bill, of which previous notice had been given.

Mr. TUCK objected:

Mr. MILLER presented a petition from sundry citizens of Monroe country, Missouri, praying for the establishment of a mail route from Paris, through Shelbyville, to Newark, Missouri; referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post

Roads.

Also, the petition of Robert Nelson for leave to change an entry of land; referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Mr. CAMPBELL, of Illinois, gave notice that he would to-morrow ask leave to introduce a bill for the improvement of the Rock Island and Des Moines Rapids on the Mississippi river.

Mr. MOLONY presented the petitions of D. Clapp and Silas Noble, register and receiver, asking for an increase of pay for locating bounty land warrants; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. FICKLIN presented the petition of A. M. Patterson and one hundred others, praying the establishment of a mail route from Vincennes, in the State of Indiana, via Lawrenceville and other places, to Springfield, in Illinois; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. MOLONY asked the unanimous consent of the House to introduce a bill to correct an error in the pension of Orris Crosby.

Objection was made, and the bill was not introduced.

Mr. GREY, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill, of which previous notice had been given, to provide for the repair and improvement of the dam at the head of Cumberland Island, in the Ohio river; which was read a first and second time by its title, and referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals.

Mr. EVANS. I wish to inquire of the Chair, if bills cannot be introduced, when States are called for resolutions, under the rule?

The SPEAKER. By the unanimous consent of the House, they can be introduced at any time. [Cries of "That is the rule!" "That is the practice."]

THE WORKMEN ON THE CAPITOL.

Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky, asked the unanimous consent of the House to introduce a joint resolution, authorizing the architect of the Capitol to continue in employment the mechanics and laborers upon the two wings thereof.

Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia, objected. Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky. I ask that the resolution may be read, as it contains very important matter.

Mr. STEPHENS, of Georgia, objected. Mr. EDGERTON presented the petition of Alexander Armstrong, praying compensation for property lost during the war of 1812; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. BELL, by unanimous consent, gave notice that on to-morrow or some subsequent day, he should ask leave to introduce a bill to amend an act of Congress, passed September 28, 1850, allowing bounty land warrants to those who served in the war with Great Britain and other wars, &c. Also, presented the petition of the heirs of Lieutenant Joseph Parrott, an officer in the Army during the revolutionary war, praying commutation pay; which was referred to, the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. CARTTER, it was

Ordered, That the petition and papers of A. H. Patterson, on which a favorable report was made at the last session of Congress, be withdrawn from the files of the House, and referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. PENN presented the petition of Thomas J. Durant, of New Orleans, for the payment of a balance claimed to be due him for services as attorney of the United States, in the district of Louisiana; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. FREEMAN, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill, of which previous notice had been given, granting to the State of Mississippi the right of way and donation of public lands, for the purpose of locating and constructing a railroad from Brandon to the eastern boundary of said State, in the direction of Montgomery, Alabama; which was read a first and second time by its title,

and referred to the Committee on Public Lands. Mr. F. also asked unanimous consent to introduce another bill; to which objection was made. Mr. F. I understand we have a right to introduce bills upon a call of the States ?

The SPEAKER. Upon a call of the States for resolutions you have, but not upon a call for peti

tions.

Mr. FREEMAN. I should like to know why

Also, a joint resolution of the Legislature of Louisiana, in regard to awarding the contract for carrying the mail, to such company as may have the right of crossing the Isthmus of Tehuantepec by the shortest and most expeditious route; and also praying for an appropriation to survey the said route from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific, in Tehuantepec; which was read and referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Also, the petition of Jehiel Brook, praying for authority to sue the United States for damages for a suit instituted against him; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. MORSE, of Louisiana, gave notice that on to-morrow, or on some other day, he would ask leave to introduce a bill making appropriation for the removal of the raft in Red river.

Mr. WALSH asked the unanimous consent of the House to introduce a resolution. Objected to.

Mr. BOWIE asked the unanimous consent of the House to introduce the following resolution:

Resolved, That the Committee for the District of Columbia inquire into the expediency of preventing the issue of small notes, under the denomination of five dollars, in the District of Columbia, and that they report by bill or otherwise.

On motion by Mr. GROW, it was

Ordered, That the papers and petitions of Conrad Hines and others, for recompense for the services of Captain Bartlett Hines in the revolutionary war, be withdrawn from the files and referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. ALLISON presented the memorial of John Crosby, administrator of the late A. D. Crosby, purser in the United States Navy, praying to be allowed a credit to his account for payment made to certain warrant officers; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Also, the memorial of James A. Fawns, praying that he may be allowed the salary of purser brig Bainbridge, on the coast of Brazil; which was while acting as such on board the United States referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

The SPEAKER. Debate is not in order. Objection being made, the bill cannot be introduced.

Mr. WILCOX presented the petition of the register and receiver at Augusta, Mississippi, praying for additional compensation for locating military bounty land warrants; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. DISNEY, it was Ordered, That the papers in the case of Captain Linn and heirs of Joshua Huddy be taken from the files of the House, and referred to the Committee of Claims. On motion by Mr. SACKETT, it was

he performed the duties of that office during the late war with Mexico; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. FULLER, of Pennsylvania, it was

Ordered, That the petition and papers of the heirs of Samuel Ransom be withdrawn from the files of the House, and referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. CURTIS presented the petition of Samuel Baker, a soldier of the last war, praying that he may be allowed a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Invalid Pensions.

Mr. FLORENCE presented the petition of

for the improvement of the harbor of Pultneyville, on Lake Ontario, be taken from the files of the House, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. COBB asked the general consent of the House to introduce the following bills, viz:

A bill granting the right of way and alternate sections of the public lands to the State of Alabama, for the purpose of constructing a railroad from Selma to the Tennessee river;

A bill granting the right of way and making a Alabama, to aid in the construction of the Memgrant of land to the States of Mississippi and phis and Charleston Railroad; and

A bill to graduate and reduce the price of the public lands belonging to the United States, and for other purposes.

Objection was made.

Mr. HARRIS, of Alabama, presented the petition of William M. Lapsley, of Alabama, asking compensation for services rendered as receiver at the land office at Cahaba, Alabama; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. OUTLAW presented the petition of C. B. Hassell, and 831-others, citizens of North Carolina, praying Congress to abolish the office of and Navy of the United States; which was referred Chaplain to the two Houses, and in the Army to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. MOORE, of Louisiana, presented the petition of R. W. Wynn, John Webb, and others, to establish a post-road from Bastrop, in the parish of Morehouse, Louisiana, to Winnsborough, in the parish of Franklin, &c.; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

praying for an examination of the proceedings of the Board of Commissioners on claims against Mexico, in relation to a claim presented to them and rejected; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Also, the petition of sundry citizens of Pennsylvania, asking for the enactment of a law to prevent the immigration of foreign paupers into the United States. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Also, the memorial of citizens of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, for an appropriation to erect a harbor and piers in the Delaware bay and river, for the shelter of vessels navigating them. Referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Also, the petition of citizens of the city and county of Philadelphia, praying for a modification of the bounty land law of 1850, so as to give 160 acres of land to those and the children of those officers and soldiers who served the war of 1812. Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Also, the memorial of Benjamin Holbrook, of Philadelphia, asking indemnity for the loss of a vessel in the service of the United States. Referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Also, the petition of John Duncan, a blind sailor, who lost his sight in the service of the United States, asking for a pension.

Also, the memorial of the route agents of the Post Office Department, asking for an increase of compensation. Referred to the Committee on the

Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. PRICE asked leave to introduce a bill, of which previous notice had been given. Mr. EVANS objected.

Mr. PRICE claimed that, under the 44th rule, he had the right to introduce the bill.

The SPEAKER decided that the bill could not be introduced, except by unanimous consent. Mr. PRICE took an appeal from the decision of the Chair.

Mr. DUNHAM moved to lay the appeal on the able; which was agreed to.

Mr. PRICE presented a petition from sundry tizens of Newark, New Jersey, asking the passage of a law giving proper remedies to patentees; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. P. also gave notice that he would, at the earliest day practicable, ask leave to introduce a tl for the purpose of giving proper remedies to patentees.

Mr. HASCALL presented the petition of Mary Hascall, the widow of Benjamin Hascall, a soldier of the Revolution, asking for a pension; which, with the papers on the files of the House upon the same subject, was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. SEYMOUR presented the petition of John Barlason, for a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Invalid Pensions.

Also, the memorial of certain officers and soldiers in the war of 1812, praying for relief. Referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Also, presented additional papers in the case of Thomas Thooly; which, with those on the files of the House in regard to said claim, were referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. HORSFORD presented the petition of Peter Van Buskirk, asking pay for property furnished to the American troops during the revolutionary war. Referred to the Committee on Revolutionary

Clairas.

Mr. BENNETT presented a petition for a mail route from Vallonia Springs, via Minerva and Coventry, to Oxford. Referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. CLEVELAND, it was Ordered, That the petition and papers in the case of Dr. Avery Downer, a surgeon's mate in the revolutionary war, with the bill No. 74, and report No. 44 of the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, of the first session of the Thirtyfirst Congress, be taken from the files of the House, and erred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions. Mr. MANN presented the petition of Jesse French, of Braintree; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions.

Mr. SIBLEY presented the papers relative to the claim for compensation of the volunteers who served in the suppression of the Winnebago hosthes in July, 1850; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. GAYLORD, leave was granted to withdraw from the files of the House, for the purpose of presenting to the Senate, the petition and papers of Zachariah Lawrence.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.

The SPEAKER proceeded to call the committees for reports; when

Mr. EVANS, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported a bill for the relief of the Virginia Woolen Company; which was read a first and second time by its title, and, with the report accompanying, ordered to be printed, and referred to a Committee of the Whole House.

THE WORKMEN ON THE CAPITOL. Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky, from the Committee on the Public Buildings and Grounds, reported a joint resolution authorizing the architect of the Capitol to continue in employment the mechanics, laborers, and others employed upon the two wings thereof.

The resolution was read a first and second time by its title.

Mr. STANTON remarked that the appropriation for the additions to the Capitol had been exhausted, and that some three hundred mechanics and laborers-some of them with large families who had been brought on to Washington under the expectation of permanent employment, had been discharged. They had been thrown out of employment, too, in the most inclement season of the year, without the means of support and without any hope of employment elsewhere. He would appeal to the House to pass the resolution immediately.. He had been told by the Architect that they could be profitably employed. They were willing to work and await the appropriation by

Congress. He hoped the resolution would be put on its passage.

Mr. CARTTER. Will the chairman of the committee permit me to ask him a question? Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky. Certainly. Mr. CARTTER. We are informed by the chairman of the committee that the funds appropriated are all expended. Can he give the House any information as to the fact that a large portion of that money has been expended in sending to the Catskill mountains for lime to lay these foundations with, when there is an abundance of lime within sight of the Capitol? I should be very glad if the chairman of the committee could throw any light upon that subject.

Mr. STANTON. The House, and perhaps the country too, know that I have had some little experience in this matter of lime, having used a great deal of it when I was a boy and growing up. I have seen this lime that has been so much talked about, and I declare to the House that I have never seen better lime in my life. I think the architect, the Secretary of the Interior, and the other agents engaged in making the contract, did well in selecting this lime, for it is preferable to any other that I have ever seen in this neighborhood or elsewhere.

I do not know what amount of money has been expended in the purchase of lime; but I know that a great deal of work has been done, and that a great deal of material has been accumulated with the $100,000 appropriated a year ago. A great deal more work has been done, and a larger quantity of material accumulated, than I expected to

see.

Mr. CARTTER. I would like to ask the gentleman an additional question, and that is: What is the cost per bushel of this lime which has been used, and what is the cost of the lime which could be obtained within sight of the Capitol? I am informed that there has been a little peculation about this matter.

Mr. STANTON. I cannot answer that question.

Mr. BELL. I have but a word to say upon this subject. I do not wish to throw any impediment in the way of the progress of this work, but I wish to inquire of the gentleman who drew up this resolution whether the language in which it is couched would not make it obligatory upon the agent to continue in pay every hand who is now or has been engaged upon this work?

Mr. STANTON. It was certainly not so intended by me, and if the resolution is susceptible of such a construction I have no objection whatever to its modification so as to obviate that difficulty.

[A message was received from the Senate, accompanied by the bill, which had passed that body

to establish a branch of the Mint of the United States in California.]

Mr. BELL. Then I understand that the gentleman is willing to accept of a modification of his resolution?

Mr. STANTON. I will accept of a modification if it is in my power to do so, but as this is a report from a committee I presume that I have not the power.

The SPEAKER. As the resolution is a report from a committee, it is not in the power of the gentleman to modify it.

Mr. FICKLIN. I have listened with a good deal of pleasure to the remarks of the gentleman who has introduced this resolution

Mr. SACKETT, (interposing.) If the gentleman from Illinois will allow me, I will suggest to the mover of the resolution that he should modify it by the addition of these words: "If he shall think advantageous to the Government." That will relieve the resolution from the objection suggested by the gentleman from Ohio, [Mr. BELL.]

where. Every hand that has been engaged upon this work will be willing to remain in the service or in the pay of the Government, and their clamor will induce the superintendent to continue them in the pay of the Government.

My honorable friend over the way [Mr. BELL] inquired if this resolution made it obligatory upon the Superintendent to continue these hands in employment. This resolution, together with the clamor that will be sent up to him, will prevent him from discharging any one of them. I am opposed to the passage of this resolution; and I would inquire of my honorable friend from Kentucky, [Mr. STANTON,] in whose charge is this expenditure? Is this building under the charge of the Superintendent, or is it not under the charge of other officers of the Government?

Mr. STANTON, of Kentucky. It is under the charge of the Secretary of the Interior and of the Architect. The Architect has charge of the building, of the employment of hands, and of the payment of the money.

Mr. FICKLIN. Well, then, if the Secretary of the Interior deems it proper to continue this work during the winter, and to keep these hands in employment, let him take the responsibility of asking Congress to make an appropriation for that purpose. We can do it in an hour from the time that he makes his application. But this resolution places it in the power of the Superintendent to keep all these hands in the employment of the Government during the winter.

I am opposed to the passage of the resolution at present, at all events, and in order that its merits may be examined into and its demerits ascertained, if there be any attached to it, I ask its reference to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union.

The preamble and resolution were read, as follows:

Whereas, in consequence of the exhaustion of the appropriation heretofore made for the improvement of the Capitol, a large number of mechanics, laborers, and others of service at a season of the year when employment cannot employed there have been discharged, and are thrown out

be obtained elsewhere,

Be it therefore resolved, That the architect of the Capitol be and he is hereby authorized to continue in service, until an appropriation shall hereafter be made, as many of the mechanics, laborers, and others who have been employed in the extension of the Capitol as shall be willing to remain in service and await any appropriation which may be hereafter made by Congress for their pay.

Mr. SACKETT. I hope the gentleman from Illinois will withdraw that motion for a moment to allow me to propose a modification of the resolution.

The SPEAKER. The gentleman from North Carolina [Mr. VENABLE] has been recognized by the Chair.

Mr. FICKLIN. Permit me to suggest to my friend from New York, that as this resolution is a report from a committee, the gentleman who offered it cannot modify it.

I

Mr. SACKETT. I can move an amendment, suppose?

The SPEAKER. The gentleman from North Carolina has the floor.

Mr. VENABLE. There may be the very best reason in the world why these workmen should be retained. If that reason was the preservation of the public work, and if that work was likely to be injured or destroyed unless this resolution was adopted, I might, perhaps, very cheerfully vote for it. But I never can vote for the employment of these men for the reasons set forth in this resolution. I never can consent to recognize, by my vote, the principle that it is the primary duty of this Government to afford work to anybody. I am opposed to Fourierism in all its shapes; and I repeat that I never can recognize it as a primary duty of this Government to supply people that are out of employment with work. If these men have made a contract with the undertaker of this work, There is a passage in the preamble which and the money appropriated by the Government will certainly prevent the resolution from receiving is exhausted, they must take their luck, as others my vote. What is that preamble? The pream- do. When the people in my country get out of ble states that whereas these individuals have been work, they never come to Congress and ask to be thrown out of employment, and cannot at this provided with employment, and they have never season of the year obtain employment elsewhere, recognized the principle that it is the business of be it therefore resolved to quarter them upon the this Government to take money out of the TreasGovernment. That is the proposition when striptury to supply people who are out of work, or idle of the verbiage by which it is surrounded. It is people with the means of living. If it can be sata plain, simple proposition to quarter these indi-isfactorily shown that the adoption of this resoluviduals upon the Government during the winter, tion is necessary for the protection of the public because they cannot now find employment else works, I will cheerfully give it my support. But

Mr. FICKLIN. The modification that is suggested does not make the resolution acceptable to

me.

the Secretary of State, and the documents which accomparsed it. MILLARD FILLMORE.

WASHINGTON, December 16, 1851.

The message was read.

On motion by Mr. HUNTER, it was Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Foreign canons, and be printed.

THE CASE OF THE PROMETHEUS.

The PRESIDENT pro tem. laid before the Sene the following message from the President of the United States:

To the Senate of the United States:

tave received a resolution of the Senate, adopted upon be 12th instant, in the following terms:

-Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to the Senate, if not inconsisted with the public interest, any information the Execure may have received respecting the firing into and seizure of the American steamship Prometheus by a Brit*is vessel of war, in November last, near Grey Town, on The Mosquito Coast; and, also, what measures have been aten by the Executive to ascertain the state of the fact ad to vindicate the honor of the country."

answer to this request, I submit to the Senate the acmpanying extracts from a communication addressed to be Department of State by Mr. Joseph L. White, as counse of the American Atlantic and Pacific Ship Canal Compay, dated 2d instant.

This communication is the principal source of the infrmation received by the Executive in relation to the subyetalluded to, and is presumed to be essentially correct in statement of the facts. Upon receiving this communientia, instructions, such as the occasion seemed to deel, were immediately dispatched to the Minister of the Ted States in London. Sufficient time has not elapsed fr the return of any answer to this dispatch from him; and, y judgment, it would at the present moment be inconsent with the public interest to communicate those inNctions. A communication, however, of all the corremedence will be made to the Senate at the earliest eat at which a proper regard to the public interest will

At the same time instructions were given to Commodore

ser, commanding the home squadron, a copy of which, ar as they relate to the case of the Prometlicus, is herew transmitted to the Senate.

MILLARD FILLMORE.
WASHINGTON, December 16, 1851.
The message was read.

Un motion by Mr. BRODHEAD, it was
Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.
INTEROCEANIC CANAL.

The PRESIDENT pro tem. also laid before the Serate the following message from the President the United States:

To the Senate of the United States:

Is answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 8th inmant, requesting the communication of a dispatch addressed to the Department of State by Mr. Niles, late Chargé Aftures of the United States at Turin, I transmit a report the Secretary of State, which is accompanied by a the dispatch. MILLARD FILLMORE. WASHINGTON, 16th December, 1851.

The message was read.

On motion by Mr. MASON, it was Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed. CONTINGENT EXPENSES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR.

The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, accompied by statements showing the expenditures from the appropriations for the contingent exPases of the offices and bureaus of that Departmet; which was read.

Ordered, That it lie on the table and be printed.

TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINeers.

The PRESIDENT pro tempore laid before the Serate a report of the Secretary of War, commuating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 15th February last, a report of the Chief of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, giving the rules for the government of that corps, and the duties on which each officer has been emPoyed since 1838; which was read.

On motion by Mr. BORLAND,
Ordered, That it lie on the table.

praying additional compensation for locating remark respecting a memorial which was presented

bounty land warrants.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. GWIN presented a petition of the officers of the United States sloop-of-war Falmouth, attached to the Pacific squadron, praying extra pay; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Also, a document relating to the claim of Mariano G. Vallejo to indemnity for property taken for the use of the United States troops under the command of Captain J. C. Frémont; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

this morning by the Senator from Pennsylvania, [Mr. BRODHEAD,] praying for a restoration of flogging in the Navy. Before that memorial shall be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, it will be desirable to know whether it is intended to restore flogging, or to substitute any other system of punishment in the Navy. That the opinion of the Senate may be expressed on this subject, I give notice that I shall call up the memorial on Tuesday next, and I hope the Senator from New Jersey will then be ready to debate it.

PAPERS WITHDRAWN AND REFERRED.

On motion by Mr. UPHAM, it was

Ordered, That the memorial of Sylvester Churchill, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. HUNTER, it was

Mr. CLEMENS presented a memorial of the Legislature of Alabama, praying the sale of reserved lands in Clark county in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands. Mr. UNDERWOOD presented the memorial of Peter G. Washington, John F. C. Saloman, and William Selden, proposing to enter into a contract for supplying the cities of Washington and George-Revolutionary Claims. town with water from the Potomac river, above Georgetown; which was referred to the Committee for the District of Columbia.

Mr. BUTLER presented a petition from citizens of the districts of Kershaw and Lancaster, South Carolina, praying the establishment of a mail route from Camden, in that State, to Monroe, in North Corolina; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. WALKER presented the memorial of Benjamin H. Mooers, for himself and the other heirs of Benjamin Mooers, deceased, an officer in the revolutionary Army, praying to be allowed the depreciation on the commutation certificates issued to their ancestor in lieu of his half-pay for life; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

FLOGGING IN THE NAVY.

Mr. BRODHEAD. I have been requested to present a memorial, signed by a large number of the citizens of the United States, praying for the restoration of the law authorizing prompt and summary punishment for petty offences in the Navy and commercial marine. I understand the petitioners to pray for the restoration of the law authorizing flogging. I move that the memorial be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

For

Mr. STOCKTON. I am quite amazed, Mr. President, at that paper. I did not believe it possible that so many people in Philadelphia could have been found to sign such a memorial as that seems to be. I hardly know at this moment of surprise what to say in relation to it. It is a very important matter, which is presented to the Senate, in reference to which I ought not, perhaps, inconsiderately to discourse. I cannot but remember that the State of New Jersey was one of the first in the Union which approved those important amendments to the Constitution of the United States which secured freedom of religion, of speech, and the right to petition, and which has so securely guarded the State sovereignties from encroachments by the General Government. myself, I yield to no man in respect to the right of petition; and as long as truth is permitted to combat error, I will throw no obstacles in its way. Sir, if there be a right to petition the Senate upon such a subject, I suppose it is entirely within the power of the Senate to take what action they may think proper upon it; and therefore perhaps it would be most prudent for me to postpone the expression of my opinions, and ask that for the table, with the view of taking it up again for dispresent the memorial should be laid upon the cussion on Tuesday next. By adopting this course, I shall have an opportunity of reading the memorial. In the mean time, I give notice to those who may be in favor of the measure, that I will fight it from the start. Sir, I am entirely opposed to any such proposition; and move that it be laid on the table.

Mr. SEWARD. What is the prayer of the petition?

To lick the sailors.

Mr. STOCKTON. The PRESIDENT. If the memorial is laid upon the table, it can be called up at any time. Mr. SEWARD. I move to lay it on the table, and let it lie there.

The motion to lay the memorial on the table was agreed to.

Mr. GWIN, at a subsequent period of the day, rose and said: Mr. President, I wish to make a

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of Charles Lewis, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on

On motion by Mr. HAMLIN, it was Ordered, That the petion of James Dunning, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims. On motion by Mr. BRADBURY, it was Ordered, That the petition of John O. Means, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. DAWSON, it was

Ordered, That the documents on the files of the Senate, relating to the application of Jolin Schley, for a renewal of a patent, be referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

On motion by Mr. DAWSON, it was Ordered, That the petition of George Talcott, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. SEBASTIAN, it was

Ordered, That the memorial of J. K. Rogers, legal representative of David Cordery, deceased, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, On motion by Mr. HUNTER, it was

Ordered, That the Committee of Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of the legal representatives of John Moore, and that it be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. HAMLIN, it was

Ordered, That the Committee on Commerce be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of the Italian Mutual Benevolent Society of New Orleans, and that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

NOTICE OF A BILL.

Mr. MANGUM gave notice of his intention to ask leave to introduce a bill for the relief of the

personal representatives of William A. Slacum.

CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENTS versus

MONARCHIES.

Mr. WALKER submitted the following resolutions for consideration:

Whereas the signs of the times are portentous of an approaching struggle in Europe between the republican masses, for constitutional governments on the one side, and the advocates of monarchies for absolute governments on the other; and whereas it pressingly behooves the representatives of the American people of the united sovereign States of America to seriously consider, and betimes to inquire into the relations of the Government and the country to this struggle, and their duty, in view of it, to themselves, to foreign nations, and the international law: Therefore,

Be it resolved, That the Committee on Foreign Relations be instructed to inquire into, and report upon, the expediency of an open declaration by Congress to foreign nations and the world, that the United States hold strictly to the policy and principle, that each individual, nation, state, or power, possesses for itself the exclusive right, and sole power, to take care and dispose of its own internal concerns, without and exempt from the intervention and interference of any foreign government, state, confederacy, alliance, or power whatsoever, and that any such intervention or interference by, or on the part of, any foreign government, state, confederacy, alliance, or power, constitutes an infraction of the law of nations, authorizing and justifying the interposition of any or all other governments, confederacies, or powers, at their discretion, to prevent such intervention, and to repair such infraction of the law of