MONDAY, December 5, 1853. Link to Annals.

Present:

From the State of New Hampshire.

The honorable Moses Norris.

From the State of Massachusetts.

The honorable

Edward Everett,

Charles Sumner.

From the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

The honorable

Philip Allen,

Charles T. James.

From the State of Connecticut.

The honorable Truman Smith.

From the State of Vermont.

The honorable Solomon Foot.

From the State of New York.

The honorable

Hamilton Fish,

William H. Seward.

From the State of New Jersey.

The honorable

John R. Thomson,

William Wright.

From the State of Pennsylvania.

The honorable

Richard Brodhead,

James Cooper.

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From the State of Delaware.

The honorable

James A. Bayard,

John M. Clayton.

From the State of Maryland.

The honorable

James A. Pearce,

Thomas G. Pratt.

From the State of Virginia.

The honorable

R. M. T. Hunter,

James M. Mason.

From the State of North Carolina.

The honorable George E. Badger.

From the State of South Carolina.

The honorable Josiah J. Evans.

From the State of Georgia.

The honorable William C. Dawson.

From the State of Kentucky.

The honorable John B. Thompson.

From the State of Tennessee.

The honorable John Bell.

From the State of Ohio.

The honorable

Salmon P. Chase,

Benjamin Wade.

From the State of Louisiana.

The honorable

Judah P. Benjamin,

John Slidell.

From the State of Indiana.

The honorable

Jesse D. Bright,

John Pettit.

From the State of Mississippi.

The honorable Stephen Adams.

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From the State of Illinois.

The honorable

Stephen A. Douglas,

James Shields.

From the State of Maine.

The honorable Hannibal Hamlin.

From the State of Missouri.

The honorable David R. Atchison.

From the State of Arkansas.

The honorable Robert W. Johnson.

From the State of Michigan.

The honorable

Lewis Cass,

Charles E. Stuart.

From the State of Iowa.

The honorable

Augustus C. Dodge,

George W. Jones.

From the State of Wisconsin.

The honorable Henry Dodge.

From the State of California.

The honorable

William M. Gwin,

John B. Weller.

The honorable David R. Atchison, President of the Senate, pro tempore, resumed the chair.

The President, pro tempore, presented the credentials of the honorable Robert W. Johnson, appointed a senator by the executive of the State of Arkansas, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the honorable Solon Borland; which were read, and the oath prescribed by law was administered to Mr. Johnson, and he took his seat in the Senate.

Mr. James presented the credentials of the honorable Philip Allen, chosen a senator by the general assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, for the term of six years, from and after the fourth day of March, 1853; which were read, and the oath prescribed by law was administered to Mr. Allen, and he took his seat in the Senate.

Mr. Dawson presented the credentials of the honorable John Bell, chosen a senator by the general assembly of the State of Tennessee, for six years, from the fourth day of March, 1853; which were read, and 0006 6 the oath prescribed by law was administered to Mr. Bell, and he took his seat in the Senate.

Mr. Benjamin stated that the honorable John Slidell had been elected a senator in the place of the honorable Pierre Soulé, resigned, but that his credentials had not yet been received; whereupon,

On motion, by Mr. Benjamin,

The oath prescribed by law was administered to Mr. Slidell, and he took his seat in the Senate.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate has assembled, and that the Senate is ready to proceed to business.

On motion by Mr. Badger,

Ordered, That the daily hour of meeting of the Senate be 12 o'clock, until otherwise ordered.

On motion by Mr. Badger, and by unanimous consent,

Ordered, That the members of the Senate, from the commencement of the present session, shall be supplied with five daily papers, or publications equivalent thereto, in lieu of the number heretofore ordered.

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

Resolved, That two chaplains, of different denominations, be appointed for the present session, one by each House, and to interchange weekly between the two Houses.

Mr. Seward submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the President be requested, if not in his opinion incompatible with the public interest, to communicate to the Senate any correspondence that may have taken place between the government of the United States and his Majesty the King of the Sandwich Islands.

Mr. Fish submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That a select committee of five be appointed, to consider the causes and the extent of the sickness and mortality prevailing on board the emigrant ships on the voyage to this country; and whether any, and what, further legislation is needed for the better protection of the health and lives of passengers on board such vessels.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, December 6, 1853. Link to Annals.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean, chief clerk:

Mr. President: I am directed to inform the Senate that a quorum of the House of Representatives has assembled; that Linn Boyd, one of the representatives from the State of Kentucky, has been chosen Speaker, and John W. Forney, of Pennsylvania, Clerk; and that the House is ready to proceed to business.

The House of Representatives have passed a resolution for the appointment of a committee, jointly with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate, to wait on the President of the United States and inform him that a quorum of each House is assembled, 0007 7 and that Congress is ready to receive any communications he may be pleased to make; and have appointed Mr. Olds, of Ohio, Mr. Chandler, of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Bayly, the committee on their part.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Gwin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill, (S. 1,) to make a donation of the public lands to the State of California, for the purpose of constructing a railroad and telegraphic line from the city of San Francisco to the Colorado river, or southeastern boundary of said State, with a branch passing through the valley of the Sacramento river to the boundary line between said State and the Territory of Oregon; which was read, and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That it be printed.

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

Resolved, That a committee be appointed, jointly with the committee appointed on the part of the House of Representatives, to wait on the President of the United States and inform him that a quorum of each House has assembled, and that Congress is ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make.

Ordered, That the committee be appointed by the President pro tempore; and,

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, and Mr. Bell were appointed.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented a petition of citizens of Bremer county, Iowa, praying the establishment of a new land office in that State.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Pettit submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing a port of entry at Michigan city, in the State of Indiana; and also of making an appropriation to continue the improvements of the harbor at that place.

Mr. Bright asked, and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave, to bring in a bill, (S. 2,) to indemnify the State of Indiana for the failure of title to a township of land granted to said State on her admission into the Union in 1816; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time by unanimous consent:

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the committee appointed on the part of the Senate, jointly with the committee appointed on then part of the House of Representatives, to wait on the President of the United States and inform him that a quorum of each House has assembled, and that Congress are ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make, reported, that they had performed the duty assigned them, and that the President replied that he would immediately make a communication to the two Houses of Congress.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

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Fellow-citizens of the Senate and of the House of Representatives:

The interest with which the people of the republic anticipate the assembling of Congress, and the fulfilment, on that occasion, of the duty imposed upon a new President, is one of the best evidences of their capacity to realize the hopes of the founders of a political system, at once complex and symmetrical While the different branches of the government are, to a certain extent, independent of each other, the duties of all, alike, have direct reference to the source of power. Fortunately, under this system, no man is so high, and none so humble, in the scale of public station, as to escape from the scrutiny, or to be exempt from the responsibility, which all official functions imply.

Upon the justice and intelligence of the masses, in a government thus organized, is the sole reliance of the confederacy, and the only security for honest and earnest devotion to its interests, against the usurpations and encroachments of power on the one hand, and the assaults of personal ambition on the other.

The interest, of which I have spoken, is inseparable from an inquiring, self governing community, but stimulated, doubtless, at the present time, by the unsettled condition of our relations with several foreign powers; by the new obligations resulting from a sudden extension of the field of enterprise; by the spirit with which that field has been entered, and the amazing energy with which its resources for meeting the demands of humanity have been developed.

Although disease, assuming at one time the characteristics of a widespread and devastating pestilence, has left its sad traces upon some portions of our country, we have still the most abundant cause for reverent thankfulness to God for an accumulation of signal mercies showered upon us as a nation. It is well that a consciousness of rapid advancement and increasing strength be habitually associated with an abiding sense of dependence upon Him who holds in his hands the destiny of men and of nations.

Recognising the wisdom of the broad principle of absolute religious toleration proclaimed in our fundamental law, and rejoicing in the benign influence which it has exerted upon our social and political condition, I should shrink from a clear duty did I fail to express my deepest conviction, that we can place no secure reliance upon any apparent progress if it he not sustained by national integrity, resting upon the great truths affirmed and illustrated by divine revelation. In the midst of our sorrow for the afflicted and suffering, it has been consoling to see how promptly disaster made true neighbors of districts and cities separated widely from each other, and cheering to watch the strength of that common bond of brotherhood which unites all hearts, in all parts of this Union, when danger threatens from abroad, or calamity impends over us at home.

Our diplomatic relations with foreign powers have undergone no essential change since the adjournment of the last Congress. With some of them questions of a disturbing character are still pending, but there are good reasons to believe that these may all be amicably adjusted.

For some years past, Great Britain has so construed the first article of the convention of the 20th of April, 1818, in regard to the fisheries 0009 9 on the northeastern coast, as to exclude our citizens from some of the fishing grounds, to which they freely resorted for nearly a quarter of a century subsequent to the date of that treaty. The United States have never acquiesced in this construction, but have always claimed for their fishermen all the rights which they had so long enjoyed without molestation. With a view to remove all difficulties on the subject, to extend the rights of our fishermen beyond the limits fixed by the convention of 1818, and to regulate trade between the United States and the British North American provinces, a negotiation has been opened, with a fair prospect of a favorable result. To protect our fishermen in the enjoyment of their rights, and prevent collision between them and British fishermen, I deemed it expedient to station a naval force in that quarter during the fishing season.

Embarrassing questions have also arisen between the two governments in regard to Central America. Great Britain has proposed to settle them by an amicable arrangement, and our minister at London is instructed to enter into negotiations on that subject.

A commission for adjusting the claims of our citizens against Great Britain, and those of British subjects against the United States, organized under the convention of the 8th of February last, is now sitting in London for the transaction of business.

It is, in many respects, desirable that the boundary line between the United States and the British provinces in the northwest, as designated in the convention of the 15th of June, 1846, and especially that part which separates the Territory of Washington from the British possessions on the north, should be traced and marked. I, therefore, present the subject to your notice.

With France our relations continue on the most friendly footing. The extensive commerce between the United States and that country might, it is conceived, be released from some unnecessary restrictions, to the mutual advantage of both parties. With a view to this object some progress has been made in negotiating a treaty of commerce and navigation.

Independently of our valuable trade with Spain, we have important political relations with her, growing out of our neighborhood to the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico. I am happy to announce, that since the last Congress no attempts have been made, by unauthorized expeditions within the United States, against either of those colonies. Should any movement be manifested within our limits, all the means at my command will be vigorously exerted to repress it. Several annoying occurrences have taken place at Havana, or in the vicinity of the island of Cuba, between our citizens and the Spanish authorities. Considering the proximity of that island to our shores—lying, as it does, in the track of trade between some of our principal cities—and the suspicious vigilance with which foreign intercourse, particularly that with the United States, is there guarded, a repetition of such occurrences may well be apprehended.

As no diplomatic intercourse is allowed between our consul at Havana and the captain general of Cuba, ready explanations cannot be made, or prompt redress afforded, where injury has resulted. All complaint on the part of our citizens, under the present arrangement, must be, in 0010 10 the first place, presented to this government, and then referred to Spain. Spain again refers it to her local authorities in Cuba for investigation, and postpones an answer fill she has heard from those authorities. To avoid these irritating and vexatious delays, a proposition has been made to provide for a direct appeal for redress to the captain general by our consul, in behalf of our injured fellow-citizens. Hitherto the government of Spain has declined to enter into any such arrangement. This course on her part is deeply regretted; for, without some arrangement of this kind, the good understanding between the two countries may be exposed to occasional interruption. Our minister at Madrid is instructed to renew the proposition, and to press it again upon the consideration of her Catholic Majesty's government.

several years Spain has been calling the attention of this government a claim for losses, by some of her subjects, in the case of the schooner Amistad. This claim is believed to rest on the obligations imposed by our existing treaty with that country. Its justice was admitted, in our diplomatic correspondence with the Spanish government, as early as March, 1847; and one of my predecessors, in his annual message of that year, recommended that provision should be made for its payment. In January last it was again submitted to Congress by the executive. It has received a favorable consideration by committees of both branches, but as yet there has been no final action upon it. I conceive that good faith requires its prompt adjustment, and I present it to your early and favorable consideration.

Martin Koszta, a Hungarian by birth, came to this country in 1850, and declared his intention, in due form of law, to become a citizen of the United States. After remaining here nearly two years he visited Turkey. While at Smyrna he was forcibly seized, taken on board an Austrian brig of war, then lying in the harbor of that place, and there confined in irons, with the avowed design to take him into the dominions of Austria. Our consul at Smyrna and legation at Constantinople interposed for his release, but their efforts were ineffectual. While thus imprisoned, Commander Ingraham, with the United States ship of war St. Louis, arrived at Smyrna, and, after inquiring rate the circumstances of the case, came to the conclusion that Koszta was entitled to the protection of this government, and took energetic and prompt measures for his release. Under an arrangement between the agents of the United States and of Austria, he was transferred to the custody of the French consul-general at Smyrna, there to remain until he should be disposed of by the mutual agreement of the consuls of the respective governments at that place. Pursuant to that agreement he has been released and is now in the United States. The Emperor of Austria has made the conduct of our officers who took part in this transaction a subject of grave complaint.

Regarding Koszta as still his subject, and claiming a right to seize him within the limits of the Turkish empire, he has demanded of this government its consent to the surrender of the prisoner, a disavowal of the acts of its agents, and satisfaction for the alleged outrage. After a careful consideration of the case, I came to the conclusion that Koszta was seized without legal authority at Smyrna; that he was wrongfully detained on board of the Austrian brig of war; that, at the time of 0011 11 his seizure, he was clothed with the nationality of the United States; and that the acts of our officers, under the circumstances of the case, were justifiable, and their conduct has been fully approved by me, and a compliance with the several demands of the emperor of Austria has been declined.

For a more full account of this transaction and my views in regard to it, I refer to the correspondence between the charge d'affaires of Austria and the Secretary of State, which is herewith transmitted. The principles and policy therein maintained on the part of the United States, will, whenever a proper occasion occurs, be applied and enforced.

The condition of China, at this time, renders it probable that some important changes will occur in that vast empire, which will lead to a more unrestricted intercourse with it. The commissioner to that country, who has been recently appointed, is instructed to avail himself of all occasions to open and extend our commercial relations, not only with the empire of China, but with other Asiatic nations.

In 1852, an expedition was sent to Japan, under the command of Commodore Perry, for the purpose of opening commercial intercourse with that empire. Intelligence has been received of his arrival there, and of his having made known to the emperor of Japan the object of his visit; but it is not yet ascertained how far the emperor will be disposed to abandon his restrictive policy, and open that populous country to a commercial intercourse with the United States.

It has been my earnest desire to maintain friendly intercourse with the governments upon this continent, and to aid them in preserving good understanding among themselves. With Mexico, a dispute has arisen as to the true boundary line between our territory of New Mexico and the Mexican State of Chihuahua. A former commissioner of the United States, employed in running that line pursuant to the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, made a serious mistake in determining the initial point on the Rio Grande; but, inasmuch as his decision was clearly a departure from the directions for tracing the boundary contained in that treaty, and was not concurred in by the surveyor appointed on the part of the United States, whose concurrence was necessary to give validity to that decision, this government is not concluded thereby; but that of Mexico takes a different view of the subject.

There are also other questions of considerable magnitude pending between the two republics. Our minister in Mexico has ample instructions to adjust them. Negotiations have been opened, but sufficient progress has not been made therein to enable me to speak of the probable result. Impressed with the importance of maintaining amicable relations with that republic, and of yielding with liberality to all her just claims, it is reasonable to expect that an arrangement mutually satisfactory to both countries may be concluded, and a lasting friendship between them confirmed and perpetuated.

Congress having provided for a full mission to the States of Central America, a minister was sent thither in July last. As yet he has had time to visit only one of these States, (Nicaragua,) where he was received in the most friendly manner. It is hoped that his presence good offices will have a benign effect in composing the which prevail among them, and in establishing still more intimate and 0012 12 friendly relations between them respectively, and between each of them and the United States.

Considering the vast regions of this continent, and the number of States which would be made accessible by the free navigation of the river Amazon, particular attention has been given to this subject. Brazil, through whose territories it passes into the ocean, has hitherto persisted in a policy so restrictive, in regard to the use of this river, as to obstruct, and nearly exclude, foreign commercial intercourse with the States which lie upon its tributaries and upper branches. Our minister to that country is instructed to obtain a relaxation of that policy, and to use his efforts to induce the Brazilian government to open to common use, under proper safeguards, this great natural highway for international trade. Several of the South American States are deeply interested in this attempt to secure the free navigation of the Amazon, and it is reasonable to expect their co-operation in the measure. As the advantages of free commercial intercourse among nations are better understood, more liberal views are generally entertained as to the common rights of all to the free use of those means which nature has provided for international communication. To these more liberal and enlightened views, it is hoped that Brazil will conform her policy, and remove all unnecessary restrictions upon the free use of a river, which traverses so many States and so large a part of the continent, I am happy to inform you that the republic of Paraguay and the Argentine Confederation have yielded to the liberal policy still resisted by Brazil, in regard to the navigable rivers within their respective territories. Treaties embracing this subject, among others, have been negotiated with these governments, which will be submitted to the Senate at the present session.

A new branch of commerce, important to the agricultural interests of the United States, has, within a few years past, been opened with Peru. Notwithstanding the inexhaustible deposits of guano upon the islands of that country, considerable difficulties are experienced in obtaining the requisite supply. Measures have been taken to remove these difficulties, and to secure a more abundant importation of the article. Unfortunately, there has been a serious collision between our citizens, who have resorted to the Chincha islands for it, and the Peruvian authorities stationed there. Redress for the outrages, committed by the latter, was promptly demanded by our minister at Lima. This subject is now under consideration, and there is reason to believe that Peru is disposed to offer adequate indemnity to the aggrieved parties We are thus not only at peace with all foreign countries, but, in regard to political affairs, are exempt from any cause of serious disquietude in our domestic relations.

The controversies, which have agitated the country heretofore, are passing away with the causes which produced them and the passions which they had awakened; or, if any trace of them remains, it may be reasonably hoped that it will only be perceived in the zealous rivalry of all good citizens to testify their respect for the rights of the States, their devotion to the Union, and their common determination that each one of the States, its institutions, its welfare, and its domestic peace shall be held alike secure under the sacred ægis of the Constitution.

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This new league of amity and of mutual confidence and support into which the people of the republic have entered, happily affords inducement and opportunity, for the adoption of a more comprehensive and unembarrassed line of policy and action, as to the great material interests of the country, whether regarded in themselves or in connection with the powers of the civilized world.

The United States have continued gradually and steadily to expand, through acquisitions of territory, which, how much soever some of them may have been questioned, are now universally seen and admitted to have been wise in policy, just in character, and a great element in the advancement of our country, and, with it, of the human race, in freedom, in prosperity, and in happiness. The thirteen States have grown to be thirty-one, with relations reaching to Europe on the one side, and on the other to the distant realms of Asia.

I am deeply sensible of the immense responsibility which the present magnitude of the republic, and the diversity and multiplicity of its interests devolves upon me; the alleviation of which, so far as relates to the immediate conduct of the public business is, first, in my reliance on the wisdom and patriotism of the two houses of Congress; and, secondly, in the directions afforded me by the principles of public polity, affirmed by our fathers of the epoch of 1798, sanctioned by long experience, and consecrated anew by the overwhelming voice of the people of the United States.

Recurring to these principles, which constitute the organic basis of union, we perceive that, vast as are the functions and the duties of the federal government, vested in, or entrusted to, its three great departments, the legislative, executive, and judicial, vet the substantive power, the popular force, and the large capacities for social and material development, exist in the respective States, which, all being of themselves well constituted republics, as they preceeded, so they alone are capable of maintaining and perpetuating, the American Union. The federal government has its appropriate line of action in the specific and limited powers conferred on it by the Constitution, chiefly as to those things in which the States have a common interest in their relations to one another, and to foreign governments; while, the great mass of interests which belong to cultivated men, the ordinary business of life, the springs of industry, all the diversified personal told domestic affairs of society, rest securely upon the general reserved powers of the people of the several States. There is the effective democracy of the nation, and there the vital essence of its being and its greatness.

Of the practical consequences which flow from the nature of the federal government, the primary one is the duty of administering with integrity and fidelity the high trust reposed in it by the Constitution, especially in the application of the public funds, as drawn by taxation from the people, and appropriated to specific objects by Congress.

Happily I have no occasion to suggest any radical changes in the financial policy of the government. Ours is almost, if not absolutely, the solitary power of Christendom having a surplus revenue, drawn immediately from imposts on commerce, and therefore measured by the spontaneous enterprise and national prosperity of the country, with such indirect relation to agriculture, manufactures, and the products of 0014 14 the earth and sea, as to violate no constitutional doctrine, and yet vigorously promote the general welfare. Neither as to the sources of the public treasure, nor as to the manner of keeping and managing it, does any grave controversy now prevail, there being a general acquiescence in the wisdom of the present system.

The report of the Secretary of the Treasury will exhibit, in detail, the state of the public finances, and the condition of the various branches of the public service administered by that department of the government.

The revenue of the country, levied almost insensibly to the tax payer, goes on from year to year increasing beyond either the interests or the prospective wants of the government.

At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1852, there remained in the treasury a balance of fourteen million six hundred and thirty-two thousand one hundred and thirty-six dollars. The public revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1853, amounted to fifty-eight million nine hundred and thirty-one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five dollars from customs, and to two million four hundred and five thousand seven hundred and eight dollars from public lands and other miscellaneous sources, amounting together to sixty-one million three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred and seventy-four dollars; while the public expenditures for the same period, exclusive of payments on account of the public debt, amounted to forty-three million five hundred and fifty-four thousand two hundred and sixty-two dollars; leaving a balance of thirty-two million four hundred and twenty-five thousand four hundred and forty-seven dollars of receipts above expenditures.

This fact, of increasing surplus in the treasury, became the subject of anxious consideration at a very early period of my administration, and the path of duty in regard to it seemed to me obvious and clear, namely: first, to apply the surplus revenue to the discharge of the public debt, so far as it could judiciously be done; and, secondly, to devise means for the gradual reduction of the revenue to the standard of the public exigencies.

Of these objects, the first has been in the course of accomplishment, in a manner and to a degree highly satisfactory. The amount of the public debt, of all classes was, on the fourth of March, 1853, sixty-nine million one hundred and ninety thousand and thirty-seven dollars; payments on account of which have been made, since that period, to the amount of twelve million seven hundred and three thousand three hundred and twenty-nine dollars, leaving unpaid, and in the continuous coarse of liquidation, the sum of fifty-six million four hundred and eighty-six thousand seven hundred and eight dollars. These payments, although made at the market price of the respective classes of stocks, have been effected readily, and to the general advantage of the treasury, and have at the same time proved of signal utility in the relief they have incidentally afforded to the money market and to the industrial and commercial pursuits of the country.

The second of the above-mentioned objects, that of the reduction of the tariff, is of great importance, and the plan suggested by the Secretary of the Treasury, which is to reduce the duties on certain articles, and to add to the free list many articles now taxed, and especially such 0015 15 as enter into manufactures, and are not largely, or at all, produced in the country, is commended to your candid and careful consideration.

You will find in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, also, abundant proof of the entire adequacy of the present fiscal system to meet all the requirements of the public service, and that, while properly administered, it operates to the advantage of the community in ordinary business relations.

I respectfully ask your attention to sundry suggestions of improvements in the settlement of accounts, especially as regards the large sums of outstanding arrears due to the government, and of other reforms in the administrative action of his department, which are indicated by the Secretary; as also to the progress made in the construction of marble hospitals, custom-houses, and of a new mint in California and assay office in the city of New York, heretofore provided for by Congress; and also to the eminently successful progress of the coast survey, and of the Light-house Board.

Among the objects meriting your attention will be important recommendations from the Secretaries of War and Navy. I am fully satisfied that the navy of the United States is not in a condition of strength and efficiency commensurate with the magnitude of our commercial and other interests; and commend to your especial attention the suggestions on this subject made by the Secretary of the Navy. I respectfully submit that the army, which, under our system, must always be regarded with the highest interest, as a nucleus around which the volunteer forces of the nation gather in the hour of danger, requires augmentation, or modification, to adapt it to the present extended limits and frontier relations of the country, and the condition of the Indian tribes in the interior of the continent; the necessity of which will appear in the communications of the Secretaries of War and the Interior.

In the administration of the Post Office Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1853, the gross expenditure was seven million nine hundred and eighty-two thousand seven hundred and fifty six dollars; and the gross receipts, during the same period, five million nine hundred and forty-two thousand seven hundred and thirty-four dollars; showing that the current revenue failed to meet the current expenses of the department by the sum of two million forty-two thousand and thirty-two dollars. The causes which, under the present postal system and laws, led inevitably to this result, are fully explained by the report of the Postmaster General; one great cause being the enormous rates the department has been compelled to pay for mail service rendered by railroad companies.

The exhibit in the report of the Postmaster general of the income and expenditures by mail steamers will be found peculiarly interesting, and of a character to demand the immediate action of Congress.

Numerous and flagrant frauds upon the Pension Bureau have been brought to light within the last year, and, in some instances, merited punishments inflicted; but, unfortunately, in others, guilty parties have escaped, not through the want of sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction, but in consequence of the provisions of limitation the existing laws.

From the nature of these claims, the remoteness of the tribunals to pass upon them, and the mode in which the proof is, of necessity, furnished, 0016 16 temptations to crime have been greatly stimulated by the obvious difficulties of detection. The defects in the law upon this subject are so apparent, and so fatal to the ends of justice, that your early action relating to it is most desirable.

During the last fiscal year, nine million eight hundred and nineteen thousand four hundred and eleven acres of the public lands have been surveyed, and ten million three hundred and sixty-three thousand eight hundred and ninety-one acres brought into market. Within the same period, the sales by public purchase and private entry amounted to one million eighty-three thousand four hundred and ninety-five acres; located under military bounty land warrants, six million one hundred and forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty acres; located under other certificates, nine thousand four hundred and twenty-seven acres; ceded to the States as swamp lands, sixteen million six hundred and eighty-four thousand two hundred and fifty-three acres; selected for railroad and other objects, under acts of Congress, one million four hundred and twenty-seven thousand four hundred and fifty-seven acres. Total amount of lands disposed of within the fiscal year, twenty-five million three hundred and forty-six thousand nine hundred and ninety-two acres; which is an increase in quantity sold, and located under land warrants and grants, of twelve million two hundred and thirty-one thousand eight hundred and eighteen acres over the fiscal year immediately preceding. The quantity of land sold during the second and third quarters of 1852 was three hundred and thirty-four thousand four hundred and fifty-one acres. The amount received therefor was six hundred and twenty-three thousand six hundred and eighty-seven dollars. The quantity sold the second and third quarters of the year 1853 was one million six hundred and nine thousand nine hundred and nineteen acres; and the amount received therefor, two million two hundred and twenty-six thousand eight hundred and seventy-six dollars.

The whole number of land warrants issued under existing laws, prior to the 30th of September lust, was two hundred and sixty-six thousand and forty-two; of which there were outstanding, at that date, sixty-six thousand nine hundred and forty-seven. The quantity of land required to satisfy these outstanding warrants is four million seven hundred and seventy-eight thousand one hundred and twenty acres.

Warrants have been issued to 30th of September last, under the act of 11th February, 1847, calling for twelve million eight hundred and seventy-nine thousand two hundred and eighty acres; under acts of September 28, 1850, and March 22, 1852, calling for twelve million five hundred and five thousand three hundred and sixty acres; making a total of twenty-five million three hundred and eighty-four thousand six hundred and forty acres.

It is believed that experience has verified the wisdom and justice of the present system, with regard to the public domain, in most essential particulars.

You will perceive, from the report of the Secretary of the Interior, that opinions, which have often been expressed in relation to the operation of the land system, as not being a source of revenue to the federal treasury, were erroneous. The net profits from the sale of the 0017 17 public lands to June 30, 1853, amounted to the sum of fifty-three million two hundred and eighty-nine thousand four hundred and sixty-five dollars.

I recommend the extension of the land system over the Territories of Utah and New-Mexico, with such modifications as their peculiarities may require.

Regarding our public domain as chiefly valuable to provide homes for the industrious and enterprising, I am not prepared to recommend any essential change in the land system, except by modifications in favor of the actual settler, and an extension of the pre-emption principle in certain cases, for reasons, and on grounds, which will be fully developed in the reports to be laid before you.

Congress, representing the proprietors of the territorial domain, and charged especially with power to dispose of territory belonging to the United States, has, for a long course of years, beginning with the administration of Mr. Jefferson, exercised the power to construct roads within the territories; and there are so many and obvious distinctions between this exercise of power and that of making roads within the States, that the former has never been considered subject to such objections as apply to the latter, and such may now be considered the settled construction of the power of the federal government upon the subject.

Numerous applications have been, and no doubt will continue to be, made for grants of land, in aid of the construction of railways. It is not believed to be within the intent and meaning of the Constitution that the power to dispose of the public domain should be used otherwise than might be expected from a prudent proprietor, and, therefore, that grants of land to aid in the construction of roads should be restricted to cases where it would be for the interest of a proprietor, under like circumstances, thus to contribute to the construction of these works. For the practical operation, of such grants thus far, in advancing the interests of the States in which the works are located, and at the same time the substantial interests of all the other States, by enhancing the value and promoting the rapid sale of the public domain, I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Interior. A careful examination, however, will show that this experience is the result of a just discrimination, and will be far from affording encouragement to a reckless or indiscriminate extension of the principle.

I commend to your favorable consideration the men of genius of our country, who, by their inventions and discoveries in science and art, have contributed largely to the improvements of the age, without, in many instances, securing for themselves anything like an adequate reward. For many interesting details upon this subject I refer you to the appropriate reports, and especially urge upon your early attention the apparently slight, but really important, modifications of existing lays therein suggested.

The liberal spirit which has so lone marked the action of Congress in relation to the District of Columbia, will, I have no doubt, continue to be manifested.

The erection of an asylum for the insane of the District of Columbia, and of the army and navy of the United States, has been somewhat 2 0018 18 retarded by the great demand for materials and labor during the past summer; but fun preparation for the reception of patients, before the return of another winter, is anticipated; and there is the best reason to believe, from the plan and contemplated arrangements which have been devised, with the large experience furnished within the last few years in relation to the nature and treatment of the disease, that it will prove an asylum indeed to this most helpless and afflicted class of sufferers, and stand as a noble monument of wisdom and mercy.

Under the acts of Congress of August 31, 1852, and of March 3, 1853, designed to secure for the cities of Washington and Georgetown an abundant supply of good and wholesome water, it became my duty to examine the report and plans of the engineer who had charge of the surveys under the act first named. The best, if not the only plan, calculated to secure permanently the object sought, was that which contemplates taking the water from the Great Falls of the Potomac, and, consequently, I give to it my approval.

For the progress and present condition of this important work, and for its demands, so far as appropriations are concerned, I refer you to the report of the Secretary of War.

The present judicial system of the United States has now been in operation for so king a period of time, and has, in its general theory and much of its details, become so familiar to the country, and acquired so entirely the public confidence, that if modified in any respect, it should only be in those particulars which may adapt it to the increased extent, population, and legal business of the United States. In this relation, the organization of the courts is now confessedly inadequate to the duties to be performed by them; in consequence of which, the States of Florida, Wisconsin, Iowa, Texas, and California, and districts of other States, are in effect excluded from the full benefits of the general system, by the functions of the circuit court being devolved on the district judges in all those, States, or parts of States.

The spirit of the Constitution, and a due regard to justice, require that all the States of the Union should be placed on the same footing in regard to the judicial tribunals. I therefore commend to your consideration this important subject, which, in nay judgment, demands the speedy action of Congress. I will present to you, if deemed desirable, a plan, which I am prepared to recommend, for the enlargement and modification of the present judicial system.

The act of Congress establishing the Smithsonian Institution provided that the President of the United States, and other persons therein designated, should constitute an “establishment” by that name, and that the members should hold stated and special meetings for the supervision of the affairs of the Institution. The organization not having taken place, it seemed to me proper that it should be effected without delay. This has been done; and an occasion was thereby presented for inspecting the condition of the Institution, and appreciating its successful progress thus far, and its high promise of great and general usefulness.

I have omitted to ask your favorable consideration for the estimates of works of a local character in twenty-seven of the thirty-one States, amounting to one million seven hundred and fifty-four thousand five 0019 19 hundred dollars, because, independently of the grounds which have so often been urged against the application of the federal revenue for works of this character, inequality with consequent injustice is inherent in the nature of the proposition, and because the plan has proved entirely inadequate to the accomplishment of the objects sought.

The subject of internal improvements, claiming alike the interest and good will of all, has, nevertheless, been the basis of much political discussion, and has stood as a deep graven line of division between statesmen of eminent ability and patriotism. The rule of strict construction of all powers delegated by the States to the general government has strayed itself, from time to time, against the rapid progress of expenditures from the national treasury on works of a local character within the States. Memorable as an epoch in the history of this subject is the message of President Jackson, of 27th of May, 1830, which met the system of internal improvements in its comparative infancy; but so rapid has been its growth, that the projected appropriations in that year for works of this character had risen to the alarming amount of more than one hundred millions of dollars.

In that message the President admitted the difficulty of bringing back the operations of the government to the construction of the Constitution set up in 1798, and marked it as an admonitory proof of the necessity of guarding that instrument with sleepless vigilance against the authority of precedents, which had not the sanction of its most plainly defined powers.

Our government exists under a written compact between sovereign States, uniting for specific objects, and with specific grants to their general agent. If, then, in the progress of its administration, there have been departures from the terms and intent of the compact, it is, and will ever be, proper to refer back to the fixed standard which our fathers left us, and to make a stern effort to conform our action to it. It would seem that the fact of a principle having been resisted from the first by many of the wisest and most patriotic men of the republic, and a policy having provoked constant strife without arriving at a conclusion which can be regarded as satisfactory to its most earnest advocates, should suggest the inquiry whether there may not be a plan likely to be crowned by happier results. Without perceiving any sound distinction, or intending to assert, any principle as opposed to improvements needed for the protection of internal commerce, which does not equally apply to improvements upon the seaboard for the protection of foreign commerce, I submit to you, whether it may not be safely anticipated that, if the policy were once settled against appropriations by the general government for local improvements for the benefit of commerce, localities requiring expenditures would not, by modes and means clearly legitimate and proper, raise the fund necessary for such constructions as the safety or other interests of their commerce might require.

If that can be regarded as a system, which, in the experience of more than thirty years, has at no time so commanded the public judgment as to give it the character of a settled Policy, which, though it has produced some works of conceded importance, has been attended with an expenditure quite disproportionate to their value—and has resulted 0020 20 in squandering large sums upon objects which have answered no valuable purpose—the interests of all the States require it to be abandoned, unless hopes may be indulged for the future which find no warrant in the past.

With an anxious desire for the completion of the works which axe regarded by all good citizens with sincere interest, I have deemed it my duty to ask at your hands a deliberate consideration of the question, with a hope that, animated by a desire to promote the permanent and substantial interests of the country, your wisdom may prove equal to the task of devising and maturing a plan, which, applied to this subject, may promise something better than constant strife, the suspension of the powers of local enterprise, the exciting of vain hopes, and the disappointment of cherished expectations.

In expending the appropriations made by the last Congress, several cases have arisen in relation to works for the improvement of harbors, which involve question as to the right of soil and jurisdiction, and have threatened conflict between the authority of the State and general governments. The right to construct a breakwater, jetty, or dam, would seem, necessarily, to carry with it the power to protect and preserve such constructions. This can only be effectually none by having jurisdiction over the soil. But no clause of the Constitution is found on which to rest the claim of the United States to exercise jurisdiction over the soil of a State, except that conferred by the eighth section of the first article of the Constitution. It is, then, submitted, whether, in all cases where constructions are to be erected by the general government, the right of soil should not first be obtained, and legislative provision be made to cover all such cases.

For the progress made in the construction of roads within the Territories, as provided for in the appropriations of the last Congress, I refer you to the report of the Secretary of War.

There is one subject of a domestic nature, which, from its intrinsic importance, and the many interesting questions of future policy which it involves, cannot fail to receive your early attention. I allude to the moans of communication, by which different parts of the wide expanse of our country are to be placed in closer connexion, for purposes both of defence and commercial intercourse, and more especially such as appertain to the communication of those great divisions of the Union which lie on the opposite sides of the Rocky Mountains.

That the government has not been unmindful of this heretofore is apparent from the aid it has afforded, through appropriations for mail facilities and other purposes. But the general subject will now present itself under aspects more imposing and more purely national, by reason of the surveys ordered by Congress, and now in the process of completion, for communication by railway across the continent, and wholly within the limits of the United States.

The power to declare war, to raise and support armies, to provide and maintain a navy, and to call forth the militia to execute the laws, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions, was conferred upon Congress, as means to provide for the common defence and to protect a territory and a population now wide-spread and vastly multiplied. As incidental to and indispensable for the exercise of this power, it 0021 21 must sometimes be necessary to construct military roads and protect harbors of refuge. To appropriations by Congress for such objects no sound objection can be raised. Happily for our country, its peaceful policy and rapidly increasing population impose upon us no urgent necessity for preparation, and leave but few trackless deserts between assailable points and a patriotic people ever ready and generally able to protect them. These necessary links the enterprise and energy of our people are steadily and boldly struggling to supply. All experience affirms that, wherever private enterprise will avail, it is most wise for the general government to leave to that and individual watchfulness the location and execution of all means of communication.

The surveys before alluded to were designed to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the river Mississippi to the Pacific ocean. Parties are now in the field making explorations, where previous examinations had not supplied sufficient data, and where there was the best reason to hope the object sought might be found. The means and time being both limited, it is not to be expected that all the accurate knowledge desired will be obtained, but it is hoped that much and important information will be added to the stock previously possessed, and that partial, if not full reports of the surveys ordered will be received in time for transmission to the two Houses of Congress, on or before the first Monday in February next, as required by the act of appropriation. The magnitude of the enterprise contemplated has aroused, and will doubtless continue to excite, a very general interest throughout the country. In its political, its commercial, and its military bearings, it has varied, great, and increasing claims to consideration. The heavy expense, the great delay, and, at times, fatality attending travel by either of the isthmus routes, have demonstrated the advantage which would result from interterritorial communication by such safe and rapid means as a railroad would supply.

These difficulties, which have been encountered in a period of peace, would be magnified and still further increased in time of war. But whilst the embarrassments already encountered, and others under new contingencies to be anticipated, may serve strikingly to exhibit the importance of such a work, neither these, nor all considerations combined, can have an appreciable value, when weighed against the obligation strictly to adhere to the Constitution, and faithfully to execute the powers it confers.

Within this limit and to the extent of the interest of the government involved, it would seem both expedient and proper, if an economical and practical route shall be found, to aid by all constitutional means in the construction of a road which will unite, by speedy transit, the populations of the Pacific and Atlantic States. To guard against misconception, it should be remarked that, although the power to construct, or aid-in the construction of a road within the limits of a territory, is not embarrassed by that question of jurisdiction which would arise Within the limits of a State, it is nevertheless held to be of doubtful power, and more than doubtful propriety, even within the limits of a territory, for the general government to undertake to administer the affairs 0022 22 of a railroad, a canal, or other similar construction, and therefore that its connexion with a work of this character should be incidental rather than primary. I will only add at present, that, fully appreciating the magnitude of the subject, and solicitous that the Atlantic and Pacific shores of the republic may be bound together by inseparable ties of common interest, as well as of common fealty and attachment to the Union, I shall be disposed, so far as my own action is concerned, to follow the lights of the Constitution, as expounder and illustrated by those whose opinions and expositions constitute the standard of my political faith in regard to the powers of the federal government. It is, I trust, not necessary to say, that no grandeur of enterprise, and no present urgent inducement promising popular favor, will lead me to disregard those lights, or to depart from that path, which experience has proved to be safe, and which is now radiant with the glow of prosperity and legitimate constitutional progress. We can afford to wait, but we cannot afford to overlook the ark of our security.

It is no part of my purpose to give prominence to any subject which may properly be regarded as set at rest by the deliberate judgment of the people. But while the present is bright with promise, and the future full of demand and inducement for the exercise of active intelligence, the past can never be without useful lessons of admonition and instruction. If its dangers serve not as beacons, they will evidently fail to fulfil the object of a wise design. When the grave shall have closed over all who are now endeavoring to meet the obligations of duty, the year 1850 will be recurred to as a period filled with anxious apprehension. A successful war had just terminated. Peace brought with it a vast augmentation of territory. Disturbing questions arose, bearing, upon the domestic institutions of one portion of the confederacy, and involving the constitutional rights of the States. But, nothwithstanding differences of opinion and sentiment which then existed in relation to details and specific provisions, the acquiescence of distinguished citizens, whose devotion to the Union can never be doubted, has given renewed vigor to our institutions, and restored a sense of repose and security to the public mind throughout the confederacy. That this repose is to suffer no shock during my official term, if I have power to avert it, those who placed me here may be assured. The wisdom of men who knew what independence cost—who had put all at stake upon the issue of the revolutionary struggle—disposed of the subject to which I refer in the only way consistent with the Union of these States, and with the march of power and prosperity which has made us what we are. It is a significant fact, that from the adoption of the Constitution Until the officers and soldiers of the revolution had passed to their graves, or, through the infirmities of age and wounds, had ceased to participate actively in public affairs, there was not merely a quiet acquiescence in, but a prompt vindication of, the constitutional rights of the States. The reserved powers were scrupulously respected. No statesmen put forth the narrow views of casuists to justify interference and agitation, but the spirit of the compact was regarded as sacred in the eye of honor, and indispensable for the great experiment of civil liberty, which, environed by inherent difficulties, was yet borne forward apparent weakness by a power superior to all obstacles. There is 0023 23 no condemnation which the voice of freedom will not pronounce upon us, should we prove faithless to this great trust.

While men inhabiting different parts of this vast continent can no more be expected to hold the same opinions, or entertain the same sentiments, than every variety of climate or soil can be expected to furnish the same agricultural products, they can unite in a common object and sustain common principles essential to the maintenance of that object. The gallant men of the south and the north could stand together during the struggle of the revolution; they could stand together in the more trying period which succeeded the clangor of arms. As their united valor was adequate to all the trials of the camp and dangers of the field, so their united wisdom proved equal to the greater task of founding, upon a deep and broad basis, institutions which it has been our privilege to enjoy, and will ever be our most sacred duty to sustain. It is but the feeble expression of a faith strong and universal to say that their sons, whose blood mingled so often upon the same field during the war of 1812, and who have more recently borne in triumph the flag of the country upon a foreign soil, will never permit alienation of feeling to weaken the power of their united efforts, nor internal dissensions to paralyze the great arm of freedom, uplifted for the vindication of self-government.

I have thus briefly presented such suggestions as seem to me especially worthy of your consideration. In providing for the present, you can hardly fail to avail yourselves of the light which the experience of the past casts upon the future.

The growth of our population has now brought us, in the destined career of our national history, to a point at which it well behooves us to expand our vision over the vast prospective.

The successive decennial returns of the census since the adoption of the Constitution have revealed a law of steady progressive development, which may be stated, in general terms, as a duplication every quarter century. Carried forward, from the point already reached, for only a short period of time, as applicable to the existence of a nation, this law of progress, if unchecked, will bring us to almost incredible results. A large allowance for a diminished proportional effect of emigration Would not very materially reduce the estimate, while the increased average duration of human life, known to have already resulted from the scientific and hygienic improvements of the past fifty years, will tend to keep up through the next fifty, or perhaps hundred, the same ratio of growth, which has been thus revealed in our past progress; and to the influence of these causes may be added the influx of laboring masses from eastern Asia to the Pacific side of our possessions, together with the probable accession of the populations already existing in other parts of our hemisphere, which, within the period in question, will feel, with yearly increasing force, the natural attraction of so vast, powerful, and prosperous a confederation of self-governing republics, and will seek the privilege of being admitted within its safe and happy bosom, transferring with themselves, by a peaceful and healthy, process of incorporation, spacious regions of virgin and exuberant soil, which are destined to swarm with the fast-growing and fast-spreading millions of our race.

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These considerations seem fully to justify the presumption that the law of population, above stated, will continue to act with undiminished effect through at least the next half century; and that thousands of persons who have already arrived at maturity, and are now exercising the rights of freemen, will close their eyes on the spectacle of more than one hundred millions of population embraced within the majestic proportions of the American Union. It is not merely as an interesting topic of speculation that I present these views for your consideration. They have important practical bearings upon all the political duties we are called upon to perform. Heretofore, our system of government has worked on what may be termed a miniature scale, in comparison with the development which it must thus assume, within a future so near at hand as scarcely to be beyond the present of the existing generation.

It is evident that a confederation so vast and so varied, both in numbers and in territorial extent, in habits and in interests, could only be kept. in national cohesion by the strictest fidelity to the principles of the Constitution, as understood by those who have adhered to the most restricted construction of the powers granted by the people and the States. Interpreted and applied according to those principles, the great compact adapts itself with healthy ease and freedom to an unlimited extension of that benign system of federative self-government of which it is our glorious and, I trust, immortal charter. Let us, then, with redoubled vigilance, be on our guard against yielding to the temptation of the exercise of doubtful powers, even under the pressure of the motives of conceded temporary advantage and apparent temporary expediency.

The minimum of federal government, compatible with the maintenance of national unity and efficient action in our relations with the rest of the world, should afford the rule and measure of construction of our powers under the general clauses of the Constitution. A spirit of strict deference to the sovereign rights and dignity of every State, rather than a disposition to subordinate the States into a provincial relation to the central authority, should characterize all our exercise of the respective powers temporarily vested in us as a sacred trust from the generous confidence of our constituents.

In like manner, as a manifestly indispensable condition of the perpetuation of the Union, and of the realization of that magnificent national future adverted to, does the duty become yearly stronger and clearer upon us, as citizens of the several States, to cultivate a fraternal and affectionate spirit, language, and conduct, in regard to other States, and in relation to the varied interests, institutions, and habits of sentiment and opinion which may respectively characterize them. Mutual forbearance, respect, and non-interference in our personal action as citizens, and an enlarged exercise of the most liberal principles of comity in the public dealings of State with State, whether in legislation or in the execution of laws, are the means to perpetuate that confidence and fraternity, the decay of which a mere political union, on so vast a scale, could not long survive.

In still another point of view is an important practical duty suggested by this consideration of the magnitude of dimensions to which 0025 25 our political system, with its corresponding machinery of government, is so rapidly expanding. With increased vigilance does it require us to cultivate the cardinal virtues of public frugality and official integrity and purity. Public affairs ought to be so conducted that a settled conviction shall pervade the entire Union, that nothing short of the highest tone and standard of public morality marks every part of the administration and legislation of the general government. Thus will the federal system, whatever expansion time and progress may gave it, continue more and more deeply rooted in the love and confidence of the people.

That wise economy, which is as far removed from parsimony as from corrupt and corrupting extravagance, that single regard for the public good, which will frown upon all attempts to approach the treasury with insidious projects of private interest cloaked under public pretexts,—that sound fiscal administration, which, in the legislative department, guards against the dangerous temptations incident to overflowing revenue, and, in the executive, maintains an unsleeping watchfulness against the tendency of all national expenditure to extravagance, —while they are admitted elementary political duties, may, I trust, be deemed as properly adverted to and urged, in view of the more impressive sense of that necessity, which is directly suggested by the considerations now presented.

Since the adjournment of Congress, the Vice President of the United States has passed from the scenes of earth, without having entered upon the duties of the station to which he had been called by the voice of his countrymen. Having occupied, almost continuously, for more than thirty years, a seat in one or the other of the two houses of Congress, and having, by his singular purity and wisdom, secured unbounded confidence and universal respect, his failing health was watched by the nation with painful solicitude. His loss to the country, under all the circumstances, has been justly regarded as irreparable.

In compliance with the act of Congress of March 2, 1853, the oath of office was administered to him on the 24th of that month, at Ariadne estate, near Matanzas, in the island of Cuba; but his strength gradually declined, and was hardly sufficient to enable him to return to his home in Alabama, Where, on the eighteenth day of April, in the most calm and peaceful way, his long and eminently useful career was terminated.

Entertaining unlimited confidence in your intelligent and patriotic devotion to the public interest, and being conscious of no motives on my part which are not inseparable from the honor and advancement of my country, I hope it may be my privilege to deserve and secure, not only your cordial co-operation in great public measures, but also those relations of mutual confidence and regard which it is always so desirable to cultivate between members of co-ordinate branches of the government.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Washington, D. C., December 5, 1853.

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The message was read.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the usual number of the message and documents be printed.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That ten thousand copies of the message and accompanying documents, in addition to the usual number, be printed for the use of the Senate.

Mr. Clayton submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the President be respectfully requested to present to the Senate the plan referred to in his message to Congress of the 6th instant, and which he is prepared to recommend for the enlargement and modification of the judicial system of the United States.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, December 7, 1853. Link to Annals.

The honorable Isaac P. Walker, from the State of Wisconsin, and the honorable Archibald Dixon, from the State of Kentucky, attended.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the state of the finances.

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

Ordered, That the report be printed; and that ten thousand additional copies be printed for the use of the Senate.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter from the Treasurer of the United States, communicating copies of his accounts for the third and fourth quarters of 1852, and the first and second quarters of 1853, as adjusted by the accounting officers of the Treasury; which was read.

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Superintendent of the Public Printing, showing the condition of the public printing; which was read.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

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

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean, chief clerk.

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed a resolution for the election of two chaplains, to officiate alternately during the present session of Congress.

They have passed a joint resolution (H. R. 1) for the relief of Alexander P. Field, late Secretary of Wisconsin Territory, and sureties; in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

The resolution of the House of Representatives, for the election of chaplains, having been read,

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

The Senate proceeded to the election of a chaplain on their part; and

The Rev. Henry Slicer was duly elected.

Ordered, that the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

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The Joint Resolution (H. R. 1) for the relief of Alexander P. Field, late Secretary of Wisconsin Territory, and sureties, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and having been amended, it was reported to the Senate, and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered, That the amendment be engrossed, and the resolution read a third time.

The said resolution, as amended, was read a third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That this resolution pass with an amendment.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendment.

Mr. Gwin presented a memorial of the Oriental and Pacific Steam Navigation Company, praying that a contract may be entered into with them, by the government, for the transportation of the mail between San Francisco and China, via the Sandwich Islands.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Gwin asked and obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were read, and passed to a second reading:

S. 3. Bill to encourage agriculture, commerce, manufactures, and all other branches of industry, by granting to every man, who is the head of a family and a citizen of the United States, a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land out of the public domain, upon condition of occupancy and cultivation of the same, for the period herein specified.

S. 4. Bill to refund to the State of California the expenses incurred in suppressing Indian aggressions in that State.

S. 5. Bill to authorize and direct the payment of certain moneys into the treasury of the State of California, which were collected in the ports of said State, as a revenue upon imports since the ratification of the treaty of peace between the United States and the republic of Mexico, and prior to the admission of said State into the Union.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by Mr. Fish the 5th instant, for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the causes and extent of the sickness and mortality on board of emigrant ships arriving in the ports of the United States, and

The resolution was agreed to.

On motion,

Ordered, That the Committee be appointed by the President pro tempore, and

Mr. Fish, Mr. Shields, Mr. Sumer, Mr. Hamlin, and Mr. Benjamin, Were appointed.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted yesterday, by Mr Clayton, respecting a plan recommended by the President of the United States, for a modification of the judicial system of the United States, and

The resolution was agreed to.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, submitted the following motion for consideration:

Ordered, That the Senate will proceed to the election of a public printer, to do the public printing for the thirty-third Congress, in accordance 0028 28 with the eighth section of the “act to provide for executing the public printing, and establishing the prices thereof, and for other purposes,” approved the 26th of August, 1852.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, submitted the following resolution, which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Interior be requested to furnish to the Senate a copy of the items of expenditure allowed at different times for the survey and marking of the northern boundary line of the State of Iowa, together with any information in the possession of his department touching the accuracy of said boundary line.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented a petition of Thomas J. Fauntleroy and others, officers of the army, praying an increase of compensation.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented the proceedings of a meeting of citizens of Washington county, Iowa, relative to the construction of a railroad to connect the waters of the Atlantic with those of the Pacific.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, submitted documents in relation to the claim of Nathaniel Mothershead to a pension.

Ordered, That they lie on the table.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented the petition of Pamela Brown, widow of the late Major General Jacob Brown, deceased, praying a pension.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, December 8, 1853. Link to Annals.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn it be to Monday next.

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

Resolved, unanimously, That from respect to the late William R. King, Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate, the Chair of the President of the Senate be shrouded with black; and, as a further testimony of respect for the memory of the deceased, the members of the Senate will go into mourning, by wearing crape on the left ann for thirty days.

Ordered, That the Secretary communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives.

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, December 12, 1853. Link to Annals.

Mr. Weller presented the credentials of the honorable Jared W. Williams, appointed a Senator by the Executive of the State of New Hampshire to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the honorable Charles G. Atherton, which were read; and the oath prescribed by law having been administered to Mr. Williams, he took his seat in the Senate.

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The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating, agreeably to law, a statement of the appropriations for the War Department for the fiscal year, ending June 30, 1853; which was read.

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

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a memorial of the President and Directors of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad Company, praying the right of way through certain public lands near St. Louis; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter of the Secretary of the Treasury respecting the mode of paying Senators; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

Resolved, That the thirty-fourth rule of the Senate be amended to read as follows, viz:

The following standing committees, to consist of the number of members opposite to each, shall be appointed at the commencement of each session, with leave to report by bill or otherwise:

A Committee on Foreign Relations, of six members. A Committee on Finance, of six members.

A Committee on Commerce, of six members.

A Committee on Manufactures, of five members.

A Committee on Agriculture, of five members.

A Committee on Military Affairs, of six members.

A Committee on the Militia, of five members.

A Committee on Naval Affairs, of six members.

A Committee on Public Lands, of six members.

A Committee on Private land Claims, of five members.

A Committee on Indian Affairs, of six members.

A Committee of Claims, of six members.

A Committee on Revolutionary Claims, of five members.

A Committee on the Judiciary, of six members.

A Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads, of six members.

A Committee on Roads and Canals, of six members.

A Committee on Pensions, of five members.

A Committee on the District of Columbia, of five members.

A Committee on Patents and the Patent Office, of six members.

A Committee on Retrenchment, to consist of five members, whose duty it shall be to take into consideration the expenditures of the government in the several departments thereof; and to inquire whether any, and if any, what retrenchment can be made, without injury to the public service; and to report thereupon, together with such propositions relative thereto as to them shall seem expedient.

A Committee on Territories, to consist of six members.

A committee of three members, whose duty it shall be to audit and control the contingent expenses of the Senate, and to whom shall be referred all resolutions directing the payment of money out of the contingent fund of the Senate, or creating a charge on the same.

A Committee on Public Buildings, to consist of six members, who 0030 30 shall have power also to act jointly with the same committee of the House of Representatives.

A Committee on Printing, to consist of there members, to whom shall be referred every question on the printing of documents, reports, or other matter transmitted by either of the executive departments; and all memorials, petitions, accompanying documents, together with all other matter, the printing of which shall be moved, excepting bills originating in Congress, resolutions offered by any Senator, communications from the legislatures, or conventions lawfully called, of the respective States, and motions to print by order of the standing committees of the Senate; and excepting, also, messages and other communications from the President of the United States, and such reports and communications from the heads of departments as may be made to Congress, or to the Senate, in obedience to law, or in answer to calls from the Senate; and it shall be the duty of such Committee on Printing to report, in every case, in one day, or sooner, if practicable.

And a committee, consisting of three members, whose duty it shall be to examine all bills, amendments, resolutions, or motions, before they go out of possession of the Senate, and shall deliver the same to the Secretary of the Senate, who shall enter upon the journal that the same have been correctly engrossed.

Mr. Cass submitted the following resolution, which was considered by unanimous consent, amended on motion by Mr. Clayton, and agreed to as follows:

Resolved, That the President be requested to inform the Senate whether any communication has been received from the British government, or any correspondence taken place with it on any subject growing out of the Treaty of Washington, of July 4, 1850, since the message of the President of the United States of January 4, 1853, made in answer to a call of the Senate of December 30, 1852; and if there has been any such communication or correspondence, and also copies of all instructions to our minister in England, and of all correspondence in relation thereto, he is requested, if compatible with the public interest, to transmit copies of the same to the Senate.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Printing cause to be published and bound in pamphlet form, in such manner as may seem to them appropriate, for the use of the Senate, ten thousand copies of the addresses made by the members of the Senate and members of the House of Representatives, together with so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to the death of the honorable William R. King, late Vice President of the United states.

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

Resolved, That the Select Committee appointed by the Senate at the first session of the thirty-second Congress to investigate the mode and manner of importation of merchandize into the United States, with a view of ascertaining whether any and what frauds have been committed against the revenue laws, be permitted to make their report at the present session of Congress.

0031 31

The Senate proceeded to consider the motion submitted by Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, the 7th instant, that the Senate proceed to the election of a public printer; and, having been amended, on the motion of Mr. Bright, was agreed to, as follows:

Ordered, That the Senate will forthwith proceed to the election of a public printer, to do the public printing for the thirty-third Congress, in accordance with the eighth section of the “Act to provide for executing the public printing, and establishing the prices thereof, and for other purposes,” approved the 26th August, 1852.

The Senate proceeded to the election of a printer on their part; and, on Counting the ballots, it appeared that Beverley Tucker had a majority, and was elected.

On motion by Mr. Bright,

Ordered, That so much of the 35th rule of the Senate, as relates to the appointment of the Standing Committees, be suspended.

On motion by Mr. Bright, and by unanimous consent,

Ordered, That the following be the Standing Committees of the Senate:

A Committee on Foreign Relations, consisting of Mr. Mason, Chairman, Mr. Douglas, Mr. Slidell, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Weller, and Mr. Everett.

A Committee on Finance, consisting of Mr. Hunter, Chairman, Mr. Bright, Mr. Gwin, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Norris, and Mr. Badger.

A Committee on Commerce, consisting of Mr. Hamlin, Chairman, Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Seward, Mr. Clay, and Mr. Benjamin.

A Committee on Manufactures, consisting of Mr. Wright, Chairman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Fish, Mr. Butler, and Mr. Dixon.

A Committee on Agriculture, consisting of Mr. Allen, Chairman, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Wade, Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey, and Mr. Morton.

A Committee on Military Affairs, consisting of Mr. Shields, Chairman, Mr. Weller, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Jones, of Tennessee.

A Committee on the Militia, consisting of Mr. Houston, Chairman, Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, Mr. Morton, Mr. Shields, and Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky.

A Committee on Naval Affairs, consisting of Mr. Gwin, Chairman, Mr. Mallory, Mr. Brodhead, Mr. Fish, Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey, and Mr. Bell.

A Committee on Public Lands, consisting of Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, Chairman, Mr. Stuart, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Foot, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Clayton.

A Committee on Private Land Claims, consisting of Mr. Pettit, Chairman, Mr. Sebastian, Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky.

A Committee on Indian Affairs, consisting of Mr. Sebastian, Chairman, Mr. Walker, Mr. Adams, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Rusk, and Mr. Toombs.

A Committee of Claims, consisting of Mr. Brodhead, Chairman, Mr. Clay, Mr. Chase, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Wade.

A Committee on Revolutionary Claims, consisting of Mr. Walker, Chairman, Mr. Toucey, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Dixon.

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A Committee on the Judiciary, consisting of Mr. Butler, Chairman, Mr. Toucey, Mr. Bayard, Mr. Geyer, Mr. Pettit, and Mr. Toombs.

A Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads, consisting of Mr. Rusk, Chairman, Mr. Brodhead, Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Morton, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Smith.

A Committee on Roads and Canals, consisting of Mr. Bright, Chairman Mr. Slidell, Mr. Wright, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Jones, of Tennessee.

A Committee on Pensions, consisting of Mr. Jones, of Iowa, Chairman, Mr. Clay, Mr. Foot, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Sumner.

A Committee on the District of Columbia, consisting of Mr. Norris, Chairman, Mr. Mason, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Bright, and Mr. Pratt.

A Committee on Patents and the Patent Office, consisting of Mr. James, Chairman, Mr. Evans, Mr. Smart, Mr. Seward, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky.

A Committee on Retrenchment, consisting of Mr. Adams, Chairman, Mr. Toucey, Mr. Fish, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and Mr. Badger.

A Committee on Territories, consisting of Mr. Douglas, Chairman, Mr. Houston, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Bell, Mr. Jones, of Iowa, and Mr. Everett.

A Committee to Audit and Control the Contingent Expenses of the Senate, consisting of Mr. Evans, Chairman, Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, and Mr. Foot.

A Committee on Public Buildings, consisting of Mr. Bayard, Chairman, Mr. James, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Badger, Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey, and Mr. Pratt.

A Committee on Printing, consisting of Mr. Mallory, Chairman, Mr. Hamlin, and Mr. Smith.

A Committee on Engrossed Bills, consisting of Mr. Fitzpatrick, Chairman, Mr. Pettit, and Mr. Wade.

A Committee on Enrolled Bills, consisting of Mr. Jones, of Iowa, Chairman, and Mr. Sumner.

A Committee on the Library, consisting of Mr. Pearce, Chairman, Mr. Cass, and Mr. Bayard.

On motion by Mr. Walker,

Ordered, That 1,500 additional copies of the Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, which accompanied the President's Message of the 6th instant, be printed for the use of the Senate.

Mr. Foot presented the petition of Rebecca Freeman, widow of Pearson Freeman, praying a pension in consideration of the services of her husband during the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Everett presented a petition of inhabitants of East Cambridge, Massachusetts, praying a reduction of the rates of ocean postage; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of inhabitants of North Brookfield, Massachusetts, praying a reduction of the rates of ocean postage; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Hunter presented a memorial of Robert C. Steptoe, and others, of Virginia, and of Daniel Brown, and others, of Indiana, for satisfaction for lands granted by the State of Georgia in 1784, and afterwards ceded 0033 33 to the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Ann L. Moor, widow of Henry Moor, a lieutenant in the navy, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Jacob T. Smith, praying an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of the ladies of the Strangers' Friend Society, praying that provision be made for the relief of sick and destitute foreign seamen, discharged from the merchant service of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Smith presented the petition of James Worden, praying an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Cass presented the memorial of Maria Morell, widow of George Morell, one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the Territory of Michigan, praying compensation for the extra services of her husband as a member of the board for the adjustment of land titles in Detroit; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Mason presented the memorial of Richard W. Meade, administrator of Richard W. Meade, deceased, praying the payment of a debt due him by Spain; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Weller presented the petition of Warren & Son, for themselves and others, of California, praying the establishment of an Agricultural College; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

Mr. Slidell presented the memorial of Francis B. Ogden, United States consul at Bristol, England, praying to be remunerated for expenses of removing the consulate from Manchester to Bristol, under an order from the Department of State; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter of E. Hamilton, Secretary of the Territory of Oregon, communicating a copy of the acts and journals of the fourth regular session of the legislative assembly of that Territory; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate resolutions passed at a meeting of the merchants of the city of New York, relative to the appointment and removal of custom-house officers in that city.

Ordered, That they he on the table.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a petition of H. L. Kendrick, and others, officers of the army, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a petition of Carey H. Day, and others, officers of the army, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate the proceedings of a meeting, in the city of Philadelphia, of the soldiers of the war of 1812, praying a modification of the bounty-land law; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The President pro tempore presented a petition of Michael Hennessey, late a soldier in the army, praying a Pension on account of disease 3 0034 34 contracted in the service; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

The President pro tempore presented a petition of citizens of Dane and Iowa counties, Wisconsin, praying the establishment of a mail route from Ridgeway to Primrose in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Cooper,

Ordered, That the documents on the files of the Senate, relating to the Claim of the representatives of Nathaniel Pryor, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Cooper,

Ordered, That the memorial of Nancy D. Holker, and the memorial of Holker Hughes, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Cooper,

Ordered, That the petition of Eliza M. Evans, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the memorial of Thomas Marston Taylor, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Smith,

Ordered, That the memorial of Thomas Pember, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committed on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

Ordered, That the memorial of Samuel H. Hempstead, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the petition of the legal representatives of Gerard Wood, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dixon,

Ordered, That the petition of James Jeffries and Jeremiah Smith, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Sumner,

Ordered, That the memorial of William H. Gregerson, and others, owners of the brig Kate Boyd, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the memorial of H. Paulding, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Wade.

Ordered, That the petition of Priscilla C. Simonds, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dawson,

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,

Ordered, That the memorial of Joseph Gideon, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Evans,

0035 35

Ordered, That the petition of James Chapman, administrator of Thomas Chapman, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the petition of D. Winslow, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the petition of John Biddle, and the petition of Jonathan Kearsley, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the memorial of W. P. J. Sanger, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs; and that the memorial of the Oriental and Pacific Steam Navigation Company, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Chase asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 6) to grant to the State of Ohio the unsold and unappropriated public lands remaining in that State; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Slidell asked and obtained leave to bring in the following bills; which were read the first and second times, by unanimous consent:

S. 7. Bill granting to the State of Louisiana the fight of way and a donation of public land for the purpose of locating and constructing a railroad from Algiers, on the Mississippi river, to the Sabine fiver in said State.

S. 8. Bill granting to the State of Louisiana the right of way and a donation of public land for the purpose of locating and constructing a railroad from Shreveport to the Mississippi river.

Ordered, That they be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Benjamin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 9) granting to the State of Louisiana the right of way and a donation of public land for the purpose of locating and constructing a railroad from New Orleans to the Mississippi State line, in the direction of the town of Jackson, in said State; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Bright asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 10) to provide for the surrender of certain bonds of the State of Indiana, held by the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Hamlin asked, and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution, (S. R. 1,) authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to pay the expenses of codifying and revising the revenue laws; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said resolution was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

0036 36

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, asked and obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. R. 2) for the relief of George R. C. Floyd, late Secretary of Wisconsin Territory and sureties; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 11) making a grant of land to the State of Iowa, to aid in the construction of certain railroads in said State; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the bill be printed.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 1. Bill to make a donation of the public lands to the State of California, for the purpose of constructing a railroad and telegraphic line from the city of San Francisco to the Colorado river, or southeastern boundary of said State, with a branch passing through the valley of the Sacramento river to the boundary line between said State and the Territory of Oregon.

S. 3. Bill to encourage agriculture, commerce, manufactures, and all other branches of industry, by granting to every man, who is the head of a family and a citizen of the United States, a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land, out of the public domain, upon condition of occupancy and cultivation of the same for the period herein specified.

Ordered, That they be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The bill (S. 4) to refund to the State of California the expenses incurred in suppressing Indian aggressions in that State, was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The bill (S. 5) to authorize and direct the payment of certain moneys into the Treasury of the State of California, which were collected in the ports of said State, as a revenue upon imports, since the ratification of the treaty of peace between the United States and the republic of Mexico, and prior to the admission of said State into the Union, was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by Mr. Pettit the 6th instant, respecting a port of entry and the harbor at Michigan city, and

The resolution was agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, December 13, 1853. Link to Annals.

Mr. Hunter, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred communication from the Secretary of the Treasury, reported a bill 0037 37 (S. 12) to regulate the disbursement of the contingent fund of the Senate, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, a report of an examination of the Patent Office Building, made in 1851; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Public buildings.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating a statement of appropriations for the service of that department, for the fiscal year, ending 30th June, 1853; which was read.

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

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of State, showing the disbursements for the service of the State Department, for the fiscal year, ending the 30th June, 1853; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Finance and printed.

The President pro tempore presented a petition of S. L. Fremont, of the army, praying to be restored to the position held by him in the Quartermaster's Department in 1849; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The President pro tempore presented the petition of Joseph Clymer and others, praying remuneration for losses sustained in consequence of the violation by the United States of their contract to furnish supplies for the Quartermaster's Department; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of John Thomas, praying that a sum of money paid by him for a patent, which he did not obtain, may be returned to him; which was referred to the Committee on Patents, and the Patent Office.

Mr. Smith presented the memorial of the heirs of Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, of the army of the revolution, praying to be allowed for the depreciation on commutation certificates; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Fish presented the petition of Edwin Lord and Francis Bacon, praying, to be relieved from certain judgments against them, for duties, which they are unable to pay, in consequence of losses by the great fire in New York, in December, 1835; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Fish presented the petition of Catharine Clark, widow and executrix of Joseph Clark, praying to be allowed arrears of pension due her husband; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Fish presented the petition of R. L. Beall, and other officers of the army, in behalf of the officers and troops who served in New 0038 38 Mexico, from May, 1848, to March, 1852, praying to be allowed the same extra pay as was allowed those who served in California and Oregon; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Wade presented the petition of the heirs of Alexander Harper, praying compensation for services during the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Sumner presented the petition of William C. Parke, praying for a distribution of the unclaimed balance of prize money appropriated by Congress for the heirs of John Paul Jones, and the officers and men of the frigate Alliance; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Johnson presented the memorial of Thomas Foster, praying a modification of the laws granting pensions to widows of officers and soldiers of the Revolution; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Weller presented a letter from O. M. Wozencraft, late Indian agent and commissioner for California, in reply to charges against him; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Brodhead presented the memorial of Joseph Tomlinson, praying compensation for the iron steamer Hunter, lost while in the service of the United States, during the war with Mexico; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Cass presented the petition of A. and J. E. Kendall, praying compensation for services as counsel and agents for that portion of the Cherokee Indians known as the “Western Cherokees,” or “old settlers;” which, with the papers on file, was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Foot submitted additional documents relating to the claim of the heirs of Henry King; which, with the memorial on the files of the Senate, were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Pratt submitted additional documents in relation to the claim of the heirs of Major William Reily; which, with the memorial on the files of the Senate, were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the petition of Amos Knapp, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Foot,

Ordered, That the petition of Joseph Nock, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Wade,

Ordered, That the heirs of William Dickey have leave to withdraw their petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Cooper.

Ordered, That the memorial of John A. McGregor, heir of William McGregor, and the memorial of the heirs of James Bell, deceased, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

Ordered, That the petition of John B. Johnson and Thomas Johnson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

0039 39

Ordered, That Jonathan Lewis have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Gwin,

Ordered, That the petition of James W. Low, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the petition of Martin Fenwick, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That Sally T. Matthews have leave to withdraw her petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the petition of William Miller, and the memorial of the heirs of Judith Worthen, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Allen,

Ordered, That the petition of John J. DeWolf, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Adams,

Ordered, That the memorial of John R. Jefferson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Adams,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of John DeTreville, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Tennessee,

Ordered, That the petition of Absalom Kyle and William C. Kyle, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the petition of Mary Williams, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the memorial of Salvadora McLaughlin, widow of John T. McLaughlin, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the petition of Mary E. D. Blaney, and the memorial of Cornelius McCaullay, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the memorial of Lavinia Taylor, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the petition of the legal representatives of John G. Mackall, the memorial of Benedict J. Heard, the petition of the heirs of William Somerville, the memorial of Hodges and Lansdale, and the memorial of the legal representatives of Rinaldo Johnson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of Johannes Schultz, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

0040 40

A message from the House of Representatives by Mr. McKean, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have elected the Rev. W. H. Milburn chaplain to Congress on their part.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin,

Ordered, That the memorials and petitions of the citizens of Wisconsin, on the files of the Senate, for a grant of land to aid in the construction of a railroad from Chichago, through Janesville and Fond du Lac, to Lake Superior, be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing a port of entry at Brunswick, in the State of Georgia.

Mr. Bright, from the Committee on Finance, reported a bill (S. 13) prescribing the manner of appointing the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed, and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Gwin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 14) to establish a line of steam ships from San Francisco, via the Sandwich Islands, to Shanghai, in China; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Adams asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 15) to reduce and graduate the price of the public lands; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Adams asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 16) to suppress the circulation of small notes as a currency in the District of Columbia; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Fish asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 17) to reimburse the common council of New York City expenditures made for the first regiment of New York volunteers; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the memorial of Col. Ward Burnett, on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of the common council of New York, for expenditures on account of New York volunteers, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, December 14, 1853. Link to Annals.

The Honorable William K. Sebastian, from the State of ArKansas attended.

Mr. Hunter presented the credentials of the Honorable Clement C. Clay, jr., elected a senator, by the Legislature of the State of Alabama, for six years, from the 4th day of March, 1853; which were read and the oath prescribed by law administered to Mr. Clay, and he took his seat in the Senate.

Mr. Everett presented the memorial of B. E. Abbott, praying to be remunerated for expenses incurred by his father, George Frederick Abbott, while vice consul of the United States at Salonica, in the discharge of his official duties; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Hunter presented the petition of J. K. Cooke, praying remuneration for loss of time and expenses incurred under an appointment of the President, as consul of the United States at Xebara, in the Island of Cuba; the governor general of that island having refused to recognize him as such; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Bright presented the memorial of David Myerle, praying indemnity for losses sustained in testing, the practicability of water-rotting American hemp for the United States navy; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Mason presented the memorial of Alfred Billups and others, praying indemnity for French spoliations, prior to 1800.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Weller presented the memorial of Charles Homer, praying a remuneration for losses sustained in consequence of the delay on the part of the government in selecting a site for the marine hospital at San Francisco, and for work thereon not required by the contract; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Johnson presented the memorial of the Creek Nation of Indians, praying compensation for lands relinquished to the United States by the treaty of Fort Jackson, in 1814; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Evans presented a memorial of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, praying an appropriation for deepening the harbor of Charleston; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Evans presented a memorial of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, praying an appropriation for a light ship and buoys at Cape Roman; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Evans presented a memorial of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, praying a further appropriation for a light on White Point Shoal, in Charleston Harbor; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Brodhead presented a petition of citizens of Massachusetts, praying the enactment of a law giving further remedies to patentees; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

0042 42

Ordered, That the petition of William R. Nevins, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

A message from the House of Representatives by Mr. McKean, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives agree to the amendment of the Senate to the joint resolution (H. R. 1) for the relief of Alexander P. Field, late secretary of Wisconsin Territory, and sureties.

They have appointed the following joint committees on their part:

On the Library: Thomas H. Benton, of Missouri, Joseph R. Chandler, of Pennsylvania, and Charles J. Faulkner, of Virginia.

On Printing: William Murray, of New York, Richard H. Stanton, of Kentucky, and Samuel L. Russel, of Pennsylvania.

On Enrolled Bills: Frederick W. Green, of Ohio, and Alexander DeWitt, of Massachusetts.

On motion by Mr. Adams,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of Caleb Swan, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Wade,

Ordered, That the petition of Silas C. Loomis, and the petition of Zachariah Lawrence, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the memorial of Thomas O. Larkin, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the petition of T. P. McBlair, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

Ordered, That the petition of Ann Robinson, and the petition of Willlam K. Jennings and Alphia W. Jennings, legal representatives of William Bean, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the petition of the legal representatives of Noah Miller, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the documents on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of Thomas B. Parsons, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the memorial of Harriet Ward, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the petition of William G. Ridgely, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. James,

Ordered, That the petition of Peter U. Morgan, administrator of John Arnold and George G. Bishop, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the petition of Thomas S. Russell and Antonio J. 0043 43 Noda, register and receiver at St. Augustine, Florida, on the files of Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the documents on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of the heirs of Joseph Watson, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Mason,

Ordered, That the memorial of Eben R. Dorr, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the memorials on the files of the Senate, relating to the construction of a ship canal around the Falls of Niagara, be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin.

Ordered, That the memorial of the heirs of Benjamin Mooers, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin,

Ordered, That the petition of Thomas Foster and others, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

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

On motion by Mr. James,

Ordered, That the memorial of William Wilkinson and others, and the documents on the files of the Senate relating the claims of the Rhode Island brigade, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Chase submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the Committee on Roads and Canals be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing for the construction of a railroad, from some point on the western line of one of the existing States to some point the eastern line of California.

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

Resolved, That the committees which were authorized at the last session to employ clerks, be authorized to employ clerks during the present session.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be directed to consider the expediency of providing by law for the appointment of a commission to revise the public statutes of the United States; to simplify their language; to correct their incongruities; to supply their deficiencies; to arrange them in order; to reduce them to one connected text, and to report them thus improved to Congress for its final action; to the end that the public statutes, which all are presumed to know, may be in such form as to be more within the apprehension of all.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That Harriet Leavenworth have leave to withdraw her petition and papers.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dixon asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 18) for the relief of Sophia Kirby; which was read the first 0044 44 and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Shields asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 19) to authorize the State of Illinois to select the residue of the lands to which she is entitled under the act of the 2d March, 1827, granting land to aid that State in opening a canal to connect the waters of the Illinois river with those of Lake Michigan; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Brodhead asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 20) giving further remedies to patentees; which Was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Adams asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 21) granting the right of way, and a donation of the public lands, to the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, to aid in the construction of certain railroads therein; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 22) to organize the territory of Nebraska; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Territories.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Benjamin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 23) confirming certain land claims in Louisiana, in the Bastrop Grant; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, December 15, 1853. Link to Annals.

Mr. Hunter presented a memorial of the Petersburg volunteers, praying the payment of a balance due them for services in the war of 1812; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Hunter submitted additional documents relating to the claim of John K. Cooke; which were referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Seward presented the memorial of John C. Fr. Salomon, praying an appropriation to enable him to test the utility of carbonic acid gas as a motive power; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of William Emmons, praying an extension of a patent granted to his son Uri Emmons, for a planing machine; which was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Mason presented a memorial of the Alexandria, Loudon, and Hampshire Railroad Company, praying permission to extend their railroad into the City of Washington, and the aid of Congress in the construction of a bridge over the Potomac for that purpose; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Mason presented the petition of the heirs of James Monroe, late President of the United States; praying compensation for the services 0045 45 of said Monroe as a colonel in the revolution; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Sebastian presented the petition of the Mississippi, Ouachita, and Red River Railroad Company, praying a donation of land; which referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Bright presented the petition of the surviving children and representatives of the late Colonel George Gibson, praying commutation pay and interest; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Pearce presented the memorial of Philip F. Voorhees, praying allowance for expenses incurred in carrying public ministers of the United States to Siam and other places in the East Indies and elsewhere I which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

Ordered, That the petition of clerks in the Second Auditor's office, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Mason,

Ordered, That the memorial of Thomas Ap. C. Jones, on the files of the Senate, for arrears of pension, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the petition of Joseph Mitchell, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the petition of Samuel Crapin, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the memorial of Catharine M. Weaver, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the memorial of the representatives of John Baptiste De Lomagne, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Bell,

Ordered, That the memorial of Phineas M. Nightingale, legal representative of Nathaniel Green, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the petition of John M. Gilbert, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the petition of Victor Morass, and the petition of J. D. Campau, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the petition of Samuel Spalding, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the petition of William A. Burt, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Badger,

Ordered, That the documents, on the files of the Senate, relating to 0046 46 the claim of Purser Francis B. Stockton, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Walker,

Ordered, That Robert Grignon have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. James,

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn, it be to Monday next.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the petition of the Pioneer Cotton Manufacturing Company, of Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce be instructed to inquire and report on the general condition of the commerce of the United States carried on upon the Pacific ocean, and whether any legislative action is necessary for the security and promotion of that important national interest.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the following rule be adopted, and numbered the fifty-second rule of the Senate, to wit:

In all cases of election by the Senate of its officers, the vote shall be taken viva voce.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, amended on the motion of Mr. Bright, and agreed to, as follows:

Resolved, That each of the committees, consisting of six members, be authorized to employ a clerk.

On motion by Mr. Mason,

Ordered, That so much of the President's message as relates to the foreign relations of the country be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

Ordered, That so much of the President's message as relates to the finances be referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That so much of the President's message, as relates to the navy of the United States be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

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

On motion by Mr. Bright,

Ordered, That so much of the President's message as relates to roads and canals be referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That so much of the President's message as relates to commerce, and the improvement of the lakes, harbors and rivers, be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

0047 47

Ordered, That so much of the President's message as relates to military affairs be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

Ordered, That so much of the President's message as relates to the territories of the United States be referred to the Committee on Territories.

On motion by Mr. Sebastian,

Ordered, That so much of the President's message as relates to Indian affairs be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Bayard,

Ordered, That so much of the President's message as relates to the judicial system of the United States be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Adams,

Ordered, That so much of the President's message as relates to the post offices and post roads be referred to the Committee on the Post office and Post Roads.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Foot asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 24) explanatory of an act for the relief of Benjamin S. Roberts; which was react the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and, with the papers on file, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Everett asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 25) to increase the compensation of the district judge of the United States for the district of Massachusettes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Hamlin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 26) for the relief of Ira Baldwin; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Sumner asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 27) to provide for the execution, by the courts of the United States, of commissions to take testimony issuing from the courts of justice of friendly nations; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Sumner asked and obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. R. 3) for the relief of the owners of the brig Kate Boyd; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Gwin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 28) concerning the district courts of the United States in California; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, December 19, 1853. Link to Annals.

Mr. Clay presented the credentials of the Honorable Benjamin Fitzpatrick, elected a senator by the legislature of the State of Alabama, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the Honorable William 0048 48 R. King; which were read, and the oath prescribed by law was administered to Mr. Fitzpatrick, and he took his seat in the Senate.

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

Resolved, Unanimously, That the Senate deeply laments me recent death of the Honorable Charles Gordon Atherton, who, at the time of his decease, was a member of this body from the State of New Hampshire, and tenders to his widow a sincere sympathy in this most afflictive bereavement.

Ordered, That the Secretary communicate a copy of the foregoing resolution to the widow of the deceased; and further that he communicate these proceedings to the House of Representatives.

On motion by Mr. Norris, as a further mark of respect for the memory of the honorable Charles G. Atherton,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, December 20, 1853. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore presented a petition of Thomas J. Fauntleroy and others, and a petition of William A. Nichols and others, officers of the army, praying an increase of compensation; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Wade presented a petition of E. G. Chambers and others, proposing to construct a wagon road between the Mississippi river and the Pacific Ocean, upon certain conditions; which was referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals.

Mr. Shields presented five petitions from officers of the army, praying an increase of compensation; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Shields presented the memorial of Franklin Chase, praying to be paid his proportion of the proceeds of the sale of the schooner Oregon, seized at Tampico during the late war with Mexico, for a violation of the revenue laws; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of Sarah Harmon, formerly widow of Timothy Murray, who was killed in the military service of the United States, during the last war with Great Britain, praying to be allowed half-pay and bounty land; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Shields presented the petition of Albert Hart, praying an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Seward presented a petition of citizens of Rochester, New York, remonstrating against the ratification of an international copyright treaty with Great Britain; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Seward presented a petition of the Oneida Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, praying the recognition of the independence of Liberia; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Seward presented a memorial of citizens of Detroit, Michigan, praying the construction of a ship canal around the Falls of Niagara; Which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

0049 49

Mr. Seward presented a petition of the Central Canal Company of Indiana, soliciting of Congress a donation of land from the public domain in aid of the completion of said canal; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Weller presented a memorial of the officers of the United States army in California, praying an increase in the compensation of the officers and soldiers on duty upon the Pacific coast; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Hunter presented a petition of a committee of the clerks in the executive department at Washington, praying an increase of the salaries of the clerks, messengers, packers, laborers and watchmen, employed in those departments; which was referred to the Committee on Retrenchment.

Mr. Hunter presented the petition of Mary A. M. Jones, widow of Brevet Major General Roger Jones, late adjutant general of the army, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, presented the petition of Benjamin Burton of the army of the revolution, praying an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, presented the petition of Alexander Waugh, administrator of George Waugh, an officer in the militia during the revolutionary war, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Fitzpatrick presented a petition of the Alabama and Mississippi River Railroad Company, praying to be allowed a credit for the duties on rails to be imported for that railroad; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Fitzpatrick presented a petition of the Alabama and Tennessee River Railroad Company, to be allowed a credit for the duties on rails about to be imported for that railroad; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Fish presented a memorial of the Chamber of Commerce in New York, complaining of the duties imposed on the commerce of the United States in the Baltic sea, and asking the adoption of measures by the government of the United States with the view of abating such imposition; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Clayton presented the petition of Henry La Reintrie, praying compensation for services as secretary and interpreter to the United States legation to Chile, and for services as bearer of dispatches; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Fish presented three petitions of citizens of the State of New York, praying an extension of the patent granted to Uri Emmons for a planning machine; which were referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented a memorial of the city council of the city of Dubuque, Iowa, praying a donation of a lot of ground in that city set apart as a cemetery; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Benjamin presented a petition of merchants of New Orleans, praying an extension of the port of New Orleans; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce. 4

0050 50

Mr. Benjamin presented the memorial of Charles Derbigny and others, praying the confirmation of their land claims; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Mr. Bright presented the petition of William W. Gitt, assignee of land warrants lost, praying an act authorizing the Commissioner of the General Land Office to issue other warrants in his favor; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Mr. Brodhead presented the memorial of Margaret Barnitz, only daughter and heir of Lieutenant Colonel David Grier, praying commutation and the payment of moneys due her late father, on account of advances made by him during the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Brodhead submitted documents in relation to the claim of the administrator of the estate of the surviving partner of the late firm of Curtis and Peter Grubb, for the payment of certain final settlement certificates; which were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Badger submitted additional documents relating to the claim of Samuel Mickum; which, with his memorial on the files of the Senate, were referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Brodhead presented the memorial of Frances Ann McCauley, praying remuneration for losses and expenses incurred by her late husband, while United States consul at Tripoli; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Adams presented a memorial of the Mississippi Baptist State Convention, praying that measures be taken to secure to American citizens abroad the privileges of religious liberty; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Pratt presented the memorial of William Chapman, an officer of the army, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Johnson presented a memorial of J. R. Smith and others, officers of the army, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Johnson presented the petition of Pierre Menard and Joseph Bogy, praying remuneration for advances made by them to the Illinois regiment, in the service of Virginia, in 1779 and 1780; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Slidell presented the memorial of J. A. Ragan, proposing a plan to reclaim the inundated lands upon the Mississippi and its tributaries; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Slidell presented the petition of Joseph Reynes, representing that his father purchased a certain tract of land of the general intendency of the province of Louisiana in 1803, the title of which has been decided by the Supreme Court not to be in him, and praying relief; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Gwin presented the memorial of the Rev. John Reynolds, chaplain in the army stationed at California, praying to be allowed extra pay and travelling expenses; which was referred tn the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Gwin presented the memorial of Martha L. Downes, widow of lieutenant Downes, commander of the United States schooner Grampus 0051 51 at the time she was lost, praying that the same allowance of pay may be made to the widows and orphans of persons belonging to that vessel as has been made in similar cases; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Gwin presented the petition of Isaac Swain, praying remuneration for losses caused by the failure of the agents of the government to comply with the terms of a contract with him, for the transportation of certain commissary's stores from Valparaiso to Benicia; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Gwin presented the petition of G. A Dabney and others, mechanics enlisted in the service of the United States, praying to be allowed for transportation from California to the Atlantic States; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, presented a memorial of a convention of the people of Iowa, asking a grant of lands for the Fort Madison, Keosauqua, and Bloomfield railroad; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, presented the memorial of Thomas S. Russell, praying compensation for services during the war with the Seminole Indians in 1836; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, presented a memorial of the packers in the General Land Office, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the petition of Bryan Callaghan, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Sumner,

Ordered, That the petition of Josiah Mann, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the petition of James Dunning, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Mason,

Ordered, That the petition of Frederick Vincent, administrator of James Lecaze, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Benjamin,

Ordered, That the memorial of Thomas J. Durant, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Badger,

Ordered, That the petition of Francis B. Stockton, on the files of the Senate, relating to certain moneys disallowed in the settlement of his accounts as purser, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the petition of Chambers C. Mullin, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the memorial of John Duff and Joseph Gonder, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

0052 52

Ordered, That the memorial of James P. Espy, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Wade,

Ordered, That the documents on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of Moses Olmstead, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Williams,

Ordered, That George Dennet have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of William G. Williams, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of Simon Summers, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Slidell,

Ordered, That the petition of Joseph H. D. Bowmar, and the memorial of the legal representatives of William Weeks, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Slidell,

Ordered, That the petition of J. Boyd, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the petition of Maria Stevenson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the petition of Thaddeus Scott, one of the children of William Scott, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the memorial of the legal representatives of William Jones, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Norris,

Ordered, That the documents, on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of Jamison and Williamson, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Chase,

Ordered, That the petition of the administrator of El?jah Weed, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin,

Ordered, That Zadock C. Ingram, have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Douglas,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the maps accompanying the memorial of the mayor and common council of Chicago, relative to the improvement of the Chicago river and harbor.

On motion by Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky,

Ordered, That the papers relating to the claim of the legal representatives of the late Governor Shelby, of Kentucky, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

0053 53

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

To the Senate of the United States;

In answer to the resolutions of the Senate of the 17th of August, 1852, and 23d of February last, requesting a copy of correspondence relative to the claim on the government of Portugal, in the case of the brig General Armstrong, I transmit a report from me Secretary of State, to whose department the resolutions were referred.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Washington, December 12, 1853.

The message was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and printed.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

To the Senate of the United States:

I transmit certain documents in answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 6th of April, ultimo, requesting information in regard to transactions between Captain Hollins, of the “Cyane,” and the authorities at San Juan de Nicaragua.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Washington, December 19, 1853.

The message was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, and printed.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter from the Secretary of the Interior, communicating a report of the superintendent of the census; which was read.

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

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary inquire whether any provision by law is necessary to secure the rights of citizenship to children of American citizens born in foreign countries.

Mr. Chase submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the following rule be adopted for the regulation of proceedings in the Senate, and that so much of the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth and fortieth rules as may be inconsistent with the rule hereby established be rescinded:

All sessions and all proceedings of the Senate shall be public and open, except when matters communicated in confidence by the President shall be received, and in such other cases as the Senate, by a resolution from time to time, may specially order.

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

Resolved, That Baker A. Jameson, who is now doing duty as a messenger, 0054 54 be paid in that capacity, so long as he may be continued by the sergeant-at-arms.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be directed to inquire whether the present charges on letters carried by the ocean steamers are not unnecessarily large and burdensome, operating as a check upon commerce, as a barrier between the two hemispheres, and especially as a grievous tax upon European emigrants seeking a home in the United States; and whether something may not be done, and if so, what, to secure the benefits of cheap ocean postage.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Indian Affairs be instructed to consider the expediency of providing by law for the appointment of a commission, to prepare a code of laws for the government of the country in possession of the various Indian tribes Within the limits of the United States, upon the basis of the existing “intercourse laws” and other laws of the United States, applying to the different portions of the Indian country, containing in such code all that is valuable in existing laws, and rejecting all that is useless and obsolete, supplying all existing deficiencies in such laws, carefully defining the jurisdiction of the different courts of the United States over the Indian country, so as to prevent conflict of jurisdiction, or exercise of doubtful power, and especially designating all offences to be punished under such laws, and report such code to Congress for its final action, in order that it may take the place of all existing laws upon such subject.

On motion by Mr. Dawson,

Ordered, That the petition of Joseph Hopkinson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. James,

Ordered, That the petition of Elizabeth Arnold, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the Committee on Military Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 24) explanatory of an act for the relief of Benjamin S. Roberts, and that it be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the petition of Joseph Mitchell, submitted a report (No. 1) accompanied by a bill (S. 29) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Fish, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of Thomas Marston Taylor, submitted a report (No. 2) accompanied by a bill (S. 30) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Fish, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom were referred the documents relating to the claim of purser F. B. Stockton, submitted a report, (No. 3,) accompanied by a bill (S. 31) for his relief.

0055 55

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Fish, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of Joseph Gideon, submitted a report (No. 4) accompanied by a bill (S. 32) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Chase, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of the legal representatives of Major Caleb Swan, deceased, submitted a report (No. 5) accompanied by a bill (S. 33) for their relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 34)to provide for the unpaid claims of the officers and soldiers of the Virginia State and continental lines of the revolutionary army; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Badger, by unanimous consent, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 35) for the relief of M. K. Warrington, and C. St. J. Chubb, executors of Captain Lewis Warrington and others; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred, with the memorial and papers on file, to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Hamlin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 36)to provide for the ascertainment and satisfaction of claims of American citizens for spoliations committed by the French prior to the 31st day of July, 1801; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred, with the memorials on file, to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Evans asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 37) to indemnify the State of South Carolina for money expended for the United States in the war with the Seminole Indians in Florida; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred, with the accompanying papers, to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Everett asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 38) to provide for the accommodation of the courts of the United States in the district of Massachusetts; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Everett,

Ordered, That the bill be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Hunter asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 39) to extend the warehousing system by establishing private bonded warehouses, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

Ordered, That the bill be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Johnson asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 40) granting the right of way, and making a grant of land 0056 56 to the State of Arkansas, to aid in the construction of a railroad from a point on the Mississippi, in the region of Gaine's Landing via Camden to the Texas boundary, near Fulton, in Arkansas; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

Ordered, That the bill be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Johnson asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 41) granting the right of way, and making a grant of land to the States of Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri, to aid in the construction of a railroad from Shreveport in Louisiana, through Arkansas to St. Joseph's in Missouri; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

Ordered, That the bill be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 42) to sell the lands heretofore reserved for military purposes and the use of Indian tribes in Iowa; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by Mr. Seward, the 5th instant, respecting correspondence between the government of the United States and the King of the Sandwich Islands; and

The resolution was agreed to.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by Mr. Chase, the 14th instant, respecting a railroad from the western line of one of the States to California; and

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, December 21, 1853. Link to Annals.

Mr. Wade presented the petition of John Devlin, praying compensation for services as a clerk in the Fifth Auditor's Office; which was referred, with the papers on file, to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Bright presented the petition of David English, and others, of Georgetown, District of Columbia, members of a joint stock association for the manufacture of gas, praying an act of incorporation; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Chase presented the petition of Charles Sountag, son and heir of William Louis Sountag, praying indemnity for French spoliations prior to 1800; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey, presented resolutions of the legislature of New Jersey, respecting a light-house on Absecom beach, and a bellbuoy outside of Absecom bar; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey, presented resolutions of the legislature of New Jersey, relative to the construction of a breakwater at Cape 0057 57 May; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented a petition of residents of Clinton county, Iowa, praying that a grant of land may be made to the “Lyons Iowa Central Railroad Company;” which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, submitted additional documents in relation to the claim of Daniel Nickel; which, with his petition on file, were referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Walker,

Ordered, That the memorial of James M. Crane, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Wade,

Ordered, That the heirs of Daniel Landow have leave to withdraw their memorial and papers.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the documents on the files of the Senate, relating to the claims of Charles Reeder and the representatives of Walter R. Johnson and Thomas P. Jones, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey,

Ordered, That the memorial of Mary C. Hamilton, widow of Fowler Hamilton, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Benjamin,

Ordered, That the petition of Priscilla Prewett, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the memorial of Erskine and Eichelberger, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Mason,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the petition and papers of Nathaniel Kuykendall.

On motion by Mr. Cass,

Ordered, That the petition of Hezekiah Miller, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary inquire whether, consistently with the Constitution, provision can be made for referring causes instituted according to the course of the common law to referees; and whether such provisions, if they could be constitutionally made, would be expedient.

Mr. Seward submitted documents in relation to the enactment of a law for the appointment of referees in certain cases; which were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Brodhead submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That there be printed, for the use of the Senate, twenty thousand copies of the Abstract of the Seventh Census, being a report of the superintendent of the census, as published by the House of Representatives at the last session of the last Congress.

0058 58

The Senate, by unanimous consent, proceeded to consider the said resolution, and

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Printing.

On motion by Mr. Fitzpatrick,

Ordered, That the petition of Hugh Wallace Wormeley, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Gwin, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom the subject was referred, submitted a report respecting the construction of war steamers; which was read.

Mr. Seward, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the joint resolution (S. R. 3) for the relief of the owners of the brig Kate Boyd, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Seward also submitted a report (No. 6)on the subject; which was ordered to be printed.

The Senate proceed to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the resolution (S. R. 3) last mentioned, and, no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said resolution was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the Committee on Commerce be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of the Mississippi Baptist State Convention, and that it be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Fitzpatrick asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 43) to authorize the payment of certain claims for depredations and spoliations during the hostilities with the Creek and Seminole Indians in 1836 and 1837; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Fitzpatrick,

Ordered, That the bill be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Foot asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 44) making a grant of public lands to the several States and Territories of the Union for the benefit of indigent insane persons; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Foot,

Ordered, That the bill be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Shields asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 45) for the relief of purchasers and locators of swamp and overflowed lands; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Hamlin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 46) to remunerate the States of Maine and Massachusetts for lands conveyed to enable the United States to fulfil stipulations in the treaty of Washington; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred, with the papers on file, to the Committee on the Judiciary.

0059 59

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Chase asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 47) to divide the State of Ohio into two judicial districts, and to provide for holding the district and circuit courts of the United States therein; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole.

On motion by Mr. Chase,

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

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dixon asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 48) for the benefit of the heirs-at-law of Lieutenant C. A. Wickliffe; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred, with the accompanying documents, to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Shields asked and obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. R. 4) authorizing the President of the United States to confer the title of lieutenant general by brevet, for eminent services; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Norris, from the Committee on the District of Columbia, to whom was referred the bill (S. 16) to suppress the circulation of small notes as a currency, in the District of Columbia, reported it with an amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole, and the reported amendment having been agreed to,

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the further consideration of the bill be postponed to, and be made the order of the day for Tuesday, the 27th instant.

Mr. Hunter, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 39) to extend the warehousing system by establishing private bonded warehouses and for other purposes, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee on the District of Columbia, reported a bill (S. 49) to incorporate the Pioneer Manufacturing Company of Georgetown; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow, and that the bill be printed.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the petition of the legal representatives of Noah Miller, submitted a report (No. 7) accompanied by a bill (S. 50) for the relief of the legal representatives of Noah Miller, of Lincolnville, in the State of Maine and for other purposes.

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

Ordered, That the report be printed.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 36) to provide for the ascertainment and satisfaction of claims of American citizens for spoliations committed by the French, prior to the 31st day of July, 1801, and the memorials and petitions relating thereto; and that they be referred to a select committee consisting of five members to be appointed the President pro tempore; and

0060 60

Mr. Hamlin, Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Pearce, and Mr. Johnson were appointed the committee.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of Cornelius McCaullay, submitted a report (No. 8) accompanied by a bill (S. 51) for his relief.

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

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Mary E. D. Blaney, widow of the late Major George Blaney, submitted a report (No. 9) accompanied by a bill (S. 52) for her relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of D. Winslow, submitted a report (No. 10) accompanied by a bill (S. 53) for the relief of the sureties of Daniel Winslow.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Wade, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Priscilla C. Simonds, submitted a report (No. 11) accompanied by a bill (S. 54) for her relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Benjamin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred a petition of merchants of New Orleans, submitted a report (No. 12) accompanied by a bill (S. 55) to extend the limits of the port of New Orleans.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of the legal representatives of Doctor William Somerville, deceased, submitted a report (No. 13) accompanied by a bill (S. 56) for their relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, December 22, 1853. Link to Annals.

On motion by Mr. Badger,

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn, to-morrow, it be to Tuesday next.

Mr. Fish presented the memorial of the heirs of John Burnham, praying remuneration for losses sustained by the capture of the brig Hope, by an Algerine cruizer, in 1793; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Evans presented a memorial of the members and supporters of the Independent or Congregational Church, at Wappetaw, in South Carolina, praying remuneration for a church destroyed by the British, 0061 61 during the revolution; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the memorial of Horace Southmayd and son, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the memorial of the heirs at law of John Morgan, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Benjamin,

Ordered, That the petition of William Darby, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. James,

Ordered, That the documents on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of James H. West against the Spanish government, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Mason,

Ordered, That the petition of William D. Porter, on the flies of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the memorials and petitions on the files of the Senate, relating to the bill (S. 20) giving further remedies to patentees, be referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

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

Resolved, That a select committee be appointed to take into consideration the several resolutions and orders of the Senate, providing for the appointment, and prescribing the duties of its officers; to report rules and regulations fixing the number of such officers, and other subordinates, classifying them; fixing their compensation, prescribing the mode of appointment to, and dismissal from, office, and effecting such organization generally as better to insure their responsibility and efficiency: the committee to consist of three members, to be appointed by the Chair.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be directed to consider the expediency of providing for the convenience and security of remittances abroad in small sums, by authorizing orders or drafts from our post office on foreign post offices with which it is in correspondence, constituting a system of international post office orders.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Pensions be instructed to inquire into the expediency of granting a pension to the widow of Captain Gunnison, late of the army, and recently killed by the Indians in Utah, while in the performance of his duty.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire 0062 62 into the expediency of dividing the State of Illinois into two United States judicial districts.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Bright asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 57) to amend the third section of the act making appropriations for the civil and diplomatic expenses of the government, for the year ending the 30th of June, 1854, approved 3d March, 1853; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Slidell asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 58) granting the right of way and a portion of the public lands to the State of Florida, to aid in the construction of a railroad across the peninsula of that State; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Sebastian asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 59) to amend “an act to divide the district of Arkansas into two judicial districts, and for other purposes;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Hamlin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 60) authorizing the construction of a line of telegraph from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Territories.

Mr. Clay, from the Committee of Claims, to whom were referred the memorial of Hodges and Lansdale, and the memorial of the legal representatives of Rinaldo Johnson, and of Ann E. Johnson, deceased, submitted a report (No. 14) accompanied by a bill (S. 61) for their relief.

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

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of George Wright, submitted a report, accompanied by a bill (S. 62) for the relief of Richard M. Bouton, George Wright, and the widow of Marvin W. Fisher.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom were referred the memorial of Ward B. Burnett, in behalf of the common council of the city of New York, and the bill (S. 17) to reimburse the common council of New York City expenditures made for the first regiment of New York volunteers, reported the bill without amendment.

Mr. Shields also submitted a report on the subject.

The joint resolution (S. R. 4) authorizing the President of the United States to confer the title of lieutenant general by brevet for eminent services, was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

On the question, “Shall the resolution be engrossed and read a third time?”

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 30

Nays 12

0063 63

On motion by Mr. Adams,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Allen, Atchison, Badger, Bayard, Benjamin, Brodhead, Cass, Clayton, Dawson, Dixon, Dodge, of Wisconsin, Dodge, of Iowa, Evans, Fish, Foot, Gwin, James, Jones of Tennessee, Mason, Pearce, Pratt, Sebastain, Seward, Shields, Stewing, Thompson of Kentucky, Thomson, of New Jersey, Wade, Weller, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Adams, Bright, Chase, Clay, Douglas, Fitzpatrick, Hamlin, Norris, Slidell, Sumner, Walker, Williams.

So it was

Ordered, That the resolution be engrossed; and read a third time.

The said resolution was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

FRIDAY, December 23, 1853. Link to Annals.

Mr. Stuart presented the memorial of Thomas G. Wickham and others, masters of first-class sailing vessels, engaged in the lake trade, praying that a light-house may be erected at Saint James, on Beaver Island, Michigan; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Wade presented the petition of the heirs of Joshua Chamberlain, praying compensation for services during the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented the petition of William Rees, praying to be allowed to locate ten thousand acres of land in one tract for a normal settlement; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Bright presented the memorial of Major John S. Simonson, in behalf of himself and other officers of the regiment of mounted riflemen, serving in Oregon, praying the same extra pay as was allowed by the act of March 3, 1853, to the troops of the same regiment stationed at Fort Laramie; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Johnson presented the petition of James D. Cobb, praying to be allowed a just amount of arrearages of pay, as an officer of the army, for having been dismissed from service by the sentence of an illegal court-martial; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The President pro tempore presented a memorial of the legislature of Missouri,praying a grant of land to aid in the construction of the Mississippi branch of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain railroad; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The President pro tempore presented two memorials of the legislature of Missiouri, praying a grant of land to aid in the construction of the 0064 64 North Missouri railroad; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Fitzpatrick presented the petition of Ann Timmens, widow of Samuel Timmens, a soldier who died in service during the last war with Great Britain, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter from Theodore Sedgwick, in behalf of the directors of the “Association for the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations,” inviting the Senate to visit the exhibition now open in the city of New York; which was read.

On motion by Mr. Fitzpatrick,

Ordered, That the petition of William C. Easton, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey,

Ordered, That the petition of Mary W. Perrine, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Fish presented the petition of V. R. Hall and others, boatswains, gunners, carpenters, and sailmakers in the navy, praying an increase of pay; which was referred to the Committee on Naval AfFairs.

On motion by Mr. Mason,

Ordered, That the select committee to report rules and regulations, in relation to the appointment, compensation, and number of the officers and other employees of the Senate, authorized by the resolution of yesterday, consist of five members.

The President pro tempore appointed Mr. Mason, Mr. Cass, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Bayard and Mr. Pearce, the committee.

Mr. Johnson was, on his motion, excused from serving on the Select Committee on French Spoiliations.

Ordered, That the President pro tempore appoint a member to fill the vacancy in said committee; and Mr. Adams was appointed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Sebastian asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill, (S. 63,) granting further time for satisfying claims for bounty lands, for military services in the war of 1812 with Great Britain, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Williams, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of the legal representations of John G. Mackall, deceased, submitted a report accompanied by a bill (S. 64) for their relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Gwin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 65) to continue in force the act entitled, “an act to ascertain and settle the private land claims in the State of California, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

The bill (S. 33) for the relief of the legal representatives of Major Caleb Swan, deceased, was read the second time and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read a third time by unanimous consent.

0065 65

Resolved, That it pass and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Pettit, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 65) to continue in force the act entitled “an act to ascertain and settle the private land claims in the State of California, and for other purposes,” reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill, as in Committee of the Whole and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, December 27, 1853. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Senate, showing the payments made from the contingent fund of the Senate, for the year ending December 3, 1853; which was read.

On motion by Mr. Evans,

Ordered, That it be printed.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, information in relation to the northern boundary line of the State of Iowa; which was read.

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

Mr. Seward presented the petition of the heirs at law of Francis Mountz, the petition of the heirs at law of Thomas Reid, the petition of the heirs at law of Garret Tunison, the petition of the heirs at law of Samuel Gibbs, the petition of the heirs at law of Clement Gosselin, the petition of the heirs at law of James Sawyer, and the petition of the heirs at law of James Finck, severally praying to be allowed for the depreciation on commutation certificates.

Ordered, That they be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, presented a memorial of the Legislature of Wisconsin, praying a grant of land to aid in the construction of the Rock River Valley Union Railroad; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, presented the petition of settlers on the even numbered sections in the original grant of land for the improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, praying that their titles to the land may be secured to them at the minimum price per acre; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Weller presented the memorial of Cyrus Palmer and Lafayette Bach, owners of the schooner Damarisco, praying compensation for 5 0066 66 rescuing certain shipwrecked American seamen, under a contract with the Collector of Customs, at the port of Puget's Sound; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Weller presented the petition of Nathaniel Frye, asking compensation for performing the duties of Paymaster General during the sickness of that officer, from the 19th of June 1818, to the 26th of August, 1819; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented a petition of officers of the army, stationed at Fort Kearney, praying an increase of the commutation price of rations of officers of the army; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented the petition of William L. S. Dearing, praying compensation for services rendered the United States in surveying the public lands, and for losses occasioned thereby; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented the petition of William Bowmer, a private in the Kentucky militia, during the last war with Great Britain, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Wade presented a memorial of the board of trade, of the city of Cleveland, Ohio, praying the construction of a ship canal around the Falls of Niagara; which was referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals.

Mr. Pratt presented the memorial of the heirs of Uriah Forrest, praying half pay under resolves of Congress of 10th April and 21st October, 1780, with interest, deducting the seven years and a half pay, with interest, advanced by the State of Maryland; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Slidell presented the credentials of the honorable John Slidell, elected a Senator by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of the honorable Pierre Soulé; which were read.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs at law of William Beaumont, the petition of the heirs at law of General James Clinton, the petition of the heirs at law of Lemuel Clift, the petition of the heirs at law of Wills Clift, the petition of the heirs at law of Joshua Danforth, the petition of the heirs of Peter Gansevoort, the petition of the heirs at law of Samuel Lewis, the petition of the heirs at law of Derrick Schuyler, the petition of the heirs at law of Nicholas Schuyler, the petition of Philip G. Van Wyck, executor of Philip Van Cortlandt, and the petition of the heirs of Nathan Weeks, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin,

Ordered, That James Pool have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Slidell,

Ordered, That the petition of William Chandler, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

Resolved, That the Secretary of War furnish to the Senate copies of all the reports made by officers of the army, within the last three years, 0067 67 of experiments for testing the relative efficacy and, usefulness of the Onondaga solar salt and the Turk's Island salt, in the cure and packing of provisions, together with a copy of the instructions under which such experiments were made, with any other information which the department may have, illustrating the results of said experiments.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Seward asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 66) to provide for the construction of a military and postal railroad through the territories of the United States, lying between the Atlantic States and the State of California; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the bill be printed.

Mr. Badger asked, and by unanimous consent obtained leave, to bring in a bill (S. 67) to amend “an act making appropriations for the improvement of certain harbors and rivers,” approved August 30, 1852; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed, and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Slidell asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 68) to remove obstructions to navigation in the mouths of the Mississippi, at the south west Pass, and the Pass a Loutre; which was read a first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Slidell asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 69) to establish a navy yard and depot, near the city of New Orleans; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Adams, to re-consider the vote on the passing of the bill (S. 33) for the rebel of the legal representatives of Major Caleb Swan, deceased;

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Forney, their Clerk:

Mr. President: I am directed to communicate to the Senate information of the death of the honorable Brookins Campbell, a member of the House of Representatives from the State of Tennessee, and the proceedings of the House of Representatives thereon.

Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, submitted the following resolutions; which were considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Senate has received with deep sensibility the message from the House of Representatives, announcing the death of the honorable Brookins Campbell, a representative from the State of Tennessee.

Resolved, That, in token of respect for the memory of the deceased, 0068 68 the Senate Will attend his funeral at the hour appointed by the House of Representatives, and will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.

Resolved, That as a further testimony of respect for the memory of the deceased, the Senate do now adjourn.

Whereupon,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, December 28, 1853. Link to Annals.

The Senate having attended the funeral of the honorable Brookins Campbell, returned to their chamber; and

On motion by Mr. Badger,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, December 29, 1853. Link to Annals.

The honorable Samuel S. Phelps, from the State of Vermont, attended.

Mr. Seward presented the memorial of John Bamsey, praying authority to locate a land warrant granted him for military services during the last war with Great Britain, on any of the public lands subject to Private entry; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Mr. Wade presented the petition of John Brown, praying that his pension may be made to commence from the time he was disabled in the last war with Great Britain; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sumner presented a memorial of the American Peace Society, praying that measures may be taken to secure, by treaty stipulation, the reference of all future international differences which cannot be settled by negotiation to arbitration; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Slidell presented the memorial of Alexander Lea, praying remuneration for losses sustained by the destruction of the light-house on Chandeleur Island of which he was keeper; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Sebastian presented the petition of Jonathan D. Ferris, late a sailing-master in the navy, praying the difference of pay for the time he performed the duties of lieutenant commanding; winch was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the petition of Charles Cooper & Co., on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pettit,

Ordered, That the petition of J. Epes Cowan, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs, in taking into consideration that part of the report of the Secretary of War which alludes 0069 69 to the removal of one of the armories of the United States, or the establishment of a new one, be instructed to inquire into the expediency of locating such removed or new armory at Cannelton, in the State of Indiana.

Mr. Pettit submitted documents in favor of the establishment of an armory at Cannelton, Indiana; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Wade,

Ordered, That the memorial of Cadwallader Wallace, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Sumner,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the memorial of Nathanial Goddard and others, owners of the ship Ariadne and cargo.

On motion by Mr. Dawson,

Ordered, That the petition of Cyrus H. McCormick, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

On motion by Mr. Dawson,

Ordered, That the petition of Catharine Turner, widow of Daniel Turner, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Williams,

Ordered, That the petition of Israel Ketcham, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Atchison,

Ordered, That the memorial of Henry C. Miller and Philip W. Thompson, and the documents, relating to the claim of Jesse B. Turley, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Slidell,

Ordered, That the petition of Caleb Green, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the petition of George Felker, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the memorial of William Clark, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. James asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. R. 5) for the presentation of a sword to the nearest male relative of the late Major Samuel Ringgold; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military affairs.

On motion by Mr. James,

Ordered, That the resolution be printed.

Mr. Atchison asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 70) granting to the States of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, the right of way and a portion of the public lands to aid in the construction of a railroad from Kansas via Jefferson City, St. Louis, and Vincennes to Cincinnati, with a branch from Vincennes to Louisville, Kentucky; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

0070 70

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of John Duff and Joseph Gender, jr., reported a bill (S. 71) for the relief of Joseph Gonder, jr., and John Duff; which was read and passed to a second reading.

On motion by Mr. Bright,

The Senate adjourned.

FRIDAY, December 30, 1853. Link to Annals.

On motion by Mr. Pettit,

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn, it be to Tuesday next.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Treasury, showing the number and names of the persons employed on the Coast Survey during the year ending 30th June, 1853, their compensation and the time of their employment, together with a statement of all expenditures made under the direction of the Superintendent; which was read.

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

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, communicating a report of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey, showing the progress of that work during the year ending November 1, 1853; which was read.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Benjamin presented the petition of Henry Yates and Archibald McIntyre, representing that they were owners of certain lands sold by the United States, and praying authority to locate an equal quantity of land on any of the unsold and unappropriated lands in the State of Louisiana; which was referred to the-Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Fitzpatrick,

Ordered, That the petition of Thomas Rhodes, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Thomson, of Kentucky,

Ordered, That the petition of Jacob Gideon, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Sebastian,

Ordered, That the Committee on Private Land Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of John B. and Thomas Johnson, and that it be referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 26) for the relief of Ira Baldwin; reported it without amendment.

Mr. Allen also submitted a report on the subject.

Mr. Sebastian, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Priscilla Prewett, reported a bill (S. 72) for the relief of the heirs and representatives of Uriah Prewett, deceased; which was read and passed to a second reading.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Mr. Mallory was excused from serving on the Committee on Printing.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

0071 71

Ordered, That the President pro tempore appoint a member to fill the vacancy in the committee; and

Mr. Fitzpatrick was appointed.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 3, 1854. Link to Annals.

The honorable Andrew P. Butler, from the State of South Carolina, the honorable Henry S. Geyer, from the State of Missouri, and the honorable Sam Houston, from the State of Texas, attended.

Mr. Seward submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Whereas, the honorable Samuel S. Phelps was appointed by his excellency the governor of Vermont, in the recess of the legislature of that State, to fill a vacancy in the Senate of the United States, which had happened by the death of the honorable William Upham, a senator whose term of six years would have continued until the 4th of March, 1855; and whereas, it is understood that since that temporary appointment was made the legislature of Vermont has been convened at their annual session and has adjourned without filling such vacancy; therefore—

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary inquire whether the honorable Samuel S. Phelps is entitled to retain a seat in the Senate of the United States.

Mr. Pettit presented four memorials of citizens of Indiana, praying t e construction of a ship canal around the Falls of Niagara; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Seward presented five memorials of citizens of Oswego, New York, praying the construction of a ship canal around the Falls of Niagara; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Seward presented the memorial of Joseph L. Smith, praying that certain public documents may be furnished to each of the common schools in the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Shields presented the petition of Ann Eliza Childs, widow of General Childs, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Shields presented the petition of Morris Powers, praying a pension on account of a disability incurred during the Mexican war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Shields presented a petition of citizens of Illinois, praying the construction of a subterranean line of telegraph from St. Louis to San Francisco; which was referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals.

Mr. Bright presented the petition of David Hines, praying remuneration for damages sustained in consequence of a change of the grade of Pennsylvania Avenue, in the city of Washington; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Bright presented the petition of J. S. Neal, master and owner of the steamer Falcon, plying between Cincinnati and New Orleans, praying that the name of said steamer may be changed to that of the Queen City; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

0072 72

Mr. Sumner presented the petition of Edward Hamilton, a citizen of Massachusetts, praying that the duty on coal may be repealed; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of citizens of Presque Isle and its vicinity, Maine, praying that a mail route may be established from the boundary line between that State and the Province of New Brunswick to Aroostook; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Fish presented the petition of Hammond Howe and others, praying that the late law, providing for the better security of the lives of passengers on board of vessels propelled, in whole or in part, by steam, may be amended; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Butler presented a petition of the firm of Mordecai and Company, of Charleston, South Carolina, praying that the name of the brig John Dutton, may be changed to that of Emma Eger; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Chase presented a petition of soldiers of the last war with Great Britain, praying a modification of the late bounty-land law; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Chase presented the petition of John Lea, of Cincinnati, representing that he has discovered a preventive of the cholera, and praying an investigation by a suitable committee, or the surgeon-general of the army; which was referred to the select committee on the causes of the sickness and mortality on board of emigrant ships.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the petition of citizens of Washington, on the files of the Senate, praying an appropriation for the improvement of Delaware avenue, be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Pettit submitted an additional document in relation to the claim of James L. Collins; which, with his memorial, on the files of the Senate, was referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the memorial of Ezra Williams, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Cass,

Ordered, That the petition of John Bronson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa.

Ordered, That the petition of Orson Young, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Slidell,

Ordered, That the petition of Richard King, on the files of the Senate; be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Slidell,

Ordered, That the petition of Francis Barnes, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Badger presented a petition of the administrator of David Richardson, a soldier in the revolutionary war, praying to be allowed the difference between the pension said Richardson received and the amount he represents him to have been entitled to; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

0073 73

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, submitted documents in relation to the claim of Z. C. Inghram, to be released from a judgment obtained against him by the United States; which were referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

The President pro tempore presented the memorial of Helen Mackay, window and administratrix of Colonel Æneas Mackay, praying that the accounting officers may be directed to receive certain vouchers as evidence in the settlement of her husband's accounts; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The President pro tempore presented the Petition of James McDaniel and others, praying the establishment of a tri-weekly mail from Kansas to Platte City, Missouri; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the legal representatives of John Rice Jones have leave to withdraw their petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the petition of Edward Tracy and others, respecting lessees of lead mines in Ottowa and other Indian lands.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the Petition of William Woodbridge and Henry Chipman, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on me Judicial.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the petition of J. Logan Chipman, one of the heirs of Keuainsee Shawanah, a Chippewa chief, on me files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Foot,

Ordered, That the petition of the administrator of Michael Everly, on the flies of the Senate, he referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

That five hundred additional copies of the Report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office, which accompanied the President's annual message, be printed.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Printing.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

To the Senate of the United States:

I transmit to the Senate a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying papers, in answer to their resolution of the 12th instant.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Washington, December 31, 1853.

The message was read.

Ordered, That it be printed.

Mr. Clayton presented a letter from Reverdy Johnson, late Attorney General of the United States; which, on motion of Mr. Clayton, was ordered to be printed with the documents accompanying the message.

0074 74

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

To the Senate of the United States:

In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 18th January, 1853, in regard to the claims of American citizens against Hayti, and to the correspondence of the special agent sent to Hayti and St. Domingo in 1849, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State and the documents by which it is accompanied.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Washington, December 23, 1853.

The message was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations and printed.

Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the Committee on Public Buildings be instructed to inquire whether any change in the plan of the capitol extension has been made since the adjournment of the last Congress; and if so, by what authority such alteration has been made; and whether such change, if any, involves an additional expenditure of the public money.

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

Resolved, That the Secretary of War be requested to communicate to the Senate all the information, on file in his department, respecting the execution of so much of the law approved 30th-day of August, eighteen hundred and fifty-two, for the improvement of rivers and harbors, as makes an appropriation for the Arkansas river—how far the sum appropriated for that purpose has been expended, and for what purposes, and for what kind and amount of service, and how much has been expended in the construction of snag boats for said river.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Fitzpatrick asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 73) for the relief of the legal representatives of Joshua Kennedy, deceased; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole, and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Gwin asked and obtained, leave to bring in a bill (S. 74) making a grant of land to the State of California to aid in the construction of railroads from San Francisco to San José, Benicia to Marysville, Sacramento City, via Auburn to Nevada, and Stockton to Sonora; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That it be printed.

0075 75

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Brodhead asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 75) making further provision against counterfeiting the coin of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and refereed to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That it be printed.

Mr. Pettit, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Victor Morass, submitted a report, accompanied by a bill, (S. 76,) authorizing Victor Morass to relinquish certain lands, and, to enter the same quantity elsewhere; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Shields asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 77) to divide the State of Illinois into two judicial districts; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Badger asked, and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a joint resolution (S. R. 6) for supplying new members of the Senate and House of Representatives with such books of a public character as have been heretofore supplied; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole, and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said resolution was read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Weller asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 78) to provide for the transportation of the United States mails in steamships between San Francisco, California, via the Sandwich Islands and China, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Weller,

Ordered, That it be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Fish asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 79) to authorize the business of banking in the District of Columbia, and to regulate the issuing and circulation of notes as money; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 47) to divide the State of Ohio into two judicial districts, and to provide for holding the district and circuit courts of the United States therein; and,

On motion by Mr. Badger,

0076 76

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 28) concerning the district courts of the United States in California.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said bill as in Committee of the Whole, and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion by Mr. Adams, to re-consider the vote on Passing the bill (S. 33) for the relief of the legal representatives of Major Caleb Swan, deceased; and

The motion was agreed to.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the said bill as in Committee of the Whole, and having been amended on the motion of Mr. Chase, it was reported to the Senate, and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 56. Bill for the relief of the legal representatives of Dr. William Somerville, deceased.

S. 71. Bill for the relief of Joseph Gonder, jr., and John DufF; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bills were severally read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That they pass, and that their respective titles he as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 16) to suppress the circulation of small notes as a currency in the District of Columbia; and having been amended, it was reported to the Senate, and the amendments were concurred in.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean, chief clerk.

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed a bill and joint resolution of the following titles, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

0077 77

H. R. 106. An act to change the name of the American-built brig John Dutton, and to grant a register in her name;

H. R. 4. Joint resolution of thanks to General John E. Wool.

The bill (H. R. 106) was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

The joint resolution (H. R. 4) was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

After the consideration of executive business,

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, January 4, 1854. Link to Annals.

The honorable Stephen R. Mallory, from the State of Florida, attended.

Mr. Douglas, from the Committee on Territories, to whom was referred the bill (S. 22) to organize the Territory of Nebraska, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Douglas also submitted a report on the subject, (No. 15,) which was ordered to be printed.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution, submitted by Mr. Seward, respecting the right of the honorable Samuel S. Phelps to a seat in the Senate; and

The resolution was agreed to.

Mr. Brodhead presented the petition of Gideon Hotchkiss, praying the extension, of a patent for improvements in re-acting water-wheels and their appendages; which, with the papers on file, was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent office.

Mr. Johnson presented the petition of John Phagan, praying compensation for exploring a country for the Seminole Indians west of Arkansas, under an order of the Secretary of War; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, presented a memorial of the Rock River Valley Union Railroad Company, of Wisconsin, praying a grant of land to aid in the construction of their railroad; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Fish presented the memorial of the heirs of Andrew Buchanan, praying indemnity for French spoliations prior to 1801; which was referred to the Select Committee appointed on the subject.

Mr. Fish presented the petition of W. W. Woodworth, administrator of William Woodworth, deceased, praying an extension of a patent; which was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of Joseph McKracken, praying bounty-land for the services of his father during the war of the revolution; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Everett presented the petition of Peter Amey, praying a pension on account of wounds received in the naval service during the last war with Great Britain; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Cass presented the petition of Laurence Taliaferro, praying a pension on account of disease contracted in the military service during 0078 78 the last war with Great Britain; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Bright presented the petition of Major James P. Heath, praying to be allowed pay for services as aid to General Winder, commander-in-chief of Maryland militia in the last war with Great Britain; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Mallory presented the memorial of William Ballard, praying that certain improvements made by him in the construction of vessels designed for the navy may be tried in the construction of one of the vessels about to be built; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Mallory presented two petitions of officers of the army, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Sumner presented a memorial adopted at a meeting of citizens of Boston, held in Faneuil Hall, in favor of a reduction of the rates of ocean postage; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads, and ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the petition of M. Jean Deplaigne, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the documents, on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of B. Juan Domercq, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the memorial of the heirs of Herman Blannerhassett, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That the memorial of A. H. Cole, the petition of Allen G. Johnson, the memorial of John M. McIntosh and the petition of Dempsey Pittman, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That the petition of Isaac Varn, sen., on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That the petition of Gad Humphreys, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That the petition of Joseph T. Walker, in behalf of Ell. Harrelson, Samuel H. Stevenson, Ezekiel Parrish, and Alberti D. Rogero, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Sumner,

Ordered, That the memorial of James H. Bradford, on the flies of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That Emilie Hooe have leave to withdraw the documents, on file, relating to her claim.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the Committee on Commerce be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Mordecai and Company.

0079 79

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

Resolved, That the subject matter of relief to the innocent purchasers and settlers on the Maison Rouge and the De Bastrop grants, which lie in the States of Louisiana and Arkansas, be, and the same is hereby referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims, with power to report.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Pensions be instructed to inquire into the expediency of granting to Major Jonathan Kearsley, an invalid officer of the war of 1812, the pension originally allowed him, but subsequently reduced under an opinion of the Attorney General.

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

Resolved, That the Secretary of War be requested to furnish the Senate with the report of the board of commissioners appointed to locate military asylums, if one has been made.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the joint resolution (H. R. 4) of thanks to General John E. Wool, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the resolution (H. R. 4) last mentioned, and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said resolution was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives accordingly.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 106) to change the name of the American-built brig “John Dutton,” and to grant a register in her name, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 106) last mentioned; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify, the House of Representatives accordingly.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the memorial of B. E. Abbott, submitted an adverse report, (No. 16,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the memorial of J. S. Neal, reported a bill (S. 81) changing the name of the American-built steamer “Falcon” to that of “Queen City;” which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole, and, no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed, and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

0080 80

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. James asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 82) for the relief of the officers and soldiers who served in the Rhode Island brigade in the Revolutionary war, and their heirs and assigns; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. James,

Ordered, That it be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Brodhead asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 83) to extend the provisions of the several laws granting bounty lands to the officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Stuart asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 84) granting the right of way and making a grant of land to the State of Michigan to aid in the construction of the Oakland and Ottawa Railroad, from Pontiac to Lake Michigan, and branches from Corunna and Grand Rapids to the Straits of Mackinaw, and a continuous branch from thence to the Montreal river in said State; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That it be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Bright asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 85) to provide a site and for the construction of a suitable building for the accommodation of the circuit and district courts, and a post office of the United States at Indianapolis, in the State of Indiana; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of J. Boyd, of Louisiana, submitted a report,(No. 17,) accompanied by a bill (S. 86) for his relief.

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

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Jacob Gideon, submitted a report, (No. 18,) accompanied by a bill (S. 87) for his relief.

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

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of William G. Ridgely, submitted a report, (No. 19,) accompanied by a bill (S. 88) for his relief.

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

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Pratt, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of the legal representatives of the late Captain William G. Williams, submitted a report, (No. 20,) accompanied by a bill (S. 89) for their relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

0081 81

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Charles Cooper and Company, submitted a report (No. 12) accompanied by a bill (S. 90) for their relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Williams, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of James Dunning, submitted a report (No. 22) accompanied by a bill (S. 91) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 39) to extend the warehousing system by establishing private bonded warehouses, and for other purposes; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by Mr. Chase, the 14th December, respecting a railroad to the eastern line of California; and the resolution having been amended on motion, by Mr. Gwin, and the blank filled, it was agreed to as follows:

Resolved, That so much of the President's message and accompanying documents as refers to the subject of a national railroad, from the Mississippi valley to the Pacific ocean, be referred to a select committee of nine members: and resolved further, that the committees to whom the several bills and papers relating to this subject have been referred, be discharged from the further consideration of the same, and that they be also referred to the said select committee.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the committee be appointed by the President pro tempore: and

Mr. Gwin, Mr. Bright, Mr. Rusk, Mr. Douglas, Mr. Bell, Mr. Everett, Mr. Seward, Mr. Geyer, and Mr. Evans, were appointed.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed a joint resolution (H. R. 10) instructing the Joint Committee on the Congressional Library to inquire into the propriety of providing for the distribution of certain public documents, now in the State Department; in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

The joint resolution (H. R. 10)last mentioned, was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Library.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That five thousand additional copies of the report of the Committee on Territories on the organization of the Territory of Nebraska be printed for the use of the Senate.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, asked and obtained leave 6 0082 82 to bring in a bill (S. 92) to lay off the town of Council Bluffs, in Iowa; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, January 5, 1854. Link to Annals.

On motion by Mr. Badger,

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn it be to Monday next.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Senate, showing the names and compensation of persons employed in his office during the year 1853; which was read.

Ordered, That it be printed.

Mr. Badger presented the memorial of R. Piermont and others, praying compensation for saving the United States ships Raritan and Vandalia from destruction by fire the 11th of October, 1847; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Wade presented the petition of Isaac Cook, Peletiah Shepherd and Benjamin A. Napier, praying compensation for the schooner Tempest, which was pressed into the service of the United States in 1814; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Dawson presented a petition of officers of the army, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Dawson presented a petition of the inspectors of the customs for the port of Baltimore, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Butler presented the petition of the American Medical Association, praying the enactment of a law requiring certain passenger vessels to have a physician on board; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. James presented the petition of L. P. Holladay and Company, praying permission to erect a large and commodious hotel on the public grounds on the south side of Pennsylvania avenue, near the capitol in the city of Washington; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Gwin presented the memorial of James McCormick, praying the payment of an amount due him under a contract with Commodore Jones while commanding the United States squadron in the Pacific; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Hunter presented the petition of the heirs at law of Thomas Buckner, the petition of the heirs at law of Beverly Roy, the petition of the heirs at law of Lewis Booker, and the petition of the heirs at law of Henry Hughes, praying payment of depreciation on commutation certificates received under the resolution of 21st October, 1783; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Mason presented the petition of Mary Ray, widow of a soldier in the last war with Great Britain, praying bounty land; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Mason presented the petition of Margaret C. Hanson, widow of Weightman K. Hanson, an officer of the army, who died of disease contracted 0083 83 in the service, praying that her pension may be made to commence from the death of her husband; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the petition of Pamela Brown be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the petition of Thomas Butler, on the fries of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Bell,

Ordered, That the petition of Jehiel Brooks, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Bell,

Ordered, That the memorial of Richard M. Johnson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dawson,

Ordered, That the memorial of the members of the bar of the District of Columbia, on the fries of the Senate, in favor of an increase of the salary of the judge of the orphan's court of said district, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the bill for organizing the Territory of Nebraska be annexed, in document form, to the extra copies of the report accompanying that bill, which have been heretofore ordered to be printed.

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

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Interior be requested to communicate to the Senate the amount of public money received and expended by Luther Blake, late agent of the United States for the removal of Indians from Florida, as such agent, with the objects for which said money was expended, and the number of Indians removed by him.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of making an appropriation for the survey of harbors on Lake Superior within the limits of the United States.

Mr. Hunter submitted a resolution; which was considered by unanimous consent; and having been modified, on the motion of Mr. Douglas, was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved That the Committee on Public Buildings inquire into the expediency of providing by law for the erection of a suitable building for the Departments of State, Interior, War and Navy.

Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, 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 purchasing three of Thomas H. Barlow's Planetariums for the use of West Point Military School, Annapolis Naval School, and the National Observatory.

Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, submitted documents relative to Thomas H. Barlow's Planetarium; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

0084 84

On motion by Mr. Cass,

Ordered, That the petition of Mary B. Hook, on the files of the Senate; be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the petition of Adam D. Steuart, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

Ordered, That the petition of Mark Bean and Richard H. Bean, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That an additional member be appointed on the Committee on Pensions, and that the appointment be made by the President pro tempore; and

Mr. Allen was appointed.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the resolution of Mr. Brodhead to print twenty thousand copies of the abstract of the seventh census, reported adversely thereon; and

The report was agreed to.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the motion of Mr. Shields to print additional copies of the report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office; reported it with an amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report; and, in concurrence therewith,

Ordered, That five hundred additional copies of the report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office, which accompanied the President's annual message, be printed for the use of the General Land Office.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Mallory asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 93) to establish a land district in the State of Florida, to be called the District of Tampa; which was read the first and second times by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Cass,

That the message of the President, communicating further correspondence in relation to the Treaty of Washington of July 4, 1850, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

Ordered, That the further consideration of this motion be postponed until Tuesday next, and be the order of the day.

The bill (S. 29) for the relief of Joseph Mitchell was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, January 9, 1854. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating a statement of the expenditures at the 0085 85 national armories, and of the number of arms and appendages made thereat during the year ending June 30, 1853; which was read.

Ordered, That it be printed.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating a statement of the contingent expenses of the military establishment for the year 1853; which was read.

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

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, relative to the experiments made to test the relative efficacy and usefulness of the Onondago solar salt and the Turk's Island salt, in the cure and packing of provisions; which was read.

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

Mr. Chase presented the petition of judges of the courts and members of the bar of Hamilton county, Ohio, praying a division of the State of Ohio into two judicial districts; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Weller presented the petition of John Boykin, praying a pension in consideration of the services of his father, Bias Boykin, during the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Weller presented the petition of Edward Wheeler, praying a pension in consideration of the services of his father, Samuel Wheeler, in the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Bright presented the petition of Judson R. Osgood, praying the enactment of a law more effectually to protect the rights of patentees from foreign infractions; which was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Cass presented the petition of George Fitzsimmons, praying to be allowed arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Cass presented the petition of David P. Weeks, praying to be allowed his pension, which was suspended during the term he was employed in the War Department; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Chase presented a petition of C. H. Crawford and others, of Dayton, Ohio, praying the enactment of a law giving further remedies to patentees; which was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Chase presented the proceedings of a meeting of citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio, held on the 30th December, 1853, relative to the destruction of the railroad passing through the city of Erie by the citizens of Erie; which were referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Johnson presented a petition of R. W. Johnson, praying the establishment of a mail route from Antoine to Camden, in the State of Arkansas; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Johnson presented a letter from F. Boothe, in favor of the establishment of a mail route from Powhattan to Gainesville, in Arkansas; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

0086 86

Mr. Johnson presented a memorial of chaplains of the army, praying the establishment of a corps of chaplains similar to the medical corps; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Bell,

Ordered, That the petition of A. J. Williamson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the memorial of the personal representative of William A. Slacum, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the memorial of Robert M. Hamilton, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the petition of the administrators of Cornelius P. Van Ness, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Sebastian,

Ordered, That the memorial of William Senna Factor, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky,

Ordered, That the petition of William L. Meredith, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Adams,

Ordered, That the memorial of George Barrell and S. V. S. Wilder, for themselves and other heirs of the owners of the ship Columbia and the sloop Washington, and the heirs of Captain John Kendrick and Martha Gray, on the fries of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That Jean Baptiste Beaubien have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Foot,

Ordered, That the Committee on Public Lands be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of Robert C. Steptoe and others, of Virginia, and Daniel Brown and others, of Indiana, and that it be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Sebastian,

Ordered, That the Committee on Indian Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Amos Kendall and J. E. Kendall, and that it be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing by law post routes from Memphis, in the State of Tennessee, by way of Wittsburg and Augusta, to Searcy, in White county, Arkansas, and from Jacksonport, in the State of Arkansas, to Wild Haus, in the county of Izard, same State, and from Jacksonport to Clarksville, all in said State.

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

0087 87

Resolved, That the Postmaster General be requested to communicate to the Senate the causes of the repeated detention of the northern mails, particularly between the cities of New York and Washington; and whether, in his opinion, any action is required on the part of Congress, for the effectual removal of those causes.

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

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to the Senate (if not, in his opinion, incompatible with the public interest) any correspondence that may have taken place between the government of the United States and that of Mexico, respecting the right of way across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, not embraced in the communication made by President Fillmore to the Senate on the 27th July, 1852. Also, under like limitation, to communicate to the Senate all information in the possession of the Executive concerning the action of the Mexican government in relation to said right of way and any proposed convention concerning it.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Department of War furnish the Senate, as soon as practicable, with a report of all the work done under the appropriations of 1852, in reference to western rivers and harbors.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the letter of the Secretary of the Treasury, communicating the report of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey for the year 1853, reported thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the the report; and, in concurrence therewith,

Ordered, That ten thousand copies of the letter of the Secretary of the Treasury, communicating the report of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey for the year 1853, in addition to the usual number, be printed; five thousand copies thereof for the use of the Senate, and the remainder for distribution by the Coast Survey Office; and that the same be printed and bound, with the plates, in quarto form, and that the plates be printed under the direction of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Badger asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 94) allowing a credit for a limited period for duties on railroad iron imported into the United States; which was read the firm and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Bright asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 95) to establish a court for the investigation of claims against the United States; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 96) to provide for the payment of such creditors of the late republic of Texas as are comprehended in the act of Congress of September 9, 1850; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky,

Ordered, That it be printed.

0088 88

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Bayard asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 97) to provide for the public printing, engraving and binding; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Printing.

On motion by Mr. Bayard,

Ordered, That it be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Mallory asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 98) giving a right of way and granting alternate sections of certain public lands to the State of Florida to further the construction of certain railroads therein specified; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Mallory asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 99) to provide for the establishment of a marine hospital at St. Mark's, in the State of Florida; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Sebastian, from the Committee on the Indian Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 59) to amend “an act to divide the District of Arkansas into two judicial districts and for other purposes,” reported it without amendment.

Mr. Benjamin, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom was referred the bill (S. 23) confirming certain land claims in Louisiana, in the Bastrop grant, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Mary C. Hamilton, submitted a report (No. 23) accompanied by a bill (S. 100) for her relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of the administrator of Michael Everly, submitted a report (No. 24) accompanied by a bill (S. 101) for the relief of the children of the late Lieutenant Michael Everly, a revolutionary officer.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Benjamin, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of the heirs and legal representatives of William Weeks, submitted a report (No. 25) accompanied by a bill (S. 102) for their relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Benjamin, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of Charles Derbigny and others, submitted a report (No. 26) accompanied by a bill (S. 103) confirming a certain land claim in Louisiana, known as the Fleurian claim.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Benjamin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the memorial of Francis B. Ogden, submitted an adverse report.

0089 89

The Senate proceeded to consider the said report; and, in concurrence therewith,

Ordered, That the Committee be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Daniel Nickel, submitted an adverse report, (No. 27,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, submitted a letter from the superintendent of public printing, accompanied by a joint resolution, (S. R. 7,) authorizing an increase of the force in the office of the Superintendent of the Public Printing.

The resolution was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the letter of the Superintendent of Public Printing be printed.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 10, 1854. Link to Annals.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

To the Senate of the United States:

I herewith communicate to the Senate a letter from the Secretary of the Interior, accompanied by a report of the result of an investigation of the charge of fraud and misconduct in office alleged against Alexander Ramsey, superintendent of Indian affairs in Minnesota, which I have caused to be made in compliance with the Senate's resolution of the 5th of April last.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Washington City, January 9, 1854.

The message was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Mr. Fish presented the petition of John Thomas, praying an appropriation to enable him to test certain improvements made by him in the inclined plane or mill; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Fish presented the petition of Henry K. Brown, asking for fourteen pieces of condemned brass cannon to enable him to cast an equestrian statue of Washington to be erected in the city of New York; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Fish presented the proceedings of the grand jury in the southern district of New York, representing the necessity of the government providing buildings for the detention and custody of prisoners and persons held as witnesses; which were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Shields presented two petitions of citizens of Blair county, Pennsylvania, praying that a quarter section of land may be granted to the soldiers of the war of 1812 and of all subsequent wars, without regard 0090 90 to rank or length of service; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Mallory presented a memorial of officers of the army at Fort Vancouver, Washington Territory, praying that the commutation price of rations may be increased; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Dawson presented the petition of Moren Moore, praying to be allowed the difference between the pension paid his father and mother, and that to which they were entitled; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Seward presented two petitions of citizens of New York, praying that a contract may be entered into with Christian Hansen for the establishment of certain lines of steamers; which were referred, with the papers on file relating thereto, to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of Barnum Whipple, praying the enactment of a law requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to report the amount of money collected by each of the collectors of the customs for the support of marine hospitals; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of the grandchildren of Peter J. Vosburgh, praying to be allowed the commutation to which their grandfather was entitled under the resolution of 1783; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Seward presented documents in relation to the claim of B. M. Van Derveer to a pension for the services of his father, Albert Van Derveer, in the revolutionary war; which were referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the petition of Julia M. Lawrence, widow of a naval officer, who was concerned in the capture of the frigate Philadelph?a, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Sebastian,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the memorial of Russell and Jones, surviving partners of Brown, Russell and Company.

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That John W. Simonton have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That the documents, on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of Richard Fitzpatrick, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin,

Ordered, That Charles A. Grignon have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That Thomas W. Phelps have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the 0091 91 further consideration of the petition of Mary Ray, and that it be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Houston,

Ordered, That O. Thomas Howard, have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That John O. Means have leave to withdraw his petition and papers.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, the 3d instant, respecting a change in the plan of the Capitol extension; and

The resolution was agreed to.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted yesterday by Mr. Jones, of Iowa, respecting the work done in reference to western rivers and harbors in the year 1852; and

The resolution was agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Dawson,

Ordered, That so much of the message of the President at the commencement of the session, as relates to the District of Columbia, be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Bright asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 104) granting the right of way and making grants of lands to certain railroad companies for the benefit of the States in which they are situated; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Jones, of Iowa, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 105) for the relief of paymaster's clerks, who served in the Mexican war; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Mason asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 106) to authorize the payment of invalid pensions in certain cases; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 107) to divide the Northern and Missouri river land districts, in the State of Iowa; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Rebecca Freeman, submitted a report (No. 28) accompanied by a bill (S.108) for her relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Wade, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Silas C. Loomis, submitted a report (No. 29) accompanied by a bill (S. 109) for the relief of the legal representatives of Daniel Loomis, deceased.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Gwin, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred 0092 92 the joint resolution (S. R. 2) for the relief of George R. C. Floyd, late secretary of Wisconsin Territory, and sureties, reported it with an amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the resolution (S. R. 2) last mentioned; and, the reported amendment having been agreed to, the resolution was reported to the Senate, and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered, That the resolution be engrossed and read a third time.

The said resolution was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 110) granting to the State of Wisconsin land to aid in the construction of a railroad from Madison to the Mississippi; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The bill (S. 30) for the relief of Thomas Marston Taylor was read the second time and considered as in Committee of the Whole,

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Forney, their clerk:

Mr. President: I am directed to communicate to the Senate, information of the death of the honorable Henry A. Muhlenberg, a member of the House of Representatives, from the State of Pennsylvania, and the proceedings of the House of Representatives thereon.

Mr. Brodhead submitted the following resolutions; which were considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That the Senate has heard the announcement of the death of the honorable Henry A. Muhlenberg, a member of the House of Representatives from the State of Pennsylvania, with feelings of deep sensibility.

Resolved, That in testimony of respect for his memory, the members and officers of the Senate will wear crape on the left arm for the space of thirty days.

Resolved, That as a further testimonial of respect for the memory of the deceased, the Senate will now adjourn.

Whereupon,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 1854. Link to Annals.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of the heirs of Antoine Pauleut, an officer in the revolutionary war, praying to be allowed commutation pay; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of the heirs of Louis Gosline, an officer in the revolutionary war, praying to be allowed commutation pay; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Seward presented the memorial of J. Wilson Smith, praying indemnity 0093 93 for the illegal seizure of the steamer Fanny by the United States district attorney and the custom-house officers at Savannah; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Forney, their clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed bills of the following titles, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 6. An act for the relief of Lewis B. Willis, late a paymaster in the army of the United States;

H. R. 53. An act for the relief of the legal representatives of Isaac P. Simonton;

H. R. 100. An act for the relief of William Blake.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion, by Mr. Cass, to refer the message of the President of the United States, communicating further correspondence in relation to the Treaty of Washington of July 4, 1850, to the Committee on Foreign Relations; and,

After debate,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, January 12, 1854. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, the reports of the commissioners who examined the different sites offered for a military asylum in the west; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs and printed.

Mr. Cooper presented a petition of Charles Morgan, president of the “Accessory Transit Company,” praying that that company may be authorized by special enactment to hold title to any steamers or ships that may be necessary to enable it to transport passengers and freight between the ports of the Atlantic and those of the Pacific ocean; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Wade presented documents in relation to the claim of John Metcalf, to remuneration for property lost in consequence of the impressment of the schooner Tempest into the military service of the United States during the last war with Great Britain; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Badger presented the petition of Cranstoun Laurie, a clerk in the Post Office Department, praying compensation for extra services; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Weller presented the memorial of Francis A. Gibbons and F. X Kelly, praying compensation for work performed and services rendered in the construction of light-houses on the Pacific coast; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin, presented a memorial of the commissioners appointed by the State of Wisconsin to locate and select saline lands in 0094 94 that State, praying the relinquishment to the State, for the benefit of the university of Wisconsin, of certain salt springs and lands; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Pearce presented the memorial of John B. Kerr, late chargé d'affaires, praying compensation for official services under commissions to other republics in Central America, apart from Nicaragua; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Bright presented a memorial of citizens of Georgetown and Washington, praying an appropriation for the purchase of a site and the erection of a custom-house for the District of Columbia; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of merchants and others of Belfast, Maine, praying an appropriation for the erection of a custom-house at that place; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Chase presented the petition of citizens of New York, praying that slavery and the slave trade may be prohibited in the territories of the United States.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Walker presented a petition of the La Cross and Milwaukie Railroad Company, praying a grant of land to aid in the construction of their railroad; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Mason presented the petition of Isaac S. Bowman, praying to be allowed the half-pay to which his father Isaac Bowman, deceased, was entitled, for services in the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented a petition of citizens of Waukon, Iowa, praying the establishment of a mail route from Rossville to that place; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented a petition of citizens of Iowa, praying a donation of land to aid in the construction of the “Fort Madison, West Point, Keosauqua, and Bloomfield railroad;” which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented the memorial of Charles Gordon, praying compensation for his services as draughtsman to the Committee on Public Lands; which, with the petition and papers on file, was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin,

Ordered, That the petition of John R. Presher, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Norris,

Ordered, That the petitions of citizens of Washington, District of Columbia, on the flies of the Senate, praying the removal of the county jail, be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

On motion by Mr. Mason,

Ordered, That the petition of Francisco Lope Urriza, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Butler,

Ordered, That an additional member be appointed on the Committee on the Judiciary; and that the appointment be made by the President pro tempore; and

0095 95

Mr. Williams was appointed.

Mr. Badger submitted the following resolution for consideration; which was read and ordered to be printed.

Resolved, That the forty-eighth rule of the Senate be amended to read as follows:

48. The following persons, and none others, shall be admitted on the floor of the Senate: members of the House of Representatives, and their clerk; the Secretary of State; the Secretary of the Treasury; the Secretary of the Interior; the Secretary of War; the Secretary. of the Navy; the Attorney General, and the Postmaster General; the private secretary of the President; Chaplains to Congress; judges of the United States; foreign ministers and their secretaries; ministers of the United States to foreign governments and their secretaries, and persons who have been such ministers or secretaries; officers who, by name, have received, or shall hereafter receive, the thanks of Congress for their gallantry and good conduct in the service of their country, or who have received medals by a vote of Congress; the governor, for the time being, of any State or Territory of the Union; the ex-governors of the several States; judges of the co courts record of the several States, and persons who have held those offices; the ex-officers of the senate; such gentlemen as have been heads of departments, secretaries, clerks, sergeants-at-arms, or members of either branch of Congress; persons who, for the time being, belong to the respective State and territoral legislatures, and persons belonging to such legislatures of foreign governments as are in amity with the United States.

No person except members and officers of the Senate shall be admitted at either of the side doors of the Senate chamber; and all persons claiming admission on the floor, excepting members, and the clerk and sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, for the time being, the heads of the several departments, the private secretary of the President, the chaplains to Congress, judges of the United States and of the several States, foreign ministers and their secretaries, ministers and ex-ministers of the United States, their secretaries and ex-secretaries, and officers who by name, shall have received the thanks of Congress, shall, each time before being admitted on the floor,) enter their names, together with the official position in right of which they claim admission, in a book to be provided and kept at the main entrance of the Senate chamber; and no person except members of the Senate shall be allowed within the bar of the Senate, or to occupy the seat of any senator.

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

Resolved, That the President be requested to communicate to the Senate, if in his judgment not incompatible with the public interest, copies of the correspondence between the legation of the United States and the government of Chile, in relation to the impressment or forcible abduction of four seamen from the United States' whale-ship “Addison,” in the port of Valparaiso, in October, 1850; and also in the case of William A. Stewart, an American citizen, who was imprisoned at Valparaiso on the charge of murder, and on conviction released by the Chilian authorities.

0096 96

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Retrenchment and Reform be authorized to employ a clerk.

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

Resolved, That the Select Committee, appointed on the 4th instant, upon the subject of a railroad between the Mississippi river and the Pacific ocean, be authorized to employ a clerk, who shall receive the same rate of compensation as that allowed to other clerks of committees of the Senate.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Forney, their clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed a joint resolution (H. R. 7) of thanks of Congress and the presentation of a medal to Captain Duncan N. Ingraham, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

The joint resolution (H. R. 7) last mentioned was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

The bill (H. R. 6) for the relief of Lewis B. Willis, late a paymaster in the army of the United States, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The bill (H. R. 53) for the relief of the legal representatives of Isaac P. Simonton was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee of Claims.

The bill (H. R. 100) for the relief of William Blake was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of Harriet Ward and the documents in relation to the claim of Thomas B. Parsons, and that they be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of William Ballard.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of the American Medical Association, and that it be referred to the Select Committee to inquire into the causes of the sickness and mortality on board of emigrant ships.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Mallory asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 111) to repeal certain acts concerning tonnage duties on Spanish vessels; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom the subject was referred, reported a bill (S. 112) making Brunswick, in the State of Georgia, a port of entry and for other purposes; which was read and passed to a second reading.

0097 97

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the bill (S. 99) to provide for the establishment of a marine hospital at St. Mark's, in the State of Florida, reported it without amendment.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the accompanying documents be printed.

Mr. Gwin, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the petition of Martha L. Downes, reported a bill (S. 113) for the relief of the widows and orphans of the officers and seamen of the United States schooner Grampus, who were lost in that vessel near the coast of the United States; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Gwin, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (S. 35) for the relief M. K. Warrington and C. St. J. Chubb, executors of Captain Lewis Warrington and others, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Mallory, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of Thomas Pember, reported a bill (S. 114) for his relief; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Mallory, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of Samuel Mickum, reported a bill (S. 115) for his relief; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Fish, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of Julia M. Lawrence, reported a bill (S. 116) for the relief of the captors of the frigate Philadelphia; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom were referred documents relating to the claim of Moses Olmstead, submitted a report (No. 30) accompanied by a bill (S. 117) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of William Bowmer, submitted an adverse report, (No. 31,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Alexander Waugh, administrator of George Waugh, submitted an adverse report, (No. 32,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the memorial of Catharine M. Weaver, submitted an adverse report, (No. 33,) which was ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Badger,

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn it be to Monday next.

The bill (S. 54) for the relief of Priscilla C. Simonds, was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion by Mr. Cass to 7 0098 98 refer the message of the President, communicating further correspondeence in relation to the Treaty of Washington of July 4, 1850, to the Committee on Foreign Relations; and,

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Badger,

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, January 16, 1854. Link to Annals.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean, chief clerk.

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed bills and a resolution of the following titles, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 14. An act to amend an act entitled “An act to divide the State of Arkansas into two judicial districts,” approved March 3, 1851;

H. R. 133. An act to secure the right of citizenship to children of citizens of the United States born out of the limits thereof.

A resolution authorizing the appointment of a joint committee of the two houses of Congress to consider and report upon the form of acknowledgment to the officers and crews of the several ships that rendered assistance to the passengers, officers and crew of the steamer San Francisco.

They have passed bills of the Senate of the following titles:

S. 65. An act to continue in force the act entitled “An act to ascertain and settle the private land claims in the State of California,” and for other purposes;

S. 81. An act changing the name of the American-built steamer “Falcon” to that of “Queen City.”

They have rejected the bill of the Senate (S. 13) prescribing the manner of appointing the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury; and they have passed the bill of the Senate (S. 12) to regulate the disbursement of the contingent fund of the Senate and for other purposes, with amendments, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendments of the House of Representatives to the bill (S. 12) last mentioned; and,

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

Ordered, That they be referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be instructed to report upon the expediency of making suitable acknowledgments and presenting fitting testimonials to the commanders and crews of the British ship Three Bells, the American barque Kilby and ship Antarctic for the humanity and gallantry displayed in the rescue of the surviving officers, passengers and crew of the steamship San Francisco.

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

Resolved, That the Secretary of War be requested to lay before the Senate all authentic information which he may possess in relation to the wreck of the steamer San Francisco and the loss of life and property 0099 99 occasioned by this disaster; the means employed by the department and otherwise for the rescue of the vessel and passengers; the number and condition of the survivors; and the nature and extent of the relief required by their calamitous condition.

Mr. Gwin presented a petition of the officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates of the first regiment of New York volunteers during the war with Mexico, praying to be allowed extra pay while on service in California; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Gwin presented the petition of the Sacramento, Auburn and Nevada Railroad Company, praying the right of way and a donation of land; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Hamlin presented the petition of the heirs of Joseph Pomroy, praying to be allowed arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hunter presented a memorial of the Southern Baptist Convention, praying that stipulations may be made in our treaties with foreign countries to secure religious toleration to American citizens who may be resident therein; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Pettit presented a memorial of the Ohio Falls Marine Railroad Company, praying the aid of the United States in the construction of a marine railway for the transportation of steamboats around the Falls of the Ohio; which was referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals.

Mr. Foot presented a memorial of Captain Hiram B. Sawyer of the navy, praying to be restored to the pension roll and allowed arrears of Pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Brodhead presented a petition of inspectors of the customs and agents of the revenue at Philadelphia, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Mason presented the petition of R. M. Walsh, praying compensation for services as charge d'affaires at Mexico; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Mason presented a petition of the officers of the penitentiary for the District of Columbia, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented the petition of the administrator of J. Dickerhoff, a soldier in the war with Mexico, praying a pension on account of disease contracted in the service; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented a petition of E. Mayne, county judge of Van Buren county, Iowa, praying that that county may be reimbursed an amount of money expended for the benefit of the United States: which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky,

Ordered, That the petition of Elizabeth R. Drane, widow of Anthony Drane, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky,

Ordered, That the documents, on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of William S. Waller, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

0100 100

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That the documents, on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of John P. Duval, be referred to the Committee on Territories.

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That the petition of John G. Camp, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Evans,

Ordered, That the memorial of the heirs and executors of Samuel Prioleau, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey.

Ordered, That the memorial of Mary F. B. Leveley, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Williams,

Ordered, That the memorial of Charles Stearns, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the Committee on Public Lands be discharged from the further consideration of the proceedings of a meeting in the city of Philadelphia of the soldiers of the war of 1812, and that they be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to:

Resolved, That there be printed, for the use of the Senate, fifty thousand copies of a compendium of the Seventh Census, to be arranged by the Superintendent of the Census, embracing the population by towns and counties; the ratio tables of population; tables of nativities, births, marriages, and deaths; of the deaf, dumb, blind, insane and idiotic; of schools and colleges; of aggregates of occupations; of churches; of newspapers and libraries; and of agricultural products; with illustrative notes and comparative tables: Provided, The said compendium shall be printed in royal octavo from and not exceed four hundred pages.

Mr. Pettit, from the Committee on the Judiciary, who were instructed by a resolution of the Senate “to inquire whether the honorable Samuel S. Phelps is entitled to retain a seat in the Senate of the United States,” submitted a report, (No. 34,) also the yields of the minority of the committee in relation to the subject; which were ordered to be printed.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said report; and,

On motion by Mr. Pettit,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed to, and made the order of the day for, Wednesday next.

Mr. Gwin, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the joint resolution (H. R. 7) of thanks of Congress and the presentation of a medal to Captain Duncan N. Ingraham, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the said resolution, as in Committee of the Whole; and

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 6) to grant to the State of Ohio the unsold and 0101 101 unappropriated public lands remaining in that State; reported it without amendment.

Mr. Pettit, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (S. 47) to divide the State of Ohio into two judicial districts, and to provide for holding the district and circuit courts of the United States therein; reported it with amendments.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported a bill (S. 118) to increase the present military establishment of the United States and for other purposes; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported a bill (S. 119) to regulate the pay and increase the efficiency of the army of the United States and for other purposes; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, reported a bill (S. 120) to promote the efficiency of the army by retiring disabled officers; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Pamela Brown, widow of General Jacob Brown, deceased, submitted a report (No. 35) accompanied by a bill (S. 121) for her relief.

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

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Adams, from the Committee on Retrenchment, to whom was referred a petition of a committee of the clerks in the executive departments, reported a bill (S. 122) to amend the third section of the “act making appropriations for the civil and diplomatic expenses of government for the year ending the 30th of June, 1854,” and for other purposes; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, reported a bill (S. 123) providing for the payment of the printing of the returns of the Seventh Census and for the paper purchased for said printing; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Chase, from the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office, to whom was referred the petition of John Thomas, submitted an adverse report, (No. 36,) which was ordered to be printed.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion of Mr. Cass to refer the message of the President communicating further correspondence in relation to the Treaty of Washington of July 4, 1850, to the Committee on Foreign Relations; and,

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution, received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, authorizing the appointment of a joint committee of the two houses of Congress to consider and port upon the form of acknowledgment to the officers and crews of the several ships that rendered assistance to the passengers, officers and crew of the steamer San Francisco; and,

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

0102 102

Mr. Sumner reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills:

S. 65. An act to continue in force the act entitled “An act to ascertain and settle the private land claims in the State of California” and for other purposes;

S. 81. An act changing the name of the American-built steamer “Falcon” to that of “Queen City;”

H. R. 106. An act to change the name of the American-built brig “John Dutton,” and to grant a register in her name.

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

Resolved, That a committee of five members on the part of the Senate be appointed to join such committee as may be appointed on the part of the house of Representatives to inquire and report in what form the acknowledgment of Congress and the gratitude of the nation may be most appropriately expressed to those benevolent and courageous men, who, under Providence, were the means of rescuing from death so many citizens of this republic.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the committee be appointed by the President pro tempore; and

Mr. Shields, Mr. Gwin, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Hamlim and Mr. Everett were appointed the committee on the part of the Senate.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 17, 1854. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Postmaster General communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, the causes of the repeated detention of the northern mail; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky, presented the petition of John Reddin, late a soldier in the army and discharged on account of a disability, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Cooper presented the petition of Robert C. Thompson, heir and legal representative of William Thompson, praying to be allowed the seven years' half-pay, due on account of the services of his father in the revolutionary war; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Cooper presented the petition of Mary F. B. Lovely, praying to be allowed arrears of pension due her husband Henry Levely; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Bright presented the petition of citizens of Allen county, Indiana, praying a donation of land to the States of Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, r the construction of a railroad from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Council 0103 103 Bluff city, on the Missouri river; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Johnson presented a petition of Daniel Kelly, praying compensation for his losses and suffering during his imprisonment in the island of Cuba in 1810; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Cooper presented a memorial of citizens of Philadelphia, praying that the United States mint may not be removed from that city; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Sumner presented the petition of Jacques Charlaut, praying to be allowed the arrearages of pay due his father Peter Charlaut, for services in the revolutionary war, and the pension to which he was entitled; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and its vicinity, praying a reduction of the rates of ocean postage; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of New York, praying that all acts of Congress authorizing or supporting slaver may be repealed.

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of New York, remonstrating against the appropriation of money to pay for the slaves in the case of the Amistad; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Chase presented the petition of Roger Simonton & Co. and John Young, praying the enactment of a law giving further remedies to patentees; which was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of State, showing the names and compensation of the clerks and other persons employed in that department in the year 1853; which was read.

Ordered, That it be printed.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating a list of rejected applications for pensions and recommending that the act of February 3, 1853, to continue half-pay to certain widows and orphans be amended; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Pensions, and printed.

On motion by Mr. Butler,

Ordered, That the memorial of Mary Perry, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Sebastian,

Ordered, That the documents on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of Theodore E. Elliott, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That the memorial of E. A. Williams and W. D. Ligon,

on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

0104 104

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the memorial of the heirs of John Balster, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Bright,

Ordered, That the petitions of Adam Hays, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the memorial of William Gunton and others, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the petition of Sylvester W. Aldrich, David P. Wells, and N.H. Wyse, officers of the Tampico Mounted Rangers, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Thomson, of Kentucky,

Ordered, That the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of Joseph L. Smith.

On motion by Mr. Thomson, of Kentucky,

Ordered, That the Committee on Private Land Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of John Bamsey, and that it be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Benjamin submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That one hundred copies of the census volume of 1850, out of the extra number of copies printed for the use of the Senate, be delivered to the Superintendent of the Census for distribution from his office and for preservation in it.

On motion by Mr. Mason, That the vote on the resolution ordering the printing of fifty thousand copies of the abstract of the Seventh Census, be reconsidered.

On motion,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of A. H. Cole, submitted an adverse report.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report, and in concurrence therewith,

Ordered, That the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom were referred the documents relating to the claim of William C. Easton, submitted an adverse report, (No. 37,) which was ordered to be printed.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report, and, in concurrence therewith,

Ordered, That the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

On motion by Mr. Johnson,

Ordered, That the Committee on Military Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of John M. McIntosh, and that it be referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred 0105 105 the petition of Benjamin Burton, administrator of Major Burton, submitted an adverse report.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Catharine Clark, submitted an adverse report.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Select Committee, to whom were referred the bill (S. 36) to provide for the ascertainment and satisfaction of claims of American citizens for spoliations committed by the French prior to the 31st day of July, 1801, with sundry memorials and petitions, reported the bill without amendment.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Gwin asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 124) for the extension of the pre-emption privilege in the State of California; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Chase, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of Ezra Williams, submitted a report accompanied by a bill (S. 125) for his relief.

The bill (S. 125) was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole, and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Walker, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the memorial of the Commissioners of the State of Wisconsin, reported a bill (S. 126) to relinquish to the State of Wisconsin the lands reserved for salt springs therein, which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Adams, from the Committee on Indian Affairs, to whom was referred the petition of John Phagan, submitted a report (No. 38) accompanied by a bill (S. 127) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Mallory, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of Hiram Paulding, submitted a report (No. 39) accompanied by a bill (S. 128) for his relief. The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Douglas asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 129) to authorize the sale of reserved lands and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 130) for the payment of outstanding loan office and final settlement certificates issued for money loaned, or for services, or for supplies during the revolutionary war; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Williams, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of the heirs of Judith Worthen, deceased, reported a 0106 106 bill (S. 131) for their relief; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Albert Hart, submitted a report (No. 40) accompanied by a bill (S. 132) increasing the pension of Albert Hart.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of John Brown, submitted an adverse report, (No. 41,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Orson Young, submitted an adverse report, (No. 42,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the petition of James D. Cobb, submitted an adverse report, (No. 43,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the memorial of Lavinia Taylor, submitted a report (No. 44) accompanied by a bill (S. 133) for her relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the petition of Allen G. Johnson, submitted a report (No. 45) accompanied by a bill (S. 134) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the petition of Adam D. Steuart, paymaster of the United States, submitted a report (No. 46) accompanied by a bill (S. 135) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Sebastian, from the Committee on Indian Affairs, to whom were referred documents relating to the claim of William Senna Factor, reported a bill (S. 136) for his relief; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Norris asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 137) to incorporate the proprietors of the Washington cemetery; which was react the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Shields asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 138) to aid the Territory of Minnesota in constructing a railroad for military, postal, and other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Territories.

Mr. Johnson, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the joint resolution (S. R. 5) for the presentation of a sword to the nearest male relative of the late Major Samuel Ringgold, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report on the subject.

The bill (H. R. 14) to amend an act entitled, “an act to divide the State of Arkansas into two judicial districts,” approved March 3, 1851, 0107 107 was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

The bill (H. R. 133) to secure the right of citizenship to children of citizens of the United States, born out of the limits thereof, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 124) for the extension of the pre-emption privilege in the State of California, reported it without amendment.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the Committee on Military Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 83) to extend the provisions of have been engaged in the military service of the United States, and that it be referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the following bills;

S. 35. Bill for the relief of M. K. Warrington and C. St. John Chubb, executors of Lewis Warrington and others;

S. 23. Bill confirming certain land claims in Louisiana in the Bastrop grant;

S. 124. Bill for the extension of the pre-emption privilege in the State of California; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed, and read a third lime.

The said bills were severally read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 49) to incorporate the Pioneer Manufacturing Company of Georgetown, District of Columbia.

On motion by Mr. Pettit, to amend the bill by adding there, and provided further, That the stockholders individually and collectively shall be responsible for all the acts done, and obligations incurred by the created by this act.

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 27

Nays 14

On motion by Mr. Pettit,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Adams, Allen, Bright, Brodhead, Cass, Chase, Dodge, of Wisconsin, Dodge, of Iowa, Douglas, Evans, Fitzpatrick, Gwin, Hamlin, Houston, Johnson, Jones, of Iowa, Mallory, Norris, Pettit, Sebastian, Slidell, Stewart, Thomson, of New Jersey, Wade, Walker, Williams, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Badger, Bell, Benjamin, Cooper, Dawson, Everett, Fish, Foot, Jones, of Tennessee, Mason, Pearce, Smith, Sumner, Thompson, of Kentucky.

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No further amendment being made, the bill was reported to the Senate, and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered, That this bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The following bills and joint resolution were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 32. Bill for the relief of Joseph Gideon. S. 117. Bill for the relief of Moses Olmstead.

S. 126 Bill to relinquish to the State of Wisconsin the lands reserved for salt springs therein.

S. 127. Bill for the relief of John Phagan.

S. 131. Bill for the relief of the heirs of Judith Worthen, deceased.

S. R. 7. Joint resolution authorizing an increase of the force in the office of Superintendent of the Public Printing; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bills and resolution were severally read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles respectively be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, January 18, 1854. Link to Annals.

Mr. Fish presented a petition of the inspectors of the port of New York, praying an increase compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Cooper presented the proceedings of a meeting of citizens of Philadelphia, in favor of a reduction of the rates of ocean postage; which were referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Shields presented the petition of Jean Baptiste Beaubien, of Illinois, praying indemnity for the loss of certain lands at the city of Chicago in said State; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Mr. Shields presented the petition of M. Lovell, an officer of the army, praying that the compensation allowed officers of the army while attending courts martial may be increased; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Houston presented the memorial of E. J. McLane, praying compensation for his services in seizing and detaining horses and mules smuggled into the United States from Mexico; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Fish presented a petition of citizens of New York, praying that a contract may be entered into with Christian Hansen, for the transportation 0109 109 of the United States mails in steamers, between Brooklyn and certain ports in Europe; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, presented a petition of the mayor and aldermen of the city of Memphis, Tennessee, praying the establishment of a marine hospital at that place; which was retorted to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Johnson presented the petition of W. C. Jones, praying compensation for services as an officer during the Florida war in 1837–'38; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Pearce presented the petition of John McCutchen, praying compensation for performing clerical services in the office of the Second Comptroller, while a messenger in that office; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Stuart presented a petition of citizens of Muskegon, Michigan, praying the establishment of a mail route from Mill Point, via Muskegon to Croton, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Adams presented the memorial of Clements, Bryan and Company, praying indemnity for losses sustained by the rescinding of a contract for furnishing supplies; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Foot,

Ordered, That the report of the Postmaster General in relation to the causes of the detention of the northern mails be printed.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

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

On motion by Mr. Mason,

Ordered, That the memorial of John Balestier, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the memorial of John Connell, in behalf of sundry claimants in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, for return of duties collected under the tariff of 1828, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the petition of the administrator of John Anderson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Wisconsin,

Ordered, That the Committee on Commerce be discharged from further consideration of the memorial of citizens of Philadelphia, against the removal of the mint from that city, and that be referred to the Committee on Finance

Mr. Pettit, from the Committee on the Judiciary, who were instructed by a resolution of the Senate to inquire into the constitutionality and expediency of a law for the appointment of referees in certain cases, submitted a report, (No. 47,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Butler, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the petition of Caleb Green, submitted a report; which, on motion by Mr. Butler, was recommitted to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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On motion by Mr. Pettit,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Amos and John E. Kendall.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the petition of Francis Barnes, submitted an adverse report, (No. 48,) which was ordered to be printed.

On motion by Mr. Butler,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of Benjamin S. Roberts, and that it be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Butler, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the bill (S. 24) explanatory of an act for the relief of Benjamin S. Roberts, reported it without amendment, and submitted an adverse report.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Everett asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 139) for the relief of Charles A. Kellett, which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Chase presented the petition of the members of the general assembly of Ohio, praying the division of the State into two judicial districts

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

On motion by Mr. Foot,

Ordered, That the petition of Ira Day, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed the bill from the Senate (S. 28) concerning the district courts of the United States in California.

They have passed a bill (H. R. 73) explanatory of an act entitled “An act for the relief of Benjamin S. Roberts,” in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

The House of Representatives agree to the resolution of the Senate for the appointment of a committee to join such committee as may be appointed by the House of Representatives in relation to the rescue of the passengers and crew of the steamship San Francisco, and have appointed Mr. Chandler, of Pennsylvania; Mr. McMullen, of Virginia; Mr. Cutting, of New York; Mr. Hunt, of Louisiana; Mr. Pratt, of Connecticut; Mr. Eddy, of Indiana; Mr. Vansant, of Maryland; Mr. Crocker, of Massachusetts; and Mr. Seward, of Georgia the committee on their part.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed three enrolled bills, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of their President.

The President pro tempore signed the three enrolled bills, S. 65, S. 81 0111 111 and H. R. 106, last reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Cooper asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 140) granting lands to the State of Pennsylvania to aid in the construction of the Sunbury and Erie Railroad; to establish and endow a normal school for the gratuitous education of female teachers, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom were referred the documents relating to the claim of Richard Fitzpatrick, submitted a report (No. 49) accompanied by a bill (S. 141) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom were referred documents relating to the claim of Don B. Juan Domercq, a Spanish subject, submitted a report (No. 50) accompanied by a bill (S. 142) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the report of the Committee on the Judiciary on the right of the honorable S. S. Phelps to a seat in the Senate; and,

On motion by Mr. Pettit,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until Wednesday next.

Mr. Gwin, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the petition of James W. Low, reported a bill (S. 143) for the compensation of James W. Low and others for the capture of the British private-armed schooner Ann, during the late war with Great Britain; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Gwin, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the petition of Purser T. P. McBlair, reported a bill (S. 144) for his relief.

Mr. Butler, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the petition of John G. Camp, submitted a report (No. 51) accompanied by a bill (S. 145) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Butler, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the memorial of Samuel H. Hempstead, submitted a report (No. 52) accompanied by a bill (S. 146) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Butler, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred the memorial of James Chapman, administrator of Thomas Chapman, submitted a report (No. 53) accompanied by a bill (S. 147) for the relief of the legal representatives of the late Thomas Chapman, formerly collector of the port of Georgetown, South Carolina.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

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Mr. Fitzpatrick submitted a resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and having been amended, on the motion of Mr. Adams, was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved, That the Judiciary Committee be instructed to inquire into the expediency of so amending the act of Congress, approved 26th February, 1853, entitled “An act to regulate the fees and costs to be allowed to clerks, marshals and attorneys of the circuit and district courts of the United States,” so as to increase the compensation of the marshal of the southern and middle division of Alabama, and also the compensation of the clerk of the district court of the United States at the city of Montgomery, Alabama; and also that the committee inquire into the expediency of abolishing the tax-fee to attorneys in States where no tax-fee is allowed by law in the State courts.

A message foom the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed an enrolled bill, I am directed to bring it to the Senate for the signature of their President.

The President pro tempore signed the enrolled bill (S. 28) concerning the district courts of the United States in California, and it was delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 6) for the relief of Lewis B. Willis, late a paymaster in the army of the United States, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 6) last mentioned; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 47) to divide the State of Ohio into two judicial districts, and to provide for holding the district and circuit courts of the United States therein; and the reported amendments having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate, and the amendments were concurred in.

Ordered, That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the following bills:

S. 17. Bill to reimburse the common council of New York city expenditures made for the first regiment of New York volunteers;

S. 99. Bill to provide for the establishment of a marine hospital at St. Mark's, in the State of Florida; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bills were severally read the third time, by unanimous consent.

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Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles, respectively, be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 90. Bill for the relief of Charles Cooper and Company;

S. 91. Bill for the relief of James Dunning;

S. 108. Bill for the relief of Rebecca Freeman; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bills were severally read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles, respectively, be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, January 19, 1854. Link to Annals.

The honorable Isaac Toucey, from the State of Connecticut, attended.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Pensions inquire whether the laws need any amendment to give full effect to the design of Congress in granting pensions to the widows of the soldiers of the war of 1812.

Mr. Pettit submitted a document in relation to the subject; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Everett presented the petition of Cyrus Chase and others, inspectors of the customs for the district of Boston and Charlestown, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Brodhead presented ten memorials of citizens of Philadelphia, praying that the United States mint may not be removed from that city; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Fish presented a petition of merchants and others, citizens of New York, praying Congress to grant some proper testimonial to the officers and crews of the ship Three Bells, the ship Antarctic, and the barque Kilby, for their humane, self-sacrificing, and heroic conduct in rescuing the passengers, officers and crew of the steamer San Francisco; which was referred to the select committee appointed on the subject.

Mr. Brodhead presented a petition of citizens of Blair county, Pennsylvania, praying that a quarter section of land may be granted to the soldiers of the last war with Great Britain, and all subsequent wars; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Shields presented the petition of Jane A. Wight, praying an increase of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Allen presented the memorial of the Maryland State Agricultural Society of Maryland, praying the establishment of a national agricultural 8 0114 114 school in the District of Columbia; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of William Van Wart, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Dawson,

Ordered, That the memorial of Harriet O. Read, executrix of Lieutenant Colonel A. C. Fanning, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Cooper,

Ordered, that the memorial of the heirs of Stephen Moylan, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the memorial of John B. Walbach, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Gwin submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to the Senate the number of ships of war on the coast of California, Oregon and Washington, whether in active service or lying in port unemployed. Also, the number on the whole Pacific coast of North and South America, and their cruizing grounds.

Also, whether, in his opinion, the naval force of the United States on the Pacific coast, in the year 1853, was sufficient to prevent the departure by sea to a foreign territory of any “unlawful expedition” that might be hastily formed from the adventurous persons usually to be found at all points of great commercial activity and enterprise, either in the United States or Europe.

Also, the number of ships of war on the Atlantic coast, and their cruizing grounds, whether in active service or lying in port unemployed.

Also, the number of troops in California, Oregon and Washington.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, reported from the committee that they this day presented to the President of the United States the following enrolled bills:

S. 28. An act concerning the district courts of the United States in California;

S. 65. An act to continue in force the act entitled “An act to ascertain and settle the private land claims in the State of California, and for other purposes;

S. 81. An act changing the name of the American-built steamer “Falcon” to that of “Queen City;”

H. R. 106. An act to change the name of the American-built brig “John Dutton,” and to grant a register in her name.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed bills and a joint resolution of the following titles, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 5. An act to constitute Quincy, in the State of Illinois, a port of delivery;

H. R. 47. An act making appropriations for the support of the Military Academy for the year ending the 30th of June, 1855;

0115 115

H. R. 50. An act making appropriations for the payment of invalid and other pensions of the United States for the year ending the 30th of June, 1855;

H. R. 135. An act for the relief of the United States troops who were sufferers by the recent disaster to the steamship San Francisco;

H. R. 9. Joint resolution authorizing the accounting officers of the Treasury to adjust the expenses of a board of commissioners appointed by the Territorial Assembly of Oregon to prepare a code of laws; also adjust the expense of collecting and priming certain laws and archives of the Territory of Oregon.

The House of Representatives have passed a resolution for the appointment of a select committee to join such committee as may be appointed by the Senate, to take into consideration the subject of amending the Constitution in relation to the mode of electing the President and Vice President of the United States, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate; and have appointed Mr. Ewing, of Kentucky; Mr. May, of Maryland; Mr. Parker, of Indiana; Mr. Hughes, of New York; Mr. Kerr, of North Carolina; Mr. Barksdale, of Mississippi; Mr. Brooks, of South Carolina; Mr. Banks, of Massachusetts; and Mr. Willis Allen, of Illinois; the committee on their part.

On motion by Mr. Fitzpatrick,

Ordered, That the documents, on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of Charles G. Gunter, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Mr. Bell presented the memorial of Patrick C. Shannon, asking to have the amount refunded to him which was illegally exacted for the privilege of occupying and using his own ferry across the Rio Grande river; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Adams,

Ordered, That S. Calvert Ford have leave to withdraw his and papers.

On motion by Mr. Sumner,

Ordered, That the petition of Asa Andrews, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Sumner,

Ordered, That the memorials and petitions, on the files of the Senate, in favor of cheap ocean postage, be referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Slidell presented the memorial of Samuel C. Reid, in behalf of the claimants in the case of the brig General Armstrong, praying indemnity; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Slidell, that the memorial be printed,

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Printing.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs at law of Godfrey Rinehart, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of inhabitants of Nahant, Massachusetts, praying the establishment of a daily mail between that town and 0116 116 Lynn; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Foot,

Ordered, That the Committee on Public Lands be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of John A. Ragan.

On motion by Mr. Bell,

Ordered, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of the mayor and aldermen of the city of Memphis, and that it be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the petition of George P. Welsh and Clark H. Wells, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

Mr. President: The President of the United States this day approved and signed the following acts:

S. 28. An act concerning the district courts of the United States in California;

S. 65. An act to continue in force the act entitled “An act to ascertain and settle the private land claims in the State of California,” and for other purposes;

S. 81. An act changing the name of the American-built steamer “Falcon” to that of “Queen City.”

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Wade, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Zachariah Lawrence, of Ohio, submitted a report (No. 54) accompanied by a bill (S. 148) for his relief.

The bill was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

On motion by Mr. Wade,

Ordered, That the report on the petition of Zachariah Lawrence be printed.

Mr. Walker, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom were referred sundry memorials and petitions from the legislature and citizens of Wisconsin, reported the following bills, which were read and passed to a second reading:

S. 149. Bill granting a portion of the public lands to the State of Wisconsin to aid in the construction of a railroad and branches in said State;

S. 150. Bill granting a portion of the public lands to the State of Wisconsin to aid in the construction of a railroad in said State.

Mr. Evans, from the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office, to whom was referred the memorial of Peter U. Morgan and George G. Bishop, submitted a report (No. 55) accompanied by a bill (S. 151) for the relief of George G. Bishop and the legal representatives of John Arnold, deceased.

0117 117

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of Isaac Varn, senior, submitted a report (No. 56) accompanied by a bill (S. 152) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Fitzpatrick asked, and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 153) to relinquish the reversionary interest of the United States to a certain reservation therein mentioned, and to confirm the title of Charles G. Gunter thereto; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by Mr. Badger, the 12th instant, to amend the 48th role of the Senate; and the resolution having been amended, was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved, That the following persons, and none others, shall be admitted on the floor of the Senate: members of the House of Representatives, and their clerk; the Secretary of State; the Secretary of the Treasury; the Secretary of the Interior; the Secretary of War; the Secretary of the Navy; the Attorney General, and the Postmaster General; the private secretary of the President; chaplains to Congress; superintendent of the public printing; deputy postmaster of the city of Washington and the marshal of the United States for the District of Columbia; judges of the United States; clerk of the Supreme Court; foreign ministers and their secretaries; ministers of the United States to foreign governments and their secretaries, and persons who have been such ministers or secretaries; officers who, by name, have received, or shall hereafter receive, the thanks of Congress for their gallantry and good conduct in the service of their country, or who have received medals by a vote o? Congress; the governor, for the time being, of any State or Territory of the Union; the ex-governors of the several States; judges of the courts of record of the several States; the ex-officers of the Senate; such gentlemen as have been heads of departments, secretaries, clerks, sergeants-at-arms, or members of either branch of Congress; persons who, for the time being, belong to the respective State and Territoral legislatures, and persons belonging to such legislatures of foreign governments as are in amity with the United States.

No person, except members and officers of the Senate, and members of the House of Representatives, shall be admitted at either of the side doors of the Senate chamber; and all persons claiming admission on the floor, excepting members, and the clerk and sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, for the time being, the heads of the several departments, the private secretary of the President, the chaplains to Congress, judges of the United States and of the several States, foreign ministers and their secretaries, ministers and ex-ministers of the United States, their secretaries and ex-secretaries, and the clerk of the Supreme Court, and officers who, by name, shall have received the thanks of Congress, or medals by a vote of Congress, shall (each time before being admitted upon the floor) enter their names, together with the official position in right of which they claim admission, in a book to be provided 0118 118 and kept at the main entrance to the Senate chamber; and no person except members of the Senate shall be allowed wit kin the bar of the Senate, or to occupy the seat of any senator.

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

Resolved, That such of the clerks to the standing committees of the Senate, as have been on duty since the first day of this session, be paid therefrom.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 86. Bill for the relief of J. Boyd, of Louisiana;

S. 100. Bill for the relief of Mary C. Hamilton; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bills, together with the bill (S. 148) for the relief of Zachariah Lawrence, of Ohio, were severally read the third time, by unanimous consent:

Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles, respectively, be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The bill (H. R. 73) explanatory of an act entitled “An act for the relief of Benjamin S. Roberts,” was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

On motion by Mr. Badger,

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn, it be to Monday next.

The bills this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence were severally read the first and second times, by unanimous consent.

Ordered, That bills, numbered 47 and 50, be referred to the Committee on Finance; that the bill, numbered 5, be referred to the Committee on Commerce; that the bill, numbered 135, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs; and that the joint resolution, numbered 9, be referred to the Committee on Territories.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, January 23, 1854. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Treasury, communicating a statement of receipts and expenditures of the Marine Hospital Fund for the year ending the 30th June, 1853; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Commerce and printed.

0119 119

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented three petitions of citizens of Iowa, praying that a grant of and may be made to aid in the construction of the Great Western Air-line Railroad from Fort Wayne to Council Bluffs; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Evans presented a petition of inspectors of customs for the district of Charleston, South Carolina, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Evans present the memorial of Jane M. Rudulph, widow of Thomas C. Rudulph, late captain in the United States revenue service, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Fish presented a petition of Augustin Demers, nephew and only surviving descendant of Francis Chandonet, praying to be allowed the commutation to which said Chandonet was entitled under certain resolves of Congress; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Fish presented the memorial of Benjamin F. Cooper, praying that the bill to secure the right of citizenship to children of citizens of the United States, born out of the limits thereof, may not become a law without amendment; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented a petition of citizens of Iowa, praying the establishment of a mail route from McGregor's Landing to Bradford in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented three petitions of citizens of Iowa, praying that a grant of land may be made to aid in the construction of the Great Western Air-line Railroad from Fort Wayne to Council Bluffs; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented the memorial of Samuel M. Clendenin, praying compensation for services as clerk to Lieutenant Ruggles in 1840; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Johnson presented a petition of Elizabeth C. Smith, praying bounty-land and three months' extra pay for her services in the Mexican war; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Butler,

Ordered, That the documents, on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of Claudia Stuart to a pension, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the petition of E. P. Hastings, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That Sally T. Floyd have leave to withdraw her petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Walker,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the memorial of John Hagan and others.

On motion by Mr. Bell,

Ordered, That the memorial of the legal representatives of William Russwurm, on the files of Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

0120 120

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Private Land Claims be authorized to employ a clerk.

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

Resolved, That the President be requested to communicate to the Senate, as far as may be compatible with the public interest, copies of all the dispatches written by A. Dudley Mann whilst he was employed in the diplomatic service of the United States, at or near the States of the Germanic Confederation, Hungary and Switzerland, together with copies of the instructions under which he acted, and other communications made to him by the Department of State.

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

Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to communicate to the Senate, as far as he may deem it compatible with the public interest, a copy of any correspondence which may have taken place with the government of the Papal States touching a mission to the United States.

Mr. Sumner reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills and joint resolutions:

H. R. 6. An act for the relief of Lewis B. Willis, late a paymaster in the army of the United States;

H. R. 73. An act explanatory of an act entitled: “An act for the relief of Benjamin S. Roberts;”

H. R. 4. Joint resolution of thanks to General John E. Wool;

H. R. 1. Joint resolution for the relief of Alexander P. Field, late Secretary of Wisconsin Territory and sureties.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Forney, their clerk:

Mr. President: The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed two enrolled bills and two enrolled joint resolutions, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of their President:

The President of the United States approved and signed, the 18th instant, an act (H. R. 106) to change the name of the American-built brig “John Dutton,” and to grant a register in her name.

The President pro tempore signed the two enrolled bills and the two enrolled joint resolutions last reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

Mr. Badger submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That, for the residue of the present session, every Friday shall be set apart, exclusively, for the consideration of private bills on the general orders of the day; and that, on the first Friday of every month, no such bill shall be taken up to which there may be objection, or the consideration of which may lead to debate.

Mr. Dodge, 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 establishing a military post at or near 0121 121 Sargeant's Bluffs, on the Missouri, for the protection of the western frontier of the State of Iowa.

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

Resolved, That the President pro tempore appoint a special committee, whose duty it shall be to investigate the matter of the loss of the original papers in the case of Mark Bean and Richard Bean, heretofore presented and filed in the Senate, and to report such remedy and relief as in the premises shall seem fit.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the motion to print the memorial of John C. Reid, reported in favor of printing the Memorial; and

The report was agreed to.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 44) making a grant of public lands to the several States and territories of the Union for the benefit of indigent insane persons, reported it with amendments, and accompanied by a report, (No. 57;) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Richard King, submitted a report accompanied by a bill (S. 154) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Hunter, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the amendments of the House of Representatives to the bill (S. 12) to regulate the disbursement of the contingent fund of the Senate and for other purposes, reported thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the amendments of the House of Representatives to the bill (.S 12) last mentioned; and

Resolved, That they disagree to all the amendments of the House of Representatives to said bill, except the sixth amendment; and that they agree to the sixth amendment with an amendment.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, from the Committee on Pensions, reported a bill (S. 155) granting five years' half-pay to the widow of Captain Gunnison; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

Mr. Hunter, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 47) making appropriations for the support of the Military Academy for the year ending the 30th of June, 1855; reported it with amendments.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 47) last mentioned, and the reported amendments having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate, and the amendments wine concurred in.

Ordered, That the amendments be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill, as amended, was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass with amendments.

0122 122

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendments.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 100) for the relief of William Blake; reported it without amendment.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of David P. Weeks, submitted an adverse report, (No. 61,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Adam Hays, submitted an adverse report, (No. 62,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Stuart, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the memorial of J. Kearsley and the petition of John Biddle, submitted a report (No. 58) accompanied by a bill (S. 156) to provide for the final settlement of the accounts of Jonathan Kearsley, late receiver of public moneys at Detroit, and of John Biddle, late register of the land office at that place.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Stuart, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the petition of William A. Burt, submitted a report (No. 59) accompanied by a bill (S. 157) to enable the United States to make use of solar compass in the public surveys.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of David Myerle, submitted a report (No. 60) accompanied by a bill (S. 158) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Fish asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 159) to provide a place for the holding of the courts of the United States in the southern district of New York, and for other purposes; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Johnson asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 160) for the relief of the heirs and representatives of Colonel Alexander G. Morgan; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Badger,

Ordered, That the vote on agreeing to the resolution to amend the forty-eighth rule of the Senate be re-considered.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the said resolution, and having been further amended, it was agreed to, as follows:

0123 123

The following persons, and none others, shall be admitted on the floor of the Senate: members of the House of Representatives, and their clerk; the Secretary of State; the Secretary of the Treasury; the Secretary of the Interior; the Secretary of War; the Secretary of the Navy; the Attorney General, and the Postmaster General; the private secretary of the President; chaplains to Congress; Superintendent of the Public Printing; deputy postmaster of the city of Washington and the marshal of the UnitEd States for the District of Columbia; judges of the United States; clerk of the Supreme Court; Foreign Ministers and their secretaries; Ministers of the United States to foreign governments and their secretaries, and persons who have been such ministers or secretaries; the Superintendent of the Coast Survey; the mayor of Washington; the heads of bureaus; the secretary and members of the board of regents of the Smithsonian Institution; the District Attorney of the United States for the District of Columbia; officers who, by name, have received, or shall hereafter receive, the thanks of Congress for their gallantry and good conduct in the service of their country, or who have received medals by a vote of Congress; the governor, for the time being, of any State or Territory of the Union; the ex-governors of the several States; judges of the courts of record of the several States, and persons who have been chancellors or judges of the highest courts of of law or equity of the several States; the ex-officers of the Senate; such gentlemen as have been heads of departments, secretaries, clerks, sergeants-at-arms, or members of either branch of Congress; persons who, for the time being, belong to the respective State and territorial legislatures, and persons belonging to such legislatures of foreign governments as are in amity with the United States.

No person, except members and officers of the Senate, and members of the House of Representatives, shall be admitted at either of the side doors of the Senate chamber; and all persons claiming admission on the floor of the Senate, excepting members, and the clerk and sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives, for the time being, the heads of the several departments, the private secretary of the President, the chaplains to Congress, judges of the United States and of the several States, foreign ministers and their secretaries, ministers and ex-ministers of the United States, their secretaries and ex-secretaries, and the clerk of the Supreme Court; and officers who, by name, shall have received the thanks of Congress, or medals by a vote of Congress; the Superintendent of the Coast Survey, the mayor of Washington, heads of bureaus, the secretary and members of the board of regents of the Smithsonian Institution, the District Attorney of the United States for the District of Columbia, and persons who have been chancellors or judges of the highest courts of law or equity of the several States, shall, (each time before being admitted upon the floor,) enter their names, together with the official position in right of which they claim admission, in a book to be provided and kept at the main entrance to the Senate chamber; and no person except members of the Senate shall be allowed within the bar of the Senate, or to occupy the seat of any senator.

The bill (S. 123) providing for the payment of the printing of the returns of tie Seventh Census and for the paper for said printing, was 0124 124 read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The resolution from the House of Representatives for the appointment of a select committee to join such committee as may be appointed by the Senate to take into consideration the subject of amending the Constitution in relation to the mode of electing the President and Vice President of the United States, was read.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 24, 1854. Link to Annals.

The honorable Robert Toombs, from the State of Georgia, attended.

Mr. Shields presented the memorial of Charles F. Fisher, praying Congress to purchase a painting of the battle of New Orleans executed by him; which was referred to the Committee on the Library.

Mr. Bright presented the memorial of Michael Nourse, late chief clerk in the office of Register of the Treasury, praying compensation for the several periods during which he performed the duties of register, and compensation for acting as disbursing agent; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of inhabitants of Maine, praying that pensions may be granted to the officers and soldiers of the last war with Great Britain, who were imprisoned at Halifax and Dartmoor, and to the widows of those deceased; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented a petition of inhabitants of the counties of Shelby, Menomonee and Harrison, in the State of Iowa, praying the establishment of a military post at a suitable point within one of those counties; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Bright,

The vote on passing the resolution to amend the forty-eighth rule of the Senate was re-considered, and the Senate resumed the consideration of the said resolution; and having been amended, on the motion of Mr. Bright, by inserting the words: the mayor of Georgetown, the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.

Mr. Toucey presented the memorial of Abner Bassett and others, owners and masters of vessels, pilots and others, praying that a beacon may be placed on Black Ledge, at the entrance of the harbor of New London, Connecticut; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Toucey presented a petition of Charles P. Williams and others, owners and agents of vessels, masters, and pilots and others, praying that a beacon may be placed on Sugar Reef, and buoys at the eastern 0125 125 extremity of Watch Hill Reef and on Wamphassoc Shoal, and that the breakwater in Stonington harbor may be repaired; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Toucey presented a petiton of F. Lathrop and Son, a petition of A. Lane and Company, a petitioin of Josiah Leland, and a petition of Hotchkiss and Lewis and others, praying the enactment of a law protecting patentees, and those having rights under them, against infringement or invasion by persons beyond the jurisdiction of the United States; which were referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Butler presented a document in relation to the claim of the heirs of Henry N. Cruger to indemnity for spoliations by the Indians in Florida in 1835 and 1836; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Cass presented the petition of William Rees, praying permission to select ten or twelve thousand acres of land for the establishment of a normal settlement; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Slidell presented a petition of officers of the navy and marine corps, who were attached to the Gulf squadron during the late war with Mexico, praying to be allowed extra compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Norris presented a memorial of citizens of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, praying the construction of a ship canal around the Falls of Niagara; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Fitzpatrick presented an additional document in relation to the petition of Hugh Wallace Wormeley; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Johnson presented a document in relation to the claim of Sally T. B. Cochrane for compensation for a horse lost by her late husband in the military service; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Johnson presented a petition of citizens of Arkansas, praying the establishment of a mail route from Brownsville via Richwoods, Clear Lake, Bocage Mills to Pine Bluff in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Johnson presented a petition of citizens of Arkansas, praying the establishment of a mail route from Lehigh Post Office via Brushy Woods to Storer's Gin in that State; which was referred to the Committee, on the Post Office and Post Roads.

On motion by Mr. Norris,

Ordered, That the documents, on the files of the Senate, relating to the application of the Mutual Insurance Company of Washington for a charter, be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

I transmit to Congress a report of the Secretary of State, together with the set of works illustrative of the exhibition in London of 1851 to 0126 126 which it refers, in order that such disposal may be made of them as may be deemed advisable.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Washington, January 23, 1854.

The message was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on the Library.

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

Resolved, That the Postmaster General be directed to report to the Senate what steps have been taken to execute the eleventh section of the “Act to establish certain post roads and for other purposes,” approved the 31st day of August, 1852, and state whether it is the design of the department to put in operation the service provided for in said section; and if not, for what reasons.

Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and agreed to.

Resolved, That the Committee on Pensions be directed to report to the Senate upon the expediency of increasing the rate of pensions of the non-commissioned officers who have served, or may serve, in the army of the United States.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, reported from the committee that they presented to the President of the United States, the 23d instant, the following enrolled bills and enrolled joint resolutions:

H. R. 6. An act for the relief of Lewis B. Willis, late a paymaster in the army of the United States;

H. R. 73. An act explanatory of an act entitled “An act for the relief of Benjamin S. Roberts;”

H. R. 4. Joint resolution of thanks to General John E. Wool;

H. R. 1. Joint resolution for the relief of Alexander P. Field, late secretary of Wisconsin Territory and sureties.

Mr. Sebastian, from the Committee on indian Affairs, to whom were referred documents in relation to the claim of Theodore E. Elliott, reported a bill (S. 161) for his relief; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Stuart, from the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office, submitted a report (No. 63) accompanied by a bill (S. 162) for the relief of Hiram Moore and John Hascall.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Bright, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 10) to provide for the surrender of certain bonds of the State of Indiana held by the United States, reported it with an amendment, and accompanied by a report, (No. 64;) which was ordered to be printed.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted by Mr. Chase, the 20th December last, to amend the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth and fortieth rules of the Senate; and,

On motion by Mr. Mason that it lie on the table,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 23

Nays 14

On motion by Mr. Mason,

0127 127

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs Allen, Badger, Bell, Butler, Cass, Cooper, Dawson, Dixon, Evans, Everett, Fish, Fitzpatrick, Foot, Johnson, Jones, of Tennessee, Mason, Sebastian, Shields, Smith, Stuart, Thomson, of New Jersey, Toombs, Toucey.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Chase, Dodge, of Wisconsin, Dodge, of Iowa, Douglas, Gwin, Hamlin, Norris, Pettit, Slidell, Sumner, Wade, Walker, Weller, Williams.

So it was

Ordered, That the resolution lie on the table.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 22) to organize the Territory of Nebraska; and,

On motion by Mr. Douglas,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until Monday next, and that it be the order of the day.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 36) to provide for the ascertainment and satisfaction of claims of American citizens for spoliations committed by the French prior to the 31st day of July, 1801; and,

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed to Monday, the 6th of February next, and that it be the order of the day.

The engrossed bill (S. 155) granting five years' half-pay to the widow of Captain — Gunnison, was read the third time; and having been amended, by unanimous consent,

Resolved, That this bill pass and that the title thereof be: An act granting five years' half-pay to the widow of Captain John M. Gunnison.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 50. Bill for the relief of the legal representatives of Noah Miller, of Lincolnville, in the State of Maine, and for the relief of other persons;

S. 102. Bill for the relief of the heirs and legal representatives of William Weeks;

S. 109. Bill for the relief of the legal representatives of Daniel Loomis, deceased;

S. 113. Bill for the relief of the widows and orphans of the officers and seamen of the United States schooner Grampus, who were lost in that vessel in March, 1843, near the coast of the United States;

S. 121. Bill for the relief of Pamela Brown, widow of Major General Jacob Brown, deceased; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bills were severally read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles, respectively, be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

0128 128

The bill (S. 116)for the relief of the captors of the frigate Philadelphia was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and having been amended, it was reported to the Senate, and the amendments were concurred in.

Ordered, That this bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 26) for the relief of Ira Baldwin; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution submitted yesterday by Mr. Badger, to set apart Friday of each week for the consideration of the private bills on the calendar; and

The resolution was agreed to.

On motion by Mr. Weller,

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn it be to Thursday next.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, January 26, 1854. Link to Annals.

Mr. Sebastian presented the credentials of the honorable A. G. Brown, elected a senator by the legislature of the State of Mississippi; which were read, and the oath prescribed by law was administered to Mr. Brown, and he took his seat in the Senate.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Interior, asking an appropriation to pay the debts of the last commission to run and mark the boundary between the United States and Mexico; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Seward presented the proceedings of a meeting of citizens of New York, held at the Tabernacle in Broadway, on the 6th of January, 1854, in favor of a reduction of ocean postage; which were referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of members of the legislature of the State of New York, a petition of members of the bar of Washington county, and a petition of the judges and justices of the court of sessions of Washington county, New York, praying a reduction of the rates of ocean postage; which were referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky, presented the petition of H. H. Maddox, praying compensation for services in taking the Seventh Census in the State of Kentucky; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky, presented additional documents in relation 0129 129 to the claim of the heirs of William Beatty; which, with their memorial, on the files of the Senate, were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Seward presented a petition of legal voters of the counties of Ontario and Seneca, New York, praying that provision be made in our treaties with foreign nations for the reference of all international difficulties to an umpire; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Seward presented a petition of Francis O. Morse and others, citizens of the United States, engaged in the importation of lasts from the British provinces, remonstrating against the passage of the bill giving further remedies to patentees; which was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Seward presented a petition of citizens of Detroit, Michigan, praying the construction of a ship canal around the falls of Niagara; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of Francis Picard, administrator of Captain Pierre Ayott, of the revolution, praying remuneration for losses by the confiscation of property, and for advances of money for the service of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of the heirs of Joseph Bindon, of the revolutionary army, praying commutation pay; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of Francis Picard, administrator of Captain Pierre Ayott, and the petition of Ezra T. Marnay, grandchild of Captain Lewis Marnay, of the army of the revolution, praying to be allowed commutation pay; which were referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Seward presented a petition of citizens of Rochester, New York, and a petition of Washington Gibbons and others, praying the construction of a ship canal around the falls of Niagara; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Seward presented a petition of citizens of New York and Brooklyn, and a petition of citizens of New York, praying that a contract may be entered into with Christian Hansen for the transportation of the United States mails between Brooklyn and certain ports of Europe; Which were referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Badger presented a petition of citizens of Wilmington, North Carolina, praying an appropriation for the improvement of the entrance to Cape Fear river; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Everett presented a memorial of the Massachusetts Historical Society, praying that an appropriation may be made to defray the expense of procuring from the archives of the British government, and especially from the State Paper Office at London, copies of documents, records, and correspondence, pertaining to the early history of the colonies, and of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on the Library.

Mr. Bayard presented a memorial of citizens of Philadelphia, praying 9 0130 130 that the United States mint may not be removed from that city; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Clayton presented the memorial of Charles D. Arfwedson, praying compensation for his services as chargé d'affaires ad interim at Stockholm; which, with the papers on file, was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Allen presented the petition of Sophia G. Dillingham, praying a pension on account of the services of her father, Elisha Dillingham, in the war of the revolution; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Fish presented a petition of citizens of West Troy, New York, praying the enactment of a law giving further remedies to patentees; which was referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Sebastian presented a document signed by D. Cooper and J. Van Etten, counsellors for Alexander Ramsey, being a review of the testimony taken on the investigation of the charges of fraud preferred against him; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented a petition of citizens of Lee county, Iowa, praying that a grant of land may be made to aid in the construction of the Fort Madison, West Point, Keosauqua and Bloomfield railroad; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Johnson presented the petition of William N. Couch and others, praying the establishment of a tri-weekly mail between Kansas and Platte City, Missouri; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Seward presented documents against the passage of the bill to secure the rights of citizenship to the children of citizens of the United States, born out of the limits thereof; which were referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Weller presented the memorial of W. M. Ryer, of Stockton, California, praying compensation for vaccinating Indians in California, under a contract with the United States Indian agent; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Gwin presented the petition of Richard Nosworthy, a subject of Great Britain, praying remuneration for certain merchandise destroyed by the alleged neglect of the collector of the customs at San Francisco; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Cass presented the petition of citizens of Shenandoah county, Virginia, praying the establishment of a national garden for the cultivation, improvement, and sale of the seed of the Irish potatoe; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

On motion by Mr. Everett,

Ordered, That the petition of Selina C. Sumner, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Dawson,

Ordered, That the petition of R. S. Patterson and others, on the files of the Senate, asking a charter for a railroad in the District of Columbia, be referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

On motion by Mr. Cass,

Ordered, That the petition of C. B. Clusky, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Public Buildings.

0131 131

On motion by Mr. Bright, that additional copies of the report (No. 64) of the Committee on Finance, which accompanied bill (S. 10) for the surrender of certain bonds of the State of Indiana held by the United States, be printed.

Ordered, That the motion be referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 19) to authorize the State of Illinois to select the residue of the lands to which she is entitled under the act of 2d March, 1827, granting land to aid that State in opening a canal to connect the waters of the Illinois river with those of Lake Michigan, reported it with an amendment.

Mr. Hunter, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 50) making appropriations for the payment of invalid and other pensions of the United States for the year ending the Both June, 1855, reported it with an amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill last mentioned, (H. R. 50) and the reported amendment having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate, and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered, That the amendment be engrossed, and the bill read a third time.

The said bill, as amended, was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass with amendment.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendment.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 135) for the relief of the United States troops who were sufferers by the recent disaster to the steamship San Francisco, reported it with amendments.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill last mentioned, (H. R. 135) and the reported amendments having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate, and the amendments were concurred in.

Ordered, That the amendments be engrossed and the bill read a third time.

The said bill, as amended, was read the third time by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass with amendments.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives in the amendments.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Dawson asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 163) to incorporate the Washington City Railroad Company; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Forney, their clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed a (H. R. 187) granting the franking privilege to the Superintendent of the Coast Survey and the assistant in charge of the office of said Coast Survey; in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

0132 132

The President of the United States approved and signed, the 24th instant, the following acts and joint resolutions:

H. R. 6. An act for the relief of Lewis B. Willis, late a paymaster in the army of the United States;

H. R. 73. An act explanatory of an act entitled “An act for the relief of Benjamin S. Roberts;”

H. R. 1. Joint resolution for the relief of Alexander P. Field, late Secretary of Wisconsin Territory and sureties;

H. R. 4. Joint resolution of thanks to General John E. Wool.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution, reported by the Committee on the Judiciary, respecting the right of the honorable Samuel S. Phelps to a seat in the Senate; and,

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Butler,

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution of the House of Representatives for the appointment of a committee to join such Committee as may be appointed by the Senate to take into consideration proposed amendment to the Constitution respecting the mode of electing the President and Vice President of the United States; and,

After debate, and the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

FRIDAY, January 27, 1854. Link to Annals.

The following message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

To the Senate of the United States:

I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of State, with accompanying documents, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 23d instant.

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Washington, January 25, 1854.

The message was read.

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

A message from the House of Representates, by Mr. Forney, their clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed a bill (H. R. 198) giving further tune for satisfying claims for bounty land, and for other purposes, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 30) for the relief of Thomas Marston Taylor; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

0133 133

The bill (S. 51) for the relief of Cornelius McCaulay was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it were reported to the Senate.

On the question, Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time?

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 12

Nays 21

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Badger, Brodhead, Chase, Everett, Fish, Foot, Pettit, Seward, Sumner, Thomson, of New Jersey, Wade, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Adams, Allen, Atchison, Benjamin, Brown, Cass, Dawson, Dodge, of Wisconsin, Dodge, of Iowa, Douglas, Evans, Fitzpatrick, Geyer, Hamlin, Hunter, Jones, of Iowa, Slidell, Stuart, Toombs, Walker, Weller.

So it was

Resolved, That this bill do not pass.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 31. Bill for the relief of Purser Francis B. Stockton;

S. 52. Bill for the relief of Mary E. D. Blaney, widow of the late Major George Blaney;

S. 53. Bill for the relief of the sureties of Daniel Winslow;

S. 72. Bill for the relief of the heirs and representatives of Uriah Prewitt. deceased;

S. 101. Bill for the relief of the children of the late Lieutenant Michael Everly, a revolutionary officer;

S. 103. Bill confirming a certain land claim in Louisiana, known as the Fleurian claim;

S. 114. Bill for the relief of Thomas Pember;

S. 115. Bill for the relief of Samuel Mickum; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bills were severally read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles, respectively, be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered, as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 61. Bill for the relief of Hodges and Lansdale, and of the legal representatives of Rinaldo Johnson and of Ann E. Johnson, deceased;

S. 64. Bill for the relief of the legal representatives of John G. Mackall, deceased;

S. 88. Bill for the relief of William G. Ridgely; and,

On motion by Mr. Bright,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until Friday next.

On motion by Mr. Bright,

0134 134

Ordered, That when the Senate adjourn it be to Monday next.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 62. Bill for the relief of Richard M. Bouton, George Wright, and the widow of Marvin W. Fisher;

S. 87. Bill for the relief of Jacob Gideon;

S. 89. Bill for the relief of the legal representatives of Captain William G. Williams; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The bill (S. 128) for the relief of Hiram Paulding was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

On the question, Shall the bill be engrossed and read a third time?

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 25

Nays 7

On motion by Mr. Bright,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Atchison, Badger, Bell, Benjamin, Brodhead, Brown, Clayton, Dawson, Dodge, of Wiscosin, Evans, Fish, Foot, Gwin, Jones, of Iowa, Jones, of Tennessee, Mallory, Pettit, Sebastian, Seward, Smith, Toombs, Wade, Walker, Weller, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Adams, Alien, Bright, Chase, Fitzpatrick, Johnson, Stuart.

So it was

Ordered, That this bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion,

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, January 30, 1854. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, information in relation to the wreck of the steamer San Francisco; which was read.

Ordered, That it be printed.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Second Auditor of the Treasury, accompanied by copies of such accounts as have been rendered by persons charged with the disbursement or application of moneys, goods, or effects, for the benefit of the Indians, for the fiscal year ending the 30th of June, 1852, with lists of the names of all persons to whom goods, money, or effects have been delivered within the same period; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs and printed.

The President pro tempore presented the proceedings of a meeting of 0135 135 citizens of New York, held at the Tabernacle, in Broadway, in favor of the adoption of measures to secure to American citizens abroad the rights of religious worship; which were referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Allen presented resolutions of the legislature of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, recommending the senators and representatives of that State in Congress to use their efforts to prevent the passage of any law tending to disturb the provision of the act of March 6, 1820, commonly called the “Missouri Compromise Act,” in regard to slavery; which were read.

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

Mr. Brodhead presented eleven petitions of citizens of Philadelphia, praying that the United States mint may not be removed from that city; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Brodhead presented two petitions of citizens of Blair county, Pennsylvania, praying that a quarter section of land may be granted to the soldiers of the last war with Great Britain and all subsequent wars; which were referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Brodhead presented a petition of citizens of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, praying a further appropriation for the piers at Reedy Island; which Was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of citizens of Brunswick and its vicinity, in the State of Maine, praying a reduction of the rates of ocean postage; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Hamlin presented a petition of merchants and others of Portland, Maine, praying the re-construction of the custom-house at that place; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Wade presented three Petitions of citizens of Ohio, praying that the unsold public lands in that State may be granted for me use of me public schools therein; which were referred in the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Mallory presented the Petition of the widow and children of John M. Baker, late consul at Rio de Janeiro, praying compensation for diplomatic services; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Mallory presented the memorial of Thomas B. Huger, John Quincy Adams and Bayse N. Westcott, officers of the navy, praying to be indemnified for clothing lost on board the United States steamer Hunter, wrecked on the coast of Mexico; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of Newton and its vicinity, in the State of Massachusetts, praying a reduction of the rates of ocean postage; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Bright presented a petition of George W. Yerby, Horace M. Dewey and others, praying to be allowed the privilege of constructing and working a passenger railway from the navy-yard to Georgetown, along Pennsylvania avenue; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Bright presented a petition of John C. Rives, W. W. Seaton, R. 0136 136 W. Latham and others, citizens of Washington, praying that George W. Yerby and others may be authorized to construct a railway from George town along Pennsylvania avenue to the navy-yard; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Bright presented a petition of citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio, praying the Construction of a canal around the falls of the Ohio river on the Indiana side;which was referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals.

Mr. Weller presented the memorial of Horatio G. Gibson of the United States army, praying that extra pay may be extended to the officers and men of the United States army, who served in California between the 8th of May, 1846, and the first of July, 1850; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Gwin presented a petition of officers of the army, praying an increase of the commutation price of the army ration; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented four petitions of citizens of Iowa, praying that a grant of land be made to aid in the construction of the Philadelphia, Fort Wayne, and Platte Valley air-line railroad; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented the petition of James Pool, praying interest on his accounts from the time when certified by the Second Auditor to be due to the time of their payment; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented the petition of James Pool, praying the reimbursement of an amount of money paid by him for supplies for the Shawnee tribe of Indians; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Hunter presented the petition of Elizabeth Monroe, praying to have her pension extended and renewed; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Hunter presented the petition of James M. Goggin, praying to be allowed additional compensation for his services as a special mail agent for California, and for remuneration for expenses incurred in the discharge of his duties; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Fish presented a petition of citizens of Brooklyn and New York, praying that a contract may be entered into with Christian Hansen for the transportation of the United States mails between Brooklyn and certain ports in Europe; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Fish presented the petition of Calvin K. Averill, administrator of Genevieve Victor, widow of Felix Victor, of the revolutionary army, praying to be allowed commutation pay and a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Fish presented the petition of John W. Griffiths and William Norris, praying the adoption of a new rule for ascertaining the tonnage of vessels; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

On motion by Mr. Fish, that the memorial be printed,

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Printing.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented a petition of citizens of Johnson county, 0137 137 Iowa, praying a grant of land to aid in the construction of a railroad from Lyons, via Iowa City, to Council Bluffs; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented additional documents in relation to the claim of August Klein to a pension; which, with his petition on the files of the Senate, were referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sebastian presented a supplemental memorial of Amos and John E. Kendall, praying the reference of the question of the legal or equitable obligation of the United States to grant them the relief prayed for, to the circuit court for the District of Columbia, with a right of appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Mr. Norris presented the memorial of John C. F. Salomon, praying an act of incorporation for the purpose of supplying pure water to the crees of Washington and Georgetown; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the petition of ship-owners and others of St. George, Maine, relating to a light in Tenant's Harbor.

On motion by Mr. Sumner,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of Abraham Hunt, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Sumner,

Ordered, That the petition of Andrew Johonnot, administrator of William Johonnot, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky,

Ordered, That the memorial of John C. McFerran, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Bright,

Ordered, That the memorials and resolutions of the State legislatures, the memorials of incorporated companies, proceedings and memorials of citizens and other papers, on the files of the Senate, relating to the Louisville and Portland canal, and to the construction of a canal on the Indiana side of the falls of the Ohio, be referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals.

On motion by Mr. Weller,

Ordered, That the petition of Charles Uhde and Company, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Finance.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa.

Ordered, That the memorial of Edward P. Torrey, legal representative of Joseph Torrey, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the petition of the legal representatives of Henry Conner, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Brodhead,

Ordered, That the petition of John P. McElderry, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

0138 138

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the petition of James H. Stimpson, son and executor of James Stimpson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office.

Mr. Adams was, on his motion, excused from serving on the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion,

Ordered, That a member be appointed to fill the vacancy in the committee, and that the appointment be made by the President pro tempore; and Mr. Brown was appointed.

On motion by Mr. Bayard,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Jehiel Brooks.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing a port of delivery at Dubuque, Iowa.

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

Resolved, That the President be requested to transmit to the Senate, if not incompatible with the public interest, copies of the communications from Mr. Marsh, the American minister at Constantinople, in relation to the case of the Rev. Mr. King.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of making San Pedro, in the State of California, a port of entry.

Mr. Gwin submitted documents in relation to the establishment of a port of entry at San Pedro, California; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Sebastian, from the Committee on Indian Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of Henry C. Miller, Philip W. Thompson and Jesse B. Turley, reported adversely thereon.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was, referred the petition of Henry K. Brown, submitted an adverse report.

Mr. Foot, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the petition of William Rees, Submitted an adverse report, (No. 71,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Elizabeth R. Drane, submitted an adverse report, (No. 72,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom were referred documents relating to the claim of B. M. Van Derveer, submitted an adverse report, (No. 73,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Dawson, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of the Petersburg volunteers, submitted an adverse report, (No. 74,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, from the Committee on Pensions, to whom was 0139 139 referred the petition of George Felker, submitted an adverse report, (No. 75,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 5) to constitute Quincy, in the State of Illinois, a port of delivery, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill last mentioned, (H. R. 5,) and, no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

Mr. Seward, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the memorial of J. Wilson Smith, submitted a report, (No. 67,) accompanied by a joint resolution (S. R. 8) for the relief of the owners of the steamer Fanny.

The resolution last mentioned (S. R. 8) was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The resolution was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the report, on the memorial of J. Wilson Smith, be printed.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 11) making a grant of land to the State of Iowa, in alternate sections, to aid in the construction of Certain railroads in said State, reported it with an amendment.

Mr. Stuart, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 84) granting the right of way and making a grant of land to the State of Michigan, to aid in the construction of the Oakland and Ottawa railroad from Pontiac to Lake Michigan, and branches, from Corunna and Grand Rapids, to the Straits of Mackinaw, and a continuous branch from thence to Montreal river, in said State, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Johnson, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom were referred the following bills:

S. 7. Bill granting to the State of Louisiana the right of way and a donation of public land for the purpose of locating and constructing a railroad from Algiers, on the Mississippi river, to the Sabine river, in said State;

S. 8. Bill granting to the State of Louisiana the right of way and donation of public land for the purpose of locating and constructing a railroad from Shreveport to the Mississippi river;

S. 40. Bill granting the right of way and making a grant of land to the State of Arkansas, to aid in the construction of a railroad from a point on the Mississippi, in the region of Gaines's Landing, via Camden, to the Texas boundary, near Fulton, in Arkansas;

0140 140

S. 63. Bill granting further time for satisfying claims for bounty lands for military services in the war of 1812 with Great Britain, and for other purposes, reported them severally, with amendments to each bill.

Mr. Johnson, from the Committee on Territories, to whom was referred the bill (S. 138) to aid the Territory of Minnesota in constructing a railroad for military, postal, and other purposes, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Johnson, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom were referred the following bills:

S. 21. Bill granting the right of way and a donation of the public lands to the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, to aid in the construction of certain railroads therein;

S. 9. Bill granting to the State of Louisiana the right of way and a donation of public land, for the purpose of locating and constructing a railroad from New Orleans to the Mississippi State line, in the direction of the town of Jackson, in said State; reported them severally, without amendment, and adversely.

Mr. Bayard, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom was referred me bill (S. 38) to provide for the accommodation of the courts of the United States in the District of Massachusetts, reported it with an amendment.

Mr. Allen, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom were referred the papers relating to the claim of Charles G. Gunter, and the bill (S. 153) to relinquish the reversionary interest of the United States to a certain reservation therein mentioned, and to confirm the title of Charles G. Gunter thereto, reported the bill without amendment, and accompanied by a report, (No. 65,) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred a memorial of the city council of the city of Dubuque, reported a bill (S. 164) to relinquish certain lands to the city of Dubuque, in the State of Iowa; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Wade, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the memorial of Lieutenant A. J. Williamson, submitted a report, (No. 66) accompanied by a bill (S. 165) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Bright, from the Committee on the District of Columbia, to whom was referred the petition of David English, and others, of Georgetown, District of Columbia, reported a bill (S. 166) to incorporate the Georgetown Gaslight Company; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Pettit, from the Committee on Private Land Claims, to whom was referred the petition of D. J. Campau, submitted a report, (No. 68) accompanied by a bill (S. 167) for the relief of Joseph Campau.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Shields, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the petition of Dempsey Pittman, submitted a report, accompanied by a bill (S. 168) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

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Mr. Gwin, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of William P. S. Sanger, reported a bill (S. 169) for his relief; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Weller, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of Helen Mackay, administratrix of Lieutenant Colonel Æneas Mackay, late a quartermaster in the United States army, submitted a report, (No. 69,) accompanied by a bill (S. 170) for her relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Seward, from the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office, to whom was referred the petition of William R. Nevins, submitted a report, (No. 70,) accompanied by a bill (S. 171) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Norris, from the Committee on the District of Columbia, to whom the subject was referred, reported a bill (S. 172) to enable the United States to take lands and materials necessary for the construction of the Washington aqueduct, within the District of Columbia; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Johnson, from the Committee on Public Lands, reported a bill (S. 173) making a grant of land to the States of Louisiana and Mississippi to aid in the construction of certain railroads in said States; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Mallory asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 174) to provide for the construction of a suitable building for the accommodation of the District Court of the United States at Key West, in the State of Florida; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

The bill (H. R. 187) granting the franking privilege to the Superintendent of the Coast Survey, and the assistant in charge of the office of said Coast Survey, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

The bill (H. R. 198) giving further time for satisfying claims for bounty land, and for other purposes, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution of the House of Representatives for the appointment of a committee jointly with such committee as may be appointed by the Senate, to take into consideration a proposed amendment to the Constitution, changing the mode of electing the President and Vice President of the United States; and

On motion by Mr. Bayard,

Resolved, That the Senate agree to the appointment of a committee 0142 142 for the purpose mentioned in the resolution of the House of Representatives, and that the committee on the part of the Senate be appointed by the President pro tempore; and

Mr. Bayard, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Toucey, Mr. Foot, and Mr. Gwin were appointed.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 22) to organize the Territory of Nebraska; and

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Seward,

The Senate adjourned.

TUESDAY, January 31, 1854. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, information in relation to the improvement of the Arkansas river; which was read.

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

Mr. Pearce presented a memorial of inspectors of customs for the port of Baltimore, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Seward presented a petition of citizens of New York, praying that a contract may be entered into with Christian Hansen for the transportation of the United States mail, by steamers, between Brooklyn and certain ports of Europe; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Seward presented a memorial of citizens of Wayne county, New York, praying the construction of a ship cared around the falls of Niagara; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Benjamin presented the memorial of Charles McCormick, an assistant surgeon in the army, praying to be allowed a per-centage on money disbursed by him under the act of March 2, 1847; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Slidell presented the petition of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, praying that provision be made by law for the remission of duties on merchandise destroyed by fire; which was referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Williams presented the petition of George Alexander, praying pecuniary relief on account of the loss of health while in the service of the United States commission to run the northeastern boundary line; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented the petition of Minerva Catlett, widow of Hanson Catlett, a surgeon in the army, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Norris presented the petition of the captain and members of the Auxiliary Guard of the city of Washington, praying an increase of compensation; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

0143 143

Mr. Chase presented a memorial of citizens of Cincinnati, praying that an appropriation be made to aid a chartered company in the construction of a spacious canal around the falls of the Ohio; which was referred to the Committee on Roads and Canals.

Mr. Gwin presented a memorial of the officers and crew of the United States frigate St. Lawrence, praying to be allowed an increase of pay; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a letter of the Commissioner of Patents, communicating that portion of the annual report for the year 1853, which relates to arts and manufactures.

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

On motion by Mr. Atchison,

Ordered, That the petition of Captain C. L. Easton, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the petition and papers of Don Juan Virgil.

On motion by Mr. Weller that seventeen thousand additional copies of that portion of the report of the Commissioner of Patents which relates to arts and manufactures be printed for the use of the Senate.

Ordered, That the motion be referred to the Committee on Printing.

On motion by Mr. Walker,

Ordered, That the petition of Matthew Rippey, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Pearce,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of John Ireland, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

Ordered, That the petition of Caty White, widow of Lieutenant William White, of the revolutionary army, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

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

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to communicate to the Senate a statement showing the amount of money that has been allowed and paid, under the acts of 26th June, 1834, and 29th May, 1830, to the owners, respectively, of the following named vessels, sunk for the defence of the harbor of Baltimore, to wit: ship Scioto, schooner Packet, ship Packet, brig Ann, brig Betsey, brig. George, ship Adriana, schooner Scudder, brig Blanche, brig Sally, ship Mars, sloop Rosanna, schooner Enterprize, brig Eliza, brig Swallow, schooner Columbia, ship Thomas Wilson, and ship Chesapeake.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the propriety and expediency of providing for appeals from the district courts of the United States, in the State of Florida, to one of the circuit courts of the United States, in all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction, in which the amounts in controversy may be less than two thousand dollars, exclusive of costs.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing a post route from Macedonia, via Bethlehem, to Glenwood, in Iowa.

Mr. Clayton submitted the following resolution for consideration:

Resolved, That the President be requested to communicate to the Senate, if not incompatible with the public interest, copies of all correspondence between the governments of the United States and Great Britain in regard to the Sandwich Islands, including copies of all communications between the Secretary of State and Mr. Fox, the British minister, during the years 1843 and 1844, in regard to the independence of those islands; and especially of the letters of Mr. Fox to Mr. Upsher of the 25th of June, 1843, and of Mr. Upsher to Mr. Fox of the 5th of July, 1843; also, a copy of any protest, or other communication, from the king of the Sandwich Islands to this government, in regard to the seizure of those islands by Lord George Paulet, commander of his Britannic Majesty's ship “Carysfort,” and of any reply of this government thereto.

Mr. Badger submitted the following resolution, which was read:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate pay the proprietors of the National Intelligencer, out of the contingent fund, for publishing in that paper the debates and proceedings of the Senate of the last Congress, at the rate of one-half of the price which was allowed to the Washington Union for the same service.

Mr. Wade, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of John Bronson, submitted a report, (No. 76,) accompanied by a bill (S. 175) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of John P. McElderry, reported a bill (S. 176) for his relief; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Foot asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 177) to incorporate the National Pacific Railroad Company; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the select committee appointed on the subject.

On motion by Mr. Foot,

Ordered, That the bill be printed.

Agreeably to notice, Mr. Pratt asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill (178) to incorporate the National Hotel Company of Washington city; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

The bill (S. 122) to amend the third section of the “act making appropriations for the civil and diplomatic expenses of the government for the year ending the 30th of June, 1854,” and for other purposes, was read the second time and considered, as in Committee of the Whole; and, having been amended, on the motion of Mr. Adams, it was reported to the Senate, and the amendments were concurred in.

Ordered, That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

0145 145

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Badger, from the Committee on Finance, to whom was referred the bill (S. 94) allowing a credit, for a limited period, for duties on railroad iron imported into the United States, reported it with an amendment.

The bill (S. 149) granting a portion of the public lands to the State of Wisconsin, to aid in the construction of a railroad and branch road in said State, was read the second time and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until to-morrow.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 22) to organize the Territory of Nebraska; and

On motion by Mr. Weller, that the further consideration of the bill be postponed until Thursday next,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 9

Nays 41

On motion by Mr. Wade,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Bell, Brown, Dawson, Dodge, of Wisconsin, Geyer, Jones, of Tennessee, Pratt, Shields, Thompson, of Kentucky.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Adams, Allen, Atchison, Badger, Bayard, Benjamin, Brodhead, Cass, Chase, Clay, Clayton, Dixon, Dodge, of Iowa, Douglas, Evans, Everett, Fish, Fitzpatrick, Foot, Gwin, Hamlin, Hunter, Johnson, Jones, of Iowa, Mallory, Norris, Pettit, Sebastian, Seward, Slidell, Smith, Stuart, Sumner, Thomson, of New Jersey, Toombs, Toucey, Wade, Walker, Weller, Williams, Wright.

On motion by Mr. Foot, that the further consideration of the bill be postponed until Friday next,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 36

Nays 14

On motion by Mr. Fish,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Alien, Atchison, Badger, Bayard, Bell, Benjamin, Brodhead, Brown, Cass, Chase, Clay, Clayton, Dawson, Dixon, Douglas, Everett, Fish, Foot, Hamlin, Jones, of Iowa, Jones, of Tennessee, Mallory, Pearce, Pettit, Seward, Shields, Smith, Stuart, Sumner, Thomson,of New Jersey, Toucey, Wade, Walker, Weller, Williams, Wright.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Adams, Dodge, of Iowa, Evans, Fitzpatrick, Geyer, Gwin, Hunter, Johnson, Norris, Pratt, Sebastian, Slidell, Thompson, of Kentucky, Toombs.

So it was

Ordered, That the further consideration of the bill be postponed until Friday next.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed the bill of 10 0146 146 the Senate (S. 159) entitled “An act to provide a place for the holding of the courts of the United States in the southern district of New York; and for other purposes;” and

They have passed a bill (H. R. 197) entitled an act supplemental to an act entitled “An act to ascertain and settle the private land claims in the State of California,” approved March 3, 1851, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

The following engrossed bills were severally read the third time:

S. 62. Bill for the relief of Richard M. Bouton, George Wright, and the widow of Marvin W. Fisher;

S. 87. Bill for the relief of Jacob Gideon;

S. 89. Bill for the relief of the legal representatives of the late Captain William G. Williams.

Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles, respectively, be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The bill (H. R. 197) this day received from the House of Representatives for concurrence, was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Walker,

The vote on the postponement of the bill (S. 149) granting a portion of the public hinds to the State of Wisconsin, to aid in the construction of a railroad and a branch road in said State, was reconsidered.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the said bill; and, no amendment lining made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof beas aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

Mr. Mallory asked and, by unanimous consent, obtained leave to bring in a bill (S. 179) to constitute Palatka and Bayport, in the State of Florida, ports of delivery, respectively; which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

The bill (S. 120) to promote the efficiency of the army by retiring disabled officers, was read the second time and considered as in Committee of the Whole.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof, together with the bill (S. 118) to increase the present military establishment of the United States, and for other purposes, and the bill (S. 119) to regulate the pay and increase the efficiency of the army of the United States, and for other purposes, be postponed until Tuesday, the 14th of February next.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 55. Bill to extend the limits of the port of New Orleans.

S. 156. Bill to provide for the final settlement of the accounts of Jonathan Kearsley, late receiver of public moneys at Detroit; and of 0147 147 John Biddle, late register of the land office at that place; and, no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bills were severally read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles, respectively, be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, February 1, 1854. Link to Annals.

Mr. Allen presented the petition of Harriet H. Saunders, widow of Camillus Saunders, an officer of the revenue-cutter service, who was lost on board the cutter Hamilton, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Stuart presented the memorial of Joseph Smith, assignee of a certain land warrant, asking the right to locate the quantity of land therein described; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Mr. Walker presented the memorial of the mayor and aldermen of the city of Milwaukie, relative to the mode of expending money appropriated for the harbor of that city; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Walker presented a presentment of the grand jury of the United States for the district of Wisconsin, representing the necessity of providing suitable buildings for the custom house, post office, and courts in the city of Milwaukie; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey, presented a petition of citizens of Hackensack, New Jersey, praying the erection of a monument over the remains of Brigadier General Enock Poor, of New Hampshire; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of Sarah S. Hine, widow of E. C. Hine, an officer of the United States revenue-cutter service, who was lost on board the cutter Hamilton, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Seward presented the petition of Abraham Boileau, one of the grand-children of Amable Boileau, an officer of the revolutionary army, praying to be allowed commutation pay; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Clayton presented a memorial of citizens of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, praying a modification of the late bounty land law; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of citizens of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, praying Congress to pass no law for the extension of slavery in the territory from which it was excluded by the “Missouri compromise act.”

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

0148 148

Mr. Fish presented the petition of Ellen Martin, praying that the commutation pay to which Francis Martin was entitled, for services during the revolutionary war, may be paid to his grand-children or legal representatives; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Stuart,

Ordered, That the petition and papers on the files of the Senate, relating to the claim of Joseph Sanfacon, and others, of Michigan, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Clayton,

Ordered, That the memorial of Catherine Crosby and the representatives of Thomas D. Anderson, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Toucey,

Ordered, That Ann Dodd have leave to withdraw her petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the petition of William D. and Julia Acken, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Slidell submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and having been amended on the motion of Mr. Badger, was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be requested to inquire whether any additional rule, or amendment of an existing rule, in relation to the proceedings of the Senate in executive session be necessary; and if, in their opinion, any such rule or amendment be necessary, to report such rule or amendment to the Senate.

Mr. Brodhead submitted the following resolution; which was considered, by unanimous consent, and, having been amended on the motion of Mr. Pratt, was agreed to, as follows:

Resolved, That the Committee on Military Affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of authorizing the Secretary of War to select a site for a national foundry, at some suitable place.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, reported from the committee that they had examined and found duly enrolled the following bills:

S. 159. An act to provide a place for the holding of the courts of the United States in the southern district of New York, and for other purposes;

H. R. 5. An act to constitute Quincy, in the State of Illinois, a port of delivery;

H. R. 187. An act granting the franking privilege to the Superintendent of the Coast Survey, and the assistant in charge of the office of said Coast Survey.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the heirs of Robert Sewall have leave to withdraw their petition and papers.

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the Committee on the District of Columbia be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of John C. F. Salomon.

On motion by Mr. Norris,

0149 149

Ordered, That the Committee on the District of Columbia be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of L. P. Holladay and Company.

Mr. Butler, from the Committee on the Judiciary, to whom were referred the bill (H. R. 133) to secure the right of citizenship to children of citizens of the United States born out of the limits thereof, and sundry memorials on the subject, reported the bill, with an amendment.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the bill (S. 179) to constitute Palatka and Bayport, in the State of Florida, ports of delivery, respectively, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the petition of Charles Morgan, president of the Accessory Transit Company, reported a bill (S. 180) to authorize the issue of registers to vessels owned by the Accessory Transit Company; which was read and passed to a second reading.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Forney, their clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed a bill (H. R. 142) to cede to the State of Illinois that part of the Cumberland road lying within said State, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution reported by the Committee on the Judiciary, in relation to the right of the honorable Samuel S. Phelps to a seat in the Senate; and

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Butler,

The Senate adjourned.

THURSDAY, February 2, 1854. Link to Annals.

The President pro tempore presented resolutions passed by the select and common council of the city of Philadelphia, recommending the passage of an act granting to each of the soldiers of the last War with Great Britain, and to the heirs of those deceased, one hundred and sixty acres of land; which were referred to the Commitee on Public Lands.

Mr. Seward presented a resolution of the legislature of New York, asking Congress to enact such laws as may be necessary to secure the health of passengers on board of emigrant ships arriving in the ports of the United States; which was read.

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

Mr. Norris presented a memorial of a committee of the corporation of Georgetown, praying the construction of a suspension bridge across the Potomac, at a point above that town known as the “Three Sisters;” which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Pratt presented the memorial of Mary F. B. Levely, widow of Henry Levely, captain of the private armed schooner “Non-Such,” praying to be allowed arrears of pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Everett presented the memorial of Lucy Audubon, praying Congress to purchase the original drawings of the work of her late husband 0150 150 on “the Birds of America;” which was referred to the Committee on the Library.

On motion by Mr. Slidell.

Ordered, That the memorial of Andrew Hodge, jr., on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Seward,

Ordered, That the memorial of Rulef Van Brunt, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee of Claims.

On motion by Mr. Benjamin,

Ordered, That the Committee on Private Land Claims be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Henry Yates and Archibald McIntyre.

On motion by Mr. Gwin,

Ordered, That the Committee on Naval Affairs be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of M. Jean Deplaign, and that it be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

On motion by Mr. Shields,

Ordered, That the petition of Jacob Cooper, son of Apollos Cooper, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Shields presented a petition of members of the county court of Henderson county, Illinois, praying that a grant of land may be made to the Warsaw and Rockford Railroad Company; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Shields presented a petition of citizens of Dixon, and a petition of citizens of Chicago, in the State of Illinois, praying that a grant of land may be made to aid in the construction of a railroad from Lyons, via Iowa City, to Council Bluffs; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McKean, chief clerk:

Mr. President: The Speaker of the House of Representatives having signed three enrolled bills, I am directed to bring them to the Senate for the signature of their President.

The President pro tempore signed the three enrolled bills, H. R. 5, H. R. 187, and S. 159, last reported to have been examined, and they were delivered to the committee to be presented to the President of the United States.

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

Resolved, That the President be requested to communicate to the Senate, if not incompatible with the public interest, copies of all communications from the American legation at Constantinople respecting the seizure of Martin Kostza, by Austrian authorities, at Smyrna.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary he directed to consider the expediency of limiting, in some way, the right of appeal from the district court to the circuit court of the United States on mere questions of facts in admiralty causes.

Mr. Seward, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred 0151 151 the memorial of Selina C. Sumner, and a petition of underwriters and ship-owners of New York, submitted a report, (No. 77,) accompanied by a bill (S. 181) for the purchase of the copy-right of a work published by Thomas H. Sumner, wherein he describes his new method of ascertaining a ship's position at sea.

The bill was react and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Seward, from the Committee on Commerce, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Butler, submitted a report, (No. 78,) accompanied by a bill (S. 182) for his relief.

The bill was read and passed to a second reading.

Ordered, That the report be printed.

Mr. Brodhead, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of Passed Midshipmen George P. Welsh and Clark H. Wells, reported a bill (S. 183) for their relief; which was read and passed to a second reading.

Mr. Walker, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 110) granting to the State of Wisconsin land to aid in the construction of a railroad from Madison to the Mississippi river, reported it with an amendment.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 74) making a grant of land to the State of California to aid in the construction of railroads from San Francisco to San José, Benicia to Marysville, Sacramento City, via Auburn, to Nevada City, and Stockton to Sonora, reported it with amendments.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 93) to establish a land district in the State of Florida, to be called the District of Tampa, reported it without amendment.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (S. 92) to lay off the town of Council Bluffs, in Iowa, reported it with an amendment, and accompanied by a report, (No. 79;) which was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Johnson, from the Committee on Public Lands, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 198) giving further time for satisfying claims to bounty land, and for other purposes, reported it without amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill last mentioned, (H. R. 198;) and, no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred a motion, by Mr. Weller, to print additional copies of that portion of the report of the Commissioner of Patents relating to arts and manufactures, reported it with an amendment.

The Senate proceeded to consider the motion, and the reported amendment was agreed to; and the motion having been further amended, was agreed to, as follows:

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Ordered, That twelve thousand additional copies of that portion of the report of the Commissioner of Patents which relates to arts and manufactures, be printed for the use of the Senate; two thousand copies of which shall be for the use of the Patent Office.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred a motion to print the petition of John W. Griffiths and William Norris, reported in favor of printing the petition; and

The report was agreed to.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the motion of Mr. Bright, to print additional copies of the report of the Committee on Finance, (No. 64,) reported thereon.

The Senate proceeded to consider the report; and, in concurrence therewith,

Ordered, That one thousand additional copies of the report be printed.

Mr. Hamlin, from the Committee on Printing, to whom was referred the bill (S. 97) to provide for the public printing, engraving, and binding, reported it without amendment, and that it ought not to pass.

The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution, submitted by Mr. Clayton the 31st January, in relation to correspondence between the government of the United States and that of Greta Britain on the subject of the Sandwich Islands; and

The resolution was agreed to.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 38) to provide for the accommodation of the courts of the United States in the district of Massachusetts; and the reported amendment having been agreed to, the bill was reported to the Senate and the amendment was concurred in.

Ordered, That the bill be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass, and that the title thereof be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution reported by the Committee on the Judiciary, in relation to the right of the honorable Samuel S. Phelps to a seat in the Senate; and

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Pratt,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed until Thursday next, the 9th instant.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

FRIDAY, February 3, 1854. Link to Annals.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, reported from the committee that they yesterday presented to the President of the United States the following enrolled bills:

S. 159. An act to provide a place for the holding of the courts of the United States in the southern district of New York, and for other purposes;

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H. R. 5. An act to constitute Quincy, in the State of Illinois, a port of delivery;

H. R. 187. An act granting the franking privilege to the Superintendent of the Coast Survey, and the Assistant in charge of the office of said Coast Survey.

A message from the President of the United States, by Mr. Webster, his secretary:

Mr. President: The President of the United States approved and signed, the 2d instant, an enrolled bill, (S. 159,) entitled An act to provide a place for the holding of the courts of the United States in the southern district of New York, and for other purposes.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (S. 24) explanatory of “an act for the relief of Benjamin S. Roberts;” and

On motion by Mr. Adams, it was

Resolved, That the bill do not pass.

The following bills were severally read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole:

S. 132. Bill for the relief of Albert Hart;

S. 133. Bill for the relief of Lavinia Taylor;

S. 134. Bill for the relief of Allen G. Johnson;

S. 135. Bill for the relief of Adam D. Steuart, paymaster of the United States army;

S. 136. Bill for the relief of William Senna Factor;

S. 141. Bill for the relief of Richard Fitzpatrick;

S. 142. Bill for the relief of Don B. Juan Domercq, a Spanish subject;

S. 143. Bill for the compensation of James W. Low, and others, for the capture of the British private-armed schooner “Ann,” during the late war with Great Britain;

S. 144. Bill for the relief of Purser T. P. McBlair;

S. 145. Bill for the relief of John G. Camp;

S. 146. Bill for the relief of Samuel H. Hempstead;

S. 147. Bill for the relief of the legal representatives of Thomas Chapman, formerly collector of the port of Georgetown, South Carolina;

S. 152. Bill for the relief of Isaac Varn, senior;

S. 154. Bill for the relief of Richard King; and no amendment being made, they were reported to the Senate.

Ordered, That they be engrossed and read a third time.

The said bills were severally read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That they pass, and that their titles, respectively, be as aforesaid.

Ordered, That the Secretary request the concurrence of the House of Representatives therein.

The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Committee of the Whole, the bill (H. R. 100) for the relief of William Blake; and no amendment being made, it was reported to the Senate.

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Ordered, That it pass to a third reading.

The said Bill was read the third time, by unanimous consent.

Resolved, That it pass.

Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives thereof.

On motion by Mr. Badger,

That when the Senate adjourn it be to Monday next,

It was determined in the negative,

Yeas 19

Nays 25

On motion by Mr. Mason,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the senators present,

Those who voted in the affimative are,

Messrs. Alien, Badger, Bell, Cass, Chase, Clayton, Everett, Fish, Foot, Hamlin, Jones, of Tennessee, Norris, Seward, Shields, Smith, Stuart, Sumner, Wade, Walker.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Adams, Atchison, Benjamin, Bright, Brodhead, Butler, Dawson, Dixon, Dodge, of Wisconsin, Dodge, of Iowa, Douglas, Evans, Fitzpatrick, Hunter, Jones, of Iowa, Mason, Pettit, Pratt, Sebastian, Slidell, Thomson, of New Jersey, Toucey, Weller, Williams, Wright.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 22) to organize the Territory of Nebraska; and,

An amendment, proposed by Mr. Chase, being under consideration,

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Butler,

The Senate adjourned.

SATURDAY, February 4, 1854. Link to Annals.

Mr. Butler presented the petition of the heirs and legal representatives of Captain Oliver Towles, who was slain in the revolutionary war, praying to be allowed his seven years' half-pay; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Brown presented a memorial of the Bethlehem Baptist Association at Enterprise, Mississippi, praying that provision be made in our treaties with foreign countries to secure religious toleration to American citizens who may be resident therein; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Allen presented the petition of Christopher Spencer, praying remuneration for the sufferings of his father, William Spencer, by imprisonment and loss of property during the war of the revolution; which was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

Mr. Seward presented a petition of citizens of Monroe county, New York, praying a modification of the bounty land and pension laws; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Seward presented resolutions of the Cleveland Board of Trade, Ohio, in favor of the construction of a ship canal around the falls of Niagara; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Fish presented a petition of citizens of Clinton county, New 0155 155 York, praying a modification of the bounty land and pension laws; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Fish presented the proceedings of a meeting of citizens of New York, protesting against the repeal of that section of the act for the admission of Missouri into the Union, as a State, which prohibits slavery north of 36° 30′.

On motion by Mr. Fish, that they be read,

The reading thereof was objected to by Mr. Douglas; and

The question being put, Shall the proceedings be read?

It was determined in the negative.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That they lie on the table.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented a petition of citizens of Keokuk, Iowa, praying that William Rees be permitted to form a normal settlement on the public lands; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Sumner presented a petition of the legal voters of Claremont, New Hampshire, remonstrating against a violation of the “Missouri Compromise.”

Ordered, That it lie on the table.

Mr. Cass presented the petition of Elizabeth S. R. Sailly, of New York, praying that the pension granted her as the widow of Captain Samuel L. Russell, of the army, may be continued; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Cass presented a memorial of citizens of Philadelphia, praying a modification of the bounty land law; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Brodhead presented fifteen memorials of citizens of Philadelphia, praying that the United States mint may not be removed from that city; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Brodhead presented five petitions of citizens of Pennsylvania, remonstrating against a violation of the “Missouri Compromise.”

Ordered, That they lie on the table.

Mr. Bright presented a petition of the rector and members of the vestry of Rock Creek parish, in the county of Washington, praying that provision may be made by Congress for the establishment and support of a public school in that parish; which was referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Bayard presented a memorial of citizens of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, praying a further appropriation for the completion of the piers at Reedy Island; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Clay presented a petition of citizens of Tuscumbia and its vicinity, Alabama, praying that the compensation of the postmaster and the clerks in the post office in that town may be increased; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Clay presented the petition of John S. Wilson, praying remuneration for land settled and improved by him, under a role from the United States, and of which he was dispossessed; which was referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

Mr. Walker presented a memorial of the Fox and Wisconsin Improvement 0156 156 Company, praying an additional grant of land; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the petition and papers of Patsey Ellmore, widow of Thomas Ellmore.

On motion by Mr. Sebastian,

Ordered, That the petition of William Field, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

On motion by Mr. Fish,

Ordered, That the petition of Elizabeth Marsh, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the Committee on Pensions be discharged from the further consideration of the petition of William D. Acken and Julia Acken, representatives of William Yool; and that the petitioners have leave to withdraw their petition and papers.

The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill (S. 22) to organize the Territory of Nebraska; and

After debate,

On motion by Mr. Wade, that the further consideration thereof be postponed until Monday next,

It was determined in the affirmative,

Yeas 23

Nays 17

On motion by Mr. Douglas,

The yeas and nays being desired by one-fifth of the senators present,

Those who voted in the affirmative are,

Messrs. Alien, Badger, Bell, Brodhead, Butler, Cass, Clayton, Dawson, Everett, Fish, Foot, Houston, Jones, of Tennessee, Norris, Sebastian, Seward, Smith, Stuart, Sumner, Thomson, of New Jersey, Toucey, Wade, Williams.

Those who voted in the negative are,

Messrs. Adams, Benjamin, Brown, Clay, Dixon, Dodge, of Wisconsin, Dodge, of Iowa, Douglas, Evans, Fitzpatrick, Geyer, Gwin, Mason, Pettit, Slidell, Thompson, of Kentucky, Weller.

So it was

Ordered, That the further consideration of the bill be postponed until Monday next.

After the consideration of executive business,

The Senate adjourned.

MONDAY, February 6, 1854. Link to Annals.

The honorable Thomas J. Rusk, from the State of Texas, attended.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of War, communicating copies of all reports of the engineers and other persons employed to make explorations and surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean, which have been received at the department; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Select Committee on the subject, and printed.

0157 157

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, presented a petition of residents of Blackhawk and other counties, in the State of Iowa, praying the establishment of a new land office in that State; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Pettit presented a petition of Christopher Cory, praying an investigation into his discovery as to the cause and cure of the “potatoe rot,” and an appropriation to indemnify him for the time spent and expenses incurred in making the discovery; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

Mr. Foot presented documents in support of the claim of the children of Leonard Proctor to a pension for services during the war of the revolution; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Benjamin presented the memorial of the Jefferson and Lake Pontchartrain Railway Company, praying that the terminus of that railway on the lake be made a port of delivery; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Fish presented resolutions of the Chamber of Commerce of New York, recommending that provision be made at the assay office, in that city, for coining, as well as assaying, the precious metals; which were referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky, presented the memorial of Thomas Conner, praying a pension on account of an injury received in the military service of the United States; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Thompson, of Kentucky, presented the memorial of S. R. Addison, a passed assistant surgeon in the navy, praying to be allowed the difference between the pay of passed assistant surgeon and that of surgeon, during the time he performed the duties of surgeon; which was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. Bright presented the proceedings of a meeting of citizens of Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, held on the 8th of June, 1852, protesting against the erection of any bridges below that town; which were referred to the Committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Mallory presented the petition of John W. Kelly, praying indemnification for loss sustained in consequence of the abrogation of a contract by the Post Office Department for the transportation of the mails; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Thomson, of New Jersey, presented the memorial of Sarah Somers Corson, nearest surviving relative of Richard Somers, who fell at Tripoli in 1804, praying a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.

Mr. Sebastian presented a letter from Alexander Ramsay, enclosing papers in relation to the charges of malfeasance in office preferred against him; which was referred to the Committee on Indians Affairs.

Mr. Hamlin presented five petitions of inhabitants of Maine, praying that 160 acres of land may be granted to every man who served any of the wars of the United States, and to the children of those deceased; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Dawson presented the memorial of the Hephzibah Baptist Association, of Georgia, praying that provision may be made in our with foreign countries to secure religious toleration to America citizens 0158 158 who may be resident therein; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Pratt presented resolutions of the legislature of Maryland, in favor of some arrangement with the Peruvian government by which the monopoly in the sale of guano may be removed; which were ordered to be printed.

Mr. Sumner presented a memorial of the American Geographical and Statistical Society, praying that measures, be taken to secure a uniform standard of weights and measures; which was referred to the Committee on the Library.

Mr. Walker presented a petition of citizens of Ontagamie county, Wisconsin, praying the establishment of a mail route from Appleton, via Centre and Ellington, to Bovina, in that State; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. Walker presented a petition of citizens of Green Bay and Depere, praying the establishment of a port of entry in that part of the State of Wisconsin, or that it may he attached to the Milwaukie district; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. Johnson presented the petition of Theresa Dardenus, praying indemnity for losses sustained in consequence of an erroneous sale of land by the land officers at Little Rock to her late husband, Abraham Dardenus; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Dodge, of Iowa, presented three petitions of citizens of Iowa, praying that a grant of land may be made to the States of Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, to aid in the construction of the Great Western air-line railroad, from Fort Wayne to Council Bluffs; which were referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. Butler presented a letter of D. McManus, recommending the establishment of a corps of chaplains in the army, similar to that of the medical department; which was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. James submitted an additional document, in relation to the claim of the heirs of Uriah Jones to a pension; which, with their petition on the files of the Senate, was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Jones, of Iowa,

Ordered, That Edwin James, senior, and Edwin James, junior, have leave to withdraw their memorial and papers.

The President pro tempore laid before the Senate a report of the Secretary of the Interior, communicating a letter from the Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs, asking an additional appropriation for the general incidental expenses of the Indian service in the Territory of New Mexico; which was read.

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs and printed.

Mr. Johnson submitted documents in relation to the claims of David Carter and Nancy Thornton; which were referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That the Committee on Public Lands he discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of George Barrell and S. V. 0159 159 S. Wilder, and the heirs of the other owners of the ship Columbia and the sloop Washington, the heirs of Captain John Kendrick and Martha Gray, widow of Robert Gray, and that the memorial be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Hunter,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of Charles Lewis, the petition of the executor of Carter Page, and the petition of Anne Royall, widow of Captain William Royall, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Hamlin,

Ordered, That the memorial of Ethan A. Allen, legal representative of Colonel Ethan Allen, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims.

On motion by Mr. Mallory,

Ordered, That the petition of the heirs of Jehu Underwood, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Private Land Claims.

On motion by Mr. Dodge, of Iowa,

Ordered, That leave be granted to withdraw the petition of stonemasons and laborers employed on the extension of the Capitol.

On motion by Mr. Bright,

Ordered, That the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from the further consideration of the bill (S. 95) to establish a court for the settlement of claims against the United States, and that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire into the expediency of providing, by law, for conferring circuit court jurisdiction upon the judge of the district court for the judicial district of Arkansas, and for an increase of the salary of said judge.

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

Resolved, That the Committee on Indian Affairs be, and are hereby, instructed to investigate the matter of the valuation claim of David Carter, a Cherokee Indian, and report thereon to the Senate.

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. Forney, their clerk:

Mr. President: The House of Representatives have passed bills of the following titles, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate:

H. R. 54. An act for the relief of Madison Parton;

H. R. 120. An act for the relief of Henry N. Halstead;

H. R. 121. An act for the relief of Benjamin Hammond, of the State of New York;

H. R. 122. An act for the relief of Henry J. Snow, of Rome, in the State of New York;

H. R. 123. An act for the relief of Charles Staples;

H. R. 124. An act