IN CONGRESS OF THE r. STATES.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30. 19J7.
IN CONTINUATION.
IBIATI.
THE CONQUEST OF MEXICO.
Mr. CALHOUN. 1 hope that the resolution which I
offered the other day may now be taken up, in order to
Ax a <fey for their consideration.
The resolutions were then taken up and read as follows:
Jteinforrf, That to conquer Mexico, and to hold it, eitliei
as a province or to incorporate it in our Union, would be
luoouMitoirt with the avowed object lor which the war ha?
keen pio.ei.uied ; a departure from the settled policy of tin
government, in contiicl with its character and geuiu.i, and,
in i lie end, subversive of our free and popular institutions.
RttolvtJ, That no line of policy in the further prosecution
ut the war should be adopted which tuny lead to consequences
so disastrous.
Mr. CALHOUN. 1 sliull be regulated in fixing the
day by the wishes of the Senate. f have no particular
desire in regard to a very early consideration of the resolutions.
All I wish is, that there should be no unnecessary
delay. If it be agreeable to the Senate, 1 propose
thai they be taken up on the first Tuesday in January
next?two weeks from to-morrow.
, Mr. ALLEN, i understand that the senator from
South Carolina has made a motion, and 1 supiiose 1 am
in order in rising to make a remark. I do not know that
I have any particular objection to that motion; but as
this is a matter of very grave importance, and comes
from a source which entitles it to great consideration, and
is, on the fitce of the resolution, as I conceive, a little ambiguous,
I ask the indulgence of the Senate, and the senator
from South Carolina, whilst I request him to explain
the resolution, so far as to tell us whether it means to
exclude the idea of any territorial indemnity from Mexinr
an inrnmnrntinn intri thp fwulv of tin. miblir Jo.
; main first, and then as States into this Union, of any terf
ritory which we may acquire at the conclusion of this
war ? Or, whether it means barely connecting the idea
of annihilating the sovereignty of "Mexico, and incorporating
the whole ma?s ot territory into this Union? 1
ask whether it is to he understood in the one or the other
of these senses.' That is the matter, sir, which 1 am
desirous of knowing before I vote in anywise in reference
to it.
Mr. CALHOUN. I will answer the senator from
Ohio with a great deal of pleasure. It is not my intention
to involve any question in reference to territorial indemnity,
or any other subject, apart from that which is
presented in the resolution itself. I believe the pressing
question at this moment is, whether we shall conquer
Mexico, and hold her as a subjected province, or incorporate
her into our Union. That, of course, would involve
the nationality of Mexico, and it was to that point
that my resolution referred. I think, sir, it is a question
which ought to be first decided, because, Mr. President,
if 1 am any judge at all of the o|>eration of existing
causes, the certain tendency of all that is doing is to end
in the annihilation of the nationality of Mexico; and we
shall thus find ourselves?unless the greatest caution is
exercised?at the end of another campaign, or at some
future time, with eight or nine millions of Mexicans
without a government on our hands, not knowing
what to do with them, and forced to one or other of
the alternatives which 1 have presented. This is a
: Question which I consider as overriding all others at
this time. After that is decided, we may then con;
sider what course, in accordance with tliat decision,
i it may he wise to pursue. I, for one, wish to guide iny
own course, and I ottered the resolution for the double
purpose of bringing it before this body and before the
, country, and putting myself in reference to this Mexican
question where 1 wish to stand.
Mr. DICKINSON. I believe my resolutions have prcj
cedence on the calendar, and were passed over informally
: are they included in the motion now before the
Senate ?
h The PRESIDING OFFICER. They are not embraced
j in it.
Mr. CALHOUN. I perceive that one of the morning
j papers supposes that my resolutions were introduced with
reference to those offered by the senator from New York.
Not at all. My resolutions were written several days
before his were introduced. The senator may fix anyday
lie pleases for the consideration of his resolutions,
either before or after the day fixed upon for the consideration
of mine.
Mr. ALLEN. The subject of the Mexican war is one
< capable of being expanded very largely in the minds of
men; and from the imnortance with which it seems to
he put forth at this early period of the session, it is more
than likely; that it will embrace a large portion of the
session in its discussion, giving rise to a very large diversity
of sentiment in the members of this body. It may
r' therefore be a matter well worthy of the consideration
j of the Senate whether a subject comprehending so many
remote consequences as are suggested by the senator
from South Carolina, and a subject which, at all events,
is, in the jitdginentof every man,of very great im|ioitance,
should not be considered with that deliberation which
the Senate always bestows on grave national questions;
and therefore whether it should not, in the first
place, pass to one of the committees organized by this
body, for the due consideration of propositions, before
they are submitted to the final adjudication of the body
; itself. Several resolutions have already been presented ;
j and who shall guaranty the Senate against the incoming
t of a dozen others of a similar character ? Who shall say
t U'hpr# lhi? MIlkiArt nhall and wksn i* Imsomno .livi.la.l nr.
; and adjusted to the different ca|?cities and judgments of' 1
this body ? This is but the beginning of the session, and 1
we have two sets of resolutions. Before the day arrives |
; for the action of the Senate upon this particular matter, '
we may have a dozen other resolutions; and I submit it 1
to the better judgment of the body, whether it is not the '
proper course, under these circumstances, to refer the i
i whole of these resolutions, in the first place, to the Com- I
^ mittee on Foreign Relations. If it be in order, I shall '
make that motion. i
Mr. CAI.HOUN. I do trust that the course suggested 1
? by the senator will not be pursued. What is the object 1
of the reference.' Reference is made to committees for
the purpose of considering and perfecting details; but 1
here there are no details to settle. In fact, it is a simple
proposition. The Senate have only to determine whether
Jj it is intended or desired that the whole of Mexico shall
J be conquered?her nationality destroyed?and that we i
j shall be placed in a position in which we shall he comIKilled
either to hold lier as a subjected province, or incor- ,
i porate her into our Union. We have carried this business
of reference far beyond the parliamentary rules, and ,
jj have encroached, in my opinion, in no small degree on I
; the rights of individual senators here. As to the number
of resolutions that may be offered, I have no reason to be- '
i lieve that there will be many. Only two have been in- '
ti traduced, and they Upon entirely different subjects. One (
* I understand refers to the slave question?mainly, at
'l least?and the other to a question entirely aside from
that. Sir, 1 do not believe that there will ne a long dis|
cussion. Unless I am very greatly deceived, there will
be no great division?at least there is not at present a
great division in the country on this point, and 1 trust ;
there will not he in this body. The end against which I
wish to guard is one which heretofore has not been con- 1
teniplnteu. I do not know that it is intended. 1 trust
that it is not intended. But we may find ourselves in a
jKisition not intended, and from which we cannot extricate
ourselves. M) object in introducing thu resolutions
is to guard against such a result, i trust they will have
that effect, and that the Senate will not agree to refer
them tu the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Mr. ALLEIN'. I certainly did not desire to deprive any
senator of any of his just rights in this body, nor of any opportunity
for the exercise of those rights; but I believe it '
would be difficult to find, on reference to the journal, an
instance of anyone question being introduced in the form
of a resolution, of such grave importance as this, which
was not referred to one of the committees of this body.
It would be verv difficult to find an exception to the general
rule?very difficult. This is a question affecting our
foreign relations, clearly and emphatically so. It is not '
so inerel) in its meaning and effect, but it is so on the J
lace of the resolution, and in so many words. Well, sir, ,
I it vi- II ,.,.i i;m., o.., -f a:. .U_ a '
first place to the committee. It will abridge the rights of
no man, neither of the mover of the resolution nor of any
other gentleman on this floor. The only effect it will
have will he that which, by the standing rules of this
' body, is designed?the effect of subjecting the proposition
to fall scrutiny: first, the scrutiny of the committee,
whose especial business it is made by the Senate to examine
it; and, secondly, the scrutiny of the Senate itself,
revising the judgment of its committee. It is only a precaution
taken to guard against precipitate and hasty conelusions.
It is a sort of second trial which is granted in
favor of all questions whose magnitude entitles them to
that consideration?that second review of the human understanding.
It is upon that ground, sir, that the rules
by which all our ousiuess is first submitted to rommitfees
arc predicated. If we were at the end of the !
session, or ne.ar the end, when a reference of this:
subject to a committee would he to entomb it for
the balance of the session, then the objection coining
from the senator from South Carolina would be an
available one, because he would have a right to obtain
the adjudication of the Senate upon his resolution.
But tVe are at the commencement of the session ; we are
on ttai# side of the hotydavs. We are in nnticijmtion of
our usual custom in the" transaction of the heavier port of
the public business, which is not taken up till after the
holyd&y*. There is, therefore, abundance of time Sir,
this resolution is no trifling affair, {t presents a grave
question; and, in answer to the inquiry which I addressed
to the senator from South Carolina, he seems to consider,
if I rightly interpreted his explanation, that there is
no difference between territorial indemnity and the conI
quest and retention of the whole of Mexico; that the
consequences, though not immediate, would be, in their
esult, precisely the same That is the reading of the evlanafion,
as I understand it. Well, sir, what can be a
Li'
graver question than that? Can the human imagination It
! Jraw up for review a question graver, more solemn, more e
calculated to affect md imitate the public heart of thus ft
great country, than sttch a question as this?presented, d
too, at a time when our armies are occupying the territo- II
! ries of thai nation? I am one who does not believe that a
to take territorial indemnity is to take the whole of Mex- tl
ico. I am one who does not believe that these two
questions are the same, either in point of fact or of si
remote effect. The senator from South Carolina, who o
has more reason to he satisfied with his own judg- ?
inent than 1 have to be satisfied with mine, thinks ti
differently Well, sir, his thoughts are entitled to con- ti
sideration. They are matured thoughts; they will re- tl
ceive the consideration of this country; they will have ei
their effect upon the public mind of a large portion in
of this people; and it is for that reason that [desire all pi
his thoughts should assume a shape not to be mistaken. 01
When 1 am told that to obtain from Mexico territorial gi
indemnity to any extent is equivalent, in its remote con* in
sequences, to an utter annihilation of the sovereignty of a<
Mexico, and the incorporation of its entire mass of terri- fa
tory within this Union, with its ten millions of popttla- hi
tion, I desire time to inquire whether, why, and where- 1
fore these propositions are the same ; whether these re- di
mote and comprehensive effects are to follow from all 0|
acquisition of a portion Of Mexico, as an indemnity to si
this government for the wrongs which it has sustained ai
at the hands of Mexico. I desire that the committee to tli
whom this subject should be referred should have an b<
opportunity of investigating that question, and ascertain- ai
ing whether these two propositions are identical or not; di
because it is very manifest that the identity of these two vi
propositions will make a very material difference in the tiestimation
which the American people shall put upon si
them. I do not think that they are identical, sir, by any
means. The subject, then, being one of such obvious tli
and acknowledged inqiortance, so much time before us, ct
so few inconveniences being at all likely to result from ki
the reference to a committee, f cannot, sir, for mv life, th
discover any grave reason why the reference should not
take place. But I shall not only acquiesce, as I am bound k;
to do, in the judgment of the Senate, but 1 shall acqui- a'
esce in tliat judgiiientj whatever it may be, without the ni
least feeling of disappointment. And L assure the sena- C
tor from South Carolina that it is in no spirit of cavilling, je
from no disposition to disagree with hiin unnecessarily, ti;
or to get up discussion, that 1 make this suggestion. 1 tii
act simply upon the same principle upon which the Sen- st
ate itself acted when it established those rules under ni
which its business is submitted to the various committees. I
Mr. CALHOUN. 1 rise principally to correct an error oi
into which the senator from Ohio has fallen, doubtless s?
from having misunderstood my remarks. I by no means
said that 1 considered the annihilation of the nationality tii
of Mexico and the acquisition of a portion of her territo- w
ry as identical; on the contrary, 1 said expressly that I di
did not understand the resolution as involving the ques- w
tion of territory at all. I agree with him that we may tli
take a part?very large parts?of Mexico, without touch- tc
ing her nationality Mv object is very different; and to I
satisfy the senator, I will tell him that I have changed not ol
a single opinion, which I haveevci expressed, in relation e<
In this Mexican war. 1 hone that this will satisfy him. C(
Now, sir, if J understand the drift of the senator's re- N
marks, and of his motion, it is this : that he wishes these
resolutions of mine to go to the Committee on Foreign B
Relations, in order that they may make a report upon ui
them before 1 myself have an opportunity of being heard ei
upon them. I ask, is that fair? I introduced a general w
subject here, and the senator proposes to take it out of my to
hands before 1 am heard?sending it to the Committee on w
Foreign Relations, where it is to be discussed and reported in
011 in advance of my own explanation of it. Is there any .V
precedent to be found in this or any other parliamentary
body for a procedure of that kind ? As be believes there io
is no instance of such resolutions being introduced and w
not referred to a committee before discussion, 1 do not ri<
know an instance in which any such reference has been ar
made. 1 myself, at the last session, introduced important ui
resolutions on the subject of slavery. They were discussed
here and everywhere. th
Air. ALLEN, (in his seat.) There is no committee of th
the Senate on slavery. tii
Mr. CALHOUN. You have a Committee on Territo- hr
ries, and that involved a territorial question. You may sp
raise a special committee. There is no difference in that to
view between a special and a regular committee. The tei
whole drift of his motion?on which I shall say no ch
more?is to take my own resolutions out of my own- pr
hand, so that the committee may make the first speech on un
them, to which I will be called upon to reply, instead of th
explaining my own resolutions. 1 submit whether that ed
be fair ? th
Air. SEVIER. I hope my friend from Ohio will withdraw
his motion. I will only say, as one member ot the wl
Committee on Foreign Relations, that I have made up in<
no opinion with regard to the resolutions of the honora- lo<
ble senator from ."South Carolina. _ qu
Air. ALLEN. Certainly, I have no disposition to force, let
even if I had the power, such a motion, if the committee co
are averse to the reference; and, therefore,at the request at
of the honorable chairman of the committee, I beg to tin
withdraw the motion 1 have made. tin
Allow me, sir, however, to take this occasion to re- m<i
mark that I am gratified with the explanation which the wc
senator lrom soutn Carolina nas inane, ana in reiamni n> ??
which he conceives tliat I was mistaken in supposing Tl:
that he meant that the taking any territorial indemnity thi
was identical with the annihilation of Mexico. I iliil pli
certainly understand him to say that that was to be the ?ju
ulterior consequence; and it was the identity of conse- ty
tuences that he had reference to, and not the identity of ma
ine particular measures at the moment. It was my pur- j repose
to negative the idea that the same consequences to
would flow, however remotely?that is to say, that the no
taking of territorial indemnity "involved an ulterior neccs- cai
sity of annihilating Mexico altogether. But, if that be soi
not the view of the senator, I am glad to hear it; because itic
I presumed on the first form of the proposition there we
would be few opinions antagonistic to his, and I hope Sir
upon the second?that is, as to territorial indemnity?1 int
shall find the senator aiding those who go for indemnify- dei
ing the country for its losses in the way of lands wa
The resolutions were then postponed until Tuesday, err
the Ith day of January next, and made the special order rec
for that day. the
annexation of territory. wl
The Senate proceeded to consider the following resolu- ?j?
lions heretofore submitted by Mr. Dickinson : j
R'tolrrri, That true policy requires the government of n|j,
the United .States to strengthen its political and commercial Jj 1
relations upon this comment, hy the annexation of such _
tontiguous territory as may conduce to that end, and can j
L>o justly obtained ; and that, neither in such acquisition '
nor in trie territorial organization thereof, can any coudi- "O
lions be constitutionally imposed, or institutions be provi- ani
iled for or established, inconsistent with the right of the litr
people thereof to form n froe sovereign State, with the pow- in
urs and privileges of the original members of the confede- dd
racy.
Rfinlrtd, That, in organizing a territorial government for
territory belonging to the United States, the principles of ,
sell-government upon which our federative system rests ^e
will be best promoted, the true spirit and meaning of tin- l?5 '
constitution bo observed, and the confederacy strengthened, Fr
hy leaving all questions concerning the domestic policy drt
therein to the legislatives chosen by the people thereof. pie
Mr. DICKINSON then rose and moved that the reso- no
lutions offered by him lie made the special order for two tin
weeks from to-day at I o'clock. tio
Mr. BERRIEN. I beg to ask the senator frotn New lie
York if it is his purpose to antici|^ite a discussion on the be
resolutions of the senator from South Carolina? Mi
Mr. DICKINSON. I do not fully hear the senator. coi
^Mr BERRIEN. Is it the purpose of the senator from dis
Vcw Ynrlr. in the motion iust submitted, to anticinate the lett
discussion on the resolutions of the senator from South |*<
Carolina I no
Mr. DICKINSON. I do not know how the discussion
of the resolutions offered by the honorable senator from Ca
SouthiCarolina can be anUci|iated in the consideration of ob
what ne himself considered an independent proposition. att
Mr. SEVIER. I hope, Mr. President, that before we w<
?et into this sea of discussion, we may dispose of some Tb
public measures which now press upon our cousidera- M
lion. I would suggest that, as the resolutions offered by coi
the senators from South Carolina and New York are an- vi<
lagonistical to a very great extent, tliey may with propri- to
Sty be considered together. I hope, therefore, that the sot
tenator from New York will allow his to be considered tai
with the others. In the mean time, 1 hope that we may bit
>e able to disjiosn of the bill for recruiting the ranks of ma
the army, anil also of the measures necessary to provide tal
he means of feeding and clothing the soldiers engaged in an
ighting the battles of their country in Mexico. the
Air. DICKINSON begged to insist on his motion. air
Air. CALHOUN hojieil that the senator would fix anJ He
arlier day for the consideration of these resolutions than 'OI
hat fixed for those which he (Mr. C.) had offered. on'
Mr. DICKINSON was desirous only of an opportunity ma
>f explaining his resolutions before the entrance of any ani
>ther subject, which, by giving rise to discussion, might wf
irevent him from doing so.
Mr. CALHOUN suggested that the senator could have co,
lie opportunity which he sought on the morning of the otl
lay after that fixed for the consideration of his (Mr. the
Id.'s) resolutions. caJ
Mr. DICKINSON. I am not so sure of that; and 1 act
ireler that my resolutions retain the priority to which sei
hey are entitled in the order in which they were offered ma
I tnay not trespass long on the attention of the Senate in the
tddressing it on the resolutions, but what little I have to int
(ay I desire to offer before discussion arises on other an
uibjects. of
Air. CALHOUN. I must make a remark here. The ne
senate has already fixed a day for the consideration of En
ny resolutions; and the senator now proposes the day iht
mmediately preceding for the consideration of his?thus in
inticipating mine. That his resolutions shall pass with- ha
)Ut discussion is impossible. There will he, as I take it, th<
(real diversity of opinion on the subject, at least as the
eaolutions now stand. They may lead to a long discus- mi
uoti Now 1 do not think that it would be treating my reso wl
itions fairly, if, after having fixed a day for their considralion,
the day immediately preceding should be Met apart
:>r the consideration of others which must give rise to
iscussion, in consequence of which mine may be cut oil.
f the senator wishes to be heard, he can be heard on '
ny intermediate day, or on the morning immediately after';
le day set apart for the consideration of my resolutions. I
Mr. DICKINSON. I do not intend to supersede the i;
rnator in any other sense thdrt I indicate. \ was withut
the bar when I learned that the senator's resolution j
aw under consideration, and I inquired whether the mo-,1
011 made by the honorable senator included the resolu- ; 1
ons which I had the honor to submit. The reply was ; 1
lat they had been passed over informally, and were not 1
nbraced in the motion of the senator. It was then re-11
mrked by the senator that the propositions were inde- ;
sndent, and that mine could be set down for ail earlier I
r later day. I, therefore, in accordance with Ins silg- I
sstion, moved an earlier day, which was, I think, treat- <
ig his resolutions with fairness and courtesy; whilst, t
[ cording to his own rule, mine were treated rather 1111- I
tirly, for 1 postponed their consideration till alter the 1
ulvdays in order to meet the convenience of the Senate, i
am willing that they should he set down for an earlier I
ry; but the holydays are approaching, and I desire an I
ypunuiiiiv 10 t-\ju<tiii me renoiuuuns oeiorc i wiiiui uc ,
qiersedea by any other discussion. I do not know that
ty other senators wish to speak on the resolutions. If
ley do, the further consideration of the resolution* can
: postponed till the others shall have been discussed. 1
n ijuite willing to consent to such an arrangement. 1
;sire only, as I have said, an opportunity to state my
iews in explanation of the resolutions before the quesnn
is embarrassed and superseded by other questions,
ipptised in the public mind to have a similar bearing.
At the suggestion of the senator himself, 1 moved that
ie consideration of my resolutions should be fixed for a
irtain day; and under that impression 1 voted for ma-;
ing his tne order for Monday?not imagining, of course,
lat 1 was to be foreclosed and superseded.
Mr. CASS. The suggestion of the senator from Aransas
is entitled to nave consideration. We are all
vare that the President has submitted to Congress the
tcessity of additional military forces; and the Military
ommittee has had no opportunity to examine the subct,
but will soon meet and take it up. 1 hope, whatever
me may be fixed for the consideration of these resolutws,
it may be distinctly understood that they are not to
and in the way of public business of a more pressing
lture, demanding the immediate attention of Congress,
do trust that it may be distinctly understood, before an
der is made on this subject, that it will not be super-1
ded by any other matters.
I must be allowed to say, with regard to the resoluons
of the honorable gentleman from South Carolina,
ith the greatest deference to his opinions, that I myself
> not see their practical importance. 1 am perfectly
illing to hear the views of the senator. 1 know that
lev will he intelligent, striking, and that they will go
i the public with the great weight of his character; hut
must say, that there is no man in this nation in favor
f the extinction of the nationality of Mexico. The Kxuitive
has indicated his views, and they are totally ininsistent
with the extinction ' of the nationality of
[exico.
With respect to the resolutions I have nothing to say.
ut I must remark that 1 do think that it is exceedingly
nwise at this stage of the prosecution of the war, in
ther branch of Congress, to say what we will do or
hat we will not do. We maybe driven from Mexico
-morrow. It is not a very likely event; hut how would
e look in the eyes of the world in that case, after havg
declared that we did not mean to seize the whole of
lexico!
If the resolutions be intended as a vehicle of the opin- i
ns of the senator from South Carolina. 1 shall hear him
ith a great deal of pleasure, and his views will. 1 doubt i
it, have great weight in the country; hut 1 shall oppose
ly vote on the subject, as that would be in my judgment i
inecessarv and iinjiolitic. i
Mr. CALHOUN. I should be very glad indeed to
ink, with the honorable gentleman from Michigan, that i
ere is no jierson in the countrv who thinks of the ex- I
iction of the nationality of Mexico. Why, you can I
irdlv read a newspaper without finding it filled with i
eculations upon this subject. The proceedings that I
ok place in Ohio at a dinner given to one of the volun- I
?r officers of the army returned from Mexico show con- <
naively that the impression entertained bv the jiersons i
esent was, that our troops would never leave Mexico i
itil they had conquered the whole country. This was <
e sentiment advanced by the offic9r, and it was applaud- I
by the assembly, and endorsed by the official paper of I
at State. I
Hut this is not the point. The question is not now I
fietlier such a thin*' is contemplated. I attribute no such I
itive to any one. I look at the progress of events. 1 I
ik at what is proposed, and the end of it?those conse- I
any man look at the progress of tfiis war?iet him ;
nsiaer how we got into it?not exacting to get into it
all; for certainly the executive officers expressed, in
s strongest manner, their conviction that there was not
; slightest hazard of war at the time when our troops
irehed to the Rio Grande. What next? After the war
us commenced, we were told tl'tat the government was
conquer a peace. And what hiive we been told since?
lat we must carry on the war vigorously. Where is
s to end ? The whole progress towards the aecomshment
of this avowed object ol the President to coner
n peace, has been marked by an earnest desire eagerto
prosecute the war until we'lind ourselves where no
in "\;>ected. Sir, instead of being an abstraction, these
lolntuMis are eminently practical; they are so intended
present to the people-of this country a finale., probably
t now anticipated, but which will come, if proper proitions
he not taken. It is while the public mind is yet
ind, and while the Senate, as I believe, is prepared alist
unanimously to vote against such an end of the |
ir, that I wish this expression of opinion to be made, i
, we begin now to tind the misfortune of entering I
0 a war without a declaration of war?without a ,
duration setting forth to the people the causes of the !
ir, and one upon which tnej may hold thp gov- j
iment responsible. We have got into a war by a I
ognition of war, and not a declaration; and hence
! necessity for these resolutions, to negative a result 1
lich we do not contemplate. No, sir, it ,s as practical !
any measure that can be brought forward; lor. until.!
: question which arises upon these resolutions is decidwe
shall be at a loss to know what amount of sup- i
es, how many men, and how much money to grant. If ;
>e declared that it is not intended to conquer Mexico i
as to destroy her nationality, this will throw a greatil
of light upon our vote; but if it he contemplated to I
this, then more men and more money will be required; j
1 hence tlic decision upon these resolutions is the pre- i
linary step to be taken. Sir, it was a good old practice j
the early stages of this government, when the Presilt
of these United States sent an. address to Congress,
it an answer to that address was prepared in the ComItee
of the Whole, and the whole affairs of the nation
re discussed before any measures were adopted. That
the course pursued in tlie British Parliament and in the
ench Chamber of Deputies. That practice has been
>p|>ed, and the various subjects now come before us
ce-meal, and are referred to committees, and we have
opportunity of knowing what the state of the In ion is,
til we are called upon to vote iijkju the various proposi- i
ns so submitted. Now, J hope tl int a discussion will t
had, if discussion be necessary, ami that a vote will i
taken; though, if what I hear frc>tn the senator from [
ichigan be correct, that no man coni emplates the entire I
nquest of all Mexico, then we meed not have a long j.
cussion ; and it will be very satis factory to myself at ;
iflt, and I believe it will lie highlj' satisfactory to the i
iple generally, to have it declared that such a thing is i
t contemplated j
Mr. CASS. 1 do not sec that the s enator from South f
rolina has changed the question, lie speaks of ttie i i
jects of the war. If by this is meant' the objects to be i
ained by the prosecution of the war, every man, t
tman, and child in the country can understand thein. !
ley are, satisfaction and indemnity. All we seek of t
exico, to use a phrase a good deal reprobated, is to i
iquer a pence. That is tire object that we have in
:w; we seek to prevail upon the Me.xican government j
consent loan amicable adjustment: that is the object j |
iglit by the nation, and I do not see how it is to he at- r
ned by such resolutions as these. Now the honora- j i
i senator says that the decision of these resolutions t
ly guide us as to the amount of forc e to be raised. I t
;e it, sir, that most of us in the Senate, the Executive, i i
d a great-majority of this nation, intend to go on with <
war until Mexico will consent toun honorable peace ;1 <
1 1 take it that a majority of the Senate and of the r
nise of Representatives will vote the necessary means |
this piir|Kisc. Now, what we are willing to do at I
e time, we may not be willing to do at another; we t
iv accept to-day what we would refinsc to-morrow ; j t
;! we might have accepted yesterday, perhaps, what we
uld have refused to-day.
The courseof obstinate infatuation on the part of Mexi- t
, if persisted in, may comi?el us to do hereafter far ,
lerwise than we would do now. I am not for agitating
s question. When the time comes that we shall be r
led on to act constitutionally and lawfully, let us then ?
, but not by a previous declaration. Tfie honorable r
lator says that at a certain meeting a pro pi isition was S
ule that Mexico must be altogether annihilated. What "
n .' Is it necessary for us to declare that such is not the '
ention.' .Some time since, a resolution was offered for f
nexing Cuba to this country, and \et nobis ly thought
offering a counter-resolution that it should not beanxed
, and if a proposition were made anvvhere that
igland or France should be annexed to this country, c
re would be no necessity to bring forward a resolution
opposition to it. It seems to me that these resolutions t!
ve no practical bearing, or, if they have, that this is not h
time for their discussion. I leave the question ^
Mr. NILES I have always been opimsed to wasting
ich time on the discussion of abstract propositions, in ^ti
uch light I regard these resolutions, ana especially the r
one of my honorable friend from New York. The din
russion upon that resolution would not shed much ligltl
upon tlie principal question, which can only come up or
a territorial bill or a treaty. I regard the resolution of lh?
honorable and distinguished senator from South Caroline
as pretty near an abstraction. That honorable senator ii
rattier fond of abstractions, and probably he has introducer
r good ntany of them in the form of resolutions here
There does appear to me, sir, to be an intimate connexior
between the two great questions presented in these resolutions,
and the whole legislation uik>ii these so bracts J11
regard to our peculiar, extraordinary, unexampled relations
with a neighboring power. We are called on by
the Executive, in the discharge of his high functions, ti
i?rovide additional means for the prosecution of this war
ind with the view, as he tells us, of securing an honorable
peace. Well, sir, in regard to the general proposition.
I apprehend that there will be very little diversity ol
pinion here?1 should hope so, sir, at least; for even
hose honorable gentlemen who, some of them I believe,
hink that this war originated unnecessarily, and somea
hat aggressively on our part, must nevertheless see the
condition the country is in, and that, whatever may have
teen the origin of the war, cannot now very materially
iear upon the question. We must sustain the national
haracter? we must in some way bring this war to a contusion.
Well, sir, if the proposition of the honorable
lenator have a direct and practical hearing upon the bill
.vhich may come before us in pursuance of the recoinnendution
of the President, then, sir, perhaps we may aivell
meet this great question in this form as in any other.
1 should think that the decision of the Senate ujroti the
wo questions which these resolutions present, would be
natter of some iin)K>rtance to the Committee on Military
Yllairs, and would give some degree of direction to the
:ourse of action devolving on them, and in regard to the
ulditional propositions which it may be their duty tu
bring before us in the prosecution of this war. As I
lave already observed, all parties will agree that this
war should be brought to an honorable conclusion.
What is an honorable conclusion of the war ? Some
nay think that we have acquired honor enough already
n its prosecution, and that we have prosecuted it as far
is is justifiable. There are but few, however, who think
to. We want a treaty of peace; the war must be jirose:uted
for that object, and it is a legitimate object. Hut at
he same time, we who represent the interests of this greal
lation have, or ought to have, some little sagacity. We
nust look at the actual condition of things, and see what
will be the result of pursuing this matter; and this quesion
is distinctly presented in the second resolution?that
s, what line of )>olicy in the prosecution of this war
nay lead to a result which will be much more impor
S * 1 ' ' - ?1
an l, much mole solemn in US consequence*, man me
ittaiiunent of an honorable |ieace. May not such a result
follow ? Is there not reason to fear it ? And if so, it
nay not be amiss to look at it in advance, and as preceding
the preparations which it may he necessary to make
for the prosecution of the war. I, believe it to be the
general sentiment of this hod/, that the conquest of this
extensive country is not debited. The next question is,
whether we may or not ne thrown into a position in
which such a result will become almost inevitable. The
senator from Michigan tells us we cannot see the end ol
the war; that we cannot now say what the terms oi
peace should he, because what might be suitable at this
time might he vers unsuitable at another time. Well
then, would it not be well to examine and understand
how we are best to secure the object we are nil aiming
it, that we may not be drawn into the necessity of taking
possession ol the whole of Mexico ? Now both of thest
questions are presented in these resolutions; and the
last one I regard as being of the greatest importance, and
there may be difficulty in acting upon it, because there h
nothing definite in the terms of the resolution itself by
which we are to reach the end desired. 1 believe I may
say that we all wish to avoid the probable contingency
whereby we shall be under the necessity of taking cart
rifthe whole population of that country, and extending
aur jurisdiction over it.
Now, these are great questions, which cannot be toe
carefully considered. I ant not for abandoning this war
but at the same time I cannot but see that every step wt
take in ,he conquest of this country but increases out
lilficulty, and renders the adjustment which I have alluded
to a subject of greater difficulty. Sir, no one can mistake
that it is the sentiment of the army?and the army
if this country is now of sufficient importance to speak,
ind to be heard, and felt?it is evidently, I say, theii
sentiment that this war is only to end with the entire
conquest of Mexico. I have read the proceedings ol
he meeting to which the honorable senator alluded.
1 read them with the most profound regret. Sir, we
tear from our countrymen abroad in tne service ol
heir country (and we near the same from several quar:ers)
that we cannot make peace without the subjugaion
of the whole country. When we see that these
hingaareso, atid that this is likely to become the prevailing
sentiment, is it not time to view matters carefully,
uid to proceed with caution .' I think so, for one. It is
tot necessary to go further into this subject; it is not
lecessary to look at the consequences that will result to
mr institutions; it is not difficult to see the unhappy
condition in which this country will be placed, and the
ilarining results which will follow from a change so
jjreat, so momentous, in our political condition, and in
he extent of our territorial possessions. Sir, I think
here is som; propriety in acting upon these propositions
11 advance of acting upon measures connected with this
var. I certainly should not have proposed anything of
he kind myself; but being here, I cannot see, looking
it the signs of the times, nut that there is a tnanifesi
iropriety in examining these questions. I am one who
liink that we ought to have indemnity from Mexico; that
,ve ought to prosecute the war, with the end of obtaining
t, if there be any reasonable prospect of getting it by a
urther extension of our conquests. But if there is not
inch a prospect?if we have already proceeded far enough
0 be convinced that peace is not to be obtained by exending
our dominion, then comes the grave question,
vhether we shall fall back ujwn some such proposition
is that which was offered by the distinguished gentle
nan from South Carolina ,at the last session, and content
mrselves with the occupation of a portion of theii terriory,
or whether we will make the calamities of war fall
.vith increased force upon the enemy, and thus induce
hem to make peace? But will they be induced to do
his by breaking up the fragments of the government
hey have, and resolving that country into the primitive
condition of a population without a government? I think
t involves a serious doubt, whether, after we have done
hat, we shall not be further from the end ihan we are at
iresent. I will yield my objections against diverting the
ittentionof the Senate to the discussion of abstract proportions,
so far as those propositions have a bearing upon
he subject that may come before us for our consideraion.
Believing this to be the case in regard to one of
hese projKisitions, I shall not offer any opposition to its
liscussion. I hope it will come up at an early day. I
enow there are important matters ot business, important
lills?one of them in relation to our foreign mail service?
.vhich I hope will be considered at an early day; and 1
rreatly fear that if these two propositions arc taken up,
lie discussion will consume a month at least of our time,
>efore we can do anything in regard to these important
natters of business.
Mr. DICKINSOiN. Anxious as I am to obtain discusdon
upon the resolutions I offered, 1 do not wish them to
nterfere with matters of legislation; nor shall I discus?
hem, as some others seem inclined to do, before they
ire under consideration. The senator from Connecticut
Mr. Nii.ks] thinks they are abstractions. I believe, sir,
1 can call that senatoras a witness, and disprove his allegation.
That senator is at all tones severely practical;
ind yet, on presenting resolutions of his Slate this mornng,
he proceeded to discuss the subject embraced in my
absolutions at great length, and with his usual ability.
Vow, sir, hail these resolutions been abstractions, I am
aire they would not have thus received the senator's noice,
for the reason that he does not gratuitously discuss
ibstractions. 1 do not complain of this de|iarture from
he usual course, for it was doubtless agreeable to the
Cortafo frx Itaton *r? ihn fiu?nntnr it r#?rl?inlv
o me; but I adduce it us the highest evidence that my
evolutions are not abstractions.
The resolutions arc eminently practical; they relate to
uibject* of legislation which have agitated the country
or two years i<ast, and u|>on which we must act. I did
lot bring the slavery question here. It is here from eve y
State in the Union in some form. 1 hring a priqiosilon
to transfer it from here, with all its disturbing conveniences,
to the local communities, where it belongs. It
t could be thus disposed of, a greater good would lie ncomplished
than if we were to |>avs all the bills which
tan tie brought before this body. I will add, sir, that, in
tonversing with the honorable senator from South Caroilia,
an arrangement, which is entirely satisfactory, has
>een agreed upon ; an I therefore I withdraw my motion
o make the resolutions which I have offered the order of
he day.
route to california.
The Senate proceeded to consider the following resoluion
submitted on Thursday last by Mr. Pea rce, and it
vas agreed to:
Ritolvtd, Tbnt one thomand additional copies of the
tote* o! a military reoonnoissanee iroin Kort I-ravnwortli to
*?n Diego, by Lieut. Win. II Lrnory, and of Col. Cooke'
pport, be printed for the lis,- of ilie Senate ; and that ibr
ieoretary ol tlie tv-nato be directed to cause to be engraved
* lithographed an equal number of the map aeoompnnyng
Lieut Emory's report, and such ol the botanical, geoloicnl,
and other illiisiratioiia as the Committee on the lifoningent
Expenses of the Hennto may approve and direct.
the late george c. dromgoule.
The following message was received from the House
if Representatives, by Air. Campbell, their Clerk :
Mr. President: I am directed to notify the Senate of
he death of the Hon. I forge (I'romgoole, late a mem
er of the House of Representatives from the State of
Virginia.
The resolutions adopted by the House of Representaives
on the occasion having been read, Mr MASON
ose and addressed the Senate as follows:
I discharge a melancholy duty, Mr. President, in asking th
1 the Senate to extend the customary evidences of re?j?-et to til
l the memory of the very distinguished gentleman whose t"l
* death litis just been announced to us.
1 Gcokuk Com Dsomooolk, a Representative elected from
' the State of Virginia to the present Congress, died at his
residence, in the county of Brunswick, in that .State, on the let
' 27th day ol April, in the present yeur.
lie hud just closed the tilth term of'his service in the rel
House of Representatives, and been re-elected by n con.-tituency
amidst whom he was born, when the irrevocable uuuir
date Was Issued which now numbers him with the deud.
, Nature had formed him for a statesman of the highest le'
; order; and soon distinguished by popular favor, his incline- re'
tions nnd habits of mind at once directed him to the paths a"
t ol public life. A clear head and sound heart, assured alike
unshaken loyalty to his country, and inviolable faith to his |
' friends.
When just entering upon manhood, he was chosen a del- ^
egate to the General Assembly of Virginia, and (with an
interval of but two years, during which be declined a reelection,)
from that time forth, continued u representative
of the people, until his career wus closed in death. ]<..
in the year 1H2!>, he was chosen a member of the con- w
veution called to revise the constitution of the State?u co
| bixly selected with great care by the jieople of Virginia,
composed ol our wisest statesmen, and numbering amongst
i its members men who adorned and left their impress upon po
the age in which they lived. to
Prom the House of Delegates lie was transferred to the oil
Virginia Senate; and whilst presidiug officer of that body,
in the year 1*35, was elected to the House of Representatives
of the United States. ce
It was my fortune to be associated with him in the pub- wl
lie councils, both of our honored State and of this coufed- 1
. eracy, and to witness from their early development in
youth to the maturity of riper yenrs that solidity of mind re|
i and strong and clear discernment which so rurely acoom- LI
panics the quick wit and ready thought that distinguished arl
the career of this gifted man. ' el
With ardent temperament and decided opinions, Gen.
Daoxooolk always stood allied with party. But he made j*0
no enemies. Ever more ready in the stern conflicts of party,
to disarm than to wound ; or with ready and playful remark.
to turn aside acerbity. pr
In social life ho enjoyed and deserved tho strongest attachment
of his friends; perhaps never more signally shown, fai
than in the incidents connected with the election which
hut a few days pieeeded his death, when his constituents ,
by a diminished vote evinced that, although they could
chasten, they would not dismiss their representative.
Of his infirmities, sir, it may become him to speak who wj
himself has none ; let their memory be buried in the tomb,
where now reposes all that was mortal of the statesman, the 0j
patriot, and the friend,
i 1 move, sir, the following resolutions:
Rciolvtd, unanimnutly, That the Senate lia? heard, with
deep sensibility, of the death of the Honorable Gkorce Cork .
i UaoMuootE, a representative elect from the Statu of Vir- ;IC
' ginia, which has been communicated by the House ol
' Representatives.
i Rtnlvti, That in testimony of their respect for the memory
of the deceased, the senators will wear the usual badge
i of mourning for thirty days.
R-wlvtd, Asa further mark of respect, that the Senate do
>' now adjourn.
11 The resolutions having been unanimously adopted, the
' | Senate adjourned.
i TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21.
PKTITfONS. re
Mr. DIX presented the memorial of David Whelpeley, th
praying'compensation for his services in the expedition ni
. under General Pike to the sources of the Mississippi in
r 1805 and 1800; which was referred to the Committee on pr
' Claims. ha
i Mr. D. also presented the memorial of Amos Holton, [P
; formerly a quartermaster in the army, praying that the 07
! accounting officers may hi directed to auuil and settle his >j7
accounts; which was referred to the Committee 011 M
. Claims. th
Mr. YVESTCOTT presented the memorial of Charles ru
r L. Dell, praying compensation for military services per- m:
formed by him in the Seminole war; which was referred Ri
to the Committee 011 Military Affairs.
, Mr. W. also presented the Inemorial of Francis Martin, hi
' an officer of the revenue service, praying compensation ra
for services rendered by him in the capacity of a lieuten- w
, ant in the navy in the Seminole war; which was referf
red to the Committee on Naval Affairs.
Mr. BREESE presented two memorialsof citizensof the
State of Illinois, praying that the right of pre cmption S[
. may be allowed to the Illinois Central Railroad Company, fo
to the lands over which it is proposed to construct their pr
road; which were referred to the Committee on Public
1 Lands. ' fe
Mr. JOHNSON, of Maryland, presented the memorial ar
, of Lavinia Taylor, widow of a deceased soldier, praying 10
a pension; which was referred to the Committee on Pen- hi
sions.
, Mr. FELCH presented the petition of Charles Brad- w
bury, praying indemnity for French spoliations prior to
1800; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign
i Relations. i,
i Mr. DAYTON presented the memorial of Ann J. '
Hassler, widow of Charles A. Hassler, deceased, late a T
surgeon in the navy, praying to be allowed a pension ; ,!f
which was referred to the Committee on Pensions.
i Mr: MASON presented the petition of Thomas N.
Welch, administrator of Churchill Gibbs, deceased, an 0
officer in the revolutionary army, praying to be allowed 1,1
commutation pay ; which was referred to the Committee II*
on Revolutionary Claims.
On motion by Mr. DIX, it was
Onirrr.il, That the petition of Aaron Leggett, on the filos jjj
of the .Senate, he referred to the Committee on Foreign Reiations.
On motion by Mr. WESTCOTT, it was
Ordered, That the petition of Alexander Watson, on the
files of the Senate, he referred to the Committee on Claims. '
On motion by Mr. WESTCOTT, it was 9j(
Ordtrtti, That the resolutions of the legislature of Flori- si<
da, on the tiles of the Senate, relating to indemnification
: for losses by Indian depredations in the Seminole war, be r?
relerrod to the Committee on Claims. 1
On motion of Mr. JOHNSON, of Md., it was
Ordcrrd, That the petition of John Devlin, on the flies ol ej,
the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Claims. 0^j
On motion by Mr. JOHNSON, of Maryland, it was 0?
Ordered, That the petition of John McColgan, on the files
i of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on Commerce. jyj
On motion by Mr. CORWIN, it was isl
Ordered, That the memorial of the heirs of William A Gl
' Slacinn, on the files of the Senate, be referred to the Corn- Pi
mittec on Foreign Relations. tit
On motion by Mr. BUTLER, it was lai
Ordered, T^iat the petition of Mdledgo Galpin, on the tai
files of the Senate, be referred to the Committee on the Ju- otl
dieiary. th<
On motion by Mr. FAIRFIELD, it was Lt
Ordered, That ihe petition of William T. Sayward and
others, owners of the brig Canton, on the files of the Senate, tiv
lie referred to the Committee on Commerce t[j.
On motion by Mr. JOHNSON, of Maryland, it was loi
Ordered, That James Foster, and the heirs of John II M
Stone, deceased, have leave to withdraw their petitions and
papers. err
On motion by Mr. MASON, it was of
Ordered. That the heirs of John and Henry Banks have
leave to withdraw their memorial and papers.
NOTICES OF BILLS. i
Messrs. BRADBURY, BREESE and BRIGHT gave
notice that on to-morrow, or at some early day, they ?'
would ask leave to introduce certain bills, which they
named. I*
ST'PERINTKNDENT OF THE ANTE-OIIAMBF.R.
On motion by Mr. MANGUM, it was \j
ihdertd. That the Vice President he authorized and re- *jn
quested Uinppoint a superintendent of the Senate's ante- \]
chamber. p..
EXTRADITION TREATIES. ne
Mr. DAYTON submitted the following resolution; Jo
which was considered by unanimous consent, and agreed Pii
to: CI
R-tolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be in- Ja
strncted to Inquire whether any legislation he ncce??iujr to of
carry into i-iaci to.- m-aijf o.;. ?rcn ....j .. ... . ,ai
ol the 9th November, 1813, lor the surrender of criminals rl.|
evil.) are fugitives Irom justice, nn<l tin- 10th article of the
treaty with < ?reat Britain, ol August 9, IHtii, upon the same .
subject; arid that said committee report a bill to carry tiiv
provisions of saul treaties into eliect, il the same shall appvar
to be necessary. 'Rl
PORT ARMSTRONG. 0,1
Mr. BRKESK submitted the following resolution for
consideration r ),0
Rrto/vnl, That the Secretary of War be directed to inform a]
the Senate if Fort Armstrong, on Rock Island, in the Srati
of Illinois, is now occupied by a military regiment; and il ..
not, how long the same has been abandoned, in whosi
charge the same is, and on what terms; ami, also, that li t''
communicate Ins opinion if the interests of tho government
require that said site should he reserved from sale lor in tit ze
tary purposes. so
EXTENSION (IF APPELLATE JURISDICTION. ret
Mr. ASHLEY submitted the following resolution; ^
which wan considered by unanimous consent, and agreed
to:
Rnnlvtd, That the Committee on the Judiciary be in
structed to inquire into the expediency of extending tin c"
provisions of th" net entitled "An act to regulate the exer
ciseof the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court o re
the United States in certain eases, and for other purposes,'
approved February 22, 1H47, to all cases which have arisen of
before the territorial courts ol Iowa, or which may hereal- ,f
ler arija1 in lite State of Iowa.
? CONICAL VENTILATOR. Jj,
Agreeably to notice, Mr. MANGUM asked and obtained
leave to bring in a bill to direct the SecreUry of
e Navy to purchase tlie patent right ot ine conical ven.
a tor; which was read the first anil second limp by I
lanimoun consent, and referred to the Committee on y
Aval Atlairs.
REPEAL OF THE PILOT LAWS.
Agreeably to notice, Mr. DIX asked and ohtained
ive to bring in a bill to repeal the act of 3d March,
:n, entitled "An act concerning pilots;" which was
ad the first and second tune, bv unanimous consent
d referred to the Committee on Commerce.
TESTIMONY.
Agreeably to notice, Mr DIX asked and obtained
ive to bring in a bill concerning testimony; which was
id the first and second times, by unanimous consent,
id referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
THE STATE OK ARKANSAS.
Agreeably to notice, Mr. ASHLEY asked and obtained
ive to bring in a bill to divide the district of Arkansas
to two judicial districts; which was read the first and
corn! times, by unanimous consent, and referred to the
nnmittee on the Judiciary.
SUSAN K. CORDON.
Agreeably to notice, Mr. FO0TE asked and obtained
ive to bring in a bit! for the relief of Susan E. Gordon;
liich was read the liist and second time, by unanimous
nsent.and referred to the Committee on Claims.
BILLS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEES.
Mr. BALDWIN, from the Committee on Claims, reited
a bill authorizing the payment of a sum of money
Robert I'urkis; which was read and passed to a secd
reading.
Ordered. That the re|>oit be printed.
This hill having had a second reading, the Senate proeded
to its consideration as in committee of the whole ;
hen, on motion by Mr. GREENE, it was
Ordered, That it lie upon the table.
Mr. CASS, from the Committee on Military AUkirs,
rorted a bill for the relief of Mary MacRea, widow of
at COL William Bieuo, late ot tne united stales
tiv, deceased; which was read and passed to the second
rding
Mr. WESTCOTT, from the Committee on Claims, rerted
a bill for the relief of the administratix of Klisha
Keen; which was read and passed to a second readf)rdercd,
That tlio report accompanying the bill he
in led
Mr. FAIRFIELD, from the Committee on Naval Afirs,
to whom was referred the bill for the relief of
seph Wilson, reported it without amendment.
Ordered, That thu report accompanying lire bill bo print.
Mr. FAIRFIELD, from the Committee on Naval Afirs,
reported a bill for the relief of Walter K. Johnson;
[rich was read, and passed to a second reading
Ordered, That the report accompanying the bill be printcaleb
green. 5
On motion by Mr. MASON, it was
Ordered, That the Committee on Claims be discharged
nil the further consideration of the petition of Caleb
eon ; und that it be referred to the Committee on the Jueiary.
On motion,
The Senate adjourned.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1817. !
HOUSE OF ttEPllBSatT VTIVEI.
The journal having been read?
correction of journal.
Mr. L1GON moved its correction He had not been
corded as voting yesterday upon the motion to lay upon
e table the anti-slavery petition submitted by Mr. Gib\i;s,
whereas he had voted in the affirmative.
The SPEAKER said that in accordance with numerous
ecedents, the gentleman from Maryland had a right to
.ve his vole recorded; and the vote was so recorded,
lefore the Speaker voted yesterday, the vote stood 97 In
The Speaker voting in the negative, the vote stood
to 98. So the motion to lay on the table was negatived,
r. Liuon's vote in the affirmative, recorded to-day, makes
e vote 98 to 9S?a tie?by which, according to "the 12th
le, the motion is negatived. so the decision of the
icstiou remains the same as before Mr. Ligon's vote.]eporter.
Mr. WENTWORTH also stated that the notice of a
II to grant lands to aid in the construction of certain
ilroads in Illinois, ascribe ! to himself upon the journal,
as given by his colle.ague [Mr. Ficklin.]
The journal was ordered to be so corrected.
committee on i'rintino.
Mr. HENLEY' submitted a resolution authorizing the
vnnlrn* trv annnint tho PAmmitfe? f\n Prinfiner nrnviilod
r by.the 2d section of the joint resolution directing the
inting of Congress.
The SPEAKER explained. The ioint resolution rerred
to stated that the committee should be "chosen,"
id the Chair was therefore in doubt as to his authority
appoint the committee. It was for this reason that i
ul not been appointed.
The question being then taken on the resolution, t
as agreed to.
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
Mr. HUNT inquired of the Chair whether, after an
>ur had been consumed in the presentation of petition*
solutions, nnd reports from committees, it would not
! in order to proceed with the business on the Speaker's
ble.
The SPEAKER replied, that, by the 27th rule, "after
le hour shall have oeen devotee! to reports from comittees
and resolutions," amotion to proceed to the busi:ps
referred to would be in order, His construction of
e rule was, that the "hour" would commence with the
ception of reports from committees.
Mr. HUNT said his only object was to ascertain for
mself and others having business before the House
hat the order of business was.
PETITIONS.
Petitions and memorials were presented and referred,
i follows :
By Mr. KELLOGG: Of Thomas Wishart, for a pen
on: referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Penons.
By Mr. BURT: Of the army widows, for a pension : rerred
to the Committee on Military Affairs.
By Mr. PALFREY: Of John Wei?s and others, for
ace with Mexico: referred to the Committee on Forrn
Affairs. Also, of William Henry Channing and
hers, for peace with Mexico : referred to the Committee
i Foreign "Affairs. ,
By Mr. C. E. STUART: Of Frederick Hall, of Ionia
ichigan, for the passage of a law attaching certain
ands in Lakes Huron and Michigan to the Saginaw and
and river land district: referred to the Committee on
iblic Lands. Also, of Chester Stebbins, that the act enled
"An act to provide for satisfying claims for bounty
ids for military services in the late war with Great Bri11,
and for other purposes," may be revived; and for such
her and further relief as may he necessary to carry out
e object sought: referred to the Committee on Public
inds.
By Mr. PHELPS : Of the legislature of Missouri, rela e
to the services of the volunteers from said State, and
e passage of a law providing for the payment of horse*
it in the public service: referred to the Committee on
ilitary Aniii rs. I
By Mr. LINCOLN: Of citizens of Illinois, for a pretption
right to certain lands to aid in the construction
the Central Railroad in the State of Illinois : referred
the Committee on Public Lands.
By Mr. R. SMITH : Of the legislature of Illinois, fun
lemnity for Indian depredations in the Black Hawk wai
1 s'i 1 and 1S32 : printed, and referred to the Committee
Claims.
By Mr. TURNER: Of John Whitmore, praying >
nsion: referred to the Committee on Invalid Pensions.
By Mr. MOREHEAD: Of Wm. Fitzpatrick, praytnfl
mpensation for the loss of a horse in the war witt
exico:. referred to the Committee of Claims. Also
nilar petitions from Jas. F. Megowan, B A. Chapman,
fred Argobright, A. C. Brvan, Lawrence Daly, The*
van. David SnentuB-d. Rirhd M. Adains. R. P Whit
V, VVin. D. RatcTdfe, .lax. Mahony, John Morgaiil
hn VV. Bell, Geo. W. Bmiyan, Isaac Shepherd, Sanilm
Tg, David C. Jones, John J. Finch, Sylvester ConoverM
iax. E. Mooney, Catherine Rarney, Mary _ Carty, an?
x. Jones: (referred to the CommiUee of Claims. Als'l
N. A. White an 1 of Samuel E. Roberts, for bourisl
lis. Also of John Watkins, for bounty lands: all
'erred to the Committee on Military Affairs. Also nfl
xiah P. Pilcher, praving pay as a volunteer: referred tl
s Committee on Military Affairs. i
By Mr CHAS. BROWN: Of the widow of John Abel
ceased, praying a pension: referred to the Commit ?
Revolutionary Pensions. 1
NOTICE* or BILLS.
Bv Mr. HILLIARD: A bill for changing the place
liting the United States court for the middle district d
ahama, and for other purposes.
By Mr. L'llELPS: A bill donating land to the State o
issouri for the improvement of the navigation ot tb
age river.
Also, a bill to pay to the State of Missouri two p*
nt. upon the proceeds of the sales of the public lan:
Id within the State of Missouri, and which have be*
?erved for the purpose of constructing a road to tn
ate of Missouri.
By Mr McCLELLAND: A bill for the relief of Sha
cK Oillett and others.
Also, a bill to amend an act confirming certain lar.
lims in the State of Michigan.
Also, a joint resolution relating to errors and defectiv
turns in rerlain surveys, plat, and field notes.
By Mr. BINGHAM : A bill to grant alternate section
land to the State of Michignn, and for the complete ?.
the Clinton and Kalamazoo canals. i
By Mr R W JOHNSON: A bill to create a new | \
:ial district in the State of Arkansas
AMENDMENT OF RULES
Mr. CLINGMAN gave notice of his intention tointic