either, under the severe penalties of the bill, which in the form of patronage, it exercises almost unlimited control. Just as the revenue increases or diminishes, almost in the same proportion, is patronage increased or diminished. as gold and silver in the public dues; to give them the use of the public deposites, and to organize and blend the whole into one, as the fiscal agent of the government, to be placed under the immediate supervision and control of the secretary of the treaBut the danger which an excited imagination an- But admit for a moment, that neither the separasury. Now what does all this amount to? Shall I ticipates hereafter from the bill would exist in sober tion nor the connection would have any sensible ef. name the word-be not startled; a bank-a gov- reality under the substitute. There it would re-fect to increase or diminish the revenue; and that ernment bank, -the most extensive, powerful and quire neither fancy nor conjecture to create one. it would be of the same amount, whether the bill or dangerous, that ever existed. This substitute It would exist with all its faculties and endowments substitute should be adopted; yet, even on that supwould be the act of incorporation; and the privi- complete; discount, deposites, and all; with which position, the patronage of the latter would be an liges it confers, so much additional banking capital, increasing immensely its powers, and giving it an unlimited control over the business, and exchanges of the country. The senator trom Virginia (Mr Rives) was right in supposing that this new trial of the experiment would be made under very different circumstances from the first, and would have a very different terImination. That too, like this, was a bank-a government bank, as distinguished from the late bank, to which it was set up, as a rival, and was at the time constantly so designated in debate. But the circumstances now are indeed different-very different, and so would be the result of the experiment. This bank would not be the saine rickety concern as the former. That ended in anarchy, and this would in despotism. I will explain. The former failed not so much in consequence of immense means, guided by a central and directing hundred fold greater than the former. In estimating influence in the community, and the extent of the control exercised over them. It will be found on comparison, that the substitute combines all these elements in a far greater degree, than the bill, as I shall now proceed to show. I begin with the number. The bill provides, as has been stated, for four principal receivers, eight or ten clerks, and a suitable So far from being true, the very fact of the separa- number of agents to act as inspectors, making in the tion of the government from the banks, provided for whole, say 25 individuals. These would constitute in the bill, would, of itself, be the most decisive blow the only additional officers to keep and disburse the that could be given against governinent patronage; public money. The substitute, in addition to the and the union of the two, the most decisive in its officers now in service, provides for the selection of favor. When their notes are received in the public of 25 banks, to be taken from the most powerful and the adverse circumstances of the times or any essen- dues, as cash, and the public money deposited in their influential, and which would have, on an average, at tial defect in the system, as from the want of a head- vaults, the banks become the allies of the govern-the least, 100 officers and stockholders each, making a common sensorium, to think,-to will, and de-ment on all questions connected with its fiscal ac- in the aggregate, 2,500 persons, who would be dicide, for the whole, which was indisp indispensably ne- tion. The higher its taxes and duties, the greater cessary to ensure concert and give unity of design its revenue and expenditure; and the larger its sur and execution. A head will not be wanting now. Mr. Biddle's bank will supply supply the defect. His would be not only one of the resuming banks, as I have shown, but would also be one of the 25 to be selected. If there should be the temerity to omit it, the present project would share the fate of its predecessor. Mr. Baddle's bank at the head of those excluded, would be an overmatch for the selected, in skill, capital and power; and the whole league would inevitably be overthrown. But if selected, the position of his bank in league would be certain. Its vast plus, the more their circulation and business, and, of All this is reversed, when separated. The higher capital, its extensive connections, its superior author- Specie is the basis of banking operations; and the Nor would its fate be less dissimilar. Anarchy was inscribed on the first from the beginning. Its deficiency in the great and essential element, to ensure concert, was radical and could not be remedied. Its union with the government could not supply it, nor avert its destiny. But very different would be the case of the present. Add its intimate union with the government, for which the substitute provides, to its other sources of power, and it would become irresistible. The two, government and bank, would unite and constitute a single power; but which would gain the ascendency;-whether the government would become the bank, or the bank the government, is neither certain nor material; for whichever it inight be, it would form a despotic money-cracy, (if I may be permitted to unite an English and a Greek word,) altogether irresistible. It is not a little surprising, that the senator from Virginia (Mr. Rives) whose watchful jealousy could detect, as he supposed, the embryo of a government bank in the bill, should overlook this regular incorporation of one by his own substitute. Out of the slender materials of treasury warrants and drafts to pay public creditors, or transfer funds from place to place, as the public service night require, and four principal receivers to keep the public money, he has conjured up, with the aid of a vivid imagination, a future government bank, which he told us, with the utmost confidence, would rise like a cloud, at first as big as a hand, but which would soon darken all the horizon. Now, it is not a little unfortunate for his confident predictions, that these seininal principles from which the bank is to spring, have all existed froin the commencement of our government in full force, except the four receivers, without show ing the least tendency to produce the result he anticipates. Not only ours, but every civilized government has the power to draw treasury warrants, and transfer drafts; nor has the power in a single instance terminated in a bank. Nor can the fact, that the inoney is to be kept by receivers, contribute in the least to produce one. The public funds in their hands will be as much beyond the control of the exe clear that the higher the taxes and disbursements, rectly interested in the banks, and of course, under the influence of the government. As to the relative influence of the officers and the selected banks over the community, every impartial man must acknowledge, that the preponderance would be greater on the side of the latter. Admitting the respectability of the receivers and other officers provided for in the bill, and the officers and stockholders of the banks to be individually the same, still the means of control at the disposition of the former, would be as nothing compared in that of the latter. They could not touch a cent of public money. Their means would be limited to their salary, which would be too small to be felt in the community. Very different would be the case with the officers and stockholders of the banks. They, of ail persons, are by far the most influential in the community. A greater number depend on them for accommodation and favor and the success of their business and prospects in life, than any other class in society; and this would be especially true of the banks connected with the government. It only remains now to compare the extent of the control that may be exercised by the governinent over the two, in order to complete the comparison, and here again the preponderance will be found to be strikingly on the same side. The whole amount of expenditure under the bill would not exceed $30,000 or $40,000 annually at the very farthest; and this constitutes the whole amount of control which the government can exercise. There would agent, which would give so great a control over the exchanges and business of the country? How many millions shall these be established at, and how insignificant must the paltry sum of $20,000 or $40,000 appear to those countless millions held under the provisions of the substitute at the pleasure of the government! The effects on the politics of the country would be great and salutary. The weight of the banks would be taken from the side of the tax consumers, where it has been from the commencement of the government, and placed on the side of the tax payers. be no perquisites, no contracts, jobs or incidental This great division of the community necessarily gains. The offices and salaries would be all. To grows out of the fiscal action of the government. that extent, those who may hold them, would be Take taxation and disbursement together, and it will dependent on the government, and thus far they may always be found that one portion of the community be controlled. How stands the account on the other pays into the treasury, in the shape of taxes, more side? What value shall be put on the public depothan it receives back in that of disburseinents, and sites in the banks? What on the receivability of that another receives back more than it pays. The their notes, as cash, by the government? What on former are the tax payers, and the latter the consu- their connection with the government, as their fiscal mers,-making the great, essential, and controlling division in all civilized communities. If, with us, the government has been thrown on the side of the consumers, as it has, it must be attributed to its alliance with the banks, whose influence has been, in consequence, at all times steadily and powerfully on that side. It is to this mischevious and unholy alliance that may be traced almost all the disasters that have befallen us, and the great political degeneracy of the country. Hence the protective system; hence its associated and monstrous system of disbursements; hence the collection of more money from the people than the government could require; hence the vast and corrupting surpluses; hence legislative and executive usurpations; and finally, hence the prostration of the currency and the disasters which give rise to our present deliberations. Revive this fatal connection; adopt this substitute, and all this train of evils will again follow with redoubled disasters and corruption. Refuse the connection; adopt this bill, and all will be reversed, and we shall have some prospect of restoring the constitution and the country to their primitive simplicity and purity. The effect of the refusal on the patronage of the govern ment would be great and decisive. Burke has wisely department, there has been no loss for 15 years, Having now finished the comparison as to the relative patronage of the two measures, I shall next compare them as fiscal agents of the government; and here let me say, at the outset, that this discussion has corrected an error, which I once entertained. I had supposed, that the hazard of keeping the public money under the custody of officers of the government, would be greater, than in bank. The senators from New Hampshire and Connecticut, (Messrs. Hubbard and Niles) have proved from the record, that the hazard is on the other side; and that we have lost more by the banks, than by the collecting and disbursing officers combined. What can be done to increase the security ty judicious selection of officers, and proper orginization, is strongly illustrated by the facts stated by the chairman (Mr. Wright,) in his opening speech; that in the war cutive, as it was in the vaults of the banks. But, to said, that the "revenue is the state in modern times." from 21 to '36, on an expenditure certainly not shorten discussion, I would ask, how can there be a Violence and coercion are no longer the instruments less than $100,000,000. I take some pride in this bank without the power to discount or to use the of government in civilized communities. Their result of an organization, which I originated and esdeposites? and out of which of the provisions of the reign is past. Every thing is now done by money. It tablished when secretary of war against the most bill could the treasury, by any possibility obtain is not only the sinue of war, but of politics; over which, formidable opposition. As to the relative expense of the two agencies, that of he bill, as small as it is, we are to judge appearances, is the greatest; but if by facts, the substitute would be much the inost so, provided we charge it with all the advantages, which the banks would derive from their connection with the government, as ought in fairness to be done, as the whole ultimately comes out of the pockets of the people. In a single particular the banks have the advantage as fiscal agents. They would be the more convenient. To this they are entitled, and I wish to withhold froin them no credit, which they may justly claim. The senator from Virginia (Mr. Rives) appeared to have great apprehension, that the collection of the public dues in specie might lead to hoarding. He may disıniss his fears on that head. It is not the genius of modern and civilized governments to hoard; and if it were, the banks will take care, that there shall be no extraordinary accumulation of cash in the treasury. Pass the bill, and I under-write, that we shall never have again to complain of a surplus. It would rarely, if ever in peace and settled times, exceed three or four millions at the outside. Nor is his apprehension that hoarding of specie would lead to war, less groundless. The danger is in another quarter. War is the harvest of banks, when they are connected with government. The vast increase of revenue and expenditures, and the enormous public loans, which necessarily enure mainly to their advantage, swell their profits in war to the utmost limits. But separate thein from government, and war would then be to thein, a state of famine, for reasons which must be apparent after what has been said, which would throw their weight on the side of peace and against war; just as certainly, as I have shown, that the separation would throw it on the side of tax payers, and against the tax consumers. be, where it exclusively performed the function of timate; but it would, I suppose, be ample to set circulation, and where each individual must keep a down ten millions to that head, which would leave portion to meet his daily demands. This is so obvi- upwards of twenty millions annually, as the profits ous, that I shall not undertake to illustrate it. But the superiority of the bill over the substitute derived from banking privileges over and above a fair compensation for the capital invested, which would not be limited only to a more favorable pro- some body must pay, and which must ultimately fall portion between specie and paper. It would have on the industry and business of the country. But another important advantage that cannot be well this enormous expansion of the system is not astonover-estimated; it would make a practical distinc- ishing; so great is the stimulus applied to its growth. tion between currency and circulation, - between the Ingenious men of other ages, devoted themselves in currency of the country, and private and local circu- vain to discover the art of converting the baser melation, under which head bank paper would be com- tals into gold and silver; but we have conferred on prehended. The effects would be, to render a gene- a portion of the community, an art still higher,-of ral explosion of the circulation almost impossible. converting paper to all intents and purposes, into the Whatever derangements might occur, would be local precious inetals; and ought we to be surprised, that and confined to some one particular commercial sphere; and even, within its limits, there would be a sound currency to fall back on, not partaking of the shock, and which would greatly diminish the intensity and duration of the distress. In the mean time, the general business and finances of the country would proceed, alınost without feeling the derangement. an article so cheap to the manufacturers, and so dear to the rest of the community, should be so greatly over supplied, and without any reference to the interest, or to the wants of the community? If we are to believe the senator from Virginia, and others on the same side, we owe almost all our improvements and prosperity to the banking system;and if it should fail, the age of barbarism would again With a few remarks on the comparative effects of return. I had supposed that the bases of our prosthe two measures on the industry and business of the perity were our free institutions; the wide spread country, I shall conclude their comparison. What has been said on their relative effects on the currency, goes far to decide the question of their relative effects on business and industry. and fertile region we occupy, and the hereditary intelligence and energy of the stock, from which we are descended; but it seems, that all these go for nothing, and that the banks are every thing. I make no war on them. All I insist on is, that the governinent shall separate from them, which I believe to be indispensable, for the reasons I have assigned, both now and formerly. But I cannot concur in attributing to them our improvements and prosperity. That they contributed to give a strong impulse to industry. and enterprise in the early stages of their operation, I hold a sound and stable currency to be among the greatest encouragements to industry and business generally; and an unsound and fluctuating one, now expanding and now contracting, so that no honest man can tell what to do, as among the greatest discouragements. The dollar and the eagle are the measure of value, as the yard and the bushel are of quantity; and what would we think of the incorpo- I doubt not. Nothing is more stimulating than an ration of companies to regulate the latter to expand expanding and depreciating currency. It creates a or contract, or shorten or lengthen them at pleasure, delusive appearance of prosperity, which puts every with the privilege to sell by the contracted or short- thing in motion. Every one feels as if he was growened, and buy by the expanded or lengthened? Is ing richer, as prices rise, and that he has it in his it not seen that it would place the whole industry power, by foresight and exertion, to make his forand business of the country under the control of such I come now to the comparison of the effects of the two measures on the currency of the country. In this respect, the senator from Virginia (Mr. Rives) seemed to think, that his substitute would have a great superiority over the bill; but his reasons were to me wholly unsatisfactory. If we are to judge companies? But it would not more certainly effect from experience, it ought to be pronounced to be the it, than a similar control possessed by the money in worst possible measure. It has been in operation but stitutions of the country, over the measure of value. twice (each for but a few years) since the commencement of the government: and it has so happened, that the only two explosions of the currency occurred during those periods. But, without relying on these disastrous occurrences, we have seen enough to satisfy the most incredulous that there are great and radical defects in our bank circulation, which no remedy heretofore applied, has been able to remove. It originates in the excess of paper, compared to specie, and the only effective cure is to increase the latter and reduce the former; and this the substitute itself impliedly acknowledges by proposing a remedy that would prove wholly inoperative. It proposes that, after a certain period mentioned, none of the banks to be selected, should is sue notes under ten dollars. The effects would clearly be, not a diminution of the circulation of But I go further, and assert confidently, that the excess of paper currency, as well as its unsteadiness, is unfavorable to the industry and business of the country. It raises the price of every thing, and consequently increases the price of production and consumption; and is, in the end, hostile to every branch of industry. tune. But it is the nature of stimulus, moral as well as physical, to excite at first, and to depress afterwards. The draught, which at first causes unnatural excitement and energy is sure to terminate in corresponding depression and weakness; nor is it less certain that the stimulus of a currency, expand. ing beyond its proper limits, follows the same law. We have had the exhileration, and the depression has succeeded. We have had the pleasure of getting drunk, and now experience the pain of becoming sober. The good is gone and the evil has succeeded; and on a fair calculation, the latter will be found to be greater than the former. Whatever impulse the banking system was calculated to give to our improvement and prosperity, has already been given; and the reverse effects will hereafter follow, unless the system should undergo great and radical changes; the first step towards which, would be the adoption of the measure proposed by this bill. I hold that specie and paper have each their proper sphere; the latter for large and distant transactions, and the former for all others; and that the nearer our circulation approaches gold and silver, consistently with convenience, the better for the industry and the business of the country. The more specie the better, till that point is reached. When attained, it would combine in the greatest possible degree, soundness and facility, and would be favora- I have, Mr. President, finished what I intended to ble to the productive classes universally; I mean small notes, but a new division of the banking busi- men of business, planters, merchants, and manufac- But what the substitute would fail to do, the bill would effectually remedy. None doubt, but the separation from the banks would greatly increase the proportion of specie to paper; but the senator from Virginia (Mr. Rives) apprehends, that its operation would be too powerful; so much so, in fact, as to destroy the banks. His argument is, that specie would be always at a premiuin, and that it would be impossible for the banks to do business, so long as that was the case. His fears are groundiess. What he dreads would be but a temporary evil. The very fact, that specie would bear a premium would have say. I have long anticipated the present crisis, but did not expect its arrival in my time. When I saw its approach, I resolved to do iny duty be the consequences to me what they might, and I offer my thanks to the Author of my being, that he has given me the resolution and opportunity to discharge, what I honestly believe to be that duty on this great subject. cash articles every where; and it was well remarked by the senator from Mississippi, (Mr Walker,) at the extra session, that we sold at cash prices and brought at paper prices; that is, sold low and bought high. The manufacturing, commercial and naviga- How the question will be decided, is acknowting interests would also feel its beneficial effects. It ledged to be doubtful, so nearly are the two houses would cheapen productions and be to manufacturers supposed to be divided; but whatever may be its in lieu of a protective tariff. Its effects would be to late now, I have the most perfect confidence in its enable them to meet foreign competition, not by raising prices by high duties, but by enabling them to sell as cheap or cheaper than the foreigner, which would harmonize every interest, and place our manufactures on the most solid basis. It is the only mode by which the foreign market can ever be the double effect, to diminish paper circulation, and commanded; and cominanded it would be, with In this connection, the senator urged rged an objection against the bill, which I regard as wholly groundless. He said, that the payment of the dues of the government in specie, would create a double demand; a domestic, as well as a foreign; the effects of which would be to increase greatly, its fluctuations; and so deeply was he impressed with the But with a bloated and fluctuating paper circulation, backs, it levies an enormous tax on the community. I have already stated, that the community is estimated to have been indebted to the banks $475, 000,000 at the suspension of specie payments. The interest on this sum, estimated at six per cent. (it ought to be higher,) would give an annual income to those institutions of upwards of thirty millions; idea, that he drew a vivid picture of its alternate flow and this is the sum yearly paid by the community for from the coast to the interior, and froin north to bank accommodations, to the excess of which we final triumph. The public attention is roused The subject will be thoroughly investigated, and I have no fears but the side I support, will prove to be the side of truth, justice, liberty, civilization, and moral and intellectual excellence. TWENTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. SECOND SESSION-SENATE. March 17. The senate met, and, after the reading of the journal, adjourned, to attend the funeral of the hon. Timothy Jarvis Carter, late a representative from the state of Maine. March 19. The Vice-President presented, from the state department, a report, called for by a senate resolution, offered by Mr. Benton, in relation to the contract with the publishers of the documentary history of the revolution. Laid on the table, and ordered to be printed. Also, from the post office department, the remainder of the correspondence, &c. called for by a resolution of the 9th instant, offered by Mr. Niles, in relation to the conduct of the Metropolis Bank, south, and back again. All this is the work of ima- owe our bloated and unstable circulation. Never of this city, as a public fiscal agent. Laid on the gination. The effect would be directly the reverse. was a circulation so worthless, furnished at so dear a table, and ordered to be printed, together with the The more numerous the deinands, the less the fluc- rate. How much of this vast income may be con- documents on the same subject from the treasury tuation; so much so, that the greatest stability would sidered as interest on real capital, it is difficult to es-department. By Mr. Linn: from the Missouri iron company, Fulton, Grundy, Hubbard, King. Linn, Lumpkin, to men. He, however, objected to the residence of asking that they may be permitted to enter 500,000 acres of the public lands on a credit of five years, with a view to secure the wood upon it for the use of the company; also asking a right of way through the public lands for a railroad from the iron mountain to the Mississippi, the neighborhood of which Mr. L. recommended as the best possible site for a national foundry. Referred. By Messrs. Swift, Wright, and Morris: Various petitions on slavery and the slave trade. Motions to receive severally laid on the table. By Messrs. Wright and Morris: remonstrating against the admission of Texas. Laid on the table. By: Mr. Buchanan, from H. Binney and other citizens of Philadelphia, with statements of the large amount of property employed in the book-selling and book-publishing business, which would be at stake on the passage of the proposed international copyright law. Laid on the table, and ordered to be printed. Mr. B. intimating that he would call it up hereafter, if it should be necessary, to effect the object of the petitioners in opposition to the proposed copyright law. By Mr. Wall: from citizens of Essex county, New Jersey, friends of a tried and sound currency, expressing their views in favor of a United States bank for that purpose, and in decided opposition to the sub-treasury scheme. Referred, and ordered to be printed. By Mr. Ruggles: from citizens of Maine, in opposition to the sub-treasury, and in favor of a national bank. Laid on the table. By Mr. Lyon and Mr. Preston: from individuals. Referred. Mr. Grundy, from the committee on the judiciary, reported the substitute of the house, referred to that committee, for the senate bill altering the time of holding the United States courts in the 9th circuit without amendinent, together with communications on the subject of the bill from the two judges, Wayne and McKinley, of that circuit. [This bill was subsequently taken up, the two above named communications were read, together with extracts from letters from the clerks of the courts; an amendment was offered to the substitute of the house, by Mr. Sevier, (to change the holding of the Arkanses circuit court to October instead of March, as proposed,) and the bill was then informally passed over, the morning hour having expired.] Mr. Morris offered a resolution, immediate action on which being objected to by Mr. Clay, of Alabama, lies over one day, instructing the committee on the judiciary to inquire whether the present laws of the United States on the subject of the slave trade prohibited that trade. or the transfer of slaves between this country and Texas. Mr. Knight, on leave, introduced a bill for the relief of the heirs of Benjamin King. Read twice and referred. The senate resumed the consideration of the subtreasury bill. Mr. Benton concluded his remarks in favor of the bill. On motion of Mr. Southard, the senate adjourned. March 20. Mr. McKean presented the proceed ings of a large meeting of the friends of the late and present administrations of the general government, and opposed to the sub-treasury bill, recently held at Pittsburgh, on which occasion George A. Cook presided. Mr. McK. said, on looking over the names of the gentlemen who made the call and took part in this meeting, he knew many of them to be what they profess to be, "friends and supporters of the late and present administrations;" he knew also that they were men of respectability and democrats of the old school. Read, laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Several petitions from individuals, &c. were presented and referred. A number of bills were reported: Mr. Morris, from the committee on the judiciary, reported the bill referred to them, establishing the territory of Ioway from a portion of that of Wisconsin, with an amendment, which was read. The resolution offered by Mr. Norvell, for de claring the sense of the senate that no one engaged in a duel ought to be appointed to office under the U. S. government, was taken up, and without debate, laid on the table, on motion of Mr. Clay, of Alabama. The resolution offered by Mr. Morris, for instructing the committee on the judiciary to inquire in regard to the relations of the United States with Texas in regard to slavery, under existing laws, and whether any legislation is necessary or expedient on this subject, was taken up, and, without debate, laid on the table, on motion of Mr. Walker, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Allen, Brown, Buchanan, Clay, Mouton, Nicholas, Norvell, Pierce, Preston, Roane, two judges within the same circuit; and, on this NAYS-Messrs. Linn, McKean, Morris, Niles, Prentiss, Robbins, Smith, of Indiana, Swift, Williams-9. On motion of Mr. Wall, the committee on the judiciary was discharged from the further consideration of the subject of increasing the compensation of the United States district attorney for Indiana. Also, of allowing mileage to the judges of the United States courts for the purpose of equalizing their salaries. Mr. Wall, from the same committee, reported the bill referred to them supplementary to the act regulating the processes in the courts of the United States providing compensation for jurors, witnesses, &c. with a motion for its indefinite postponement. Laid on the table. Also, a notion to discharge the same committee from the farther consideration of the subject of paying jurors in the United States district court in Mississippi. Laid on the table. The bill for the relief Michael Caskett was read a third time, and passed. The senate resumed the consideration of the bill to change the time of holding the courts of the United States in the ninth circuit. The amendment before offered by Mr. Sevier to the substitute of the other house for the bill, was adopted. Mr. Sevier moved farther to amend the substitute by declaring it a high misdemeanor for any judge to fail or refuse to hold the courts as required by the law, except in the case of sickness. Mr. Preston and Mr. Clay, of Alabama, objected to this amendment as redundant, or as interfering with the provision of the constitution that judges should hold their office during good behavior, a point that must, in any case, be decided under the constitution, in pursuance of a process of impeachment. Mr. Sevier, on account of several successive failures to hold the court in Arkansas, insisted on trying the question on his amendment, though he was willing to amend it by adding other proper and sufficient excuses besides that of sickness. The morning hour having expired, the bill was informally passed over. The senate again took under consideration the sub-treasury bill. Mr. Southard spoke in opposition to the bill, and in reply to Mr. Calhoun and Mr. Benton. Before he had concluded, The senate adjourned, after an executive ses sion. March 21. After the presentation of petitions, on motion of Mr. Linn, 5,000 extra copies of the report on the subject of acclimating tropical plants in Florida, were ordered to be printed. On motion of Mr. Tipton, the committee on the post office and post roads were instructed to inquire into the expediency ediency of establishing a post route from Corydon to Harrison county, in Indiana. Mr. Tipton also offered a resolution directing the expenditure of an appropriation heretofore inade for the removal of the United States troops from Fort Gibson. Read, and ordered to a second reading. Mr. King, from the committee on commerce, reported the house bills referred to them, for the relief of George Dyer, and of Squier Stearns, with a notice that when they should come up he should move for their indefinite postponement. The senate resumed the consideration of the bill to alter the time of holding the United States courts in the ninth district. Mr. Sevier withdrew his amendment, making it a high misdemeanor for a judge to refuse or fail to hold the courts as required by law, except in case of sickness. The question recurring on the substitute of the house for the bill as amended by the senate, Mr. Preston opposed the substitute on the ground that it added to the circuit of Judge Wayne the state of Alabama, in which Judge McKinley resides, thus also relieving one of them from certain duties, and imposing them on another, when the duties of both respectively were well known to them when they accepted their appointments. Mr. Clay, of Alabama, repudiated all personal considerations relating to the judges, and urged the propriety and expediency of the substitute, (joining Alabama to Georgia and South Carolina,) on the ground of public utility. Mr. White expressed his concurrence in the sentiment of Mr. Clay, that legislation should be con of Alabama, Clay, of Kentucky, Clayton, Cuthbert, Iducted with a view to the public interests, and not judge Wayne, he opposed the substitute. On motion of Mr. Buchanan, the bill was laid on the table. A message was received from the president of the United States, on the subject of the northeastern boundary. Laid on the table, and 1,000 extra copies ordered to be printed. The senate resumed the consideration of the subtreasury bill. Mr. Southard concluded his remarks in opposition to the bill. The question was then put on Mr. Rives's substitute for the bill, and it was lost by the following vote: YEAS-Messrs. Bayard, Clay, of Kentucky, Clayton, Crittenden, Davis, Knight, McKean, Merrick, Nicholas, Prentiss, Preston, Rives, Robbins, Ruggles, Sinith, of Indiana, Southard, Spence, Swift, Tallmadge, Tipton, Webster, White-22. NAYS-Messrs. Allen, Benton, Brown, Buchanan, Calhoun, Clay, of Alabama, Cuthbert, Fulton, Grundy, Hubbard, King, Linn, Lumpkin, Lyon, Morris, Mouton, Niles, Norvell, Pierce, Roane, Robinson, Sevier, Smith, of Connecticut, Strange, Trotter, Walker, Wall, Williams, Wright, Young-30. Mr. Cuthbert expressed great regret for differing at all from his political friends; he was not unwilling to separate the government from the banks, but still would not concur in refusing to take the paper of the banks, which constituted and must constitute the principal medium of commerce and currency of the people. He therefore moved to strike out the 23d section of the bill, which provides that the government should gradually cease entirely to receive the notes of other banks. Mr. Calhoun said he regarded this as a very important provision of the bill; and before taking the question on striking it out, he wished to be heard on this point, and also in the expression of his views in a general argument in favor of the bill.He therefore moved that the senate adjourn; whereupon The senate went informally into executive session, after which it adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Saturday, March 17. Immediately after the reading of the journal of Thursday, general George M. Keim, a member elected from the state of Pennsylvania, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Muhlenberg, appeared, was qualified, and took his seat. At half past twelve o'clock the funeral service Mr. McKennan, of Pa. Mr. Pope, of Ky. Mr. Hamer, of Ohio. Pall bearers, viz: Mr. Phillips, of Mass. The Mr. Worthington, of Md. THE CORPSE. The family and friends of the deceased. members of the house of representatives and senators from Maine, as mourners. sergeant-at-arms of the house of representatives. house of representatives, preceded by their speaker and clerk. The other officers of the house. Monday, March 19. The Speaker laid before the house the following executive communications: A letter from the secretary of war accompanied by the report and map of the survey of the harbor and mouth of Connecticut river, called for by the the house on the 19th Feb. last. A letter from the secretary of war, accompanied by the reports of the surveys of the harbors of New Buffalo and Twenty Mile creek, called for by the house on the 5th of March inst. A letter from the secretary of war, accompanied officers in the navy of a like rank are by law now by the papers in the case of William Lomar. A letter from the secretary of war, transmitting a statement showing the relative cost attending the enlistment, equipment, &c. of mounted men or cavalry and infantry, called for by the house on the 19th of February. A letter from the secretary of war, transmitting information respecting the practicability and expense of removing obstructions in the Atchafalaya river, called for on the 5th inst. A letter from the secretary of the treasury, transmitting a statement, exhibiting, as far as practicable, the amount disbursed in each year, and in each state and terrritory, for 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, for fortifications, light-houses, and their support, revolutionary and other pensions, and internal improve. ments, &c. prepared in obedience to the order of the house of the 5th instant. A letter from the secretary of the navy, in obedience to the order of the house of the 19th of February, relative to the exploring expedition. The Chair proceeded, under the rule, to call the different states for the presentation of resolutions, when more than eighty-seven were offered, among which were the following. Mr. Underwood offered the following, which lies over one day. Resolved, That the president of the United States be requested to inform this house, if not deemed incompatible with the public interests, whether he has given authority to major gen. T. S. Jesup, or any other person, to treat with the Seminole Indians, and to allow them to retain a part of the territory of Florida as a permanent residence, or whether he has instructed said Jesup to make no such treaty or stipulation with said Indians, in case they should make such proposition, and offer peace upon condition of being allowed to remain in Florida. Resolved further, That the president be requested to intorin this house, if not deemed incompatible with the public interests, whether said Indians have offered to be at peace upon condition that they be allowed to remain in Florida. On motion of Mr. Montgomery, as modified, Resolved, That the secretary of war be directed to furnish this house with a copy of his answer to the letter of general Jesup, dated fort Jupiter, Feb. 11, 1833. On motion of Mr. Cushing, it was Resolved, That the president of the United States be requested, if in his judgment not incompatible with the public interest, to communicate to the house whatever information may be in his possession relative to the intermeddling of any foreign goverment, or the subjects or officers thereof, with the Indian tribes in Michigan, Wisconsin, the territory beyond the Rocky mountains, or elsewhere within the limits of the United States, by the supply of munitions of war, the stated distribution of gratuities, or pension, or otherwise; and likewise all correspondence or communications had with any foreign government, respecting the title or occupation of the aforesaid territory of the United States beyond the Rocky mountains. On motion of Mr. Reed, it was Resolved, That the committee on the post office and post roads be instructed to inquire into the ex pediency of anthorizing and instructing the post master general to bargain and contract with any company, or companies, to take a mail for United States to and across the isthmus of Panama to the Pacific ocean and back again, provided such contract can be made upon reasonable terms in the judgment of the postmaster general. On motion of Mr. Davee, Resolved, That the speaker communicate to the governor of the state of Maine that a vacancy has occurred in its representation in the house of representatives, by the decease of Timothy J. Carter, late a member thereof. On motion of Mr. Noyes, Resolved, That the secretary of the treasury be directed to furnish to this house a statement of the number of arrivals and clearances, with their ton entitled to receive. On motion of Mr. Deberry, Resolved, That the committee on revolutionary pensions be instructed to inquire into the expe. diency of extending the benefits of the pension law of June, 1332, to such persons as performed the requisite service in the capacity of mechanics or wagoners when put to such service by the officers in command. Mr. Harlan offered the following, which was considered and disagreed to by the house: Resolved, That the committee on military affairs be instrusted to inquire into the expediency of providing by law for an increase of the number of cadets in the military academy at West Point. Mr. Lincoln offered the following, which lies one day: Resolved, That the 16th rule of the house be amended by adding thereto the following to wit: And provided also, That resolutions and memorials from the legislatures of the several states and territorial governments of the union shall not be construed to be within the application of the rule, but it shall be in order to present such resolutions or memorials on any day within the first hour of the session of the house. On motion of Mr. Grennell, Resolved, That the committee on revolutionary pensions be instructed to inquire into the expediency of extending the benefits which are provided in certain cases for widows of officers and soldiers of the revolution by the third section of the pension act of July 4, 1836, to the widows of such officers and soldiers as have died since the passage of said act. Mr. Loomis offered the following, which lies oves one day: Resolved, That the postmaster general furnish to this house an estimate, showing as near as he can ascertain 1. What proportion of the mails of the United States consists of free parcels estimated by weight: 2. What proportion consists of free parcels estimated by amount of postage on parcels that pay postage, and accounting all printed documents at pamphlet postage; 3. What would the proportion of the amount of postage to be paid by government, in case all free parcels were charged to government at the same rate as private parcels are charged; 4. To how low a rate the tariff of postage would be reduced, and sustain the departinent, in case all parcels conveyed by mail were chargeable with postage; 5. To how low a rate the tariff of postage can be reduced, now or prospectively, within two years retaining the present franking privilege, and sustain the department, with a rate of tariff deemed judi cious and proper by him, in case such reduction should be ordered. On motion of Mr. Pratt, Resolved, That the secretary of state be directed to report to this house a statement of the number of emigrants from foreign countries which have arrived within the United States annually during the last ten years, the places at which they have arrived, the countries from which they came, the expense of their transportation hither, by whom defrayed, and their circumstances and condition generally, as far as may be in his power with such other information relating to the introduction into the United States of foreign paupers by the authority of foreign governments as he may possess. Mr. Henry offered the following, which lies over one day: Resolved, That the committee on the judiciary be directed to bring in a bill to abolish the punishment of death for all offences against the United States, except treason and murder, and to abolish the punishment of whipping for all offences against the United States. On motion of Mr. Garland, of Virginia, Resolved, That the secretary of the treasury be directed to communicate to this house the names of the late deposite banks as have availed themselves of the benefit of the 1st section of the act of the 12th day of October last, by giving the requisite security, and such as have discharged the balances due from them at that time, and such as have failed to comply with the act, and the amount of balance due from them. On motion of Mr. McKay, Resolved, That the committee on naval affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of fixing by law the number of officers, petty officers and seamen to be employed in the naval service, or of fixing the number of officers, petty officers and seamen to be employed on board of frigates, sloops, and other vessels of war respectively. Resolved, further, That said committee inquire whether any and what provisions by law are necessary to secure the accountability of officers, or agents entrusted with the custody or safe-keeping of property belonging to the United States, for the use of the navy. On motion of Mr. Thompson, Resolved, That the secretary of the treasury be directed to furnish this house with a statement of the amount of revenue received in each state or territory during the year 1836; and also the amount, as nearly as the same can be ascertained, expended during that year in each state and territory; and also with a statement of the whole bank capital of the United States, designating the capital of each bank, and the place where located. On motion of Mr. Peck, Resolved, That the secretary of war be directed to communicate to this house whether the annuity granted to the New York Seneca Indians for 1837 has been paid, and if not, whether the funds have been remitted to the paying agent; and if so, when and the causes why said annuity has not been paid; and that he communicate all the correspondence to and with the department or commissioner of Indian affairs upon this subject. And further, whether goods have been offered to said Indians in part payment of such annuity, and, if so, by what authority. On motion of Mr. Chapman, Resolved, That the committee on public lands be instructed to inquire into the expediency of providing by law for issuing patents to those persons who hold the equitable title to Indian reservations, after the sale by the original purchaser. On motion of Mr. Crary, Resolved, That the secretary of war be directed to communicate to this house a copy of the report of the superintendent of the public works at St. Josephs, in Michigan, and Michigan city, in Indiana, for the year 1837, and of the papers accompanying the same. Mr. Lyon offered the following which lies over one day: Resolved, That the 13th rule of the house be so amended as to embrace the commissioner of Indian affairs as one of the persons entitled to admission within the hall of the house of representatives. On motion of Mr. Ewing, Resolved, That the committee on public lands be instructed to inquire into the expediency of providing concessions or donation grants within our territorial boundary west of the Rocky mountains, to all citizens, heads of families, who shall have settled upon and improved the same previous to the Ist day of January of the year 1841. On motion of Mr. Casey, Resolved, That the dissemination of knowledge Resolved, That the committee on public lands be nage and value of cargoes, of British and American ledge is communicated is that of the press, in the New York. On motion of Mr. Mallory, Resolved, That the committee on naval affairs be instructed to inquire into the expediency of allow ing to the officers of revenue cutters during the time they shall be co-operating with the navy of the United States the same pay and rations to which on public newspapers, so far as relates to those that each, to be located on any surveyed lands of the showing the object prayed for in each of said peti-union, (Mr. Casey in the chair,) and resumed the are carried in the mail within the city or county where such papers are printed and published, and that in future the same shall be carried without charge. Mr. Toland offered the following, which lies over one day: general goverment not otherwise disposed of. Mr. Snyder offered the following, which lies over one day: Resolved, That the committee on commerce be instructed to report a bill repealing the law which provides for the payment of debentures to fishing vessels. Mr. Martin offered the following, which lies over one day. Resolved, That the committee on public lands be instructed to inquire as to the best mode of disposing of the public lands within the several states of this union, at as early a day as the same may be done, having a proper regard for the interests of the government and the rights of the states, and that they be instructed to report a bill for that purpose. Mr. Shields offered the following, which lies over one day: Whereas, many of the troops employed in the ser vice of the United States, in the present Florida Seminole war, lost their horses and baggage in said service, without any fault of theirs, because the United States had failed to provide forage for said horses, and consequently said troops were dismounted, many hundred miles from home, and required to perform, and did perform, after they were dismounted, on foot, the saine services which were required of mounted men; and, notwithstanding their monthly pay while mounted was twenty dollars, it was reduced after they had sustained such loss to eight dollars per month; and, whereas, the horses of many of said troops died from excessive fatigue in executing extraordinary orders of the commanding officers, without any fault of their riders, and the said horses were killed by accident or casualty while under the immediate orders and direction of said officers, to which they would not otherwise have been liable; therefore, Resolved, That the committee on claims be instructed to inquire into the expediency of allowing to said dismounted men, who performed services as above stated, additional pay, so as to make their monthly wages equal to that of mounted men in said service; and, also, of providing that the property lost in said service, in any of the troops above mentioned, shall be paid for by the United States. Mr. Davies offered the following, which was disagreed to by the house. Resolved, That hereafter the stated hour of meeting of this house shall be half past eleven o'clock. Mr. Cushman offered a similar resolution, fixing the time of meeting at 11 o'clock, which was also rejected. On motion of Mr. Rice Garland, Resolved, That the secretary of the treasury be directed to communicate to this house what progress has been made in issuing patents for land in the state of Louisiana since the last report inade to this house on that subject, stating particularly how many patents have been issued for private land claims; how many for lands purchased under the credit system; how many for lands purchased under the cash system at public sales, and by private entry of lands that have been offered for sale; how many for lands sold under the different laws authorizing the entry at private sale of the back lands in that state; how many for purchasers under each of the pre-emption laws of 1814, of May 29, 1830, and June 19, 1834; and how many under any other description of title. Also, how many remain yet to be issued of each of said description of titles, and the causes that delay the issuing of said patents; also, when it is probable the patents now suspended will be issued; also, what progress has been made in the examination of the certificates of purchase under the pre-emption law of June 19, 1834; when the examination will probably terminate; and under what law or laws the said secretary of the treasury, or the commissioner of the general land office, they, or either of them, have suspended the issuing of patents under said act. On motion of Mr. Sawyer, Resolved, That the committee on commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing a light boat off Bluff Point, on Albemarle sound. On motion of Mr. Phillips, it was tions, memorials, remonstrances and resolution. On motion of Mr. Everett, it was Resolved, That the secretary of war be directed to lay before this house a copy of his answer to a letter of general Jesup, of the 20th December, 1837. Mr. Patton moved the suspension of the rules for the purpose of taking up the resolutions, offered by himself, on a former day, on the subject of the executive power, and the manner of its exercise, and proposing the appointment of a select committee to inquire whether any "honest, capable, and faithful" officers have been dismissed from offices not on grounds of error, negligence, incapacity, misconduct, or unfitness; and, also, to consider and report whether any and what restrictions can be imposed by law upon the executive patronage, so as more effectually to guard against abuse and corruption in the exercise of the power of removal from and appointment to office. And upon this motion Mr. Patton demanded the yeas and nays, which were ordered. Mr. Cambreleng asked if it was the object of the mover to make the consideration of this resolution the special order. Mr. Patton replied that it was his object to move for the assignment of a particular day for the consideration of the resolution. Mr. Boon wished to vote understandingly. He would ask how far back this inquiry was to go? Mr. Patton said he was willing that it should go back to the beginning of the government. The resolutions were again read at the request of several members, and, the question being taken, resulted as follows: Yeas, 71, nays 66. So that, (more than a hundred members being absent,) two. thirds not voting for the motion, the house refused at this time to give preference to the cons.deration of Mr. Patton's resolutions. Petitions. The states were then called upon, in order, for the presentation of petitions, when they were presented by the following gentlemen, viz: From Maine, by Messrs. Fairfield and Davee. From Massachusetts, by Messrs. Cushing, Briggs, Fletcher, Calhoun, Lincoln, Reed, Adams, and Phillips. From Connecticut, by Mr. Ingham. From Verinont, by Mr. Everett. From New York, by Messrs. Jackson, Noble, Childs, Curtis, Marvin, Filmore, Sibley, Loomis, Peck, DeGraff, Russell, Bronson, and Hoffman. From New Jersey, by Mr. Maxwel. From Pennsylvania, by Messrs. Davis, Henry, McClure, Naylor, Paynter, Plumer, Hubley, Morris, Toland, and Biddle. From Maryland, by Mr. Howard. From Virginia, by Messrs. Pennybacker, Wise, Johnson, and Hopkins. From North Carolina, by Mr. Montgomery. From South Carolina, by Messrs. Richardson, Rhett, and Legare. From Tennessee, by Messrs. Stone, Carter, J. L. Williams, the Speaker, and McClellan. consideration of the civil and diplomatic appropriation bill. Mr. Cambreleng proposed to amend the bill by increasing the same to be appropriated for the protection of seamen, from thirty thousand dollars, as proposed in the bill, to forty thousand dollars. Mr. Adams complained that it had not been shown to be clearly necessary to appropriate so large an additional sum to that already appropriated for this object at the extra session. He wanted an inquiry into this subject. It was also objected by Mr. A. H. Shepperd, that the accounts of the officers, employed to disburse this money, as foreign consuls, &c. were not before the house; and that an investigation of those accounts should be had. Mr. Howard attributed the necessity of making an additional appropriation for this object to the difference of exchange, which has made the expenditure greater, and which will have the same effect for some time to come. Mr. A. H. Shepperd contended that the great sin in this matter is that sums are represented as being expended, which are yet in the hands of disbursing officers. He was for an inquiry into this subject. Mr. Adams, made some explanations as to the mode in which drafts were made for the purpose under consideration, by foreign consuls, and urged still further the necessity of the inquiry he had proposed. Mr. A. thought there was a good deal in the remark of the gentleman from Maryland, (Mr. Howard,) that the difference in exchange was the cause of an increased expenditure in this department. He said that this had been adverted to as a good argument in favor of the sub-treasury scheme. This he had hardly expected: but he hoped that the chairman of the committee of ways and means, or some other skilful financier in this house, would bring forward some measure, which would have the effect to relieve the country from such an onerous tax as that to which allusion was made by the chairman of the committee on foreign affairs. Mr Phillips made statements to show that there had latterly been a great increase in the number of cases, calling for the expenditure of this appropriation, and to demonstrate the necessity of the proposed amendment. Some explanations ensued, between Messrs. Cambreleng, A. H. Shepperd, and Adams, as to the mode of remitting, drawing, and disbursing the fund for the relief of distressed seamen. Mr. McKay contended that the whole matter required to be regulated and revised, and showed the necessity of this by comparing the present usage with the requisitions of the law of 1803. He was opposed to the amendment. Mr. McKim thought the amendment proposed one of the most important items in the bill before the committee. The object was most useful, and the necessity of the case required that the proposed increase should now be made. The question was then taken on the proposed amendment, ayes 44, noes 19; no quorum voting. The Speaker resumed the chair, and the chairman announced the fact that no quorum was pre From Ohio, by Messrs. Hamer and Kilgore. Herod. From Illinois, by Mr. Snyder. Mr. Reed rose to move that the house adjourn, and called for the yeas and nays, with the view of ascertaining who were present. He should vote From Missouri, by Mr. Harrison. From Michigan, by Mr. Crary. From Florida, by Mr. Downing. Memorials in relation to the late duel, and the subject of duelling generally, were presented by Messrs. Fairfield, Davee, Adams, McClellan, Sibley, Loomis, De Graff, Maxwell, Henry, McClure, Biddle, Polk, Kilgore, and Phillips, and referred to the select committee on that subject. Remonstrances against the annexation of Texas were presented by Messrs. Fletcher, Lincoln, and Naylor, and laid on the table. Memorials relating to slavery, were presented Resolved, That the committee on commerce be instructed to inquire into the expediency of remodelling the consular establishment of the United by Messrs. Cushing, Briggs, Fletcher, Lincoln, States. Mr. Adams offered the following, which lies over: Resolved, That the clerk of this house be directed to cause to be made out, and reported to this house, a list of all the petitions, memorials and papers presented to the house, at the late session, and at the present session of congress, and laid on the table without being read, printed, debated, or referred; specifying the name of the first petitioner, and the number of signatures to each paper so laid on the table; specifying also the state from which each petition, memorial remonstrance, or resolution came: and distinguishing all such as have been laid on the table under the general resolution of the 21st December, 1837, from those which have been laid on the table by separate motions, and Adams, Everett, Davis, Henry, Naylor, Kilgore, and Herod. The house then adjourned. Tuesday, March 20. On motion of Mr. E. Whittlesey, the Speaker was requested to appoint a member of the committee of claims, vice Mr. Carter, deceased. After a number of committees had reported, the house took up the unfinished business of the morning, which was the resolution of Mr. Wm. C. Johnson, in relation to the appropriation of public lands for public schools already debated by that gentleman for several days during that hour. He had not finished when the time appropriated to morning business elapsed. The yeas and nays were ordered, and the house refused to adjourn by the following vote: yeas 9, nays 121. A quorum appearing, Mr. Casey resumed the chair, and the amendinent under consideration was adopted without a division. On motion of Mr. Cambreleng, (who stated that there was no other head under which the appropriations could be presented,) the bill was so ainended as to provide for the second payment of Luigi Persico, under a joint resolution of both houses, $4000; and for the second payment to artists employed upon the pictures for the rotundo, $8000. Mr. Bell offered the following amendment to the bill: "Sec. . And be it further enacted, That, from and after the first day of October next, the salaries of all the officers for the payment of which provision is made in this act, and all compensations and allowances to agents or other persons authorized by law, the payment of which is provided for in this act except the president and judges of the courts of the United States, and except also, such officers, agents, diplomatic or commercial, whose duties require them to reside without the limits of the United States and the territories thereof, shall be reduced one-fourth, or twenty-five per cent. of the amount now authorized by law: provided, that any On motion of Mr. Cambreleng, the house went time before the said first day of October, the bill into committee of the whole on the state of the reported from the committee on ways and means to |