of instruction in the naval service of the United States;

Which were read twice, and referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

On motion of Mr. CRITTENDEN, leave was granted to withdraw from the files of the Senate the petition and documents of William Meredith, the heir of William Meredith, for compensation for revolutionary services.

On motion of Mr. MERRICK, leave was granted to withdraw from the files of the Senate the petition of John Burke,

Mr. BERRIEN, from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported back, without amendmeat, the bill for the relief of persons residing within the reputed limits of the States of Arkansas and L. uisiana, and beyond the boundary lice between the United States and the Republic of Texas, established by the commissioners appointed to ascertain the

same.

Mr. WOODBURY presented a resolution, which was read as follows:

Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce inquire into the state of our tonnage, freights, and commerce with foreign powers; and report whether it is properous under the existing arrangements, by treaties or laws in relation thereto; and, also, whether the regulations by other Governments are equally in conformity to the spirit of these arrangements; and if either be not so, what measures are proper to insure greater prosperity and reciprocity.

Mr. W. said it was a very important inquiry which concerned the whole country, but.especially the Northern portion of the country; and, therefore, he hoped it would be passed at once. The question was put, and the resolution was adopted.

Mr. WOODBURY then submitted the following resolution, which lies one day, under the rule, viz: Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to furnish the Senate with the following information:

1. The amount of revenue received from customs during the third quarter of the year 1842, on imports made in that quar

ter.

2. As soon as the returns are obtained, the amount received in the 4th quarter of the same year, from the imports made in that quarter, and the aggregate of those imports.

3. The aggregate of appropriations outstanding and unex. pended at the close of the years, respectively, of 1840, 1841, and, when this year expires, at the end of 1812; and

4. The quantity of land which was advertised for public sale from 4th March, 1811, to the close of one year from that date; and the quantity advertised during the year previous to that date.

Mr. BERRIEN, from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported back, with amendments, (which were ordered to be printed.) the bill for the relief of Henry Gardner and others, directors of an institution called the New England Mississippi Land Company.

A motion was here made by Mr. HUNTING. TON, to take up the motion of Mr. WRIGHT, to refer to the Committee on Finance the memorial of the chamber of commerce of New York on the subject of the warehousing system.

Mr. WRIGHT explained that he preferred that the subject be passed over until to-morrow morning, before which time Senators will have read the memorial, (now printed,) and be prepared to vote understandingly as to which committee it should be referred-the Committee on Finance, as proposed by him; or the Committee on Commerce, as proposed by the Senator from Connecticut [Mr. HUNTINGTON.]

The question was put, and the Senate refused to take up the motion.

THE AFRICAN SQUADRON.

The following resolution, submitted by Mr. BENTON Some days ago, was taken up for consideration:

Resolved, That the President be requested to inform the Senate, (if compatible with the public interest,) whether the quintuple treaty, for the suppression of the slave-trade, has been communicated to the Government of the United States in any form whatever; and, if so, by whom; for what purpose; and what answer may have been returned to such communication. Also, to communicate to the Senate all the information which may have been received by the Govern ment of the United States, going to show that the "course which this Government might take in relation to said treaty has excited no small degree of a:tention and discussion in Eu rope." Also, to inform the Senate how far the "warm animadversions," and "the great political excitement" which this trea ty has caused in Europe, have any application or reference to the United States. Also, to inform the Senate what danger there was that "the laws and the obligations" of the United States in relation to the suppression of the slave-trade would be executed by others" if we did not "remove the pretext and motive for violating our flag and executing our laws," by entering into the stipulations for the African squadron, and

the remonstrating embassies which are contained in the 8th and 9h articles of the late British treaty. Also, that the President be requested to communicate to the Senate all the correspond. ence with our ministers abroad, relating to the foregoing points of inquiry. Also, that the President be requested to communicate to the Senate all such information upon the negotiation of the African squadron articles as will show the origin of said articles, and the history and progress of their formation.

Mr. ARCHER said, when this subject was last under consideration, he had expressed his willingness that the resolution should be adopted by the Senate, with the exception of a certain portion towards the conclusion. He had thought then, and still continued to think, that that portion of the resolution to which he referred ought to be stricken out-he meant that portion which called upon the President for the grounds of the opinion he had expressed in the message which he had communicated to this body in August last. In consequence, however, of the remarks which fell from the honorable Senator from Missouri on Thursday, he (Mr. ARCHER) was now disposed to allow the resolution to pass, without the alteration which he had proposed. Not that he had changed his opinion in relation to its propriety; for he was still of opin. ion that the Senate ought not, on its own account, to send such a message to the head of any department of the Government; but, inasmuch as he perceived that a refusal to send the resolution with that part stricken out would be attended with circumstances highly unfavorable to the Government, he was disposed to permit it to go without any amendment whatever.

He had been asked why he had desired any change in the first instance. He would answer, that, as the Government had no organ in that body by whom its views could be made known, he had felt it incumbent upon him to act as such organ.

Although he still thought it very desirable that the resolution should be modified in the manner he had suggested, yet there was a sort of debt of jus tice due to the Executive; and the latter, he thought, was the more imperious of the two considerations. He would, therefore, be governed by it. He would waive his objection to the resolution, and acquiesce in its adoption.

The resolution was then adopted.

BOARD OF EXCHEQUER.

The bill amendatory of the acts establishing the Treasury Department came up as the special order of the day.

Mr. TALLMADGE (on whose motion this bill had been made the order for to-day) said, the request of several Senators he had been induced to move a further postponement of it. He moved to postpone it till Tuesday next, as the special order for that day; which motion was agreed to.

FINE ON GENERAL JACKSON.

The bill introduced by Mr. LINN some time since, to indemnify General Jackson for the fine imposed upon him by Judge Hall, at New Orleans, while in the discharge of his official duty, came up on its postponement from Thursday last.

Mr. LINN hoped the bill would now be ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, by acclamation, as had been urged in a memorial presented this day from Pennsylvania by the Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. BUCHANAN.]

Mr. CRITTENDEN understood the question of reference was yet pending.

Some doubt being expressed as to the question now pending, a few conversational remarks were made by several Senators, in explanation, showing that the motion to postpone, on Thursday, superseded the motion to refer.

The CHAIR decided that the motion to postpone had superseded the motion to refer.

Mr. CRITTENDEN then renewed his motion to refer the bill to the Committee on the Judiciary. Mr. LINN asked for the yeas and nay:; which were ordered.

The question of reference to the Committee on the Judiciary was then taken by yeas and navs, and resulted in the affirmative-yeas 23, nays 19, as follows:

YEAS-Messrs. Archer, Barrow, Bates, Bayard, Clayton, Conrad, Crafts, Crittenden, Evans, Graham, Henderson, Huntington, Merrick, Miller, Morehead, Phelps, Porter, Simmons, Smith of Indiana, Sprague, Tallmadge, White, and Woodbridge-23.

NAYS--Messrs. Allen, Benton, Berrien, Buchanan, Ful

ton, King, Linn, McRoberts, Mangum, Sevier, Smith of Connecticut, Sturgeon, Tappan, Walker, Wilcox, Williams, Woodbury, Wright, and Young-19.

CORPS OF REPORTERS.

The resolution for the appointment of a corps of reporters came up in order; and was, on motion of Mr. BAYARD, laid on the table.

On motion of Mr. BAYARD, the Senate proceeded to the consideration ef executive business; and, after some time spent therein, adjourned.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, December 27, 1842.

Mr. ALFRED MARSHALL presented the petition of John Patterson and eighteen others, shipmasters and merchants of Northport, Maine, asli. ing the erection of such buoys, beacons, and spindles on the Muscles ridges in Penobscot bay as will render the navigation more safe.

Mr. LOWELL presented the petitions of Jacob Longfellow and ten other ship-masters and merchants of Machias, Maine; John A. Simpson and ten other ship-masters and merchants of East Blachias, Maine; and Jotham Lippincott and thirtytwo other ship-masters and merchants of Columbia and Addison, Maine, all praying for an appropriation to improve the navigation of Penobscot bay.

Also, letters from George Thacher, esq., collector of the port of Belfast; John Whitcomb, captain of the United States revenue-cutter Alert; and Green Walden, captain of the United States revenue-cutter Morris,-in support of the same object; which were referred to the Committee on Commerce.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi presented the petition of T. W. Haley, H. W. Stegall, and 82 others, praying the establishment of a mail route from Electra, in Monroe county, Mississippi, to Van Buren, in said State: referred to the Commit. tee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

Mr. STEENROD presented a petition of cit izens of Marshall county, Virginia, for the repeal of the bankrupt law.

Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL desired to present a memorial of inhabitants of the city and county of Philadelphia against the repeal of the bankrupt law, but suggesting various modifications.

Mr. L. W. ANDREWS objected; and he said he should object to all business that was not strictly in order.

The memorial accordingly was not received. Mr. REYNOLDS moved the reconsideration of the vote by which a bill was passed on Friday for the relief of the heirs of Philip Renault. He explained that his object was to cause the insertion of a proviso, to sustain the purchasers of certain lands. After a few words from Mr. YOUNG and Mr. CAVE JOHNSON, the motion was agreed to.

Mr. FESSENDEN asked permission to move that a certain bill be taken from the Committee of the Whole. It was a local bill, on which the delegation from Maine was agreed, with one exception. Objection was made, aad the gentleman was, therefore, cut short in his explanation.

Mr. CAVE JOHNSON gave notice of a bill to prohibit the allowance of extra compensation to the officers of the Government.

The SPEAKER then announced that reports from standing committees were in order.

Mr. GIDDINGS, from the Committee of Claims, made a report upon a petition of Asahel Lee, Samuel Lee, and Henry Lee, accompanied by a bill for their relief; which was read twice, and committed.

Mr. COWEN, from the same committee, reported the following bills; which were read twice, and committed:

A bill for the relief of John Cove.

A bill for the relief of Samuel B. Treck. A bill for the relief of Joseph R. Chandler. He also made an adverse report on the petition of John S. Parkinson.

Mr. TOMLINSON, from the same committee, reported a bill for the relief of Thomss D. Gibson; which was read twice, and committed.

Mr. HOWARD, from the Committee on Public Lands, reported a bill for the relief of the heirs or assignees of the heirs of Isaac Todd and

James McGill; which was read twice, and committed.

Mr. GENTRY, pursuant to notice heretofore given, obtained leave to introduce a bill for the benefit of Fielding Pratt; which was read twice, and committed.

Mr. UNDERWOOD, from the Committee for the District of Columbia, reported a bill for the relief of the Howard Institution of the City of Washington; which was read twice, and committed to the Committee of the Whole.

Mr. LINN, from the Committee on Public Expenditures, reported a resolution to authorize that committee to employ a clerk, and to send for persons and papers.

Mr. BOWNE called for the yeas and nays on that motion; and, being ordered, they resulted as follows: yeas 87, nays 99.

Mr. J. C. EDWARDS obtained permission to introduce a bill to allow drawbacks on foreign merchandise exported in original packages to Chihuahua and Santa Fe, in Mexico; which was read twice, and committed to the Committee of the Whole.

Mr. WISE rose to present to the House a resolution of the Legislature of Virginia, instructing the Senators of that State, and requesting its Representatives, to use their best efforts to cause the immediate passage of the bill refunding the fine imposed on General Jackson, by Judge Hall of New Orleans, in 1815.

As this was the resolution of a State-a State which he in part represented-he took the earliest opportunity to present it; and, in doing so, he begged to say for the Legislature of Virginia, and for himself, that no partisan feeling entered into the spirit of that resolution. It was offered in the spirit of patriotism-pure patriotism. It was be. lieved by the Legislature of Virginia, and the Representatives of the people of that State, that the act employed by General Jackson to defend the city of New Orleans was one of imperious necessity-a necessity imposed upon him by the "booty and beauty" of that city, which were threatened by an invading army, and no less by domestic traitors

Mr. MORGAN interposed, and inquired whether the gentleman from Virginia was in order?

Mr. WISE said he wished to exculpate his State

Mr. MORGAN objected to the gentleman debating the question. Mr. WISE.

I merely wish to state

Mr. MORGAN. Mr. Speaker, is it in order? The SPEAKER said the gentleman from Virginia could not enter into debate on the subject.

Mr. WISE. I do not propose to debate it; but, as it was received by unanimous consent of the House, I merely wish to bespeak from the House that respect which I believe ought to be paid to the resolution of the Legislature of a State.

Mr. HOWARD and others called the gentleman to order.

Mr. WISE. I move that the resolution be referred to the Committee of the Whole

Mr. HOWARD. The gentleman has no right to speak upon it at all.

I

Mr. WISE. I am making a motion now. move that it be referred to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, where a bill, I believe, already lies, which was reported at the last session, on this subject.

Mr. TURNEY. And that it be printed.
Mr. WISE Yes, and that it be printed.
The motion was agreed to.

Mr. GATES offered the following resolution; which was agreed to:

Resolved, That the President be requested to transmit to the House of Representatives the laws passed by the Governor and Legislative Council of the Territory of Florida, at the last ses sion.

Mr. TALIAFERRO, from the Committee on Revolutionary Persions, reported a bill to amend and explain an act of the 4th July, 1836, and an act of the 7th July, 1838, allowing pensions to certain widows. It was read twice, and committed to the Committee of the Whole.

Mr. FORNANCE, from the same committer, reported a bill for the relief of Jonathan Britton; which was read twice, and committed to the Committee of the Whole.

Mr. MORRIS, from the Committee on Invalid Pensions, reported a bill for the relief of Daniel Dunham; which was read twice, and committed. Also, an adverse report on the petition of Sarah Hildreth.

Mr. BURNELL offered a resolution, directing the Clerk of this House to distribute amongst the members of the House, for circulation, certain charts of George's shoals, now in the Clerk's office. The motion was agreed to.

Mr. CAMPBELL of South Carolina gave nò. tice that he would on to-morrow ask leave to introduce a bill to suspend, for a limited time, the operation of the second section of the act entitled "An act for the apportionment of Representatives among the several States, according to the sixth

census.

Mr. JAMES IRVIN offered the following reso lution, which was agreed to:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to communicate to the House of Representatives the report of the engineer in chief of the Navy Department, in reference to an invention of Cadwallader Evans, of Pennsylvania, for the prevention of explosions in steam boilers.

On the motion of Mr. WISE, it was ordered that the Committee on Naval Affairs be discharged from the consideration of the petition of Octavius A. Holden and James C. Patton.

THE BANKRUPT LAW.

The SPEAKER announced the regular order of business to be the bill to repeal the bankrupt act.

The Clerk stated the question as it now stood. The original bill was introduced by Mr. EVERETT, as already published. This Mr. BARNARD had moved to amend, so as to repeal only so much of the bankrupt law as permits voluntary bankruptcy; provi. ding, however, that this act should not affect any case or proceeding in bankruptcy already commenced, or which should be commenced before the 4th day of March next. Mr. CUSHING had moved to amend the amendment, so as to provide that this act should not affect any case or proceeding in bankruptcy commenced before the passage of this act, and, consequently, not to extend it to cases commenced before the 4th of March next. Mr. BRIGGS had moved to commit the bill and all its amendments to the Committee on the Judiciary, with instructions to report a bill to repeal that part of the existing law which authorizes the volantary application of debtors, and to include corporations which issue paper to circulate as money, within the operation of the bankrupt law. And Mr. CAVE JOHNSON had moved to amend Mr. BRIGGS's amendment, by striking out all the instructi ns, and inserting instructions to the Judiciary Committee to report, at 12 o'clock to-morrow, the following bill: "That the act passed on the 19th day of August, 1841, entitled 'An act to establish a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States,' be, and the same hereby is, repealed.

Mr. SALTONSTALL, who had the floor, ob. served, that it was neither his intention nor his wish to enter into an elaborate argument on this bill; being satisfied, from appearances when it was last before the House, that it would be brought to a close before the close of this day. The question now, as read by the Clerk, opened the whole sub. ject for consideration. It war, on the motion of the gentleman from Tennessee to commit the subject to the Committee on the Judiciary, with instructions to bring in a bill to repeal the bankrupt act forthwith. He looked upon this as the most important question that could occupy the attention of Congress, and should be acted on with great caution and deliberation. It would operate throughout the United States, and upon all classes of the community, upon contracts of every description in which the citizens of the United States have entered. If ever, therefore, a question deserved to be considered calmly, deliberately, and impartially, it was this; and, indeed, it should be acted on with as much caution as if it was now the question on the passage of an original bankrupt law. Other classes of the community, as well as the mercantile classes, were deeply interested in this question. Mr. S., after taking a brief view of the history of the pass age of the bankrupt act, and of the constitutional powers and obligations of Congress to pass it, entered into a consideration of the reasons urged for

its repeal. It had been said that public opinion demanded its repeal; and the gentleman who introduced the bill was supported by the resolutions of a sovereign State demanding it. He denied, however, that there was any evidence showing that the people demanded the repeal of this law. Where was it shown? There had been no petitions presented calling for it. The Legislatures of the States (with but one exception) had made no move in relation to it; and, if be judged from what he had seen of the public press, there was no evidence there of a desire for the repeal of the act. They had every evidence that public opinion was loudly in favor of this law at the time of its passage. It was called for by nu. merous petitions, coming from every quarter of the country, signed by men of all classes of the community. It was advocated in the public papers, and strongly recommended to the favorable consideration of Congress in the message of the Presi dent of the United States. Mr. S. deprecated the repeal of this law before sufficient time bad elapsed to give it a fair trial and examination. He contended that it was now operating most favorably, and that the principal cause for objection to it had nearly passed away. Tuis was the retrospective feature of the bill; but as all (or nearly all) the cases of that class had been acted on, there was now no longer any objection to the bill. In a country like ours, he held that some uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcy should exist. Such laws were just as necessary now, as when the constitutional provision authorizing Congress to pass such laws was adopted; and the very reasons which operated upon the convention for the insertion of this provision, operated now in favor of retaining the present law in force.

The framers of the Constitution foresaw the great increase in the extent and commerce of this country. They saw that new States would spring up, with various interests and with different laws; and that, without some uniform law passed by the common Government, the insolvent laws of these States would come in conflict. The grant of this power was, therefore, inserted for the same reason that the grant of power for the regulation of commerce between the States was inserted; and these same powerful reasons operated now, as well as then. Mr. S. denied that the law was complicated, and difficult to be carried out. On the contrary, it was perfectly simple, and easy to be understood and executed. In Massachusetts, for example, it had gone into operation without any difficulty whatever, and without any com. plaint of frauds. The retrospective feature, it was true, was first complained of; but as this ceased to have any effect, the act had become popular, and was found to be exceedingly useful and be neficent in its effects. Mr. S. continued speaking up to the expiration of his hour, showing various reasons why the law should not be repealed.

Mr. DAWSON rose, and addressed the House in opposition to the repeal of the law. He said: I do not intend to make a speech on this occasion, but simply to offer a few brief remarks in my own justification, here and at home. I am aware that, if I could speak with the voice and wisdom of an angel of light, I could not arrest the fate of this bill. It is virtually res judicata-soon to be "as a thing that was not." Politicians have already ta ken sides for and against it; and the appeals of reason and of just ce are now alike unavailing.

course.

I have not heard a solitary complaint from one of my constituents for my vote in favor of this bill. On the contrary, I have received many warm and grateful acknowledgments in approbation of my I have in my drawer a long list of the most respectable names in Louisiana, urging me to oppose the repeal of the bankrupt law. No man in this House would rejoice more than I would to see this bill amended; but I will hold on to it as it is, sooner than see it repealed. I am opposed to the oppression of the debtor, in every shape, form, and manner. Debt is a misfortune; and bitter is the cup of life (Heaven knows) to the unfortunate debtor, at best, without being treated as a criminal. I am willing to see the debtor forced to make an honest, full, and unqualified surrender of all he has: and then I would palsy the arm of the Shylock who

would attempt to take his pound of flesh. This is the poor man's law; and it stands "solitary and alone," as the poor man's law, in the history of the world. I am the open and avowed advocate of a bankrupt law to benefit debtors, and not a law to benefit creditors exclusively. I would not make a retrospective law, to favor or shield the debtor; but I would place him henceforth beyond the reach of personal cruelty and degradation. His property might be seized and sold; the roof that shelters his wife and children from the peltings of the pitiless storm might be taken from him, and they might be turned over to penury and want. But his person, at least, should be sacred. The creditor should not touch a hair of his head after he had made a fair and honest surrender of everything he was worth on the face of the earth.

"Man's inhumanity to man Makes countless millions mourn;"

and wise legislation will always defend and protect the weak, the helpless, the unfortunate, and oppressed. The fate of the bankrupt law is already foretold. I entertain no doubts of i's being repealed in a few days. It is the first law that ever was passed—and, I greatly fear, it will be the last-to favor the poor and the unfortunate. It is idle to resist the power of money; to its secret, subtle, and pervading influences, imagination can devise, and strength can accomplish no bar. It will buy the prayers of the church, the fidelity of man, and the love of woman. It is the alpha and omega of all human desires. Reason and justice are impotent when opposed to the magic power of gold.

"Plate sin with gold,

And the strong lance of Justice hurtless breaks; Clothe it in rags, a pigmy's straw doth pierce it." One overgrown capitalist, or rich creditor, has more influence over the National Legislature of this country than five thousand unfortunate and persecuted debtors.

Repeal this law, and how inconsistent and rep. rehensible the majority of this House must appear in the "sober second thought" and dispassionate consideration of a free and intelligent community! They have forced a good law, in a bad shape, upon the nation; and now that the hour of amendment is almost at hand-I mean the meeting of the 28 h Congress-they are about to blast forever the last hope of the broken hearted and desponding debtors throughout our vast domain. They are now eager and impatient to destroy, with a ruthless hand, the most salutary and effective checks upon that reckless credit system which has cast a gloom of desolation over the land.

I voted for this bill, not because I considered it perfect, but with a hope that it would soon be amended and made perfect. I do not believe that any man or party can make a bankrupt law that will at first be invulnerable in all its parts. I am, consequently, disposed to make the most of this. I am for salutary, judicious, and necessary amend. ments; and I am opposed to the repeal. I have always been in favor of a judicious national bank. rupt law; and I earnestly contend that this is a most propitious hour for the most happy legislation upon the subject. I sincerely regret being compelled, by the deep and rooted convictions of my mind, and the best impulses of my heart, to differ, in this single instance, with my Democratic friends. any man ever was truly proud of his party, I am the man. I may be wrong; but if I am, it is an error both of the head and of the heart. I cannot favor the few to oppress the many. If I do err, I feel that it is an error on the side of mercy.

If

Mr. CUSHING rose in opposition to the repeal of the bankrupt law. He thought that, instead of immediately repealing this measure, and thus exhibiting to the country the spectacle of a vacil· lating body-undoing to-day what it had done yesterday; it should be allowed to remain in force, and be further tested by public judgment. Instead of a hasty and precipitate action, he thought the public interests would be better promoted by modifying the law so as to exclude voluntary appli cants for its benefit, and to include corporations issaing paper for circulation. Let it be modified to suit the views of gentlemen, but not wantonly demolished.

If. however, the law must be repealed, he hoped the House would not put upon the record an untruth, saying that it had been repealed on the 5th of December, as was implied by the provision of the bill as introduced by the gentleman from Vermont [Mr. EVERETT.] In addition to this untruth, which would be implied, the provision was, he thought, unjust, and would involve the whole commerce of the country in difficulty. He argued that it was in the highest degree unjust in Congress to refuse to make provision in regard to pending process in the courts, and earnestly remonstrated against a retrospective repeal of the law. The act of repeal should, he thought, take effect from its passage, and not from any date in the past time.

Mr. C. said he would take this occasion to present a memorial from Philadelphia against the repeal of the law, which he would have read as a portion of his remarks.

Mr. ADAMS availed himself of the opportunity to present a petition for the same purpose.

Mr. FERRIS presented two petitions from the city of New York against a repeal.

Mr. EVERETT objected to the presentation of any further memorials, as irregular.

Mr. CUSHING resumed, and proceeded in answer to some of the remarks submitted a few days since by the gentleman from Tennessee, [Mr. ARNOLD.] He agreed with that gentleman in part of what he had said. It was true that there were objections to the act in the first place; yet these had been either extenuated, or had lost their force. The main objection to the passage of the law was, that it would operate on contracts made, and would thus affect vested rights. Now, this objection applied with equal force to the repeal of the measure as proposed in the present bill, since many enterprises had been entered into by men acting in ref. erence to its continuance.

He would say to the gentleman from Tennessee, [Mr. ARNOLD,] that he would not have ventured to use language of condemnation so strong as that used by him when addressing the House on the repeal of this law. That gentleman had proceeded to make personal references to high functionaries of the Government, and to introduce them here as if their destiny, or their remaining in office, was material to the repeal of the bankrupt law. If the remarks of the gentleman were at all relevant to the question, equally so would be a reply. In considering the exciting debates which often took place in that body, he thought they were bound observe the fact, that the House of Representatives was the great voice of the nation-the safely-valve of the democratic impulses of the people. From the nature of our Government, discussions must frequently be carried on with earnestness, with excessive zeal, and sometimes with indecorum; yet he felt himself at liberty to declare, contrary to the opinion of the press elsewhere, that this was the most decorous of all deliberative national assemblies in the world. He knew it was more orderly than either the House of Commons in England, or the Chamber of Deputies in France.

He next proceeded to notice the remarks of the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. ARNOLD] in relation to the Secretary of State, and the speech made by that officer at Boston, wherein he was charged with acting, not from a desire to promote the public welfare, but solely from a lust of office. When such a strain of vehement denunciation as had been applied to the Secretary of State was used by a member on that floor, he felt it to be his duty to say something in reply. And, in relation to the charge of love of office, he would ask, how was a man capable of doing good service to his country, unless he held office and was in power? Was there an individual, without a public trust, who could carry out his purposes of good to the country? All experience showed that it was impossible to accomplish beneficial ends without the possession of power. Indeed, the gentleman, after thus impugning the motives of the Secretary of State, would have been equally justified in imputing the same selfish views to every man in the United States who had ever held office, from George Washington down to the present time. He, (Mr. C.) therefore, denied that any man hold

ing office could be properly accused of a personat and interested motive in so doing.

He could not join issue with the gentleman (Mr. ARNOLD] upon the terms of general obloquy used. with regard to the functionaries of the Administra tion; but he would deal with specific facts and measures, and also with intentions as clearly and plainly developed, whenever they came up for dis cussion. He would say this, as well for others and for parties, as for the gentleman from Tennessee. It was now the beginning of a short session-the last of the present Congress. A mass of business was before that body-business of deep in'erest to themselves, to their constituents, and to the country. Under this state of facts, the first reflection with him was, whether it was for the interest of the country, let whatever party that might have the ascendency, to throw aside all legislation, and shut their eyes to all its wants, in order to pass off into an episodical discussion regarding the character of the officers of the Government? If he had argued strictly, the questions of the bankrupt law and the treaty with England, were not at all affected by the character of the men now in power. In proportion, therefore, as gentlemen should enter into a discussion of these personal relations, would they depart from that line of conduct which was best calculated to promote the public business.

It was now nearly two years since, in accordance with a vote of the people, a change took place in the administration of the Government. Since that time, an internecine war had arisen in the dominant party. The war had now been pursued for about one year and a half; but, in the midst of it, the Federal Government, with its fixed Constitution, had stood, like the god Terminus, defying the progress of those who were rushing against it. The country had seen one party throw itself against the immovable rock of the Constitution. What had been the consequence? The party thus hurling itself against the constitutional rock was dashed

to atoms.

He thought that enough of recrimination had been heard in the House, and throu, hout the country, during the period to which he had referred; and he would ask, what interests were to be promoted by its further continuance? Was any personal object to be promoted by a perseverance in these attacks on the part of the Whig party? It was remarkable enongh that one party should have broken itself down against the Federal Gov ernment; but what was the series of events on which we were about to enter? It was an old maxim that experientia docet. He was almost inclined to think that, in the present case, this maxim would have to be reversed, and made to read experientia NON docet [Mr. C. J. INGERSOLL: "Nocet."] Then it might be that experience would hurt, rather than teach. The other party had, during this warfare, so long carried on, been occupying an enviable position. They had been folding their arms, looking on and laughing; whilst their opponents, like Kilkenny cats, were eating each other up from head to tail. [Laughter.] This agreeable situation was now about to end; and it appeared, from givings out in various quarters, that this party was also about to hurl itself against the same immovable rock on which the other had split. [Laughter, lasting some time] A gentleman near him said he was mistaken. He might be; yet he was under the impression that, however individual leaders might think and wish, that consequence would follow. [Laughter.]

He had said the Federal Government was on a fixed basis at Washington. That was the foundation of his argument. Now he would suppose a man called to be President of the United States. It mattered not whether he was elected, or whether the office devolved upon him by contingencies contemplated in the Constitution. He was President. What, then, was his first duty? To consider how to discharge his functions. He (Mr. C.) thought the President was bound to look around at the facts, and see by what circumstances he was sup. ported. Gentlemen might talk of treason; much had been said on that subject; but the question for the individual who might happen to be President to consider was, How is the Government to be carried on? By whose aid? He (Mr. CUSHING)

would say to that party now having the majority, (and whom, on account of that circumstance, it was more important he should address,) that if they gave him no aid, it was his duty to seek aid from their adversaries. [Laughter.] If the Whigs continue to blockade the wheels of the Government, he trusted that the Democrats would be patriotic enough to carry it on. [Laughter.]

He had thus presented the party relations of the question. Behind them there was one of deeper import, and which might be vital in its effect. There was in the United States a great career of ambition, and beyond it a culminating point-the highest position which it was in the power of man to attain the Presidency. For this place, on looking around him, he saw more aspirants than he could count upon his fingers. [Many voices. "Name them."] He could not name them. ["Name them"-"let's hear who they are "] Their name was legion. He knew not what splits would take place, nor how far their personal relations would tend to produce divisions; but he saw in the general race no individual, at the present hour, who possessed a pre-eminent, overwhelming, and irresistible power before the people. [A voice: "Except one-Clay."] Nor did he know whether, during the next two years, any individual would acquire that strength. It was true that the Whig party would hold a presidential convention some time during that period, [A voice: "No need of i';"] and also that the Democratic party would convere a similar assembly. He did not know whether this convention would be able or not to settle the rival pretensions of different candidates; but he saw budding such blossoms of discord as to leave great doubt about the issue of any conven tion that might be held. He did, however, know that the next year and a half would be signalized by great commotion upon this all-absorb. ing subject; and, whether there might be one candidate only on each side or not-whether that candidate be cordially supported or not-he would say that it would not be forwarding the political interest of any one of the parties in the country to carry on a fierce warfare against the present Administration. [Laughter.] He deemed it material that he should be frank upon this point just now. [Cries of "Very frank."] There were men connected with the present Administration who meant scon to have a word to say upon this subject. He knew that the political cauldron was boiling with various ele. ments, wholly discordant and different; and he knew, also, what the constitutional power of the Federal Government could accomplish. [Several voices: "By patronage"-"by lust of office."] No, not by mere patronage: he would show gentlemen that he would cut deeper than the mere surface of patronage. He referred them to the extra session, where one measure was proposed by the President, and another reported by a committee of the House, and pushed through to its passage, until it met with a Presidential veto. The action of the President, as affecting the legislation of Congress on that occasion, showed the power of the Federal Government, through events, over masses of men, to be a hundred-fold greater than all its patronage. Whilst the events to which he referred were passing, the patronage of the Government was in the hands of the retiring Secretaries; thus showing that there was not even a concurrence between the action of the patronage and the vetoes. Therefore, what he meant by the power of the Federal Government was, an element soaring above all patronage-the relation of the President to the ac tien of Congress.

He trusted we should never be agitated by such another series of collisions between the majority in Congress and the President as had occurred during the past year and a half; but should such a state of things arise, by the fatuity of parties, it was easy to foresee just such another result as that now brought about. [A voice: "The veto of the sub-treasury predicted "] He hoped and desired that the House would be able to apply itself with uniform care to its legislative duties-trampling under foot party questions, that so much tended to impede the transaction of the public business.

Mr. THOMPSON of Indiana then obtained the

floor, and yielded it for a motion to adjourn. Previous to which, and by general consent,

Mr. MCKENNAN offered the following reso. lution; which was considered and adopted:

Resolved That the use of the hall of the House be granted to Professor Walter R. Johnson, for the delivery of a lecture on the subject of coal, and its various applications.

Mr. JAMES COOPER, by general consent, offered the following resolution; which was considered and adopted:

Resolved, That the Secretary of War be required to communicate to this House a detailed statement of all the expenditures made from the Chickasaw fund, between the 2d day of March, 1833, and the 1st day of January, 1843; the said statement to embrace the names of the persons to whom payments have been made, the amount paid to each, and on what ac count.

The SPEAKER laid before the House a communication from the Treasury Department, containing a statement showing the expenditures under the contingent fund for the last year: laid on the table, and ordered to be printed.

Also, a communication from the Secretary of State, enclosing a report showing the modifications of their tariff laws by certain foreign countries: referred to the Committee of Ways and Means, and ordered to be printed.

Also, a communication from the same, on the subject of our intercourse with foreign nations: laid on the table, and ordered to be printed.

Also, a communication from the Legislature of the Wisconsin Territory: laid on the table, and ordered to be printed.

On motion of Mr. McKENNAN,
The House adjourned.

IN SENATE.

WEDNESDAY, December 28, 1842. Mr. YOUNG of Illinois presented the petition Alexander M. Jenkins, Richard J. Hamilton, and Samuel Lee, of the State of Illinois, securities of William Linn, late receiver of public moneys at Vandalia, in said State, praying that a law may be passed discharging them from their joint liability, upon the payment by each of a fair distributive proportion of the judgments obtained against them on account of the defalcation of the said Linn; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Also, a petition from William Elliot, jr., of Fulton county, Illinois, praying that a law may be passed to enable him to enter a certain quarter section of land; which was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Also, a petition of a number of citizens of Boone and McHenry counties, for a post-road from Hartland, in McHenry county, by way of "Cold Spring Prairie," to Amazon post office, in Boone county, in said State; which was referred to the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads.

The PRESIDENT pro tem. laid before the Senate the report of the Secretary of the Senate, accounting for the disbursements out of the contingent fund of the Senate; which was ordered to le on the table, and be printed.

Mr. TALLMADGE presented three memorials from the State of New York, remonstrating against the repeal of the bankrupt law: referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. CRITTENDEN presented a memorial from F. H. Pettis, counsellor at law in the city of New York, and others, remonstrating against the pas sage of the bill to repeal the bankrupt law; which was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. C. also presented a memorial from the same individual, on the subject of a system of waterproof cloths, an invention of which he claims to be the author. He says that the discovery is one of great value and importance for purposes of naval use: referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Messrs. WOODBRIDGE, PORTER, and BERRIEN, severally presented memorials against the repeal of the bankrupt law; which were referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. ARCHER presented a memorial from the city and county of Philadelphia, praying that the bankrupt law may be modified, but not repealed; which was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. McROBERTS presented a memorial from citizens of Illinois, urging upon Congress the pas

sage of the bill to repeal the bankrupt law; which was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. LINN presented a memorial from citizens of Illinois, praying Congress to pass a law for the occupation and settlement of the Oregon Territory, and to grant donations of land as an inducement to settlement; which was laid on the table, to accompany the action on the bill on that subject.

Mr. WOODBURY presented a petition from James Dodds and Eli Davis, watchmen in the Post Office building, asking for an increase of com. pensation; which was referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. LINN, on leave, introduced a bill for the relief of certain companies of Missouri volunteers, commanded by Captains Pollard, Sconce, Harrison, Atchison, and Crawford; which was read twice, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

Mr. CRITTENDEN, on leave, introduced a bill for the relief of James Taylor, and, for other purposes; which was read twice, and, with the documents relating thereto, referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. CONRAD, from the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads, reported back, without amendment, the bill for the relief of William Debuys, postmaster at New Orleans.

On motion of Mr. WILLIAMS, it was ordered that the petition of John A. Dickerson, for extra compensation as sailing-master in the United States service, be taken from the files of the Senate, and referred to the Committee on Claims.

Mr. SEVIER, from the Committee on Pensions, reported a bill for the relief of Wareham Kingsly; which was read, and ordered to a second reading.

On motion of Mr. SEVIER, the Committee on Pensions was discharged from the further consideration of the petition of John Besworth; and it was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.

Mr. McROBERTS, on leave, introduced a bill declaratory of the assent of Congress to the State of Illinois imposing a tax on all lands hereafter sold by the United States in said State, from and after the time they are sold; which was read twice, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. KING, on leave, introduced a bill for the relief of certain citizens of Alabama, who were deprived of their improvements by the treaties with the Creek Indians; which was read twice, and referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Mr. MCROBERTS presented the credentials of SIDNEY BREESE, e'ected by the Legislature of the S ate of Illinois a Senator from that State for six years from and after the 4th day of March next; which were read, and ordered to be placed on the files of the Senate.

Numerous House bills were then taken up, read the first and second time, and appropriately referred.

The CHAIR laid before the Senate a subpœna issued from the circuit court of the United States for the District of Columbia, which had been served upon the Secretary of the Senate, with a view to compel his attendance into court with a certain anti-bank memorial, signed by citizens of Georgetown, now on the files of the Senate, to be used in the case of Addison vs. White, now being tried in said court. The Chair remarked that the Secretary was in doubt what to do in the case, he hav ing no authority to take from the files any portion of the public archives, and had desired him to present the subpoena to the Senate. A debate of a conversational character tock place between Messrs. PHELPS, MCROBERTS, BERRIEN, WOODBURY, HUNTINGTON, KING, and CRITTENDEN, as to whether a transcript of the record would not do to carry into court, and as to whether the Secretary, (though he was on duty,) being but a ministerial officer of the Senate, was entitled to the privileges which attach to Senators, and exempted them from the processes of the courts.

Mr. TAPPAN contended that the time to regard he supo ia had not arrived, but that it should be disregarded until an attachment was issued against the Secretary; when the issue would be.made up, and could be tried as to whether the privileges o

Senators did not, in some measure, extend to their officers, and exempt them from legal process while in the performance of their official duties.

The debate having ceased, and the Senators having concluded that it was not worth while to bring the Senate and court into collision,

Mr. BERRIEN submitted the following resolution, touching the matter; which was read and agreed to, viz:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate have leave to take from the files of the Senate the anti-bank memorial speci fied in the subpana duces tecum issued from the circuit court of the United States for the District of Columbia, in the case of Henry Addison vs Robert White, this day served upon him, for the purpose of being exhibited as evidence in the said case.

Mr. HENDERSON, on leave, introduced a bill to extend the time of payment of the judgments against the Planters' Bank of Mississippi and the Agricultural Bank of Mississippi, and for other purposes; which was read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Also, on leave, introduced a bill for the relief of the West Feliciana Railroad Company and the Grand Gulf Railroad and Banking Company; which was read twice, and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Mr. EVANS presented certain documents in relation to the claim of William Allen; which were referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, who have charge of the bill for his relief.

The following resolution, introduced by Mr. WOODBURY, was taken up and adopted, viz:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to furnish the Senate with the following Information:

1. The amount of revenue received from customs during the third quarter of the year 1842, on imports made in that quarter.

2. As soon as the returns are obtained, the amount received in the 4th quarter of the same year, from the imports made in that quarter, and the aggregate of those imports.

3. The aggregate of appropriations outstanding and unexpended at the close of the years, respectively, of 1840, 1841, and, when this year expires, at the end of 1812; and

4. The quantity of land which was advertised for public sale from 4th March, 1841, to the close of one year from that date, and the quantity advertised during the year previous to that date.

The following bills were then taken up, as in committee of the whole, considered, and, there being no proposition to amend, were reported to the Senate, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, viz:

The bill for the relief of sundry citizens of Arkansas, who lost their improvements in consequence of the treaty between the United States and the Choctaw Indians.

The bill allowing drawback upon foreign merchandise exported in the original packages to Chibuahua and Santa Fe, in Mexico. [Mr. HUNTINGTON, chairman of the Committee on Commerce, explained this bill, and defended it on the ground that it would increase the export trade to those countries, and bring a return of specie and furs; and that it would be beneficial to commerce generally.]

The bill to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to make an arrangement or compromise with any of the sureties on the bond given to the United States by Samuel Swartwout, late collector of the customs for the port of New York;

The bill for the relief of Stalker and Hill; The bill for the relief of Ephraim B. Dixon; and

The bill for the relief of J. R. Vienne, of Louisiana.

The bill to authorize the settlement of the accounts of Joseph Nourse was taken up, as in committee of the whole; and, after a few remarks in its favor by Mr. WALKER, wa, on motion of Mr. PHELPS, laid on the table for the present.

The bill for the relief of Thomas Fillebrown was also laid on the table, on the motion of Mr. PHELPS.

The Oregon bill came up in order; but was informally passed over till to-morrow.

The joint resolution from the House, for the distribution of the Catalogues of the Library of Congress, was taken up, as in committee of the whole. Mr. WOODBRIDGE and Mr. TAPPAN explained the resolution, and, advocated its passage; and Mr. KING opposed it, and moved that it he indefinitely postponed; and on a division of the Senate on the

question, it appeared that no quorum had voted. Then,

On motion of Mr. PHELPS,
The Senate adjourned.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1842. Mr. BRONSON desired to present a petition for the repeal of the bankrupt law.

Mr. ARNOLD said he had another on the other side of the question, praying that the bankrupt law might not be repealed.

Mr. L. W. ANDREWS objected to their presentation in this way.

Mr. HOUSTON presented the memorial of Jesse W. Garth, of Morgan county, Alabama, praying Congress to pass a law directing the Commissioner of the General Land Office to grant him a patent to certain land therein designated.

EXTRA COMPENSATION TO OFFICERS.

Mr. CAVE JOHNSON asked leave to introduce the bill, of which he yesterday gave notice, to prohibit the allowance of extra compensation to the officers of the Government.

The bill was received and read a first and second time.

Mr. CAVE JOHNSON then moved its engross

ment.

Mr. ARNOLD objected. He said he had a bill before the House on the subject of retrenchment, and the House owed it to itself to take up that bill.

The SPEAKER said it was not in order to debate the question.

Mr. ARNOLD then moved that the bill of the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. C. JOHNSON] be committed to the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union; so that this bill and his own, to reduce the pay of members of Congress, might be amalgamated. What was good in the bill of the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. C. JOHNSON] he would accept; but he would not take it piecemeal.

Mr. C. JOHNSON inquired if it was not in order to move the engrossment of his bill?

The SFEAKER replied that it was not, if objection were made.

Mr. C. JOHNSON then asked the House to print his bill, and let it lie on the table. He said a practice prevailed in this Government, of employing officers of the army as commissioners, and giving them their usual pay as officers, and also several thousand dollars as commissioners; and he desired this bill to apply to the officers of the army as well as to the other officers of the Government.

After a few words from Mr. J. R. INGERSOLL, the question was taken on Mr. ARNOLD'S motion to commit the bill to the Committee of the Whole; and it was decided in the affirmative by a majority of 70 to 56. The motion to print was also agreed

to.

FOREIGN TARIFF LAWS.

Mr. FILLMORE said there were some commu. nications yesterday received from the State Department, one of which showed the modifications of their tariff laws by certain foreign countries. Of this document, he now moved the printing of five thousand extra copies.

Mr. L. W. ANDREWS inquired if that motion was in order.

The SPEAKER said it was not, if objection were made.

Mr. ANDREWS. Then I object.

Mr. FILLMORE said the document related to our commerce with Canada, and was of great importance; and, therefore, he would move a suspension of the rule for the reception of his resolution.

The motion to suspend, and the motion to print 5,000 extra copies, were both agreed to. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT AT WHEELING.

Mr. STEENROD gave notice of his intention to ask leave to introduce a bill to amend the act, passed at the last session of Congress, establishing a district court of the United States at Wheeling, Virginia.

WATER-ROTTED HEMP.

Mr. J. C. EDWARDS presented the petition of Henry S. Smith and others, inhabitants of the State of Missouri, praying the appointment of a permanent agent for the purchase of water-rotted hemp in Platte county, Missouri.

He also moved its reference to a select committee of five members; which was agreed to. NEW YORK CUSTOMS AND CASH DU. TIES.

*Mr. ROOSEVELT offered the following resolution, which was agreed to:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to inform this House what portion of the revenue, received from customs since the 30th day of June last, accrued from bonds given for the payment of duties on importations made previous to that period, and what portion consisted of cash duties on imports entered since that period; and whether any bonds, aken before the commencement of the cash system, on the 1st of July last, still remain outstanding; and, if so, what is the amount thereof; and how much of said amount may reasonably be expected to be collected within the said twelve months.

Mr. TOLAND desired to present a memorial. Mr. CAVE JOHNSON inquired if memorials could not be presented without interrupting the business of the House, under a rule of the last session?

The SPEAKER said they could be presented, but not printed, without an order of the House. Mr. CAVE JOHNSON objected to the motion to print; and the subject was dropped. NATIONAL WAR AND COMMERCIAL STEAM VESSELS.

Mr. T. B. KING offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That a select committee of five he appointed to take into consideration the expediency of aiding individuals or companies in the establishment of lises of steam vessels, for the purpose of transporting the mail between some of our prin-" cipal Northern and Southern ports, to foreign ports, on the lakes, and the Mississippi river-said vessels to be constructed under the direction of the Navy Department, as war steamers, and at all times subject to its control, under such stipulations as may be provided by law. Also, to inquire into the expediency of employing steamers in the revenue service, and uniting it to the navy; and using iron in the construction of said vessels: and report by bill or otherwise.

Mr. HOPKINS suggested that a part of this subject was already under the consideration of a committee.

Mr. KING did not conceive that any harm could arise from the consideration of this subject.

Mr. ADAMS reminded the House that the subject of establishing a line of steamers between this country and France, (jointly with that nation,) was brought before the House at the last session, by a message from the Executive; that message was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and they reported a resolution favorable to the project, by calling upon the Department of State to report at this session the probable expense of such a plan; he hoped, therefore, this resolution would be postponed until that resolution had been replied to.

Mr. KING of Georgia was aware of the direction which the resolution alluded to by the honorable gentleman from Massachusetts had taken, at the last session; and, so far as regarded the communication across the Atlantic, he should agree with him, that that portion of the resolution be had the honor to submit might be stricken out. There were, however, other ports with which it might be important to establish communications, by the means of steam vessels. It was true that the French Government were engaged in establishing fourteen steamers for a line across the Atlantic; and his insertion of foreign ports in his resolution was with no view of coming in conflict with them. He conceived that it might be of the utmost importance to the country to establish a line of steamboat communication between New York and Chagres, or some other point on the Pacific; and, in inserting foreign ports in his resolution, he had that route in view solely, and not France. There were also various important poists on the lakes, as well as on the Mississippi, at which steamboat lines might very advantageously be established. How desirable it might be in time of peace, so to administer the affairs of the Navy and Post Office Departments, by aiding in the establishment of steamboat lines, the vessels of which might be converted into armed steamers in time of war, would be the proper subject of inquiry for the committee.