Arkansas State Gazette

Steam Boat Bill. Since the public attention has been called to the delay in the final action of Congress on the bill to provide for the better security of the lives of passengers on board of vessels propelled in whole or in part by steam, we have procured a statement from the journal of the Senate, giving a history of this bill, from which it will appear that the bill was introduced by Mr. Grundy, on the 6th of December, 1837, it being the first bill proposed in the Senate. It was immediately referred to a select committee of seven, of which Mr. Grundy was chairman. The bill was under the consideration and revision of the committee until the 9th of January, 1838, which was a short time for them to obtain the necessary information from steam-boat captains at all the principal ports in the United States. On that day Mr. Grundy reported the bill with amendments, and on the 24th of January, 1838, the bill finally passed the Senate, and was sent to the House of Representatives, where it has not been finally acted on.

We venture to say that so important and interesting a measure has never passed either house of Congress at so early a period in the session as this passed the Senate, since the commencement of the government. We make this statement for the purpose of showing, if there be any blame, it should not attach to the chairman, or committee, or the Senate, who are entitled to much credit for their laudable exertions and prompt action on this subject.

[Globe.