Staunton Spectator, And General Advertiser

CONGRESS.

Monday, January 22, 1849.

In The Senate.—Mr. Dix presented the resolutions of the New York Legislature against the extension of Slavery, &c., and moved that they be printed. A debate arose which continued throughout the day. The printing was ordered, 45 to 6.

Nothing of special interest in the House.

Tuesday 23d.

In The Senate.—Mr. Upham presented a petition from citizens of the District of Columbia, praying that the slave-trade may be prohibited therein, or that the corporations of Washington and Georgetown may be empowered to suppress it.

A resolution submitted by Mr. Dickinson, requesting the Secretary of State to furnish a copy of any correspondence with the Spanish Government in regard to Cuba, was adopted.

House of Representatives.—The Civil and Diplomatic Appropriation Bill was passed.

Wednesday 24th.

In The Senate.—Mr. Calhoun was in his seat again, having nearly recovered from his recent indisposition.

Mr. Houston presented a memorial from Texas, for the right of way, &c., for a railroad from the Rio Grande to the Pacific.

Mr. Douglas' California Bill was taken up. A substitute and various amendments were offered and after considerable debate they were referred to a select committee.

The bill to reduce the rates of postage was taken up and discussed until the time of adjournment.

In the House nothing interesting occurred.

Thursday 25th.

In The Senate.—A resolution, introduced by Mr. Badger, instructing the Committee on Printing to enquire into the expediency of discontinuing the present contract for publishing the proceedings and debates of the Senate, was adopted.

House of Representatives.—Mr. McKay introduced a bill to authorize the coining of gold dollars. Also a bill to regulate the mileage of delegates and members of Congress.

January 26th.

In The Senate.—Mr. Atherton presented the resolutions of the New Hampshire Legislature, against the extension of slavery into California and New Mexico; and for the adoption of such measures as Congress may possess the constitutional power to enact, for the suppression of the slave trade in the District of Columbia. Laid on the table and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Breese, from the Committee on public lands, reported without amendment, the bill granting to the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad Company the right of way through the public lands, and it was passed.

Mr. Underwood presented the credentials of Mr. Metcalf, elected a Senator from Kentucky for the unexpired term of Mr. Crittenden, resigned.

On motion of Mr. Hannegan, the Senate then went into executive session; and, after some time spent therein, adjourned to Monday.

House of Representatives.—On motion of Mr. Rockwell, of Conn., the House went into Committee of the Whole on the Private Calendar, and considered and reported to the House more than seventy private bills, which were read the third time and passed!