Constitutional Whig

SENATE.

Mr. Johnston, of La. from the Committee on Commerce, reported a bill to regulate the commercial intercourse between the United States and the Colonies of Great Britain; which was read.

A spirited debate then took place on the motion of Mr. Silsbee to print 3,000 copies of the Report; which motion was agreed to.

The bill from the House, appropriating $20,000 dollars for the relief of the sufferers by the late fire at Alexandria, was taken up and read twice. After some conversation,

Mr. Eaton remarked, that the bill introduced on Friday by Mr. Harrison, had been under the consideration of the Committee, and that they had intended to report in its favor; and he wished the Senate would give a favorable consideration to the bill now before them, and carry it through its various stages at once.

Mr. Chambers said he should be rejoiced if the bill could be passed as it now stood. The opinion of the Committee, he said, was favorable to it.

Mr. Smith, of S. C. wished the bill to be postponed till to-morrow, in order that the Senate might hear from the Committee by a report.

Mr. Chambers opposed the postponement, and expressed a hope that the bill would pass to a third reading.

Mr. Smith, of S. C. said that he thought the proper time for discussing the merits of a bill was on the second reading. The committee to whom the joint resolution, offered on Friday, was referred, might be satisfied, but they had not satisfied the Senate. In order, therefore, to obtain their opinion, he moved an adjournment.

The Senate then adjourned.