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you will not settle it yourselves, give it up to some of the European nations-either will take it off your hands, and quiet your scruples on this head. But no American Senator will propose this. What then? Is it to be kept as a jungle for wild beasts? No. It is not in the order of Providence. The earth was designed for man. It is not in human power, if it were wished, to prevent the consummation of the design. Fifty years ago and the valley of the Mississippi was like the present condition of the country of the Oregon. It is now teeming with a mighty population-a free and happy people. Their march onward, therefore, to the country of the setting sun, is irresistible. I will not disguise that I look with the deepest anxiety on this vast extension of our empire, as to its possible effects on our political institutions. Whatever they may be, however, our forefathers decided the experiment should be made. When it was determined to annex the vast region of which the country in question is a part, to the old states, that question must have been deliberately weighed, and, in that determination, our destinies, whatever they may be, were placed, in this particular, beyond our control. While I look with anxiety, sir, it is mingled with a strong hopethe hope of the future rests on the strong foundation of the experience of the past.

Our advance in political science has already cancelled the dogmas of theory. We have already ascertained, by the happy combination of a National and State Governments, but above all, by a wise arrangement of the representative system, that republics are not necessarily limited to a small territory-and that a Government, thus arranged, produces not only more happiness, but more stability and more energy, than those the most arbitrary. Whether it is capable of indefinite extent, must be left to posterity to decide. But, in the most unfavorable result, a division, by necessity, from its unwieldy extent an event, I would devoutly hope, is afar off-we even then can console ourselves with the reflection, that all the parts of the great whole will have been peopled by our kindred, carrying with them the same language, habits, and unextinguishable devotion to liberty and republican institutions.

[Senate.

tend to, and be in full force in, said territory. It is true,
the bill does not provide for the appointment of a Go.
vernor or Judges of this territory: but, these no doubt
are to follow. The present is but an incipient step in
a much more extensive plan of populating and settling
that country, as we may collect from the original bill as
laid upon our tables; and even this is but a part of the
whole plan, as this would include a chain of posts from
Council Bluffs to the mouth of Columbia River.
In all these points of view, it is a bill of the highest
importance.

As yet, we have extended our laws to no territories, but such as were or are to become states of the Union, We have not adopted a system of color.ization, and it is to be hoped we never shall. Oregon can never be one of the United States. If we extend our laws to it, we must consider it as a colony.

The period never will arrive when it will be proper to adopt the measures proposed by the friends of the present bill; but, if ever, this is certainly not the time: because their adoption now would interfere with existing relations between the British Government and ours.

The territory of Oregon is bounded on the South by latitude 42, as by our treaty with Spain. On the North, the Russians renounce all claim to the country South of latitude 54° 40. We think our claim incontestible as far as the 49th parallel of latitude, supported by the cession of Spain in 1819: by the discovery of the mouth of the Columbia River by sea, and afterwards by Lewis and Clark over land, and by an actual settlement at the mouth of the Columbia in 1811. This would leave the British Government a belt of 5 deg. 40′ of latitude from the Rocky Mountains and the Ocean, between our possessions and those of Russia; an arrangement, it is to be presumed, not altogether satisfactory to the British Government, and which, indeed, could be of very little importance to them. They have already extended their settlements to a point on the Columbia River, and we know they have set up a pretence of claim to all that part of the territory lying North of the Columbia to its mouth. It would have been desirable that they should have been parties in our treaty with Russia; but Mr. DICKERSON, of New Jersey, said, he had in this they refused to take a part. The extent of their hoped, that, before gentlemen opposed to this bill, claim is not to be ascertained or limited by Congress; should be called upon for their reasons against it, the but our commercial treaty with that Government cerSenate would have heard from its friends all the argu- tainly recognizes a claim to some part of that territory, ments that can be urged in its favor. The gentleman without defining what part. By the 3d article of that from Virginia, (Mr. BARBOUR,) has mentioned its impor- treaty, it is agreed, "That any country that may be tance to our trade in the Pacific in general terms, said claimed by either party, on the Northwest Coast of Mr. D. without descending to any detail of facts or cir- America, Westward of the Stony Mountains, shall, to cumstances. He also stated that we had already acquir-gether with its harbors, bays, and creeks, and the navied this territory of Oregon-we should have deliberated gation of all rivers within the same, be free and open when we so acquired it-not now-that it was impossible for the term of ten years from the date of the signature to stop the march of population in that region-and that of the convention, to the vessels. citizens, and subjects it was our duty to provide for extending such population, of the two powers; it being well understood, that this which, in that gentleman's opinion, was a sufficient reason agreement is not to be construed to the prejudice of any for passing the present bill. claim which either of the two high contracting parties may have to any part of said country, nor shall it be taken to affect the claims of any other power or state to any part of the said country; the only object of the high contracting parties in that respect being to prevent disputes and differences among themselves."

It is true, that, by the operation of certain causes, we have acquired this territory; but that circumstance surely imposes upon Congress no obligation to provide for its occupation or population, unless the interests of the United States should require it. To that country we owe nothing.. By the present bill, that portion of country lying on the Pacific Ocean, North of the 42d degree of North latitude, and West of the Rocky Mountains, is to be erected into the territory of Oregon, without defining its Northern boundary. The President to Occupy the same with a military force, and cause a suitable fortification to be erected. The Indian title to be extinguished for a tract not exceeding thirty miles square, or nine hundred square miles. To erect a port The President, by this bill, is to take possession, by a of entry within and for said territory, whenever he shall military force, of the Oregon territory. We claim up to think the public good may require it, and to appoint the Russian line, latitude 54° 40', but consider our right such officers as may be necessary for the same; after incontestible to latitude 49. The President must, therewhich, the revenue laws of the United States shall ex-fore, take possession up to that parallel. He is to cause

VOL. I.-44

This treaty expires in 1828, until which period, it will be highly improper to take possession of this territory by military force, or to establish a port of entry there, or, indeed, to exercise any act of possession or occupation we did not exercise at the period of making this treaty; more especially in that part of the territory to which the British Government laid claim, however unfounded.

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a fort to be erected on Oregon River, on the left or the right bank, as he shall deem it expedient, and cause the Indian title to be extinguished to a tract of land thirty miles square, or 900 square miles, including said fort, and which ought to include both banks of the river, and include a considerable portion of country claimed by the British Government, but which, under the provisions of our treaty, they have not thought themselves authorized to occupy by a military force. Our port of entry may be erected at Nootka Sound, and our revenue laws extended to every part of the territory.

[FEB. 26, 1825.

to the mouth of the Missouri, is 1,160 miles-making the whole distance from Washington to the mouth of the Columbia River, 4,703 miles-but say 4,650 miles. The distance, therefore, that a member of Congress of this State of Oregon, would be obliged to travel, in coming to the seat of Government and returning home, would be 9,300 miles; this, at the rate of eight dollars for every twenty miles, would make his traveling expenses amount to 3,720 dollars. Every member of Congress ought to see his constituents once a year. This is alrea dy very difficult for those in the most remote parts of the As yet the British Government have done nothing to Union. At the rate which the members of Congress travel contravene the provisions of this treaty, but will they according to law, that is, twenty miles per day, it would I quietly look on and see us take military possession of this require, to come to the Seat of Government, from Oreterritory, make our establishments, purchase the Indian gon, and return, 465 days; and if he should lie by for title to 900 square miles, erect fortifications, and establish Sundays, say 66, it would require 531 days. But, if he ports of entry? By our treaty, the country is to remain should travel at the rate of 30 miles per day, it would open without prejudice to the claims of either party, in require 306 days. Allow for Sundays, 44, it would order to prevent disputes. But is this measure calcu- amount to 350 days. This would allow the member a lated to prevent disputes? On the contrary, will it not fortnight to rest himself at Washington, before he should lead to immediate collisions with the British Govern- commence his journey home. This rate of travelling ment? Will they not also take military possession of would be a hard duty, as a greater part of the way is this territory? erect fortifications, purchase the Indian exceedingly bad, and a portion of it over rugged mountitle, and establish ports of entry? We cannot steal a tains, where Lewis and Clarke found several feet of snow march upon them; they are always on the alert-wein the latter part of June. Yet a young, able-bodied shall gain nothing by this hasty, this uncalled-for mea- Senator might travel from Oregon to Washington and sure. At all events, before we proceed further, let us back once a year; but he could do nothing else. It ascertain by negotiation, not by military force, our re- would be more expeditious, however, to come by water spective parts of this territory. If we are entitled to the round Cape Horn, or to pass through Behring's Straits, whole of it, by amicable adjustment, if possible, or, if round the North coast of this Continent to Baffin's Bay, we must enforce our rights, by military occupation, let thence through Davis's Straits to the Atlantic, and so on it not be done till all other means have failed. It is to be to Washington. It is true, this passage is not yet disco. presumed the British Government are willing to enter vered, except upon our maps-but it will be as soon as into negotiations for settling our respective boundaries Oregon shall be a State. in that territory. Should the negotiation occupy many years, it ought to excite no regret, as it would give the unhappy natives of that region, a little more time to breathe upon the face of the earth, before the final process of extermination, by means of a white and civilized population, shall take place. No doubt the British Government would willingly renew the third article of the treaty of 1818 for ten years more, to prevent disputes. And if the two Governments would make a perpetual treaty, to take no further possession of that territory, than they now have, or that might be necessary for the purposes of trading with the Indians, they would do more for the cause of humanity, than has been done in the present age.

But how could a revenue be derived from such a state, or supplies sent to it, but at an enormous expense? Every portion of strength given to this state, from the other parts of the Union, would so far weaken the Union; and this territory, when it shall obtain the strength and importance of a state, will fall off from the Union by its own weight.

Is this territory to be a colony? Have we a surplus population that we wish to send from our country? So far from that, we have hundreds of millions of acres of fertile lands, within the boundaries of our present States and Territories, that remain unoccupied for want of a population to take possession of them. While this is the case, shall we be holding out inducements to our citi In 1810 we had a settlement at the mouth of the Co-zens to seek settlements in the remote parts of the earth. lumbia river, called Astoria, which the British took from us during the late war-it was, however, delivered up to us under the first article of the treaty of Ghent, and, whoever may be the private owners of the property there, the possession is in the United States, and may now be occupied as it was before the war. As yet, we have sent no military force there. What is the immediate pressure for such a force at this time? To protect our ships engaged in the whaling and fishing, and in the fur trade, and taking of sea otters. The whales are caught in the Southern latitudes, and all the sea Will this colony afford us any very important comotters we shall ever take upon the coast of the Oregon mercial advantages? Are we to supply it with manufac territory, would not pay the expense of marching a sin-tures? It will be a long time before we supply ourselves. gle company across the Rocky Mountains.

What little commerce we may have upon that coast, will be much better protected by three or four ships of our Navy, than by any fortification on Oregon river. We have now in the Pacific Ocean the Frigate United States, sloop of war Peacock, and schooner" Dolphin, and can send more there if necessary.

But is this territory of Oregon ever to become a state, a member of this Union? Never. The Union is already too extensive-and we must make three or four new states from the territories already formed.

The distance from the mouth of the Columbia to the mouth of the Missouri, is 3,555 miles-from Washington

If we plant a colony at Oregon, we must protect it, and that at an enormous expense. And what advantage can we expect in return? Surely none. We form a vul nerable point where our enemy can easily reach us, and where it will be very difficult to defend ourselves. The British, last war, took from us our settlement at Astoria, This was a matter of but little importance. But if we had possessed a city there of 30,000 inhabitants, we should have expended millions for its defence, and, after all, probably have lost it.

foreign manufactures, more than the amount of five and We import, for our own consumption, annually, of twenty millions of dollars. Are we to have great advan tages in the fur trade with the natives of that region? As soon as we establish a white population in Oregon, who will drive the Indians back to the Rocky Mountains, that trade will cease.

of 50,000 dollars has been agreed to, as contained in the To carry the provisions of this act into effect, the sum bill from the House of Representatives. This sum has, a larger. A sum ten times larger will be required behowever, been struck out, for the purpose of inserting fore the objects of the bill can be carried fully into ef

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FEB. 26, 1825.]

Occupation of the Oregon River.

[Senate.

prove of infinite importance to the United States, inasmuch as it is calculated to serve as a barrier to prevent too great an extension of our population westward, and secure us against the machinations or incursions of an enemy, that might be disposed to annoy us in that quarter." It would seem that nature had secured this last refuge them, if we protect our trappers and hunters by an armed force, who are traversing every part of this region, destroying the beaver and buffalo, and which must effectually destroy the native inhabitants by taking from them their very means of subsistence.

fect. In a report of the 23d Feb. 1824, we have an estimate of the expense of transporting 200 troops from Council Bluffs to the mouth of Columbia river, at 44,000 dollars. It is fair to judge of the future by the past. The expense of the Yellow Stone expedition is a case in point. The transportation of 145 tons of provisions, munitions of war, &c. by the steam boat Expedition--145 | to the tribes inhabiting this vast region, but this will fail tons by the steam boat Jefferson-75 tons by the steam boat Johnson, with 300 troops, chiefly from the mouth of the Missouri to Council Bluffs, 650 miles, cost the United States 255,000 dollars. There were other charges attending the expedition, to a large amount, so that it may be estimated that the transportation of our troops to Council Bluffs, with all the necessary supplies, munitions of war, &c. cost us at the rate of nearly a thousand dollars per man.

If we send men enough to Oregon to defend themselves, and establish military posts from Council Bluffs to the mouth of Columbia river, we ought to appropriate half a million of dollars, as a beginning.

From the meridian of Council Bluffs there is an immense region, extending to the Rocky Mountains, containing about 160,000 square miles, which, from the sterility of the soil, the want of wood and water, can never be cultivated, and, of course, never admit of a civilized population. An accurate description of this region may be found in Major Long's Expedition, vol. II, page 350. After describing this country, he says, in page 361

The Rocky Mountains, and inhospitable regions adjoining them, within our boundaries, may be estimated at 40,000 square miles, making, in all, 200,000 square miles of country, which will never admit of a white population. Add to this about 50,000 square miles of ter. ritory, lying between the Rocky Mountains and the Western Ocean, which, although susceptible of a white population, may be permanently secured by treaties and conventions to the natives of the soil. This would alto. gether form a region of 250,000 square miles—a very small portion of the immense continent, which, three centuries ago, belonged exclusively to the red men of the then Western world.

The third article of the treaty of 1818 was evidently intended to suspend, for ten years, any further acts of possession or occupation, than had then taken place. This seemed necessary, to prevent disputes between the parties. Humanity had nothing to do with this arrangement. Had the object been to protect the native own. The different tribes between the meridian of Council ers of the soil from the encroachments of a white popu Bluffs and the Rocky Mountains, may be estimated at lation, a civilized population, an exterminating popula- 120,000 souls; those West of the Rocky Mountains, at tion, it would have been in the highest degree honorable 80,000. If they were made secure, in the possession of to the contracting parties. Would to Heaven there was this territory, their population would increase; and a a perpetual decree, that should forever secure to the part of the remnants of the tribes now in the bounds of aborigines of that soil, the quiet possession of the coun- the States, would, with the aid of our government, retry they now enjoy. If that were the case, it would be move into this reserved territory, where they could hope easy for the United States to adopt a plan, by which a re-to rest in peace. From a late message of the President gion of at least two hundred and fifty thousand square of the United States, it appears, that the whole number miles might be secured as an abiding place for three of Indians remaining in our States and Territories may hundred thousand of the native children of the forest, be estimated at 129,000, all of whom, it is desirable, who are otherwise doomed, in a short period, to be swept should remove beyond the Mississippi. It is probable from the face of the earth, by the same civilized popu- that as many as 80,000 of them may be induced to relation that have exterminated the numerous tribes that move beyond the meridian of Council Bluffs; the residue once possessed the Atlantic States. will probably remain till they gradually become extinct, as numerous and once powerful tribes have already done in the Atlantic States. This would make a population, for a region of 250,000 square miles, of 300,000 souls.The British Government are famed for their magnificent plans for ameliorating the condition of the human race. Would they not readily join the government of the United States in any measure that might be necessary to secure the whole territory claimed by both parties West "In regard to this extensive section of country, I of the Rocky Mountains to the present possessors of the do not hesitate in giving the opinion that it is almost soil? It is an object worthy of the united exertions of wholly unfit for cultivation, and of course uninhabitable the two governments-of the united exertions of Europe by a people depending upon agriculture for subsistence. and America. No object so interesting to humanity has Although tracts of fertile land, considerably extensive, presented itself to the present age-we have instituare occasionally to be met with, yet the scarcity of wood tions for the colonization of our black population-for and water, almost uniformly prevalent, will prove an extending the benefits of religion and civilization to the insuperable obstacle in the way of settling the country. most remote parts of the earth-while the miserable This objection rests not only against the immediate sec- remnants of the innumerable tribes that once possessed tion under consideration, but applies, with equal pro- this whole continent, seem doomed to be swept from the priety, to a much larger portion of the country. Agree-face of the earth, by the irresistible flow of a white, ciably to the best intelligence that can be had concerning vilized, Christain population, without one great effort to the country both northward and southward of the sec- save them. To this abused race we owe an immense tion, and especially to the inferences deducible from debt, only to be obliterated by their extermination, the account given by Lewis and Clark, of the country which will happen in a short period, unless the civilized situated between the Missouri and the Rocky Mountains, world will extend the means of preservation. Of the nuabove the River Platte, the vast region commencing merous tribes that once traversed the Atlantic States, the near the sources of the Sabine, Trinity, Brasis, and Co- proud and fearless owners of the soil-Where are they lorado, and extending northwardly to the 49th degree of now? With those who lived before the flood. In all north latitude, by which the United States' territory is the old states, except Georgia, there are to be found no limited, in that direction, is, throughout, of a similar cha- more than 8,000 souls of this unhappy race. racter. The whole of this region seems peculiarly adapt-residue exterminated, except a few who have retreated ed as a range for buffaloes, wild goats, and other wild beyond the Alleghany Mountains, and who still linger in game, incalculable multitudes of which find ample pastur- this world, to lament their wretched condition, and to age and subsistence upon it." relate the melancholy history of their wrongs.

"This region, however, viewed as a frontier, may

The

We have lately passed a law for the preservation of

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the Indian tribes within the United States, by which a permanent residence is to be provided for them West of the State of Missouri and the Territory of Arkansas, provided they will consent to be transferred to this region; and the faith of the nation is to be pledged, that they shall be permanently protected in the peaceable possession of this country. If we should permit them to possess the country eastwardly of the meridian of Council Bluffs, and bounded on the South by the Arkansas Territory, on the East by the State of Missouri and the Mississippi river, and the Red river, up to the latitude of 49, it would be an addition of thirty or forty thousand square miles to the region already described, and furnish a safe, ample, and happy retreat to all the tribes who shall think proper to embrace the offers of our government. As to the Oregon Territory, it can never be of any pecuniary advantage to the United States, but it may be made the means of promoting, in a most signal manner, the cause of humanity; and this is the best possible disposition that can be made of it; while the worst would be the adoption of the provisions of the present bill.

Mr. D. concluded by moving that the bill lie on the table, which was carried. Ayes 19, Noes 17. The following message was received from the Presi

dent of the United States:

To the Senate of the United States:

Just before the termination of the last session, an act entitled "An act concerning wrecks on the coast of Florida," which was then proposed, was presented to me, with many others, and approved, and, as I thought, signed. It appeared, however, after the adjournment that the evidence of such approbation had not been attached to it. Whether the act may be considered, in force under such circumstances, is a point on which it belongs not to me to decide. To remove all doubt on the subject, i submit to the consideration of Congress, the propriety of passing a declaratory act to that effect.

Feb. 26, 1825.

JAMES MONROE.

The Senate then passed an hour in the consideration of Executive business; after which, various acts brought over from the other House, severally received their first reading.

The Senate proceeded, as in committee of the whole, to consider the bill granting the consent of Congress to the act of the Legislature of Alabama, authorizing the imposition of duties on vessels, for the improvement of the port of Mobile.

The act of the Legislature of Alabama having been

read

Mr. LLOYD, of Mass. opposed the bill, on the ground of its being a direct violation of the ninth section of the Constitution, which declares that no preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce, or revenue, to the ports of one state over those of another; nor shall vessels bound to, or from one state, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in another.

If a vessel were to leave new York for Mobile, it would have to pay tonnage duty twice; but reverse the case, and the vessel departing from Mobile would only pay duty once. This was giving a preference to one port over another; and the consequence of this bill would be that the harbors of the South would be built up and cleaned out at the expense of the North.

Mr. KING, of Alab. and Mr. BROWN, supported the bill, referring to various precedents, and arguing its constitutionality from the 10th section of the Constitution, where it is declared that no state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or exports. They were acting in strict compliance with the constitution, in seeking the approbation of Congress to the measure. They showed the advantages which would be derived by the port of Mobile by the passing

[FEB. 26, 28, 1825.

this bill. It only applied to vessels drawing a certain depth of water, and would, when its object was accom. plished, expire of itself.

Mr. SMITH made a few remarks, but did not oppose the bill, as the Legislature of Alabama had given their consent to the measure.

Mr. HOLMES, of Maine, was satisfied of the constitu. tionality of the measure, but thought the duties intended to be imposed were too high. To give time, therefore, to prepare an amendment, he moved that the Senate adjourn. The Senate then, at half past three, adjourned.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.—SAME DAY. Mr. VINTON, from the Committee on the Public Lands, made a report in favor of the following resolu tion, viz. :

"That the several states which have been admitted into the Union, under any compact prohibiting such states from laying and collecting a tax on land for five years next succeeding the sale of such land by the Unit. ed States, shall be severally permitted, whenever they may deem it expedient, to subject all lands, hereafter sold by the United States, within their respective limits, to the same tax that they may levy and collect on lands not subject to the provisions of such compacts."

The resolution was ordered to lie on the table. Mr. M'KIM moved to take up the bill to extend the privilege of deposite in public and other storehouses; but the House refused, ayes 56, noes 64, to consider that

bill.

The House then went into committee of the whole, Mr. M'COY in the chair, on the bill to exempt the President, Faculty, and Students, of the Columbian College, from militia duty.

The bill having been read, Mr. WICKLIFFE, in or der to test the sense of the House in relation to its principle, moved to strike out the first section.

The motion was opposed by Mr. HAMILTON, who, after some general observations on the importance and value of seminaries of learning, observed, that this bill only extended the same exemption to the students of the College in this District, which was allowed by the laws of New York, of Massachusetts, of Vermont, and, in deed, of almost all the states, to persons similarly situat ed, in those states. The committee who reported the bill had been cautious to insert a clause securing the service of the students in cases of necessity. He represented the pernicious effects of attending a military parade, on the minds of young lads engaged in their stu dies, and argued the propriety of exempting both them and their instructors from such attendance.

The motion to strike out the first section of the bill was then put, and negatived.

Mr. BRENT moved to amend the bill, by making its provisions apply to the Georgetown College, and all other seminaries of learning in the District; which, after some discussion between Messrs. BRENT, WHIPPLE, and CULPEPER, was agreed to.

The bill was then reported, and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on Monday.

IN SENATE-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1825. Mr. HAYNE, of South Carolina, submitted the following resolution:

"Resolved by the Senate of the United States, That Congress possesses no power to appropriate the public land of the United States " to constitute and form a fund to aid the emancipation of slaves," within any of the United States, or "to aid the removal of such slaves:" and that, to constitute such a fund, or, "to pledge the faith of the United States," for the appropriation thereof towards these objects, would be a departure from the

FEB. 28, MAR. 1, 1825.]

Imperfect Law.-Post Office Regulations.

conditions and spirit of the compact between the several states; and that such measures would be dangerous to the safety of the states holding slaves, and be calculated to disturb the peace and harmony of the Union."

[S. & H.of. R.

ject. All the Engineers would be employed on more important objects, already undertaken, and none could be spared. He suggested that the resolution be modi fied so as to let the officers of the army in the neighborhood be employed on this object.

Mr. CONWAY accepted the modification.

Mr. LIVINGSTON advocated the resolve, and Mr. SHARPE opposed it as unnecessary, and moved to lay it on the table; which was carried.

IN SENATE.-TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1825.
POST OFFICE REGULATIONS.!

The Senate took up the bill from the other House "to reduce into one the several acts establishing and regulating the Post Office Establishment."

The Committee on the Post Office, amongst other amendments, proposed to strike out the provision which allows the exchange of papers between newspaper prin

Mr. HAYNE said, that, in asking the leave of the Senate to lay the foregoing resolution on the table, he was calling their attention to a subject of the most vital importance to those whom he had the honor to represent, and closely connected with the rights and interests of the Southern states. It would be recollected that a resolution had been submitted a few days ago, by an = honorable gentleman from New York (Mr. KING,) which proposed, (without any request from the states, or any call by them on the General Government for aid,) to set apart, and pledge a fund, for the emancipation and removal from the United States," of such slaves as, by the laws of the states, respectively, may be allowed to be emancipated and removed;" which resolution had been laid upon the table, with a declaration, that it was not to be called up for consideration. This course had put itters, free of postage. out of the power of the Southern members, whose constituents were deeply interested in the proposition, to show the unconstitutional character and dangerous tendency of measures of this nature. The only course which was left them to pursue, was to lay on the table a counter resolution, intended as a solemn protest against any unsolicited interference on the part of the Federal Government, with the subject, which properly belonged to the states, and which involved not only the peace but the existence of those states-a subject with which it was conceived the Federal Government had nothing to do, and concerning which Congress could not possess that species of information necessary to wise and safe legislation.

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The resolution was laid on the table accordingly.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.—SAME DAY.
Mr. WEBSTER, from the Committee on the Judicia-
ry, reported a bill" concerning wrecks on the coast of
Florida."

Mr. WEBSTER explained the circumstances under which the bill came before the House. It was the bill

to which the President refers in his message, as having been passed and approved last session, but omitted to be signed. The opinion of the Judiciary Committee was, that the bill had no validity until signed by the President, and they therefore now reported the bill in its original form, but having a prospective operation.

only.

Mr. CALL stated that the act had been understood as in force, and had, in its operation, produced a large

revenue to the United States.

The bill was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading this day.

Mr. MERCER laid on the table the following: Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to enter upon, and prosecute, from time to time, such negotiations with the maritime powers of Europe and America, as he may deem expedient for the effectual abolition of the Slave Trade, and its ultimate denunciation as piracy, under the law of nations, by the

consent of the civilized world.

This resolve lies for one day of course.

This amendment was briefly opposed by Mr. HAYNE and Mr. LOWRIE, and supported by Mr. CHANDLER, and was rejected without a division.

A considerable time was spent by the Senate in discussing the numerous provisions of this bill. Among the proceedings, the following were the most material: The bill proposed to give to members of Congress the right of franking for sixty days before and sixty days after each session of Congress. This period Mr. MACON moved to reduce to twenty days before and after

each session.

This motion was opposed by Messrs. JOHNSON, of Ken. CHANDLER, and HOLMES, of Maine, on the ground that the right, was not conferred as a personal benefit, but to enable members to receive and transmit letters relating to public business, of their constituents,

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The amendment was negatived without a division.
On motion of Mr. MACON, "assistant postmasters and

clerks, employed in any post office," were included in
the prohibition, which restricts postmasters from being
concerned in any contract for carrying the mail.

Mr. PARROTT made an unsuccessful motion to allow to the Inspector Generals of the Army the privilege of franking letters on official business.

After some minor amendments to the bill, it was reported to the Senate.

section of the bill:
The question was taken on striking out the following

shall hereafter resign his office, to give twenty days' no-
"That it shall be the duty of every postmaster, who

tice of his intention to do so which notice, if there be no newspaper published at the place where he shall keep the office, he shall put up in writing, on the door of the post office, and at the doors of at least two of the most public houses convenient thereto : But, if there be a newspaper published in the city, town, or village, where such office is kept, then such notice shall be inserted at least twice in said paper within said twenty days."

And it was stricken out by a large majority The bill, as amended, was then ordered to a third reading.

OCCUPATION OF THE OREGON.

Mr. CONWAY, of Arkansas, offered the following: Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause a survey to be made of the obstructions in Red River, usually denominated Rafts, and cause an estimate of the expense necessary to remove the Mr. HAYNE renewed the motion to take up the bill same to be laid before Congress at the next session. authorizing the occupation of the mouth of the Oregon Mr. CONWAY stated what had formerly been done river. He thought that justice required that an oppor on this subject, and explained the object of the resolutunity should be given to the gentleman from Missouri, tion. (Mr. BENTON,) to answer the statements and arguments Mr. McDUFFIE opposed the resolution, as it gave delivered by Mr. DICKERSON against the bill. It was a special instructions to the Executive on a general sub-matter of public interest that the information which he

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