THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS, 1853-55. 5G9 



The resolution was then ordered to a third reading; and 

 was accordingly read the third time, and passed. 



House of Representatives, January 17, 1855. 



The Speaker laid before the House a communication 

 received from Hon. Rufus Choate, resigning his office as 

 regent of the Smithsonian Institution. 



The letter was read. (See Senate Proceedings, January 

 17, 1855.) 



Mr. Meacham. I ask the unanimous consent of the House 

 to introduce a resolution of inquiry, founded upon that let- 

 ter ; and upon the resolution I demand the previous ques- 

 tion. 



The resolution was reported, as follows : 



Resolved, That the letter of Hon. Eufus Choate, resigning his place as 

 regent of the Smithsonian Institution, be referred to a select committee of 

 five, and printed ; and that said committee be directed to inquire, and re- 

 port to the House, whether the Smithsonian Institution has been managed, 

 and its funds expended, in accordance with the law establishing the 

 institution ; and whether any additional legislation be necessary to carry 

 out the designs of its founders ; and that said committee have power to send 

 for persons and papers. 



Mr. English. If I have a right to object to the reception 

 of the resolution just proposed by the gentleman from Ver- 

 mont, [Mr. Meacham,] I do so ; and I move that the com- 

 munication submitted by Mr. Choate be laid on the table, 

 and ordered to be printed. 



The Speaker. The resolution of the gentleman from 

 Vermont, to refer to a select committee the letter which 

 has just been read, is in order, in the opinion of the Chair. 

 Upon the adoption of the resolution, the gentleman from 

 Vermont demands the previous question. It is in order to 

 make a motion to lay the matter on the table. 



Mr. English. Then I make that motion. 



Mr, Meacham. Will that motion carry the resolution 

 with it? 



The Speaker. It will. 



Mr. Meacham. Am I not still entitled to the floor ? 



The Speaker. The gentleman from Vermont cannot re- 

 tain the floor after moving the previous question. It is in 

 order for the gentleman from Indiana to make the motion 

 he does, as it is a privileged question. 



Mr. Meacham. The resolution I ofler is simply one of 

 inquiry, made in respectful terms, and it appears to me that 

 there can be no objection to it. If the motion of the gen- 

 tleman from Indiana is pressed, I shall demand the yeas and 

 nays. 



