On the 31st of July, 1854, Mr. Seward, of New York, under instructions from the Committee on Pensions, reported a bill, which had already passed the House of Representatives, for the relief of Betsey Nash, a poor and aged woman, whose husband had died of wounds received in the war of 1812, and asked for its immediate consideration. This simple measure, demanded by obvious justice, was at once embarrassed by an incongruous proposition for the support of Slavery. Mr. Adams, of Mississippi, moved, as an amendment, another bill, for the relief of Mrs. Batchelder, widow of a person killed in Boston, while aiding as a volunteer in the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act. In the face of various objections this amendment was adopted. Mr. Sumner at once followed by a proposition in the following words:-- "_Provided_, That the Act of Congress, approved September 18, 1850, for the surrender of fugitives from service or labor, be, and the same is hereby, repealed." This was ruled out of order, as "not germane to the bill under consideration"; and the two bills, hitched together,--one for a military pension, and the other for contribution to the widow of a Slave-Hunter,--were put on their passage. Mr. Sumner then sprang for the floor, when a struggle ensued, which is minutely reported in the _Congressional Globe_. The careful reader will observe, that in order to cut off an effort to repeal the Fugitive Slave Act, at least two unquestionable rules of parliamentary law were overturned. [132] See _ante_, p. 80. MR. SUMNER. In pursuance of notice, I now ask leave to introduce a bill. MR. STUART (of Michigan). I object to it, and move to take up the River and Harbor Bill. THE PRESIDING OFFICER (MR. COOPER, of Pennsylvania). The other bill is not disposed of. The third reading of a Bill for the relief of Betsey Nash. The bill was then read a third time and passed. MR. SUMNER. In pursuance of notice, I ask leave to introduce a bill, which I now send to the table. MR. STUART. Is that in order? MR. SUMNER. Why not? MR. BENJAMIN (of Louisiana). There is a pending motion of the Senator from Michigan to take up the River and Harbor Bill. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. That motion was not entertained, because the Senator from Massachusetts had and has the floor. MR. STUART. I make the motion now. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair thinks it is in order to give the notice. MR. SUMNER. Notice has been given, and I now, in pursuance of notice, introduce the bill. The question is on its first reading. THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The first reading of a bill. MR. NORRIS (of New Hampshire). I rise to a question of order. MR. SUMNER. I believe I have the floor.