Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1836-02-25
CONGRESSIONAL.
From the National Intelligence.


published)
On motion of Clay, the message was f
referred to the Committee on Foreign Re-
lations, and ordered to be printed
To aGs Senate and House Of Representa-
tires:
The Government OF Great Britain has
offered its mediation for the adjustment of
the dispute between the United States and
France. Carefully guarding that point In
the controversy, which, as it involves our
honor and independence, admits Of no
compromise, have cheerfully accepted
the offer. 1t will be obviously improper
70 resort even to the mildest measures ola
compulsory character, until it is ascertain
ed whether France has declined or accept
ed the mediation. Therefore recommend
a suspension of all proceedings on that
part of my Special Message of the 18th of
January last, which proposes a partial |
non-intercourse with France. While we
cannot too highly appreciate the elevated
and disinterested motives of the offer of
Great Britain, and have just reliance
upon the great influence of that Power to
restore the relations of ancient friendship
between the United States and France, and
know, too, that our own pacific policy will
be strictly adhered to until the national
honor compels us to depart from it, we
should be insensible to the exposed condi-
ton Of our country, and forget the lessons
Of experience, If we do not efficiently and
seduously prepare for an adverse result.
The peace Of a nation does not depend ex-
clusively upon its own will, nor upon the
benefcent policy of neighboring Powers;
and that nation which is found totally un.
prepared for the exigencies and dangers
Of war, although it come without having
given warning of its approach, is criminal
" negligent Of its honor and its duty.
I cannot too strongly repeat the recon-
mendation, already made, to place the sea-
board in a proper state for defence, and
promptly to provide the means for amply
protecting our commerce.
ANDREW JACKSON.
Washington, Feb. g, 1886.
Mr. Swift offered the following resolu-
ton; which was adopred:
ResoIred, That the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs be instructed to inquire into
the expediency of making provision to ex-
tend to the officers and soldiers of the Ar
my the benefit of moral and religious i'll
struction.
HOUSE-Feb, 8.
Mr. Pinckney submitted the following
resolution:
Resolved, That all the memorials which
have been offered, or may hereafter be
presented TO this House, praying for the
abolition of slavery in the District of Co.
lumbia, and also the resolutions offered
BY an honorable member from Maine
(Mr Jarvis,) with the amendment thereto
proposed by an honorable member from
Virginia, (Mr Wise,) and every other pa
per or proposition that may be submitted
in relation to that subject, be referred to &
select committee, with instructions to re
port that Congress possesses no constitu
tional authority to interfere in any way
with the institution of slavery in any of thu
States of this Confederacy; and that il
the opinion of this House, Congress ough
not to interfere in any way with slavery il
the District of Columbia. because it woult
be violation of the public faith, unwise
impolitic, and dangerous to the Union -
assigning such reasons for these conclu
!. sions as, in the judgment Of the committee
maybeb best calculated to enlighten the pull
lie mind, to repress agitation, to allay ex
element, to sustain and preserve the jus
rights Of the slaveholding States, and {
the people Of this District, and to re-estal
lish harmony and tranquility amongst tn
various sections of the Union.
Mr. Vinton called for the division of tn
"a IL rfc l..
the question should be taken on the follow
ing clauses separately:
4. Resolped, That all the memoria
which have been offered, or may hereaftt
he presented to this House, praying fc
T the abolition Of slavery in the District
SO olumbia, and also the resolutions offere
y by an honorable member from Maine, IN
Jarvisl with the amendment thereto, DR.
posed by an honorable member from vi
rinia, (Mr Wise and every other pap.
or proposition that may be submitted in r
lation to that subject, be referred to a $
lect committee"
2. " With instructions to report III
Congress possesses no constitutional a
thoriiy to interfere in any way with Il
institution Of slavery in any Of the Stat
ofthis Confederacy.n
8. "And that, in the opinion of Ii
House, Congress ought not to interfere
any way with slavery in the District
Columbia, because 1t would be a Violate
Of the public faith. unwise, impolftic, al
dangerous to the Union"
The Chair stated that the division ind
Gated was in order.
The question being taken on the fir
member of the proposition, as above divi
I'd. il was determined in the affirmative,