The native American., 1838-01-20
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
TFRoM otR REPORTER.
Seventh Week of TIE Session.

the air, and winter covers before the presence OF
the unexpected Queen. This weather delights
us all. We love to tread upon flowers, rather
than hear the icicles splintering beneath our feet
But how long will it last! "That's the question
Tomorrow it may disappear, and leave us shud-
derng in the unprepared for blast; but !, poor
beggarly accountant Of empty speeches, am SEN
timentalizing- yet would fain linger on the
theme; for nothing do dread SO much as this
my weekly report Of Congressional proceedings
/ cannot sketch in detail, but | must condense
them together, group my figures, and let the gen
tie reader see them all at once
Still in the Senate the cloud Of abolition lowers,
and the six resolutions are undetermined on.
The palmer proposition nowadays, the more
debate; and grave seignors will quarrel by the
day, week, or month, whether the Constitution of
the United States was adopted for freemen, and
by freemen, or not. We have not progressed
over fifty odd years in national existence, and
10! we are in the midst of doubt to what our
good old gallant fathers meant by the charter of
our liberties. There is gloom indeed around
and over us-doubt among ourselves with regard
to the principles of the Republic, and aliens and
ignorance to our disposition to party warfare. 1t
is they who disturb the calm river Of our traditions
who foment doubt and quicken animosity; and
until they are swept away, we will continue to
wrangle, dispute, and Heaven knows what else.
In the House. Messrs. PRENTIss and WORD, of
Mississippi, have been admitted to the floor of
the House by courtesy, not by right, and the
former gentleman has opened the contest for the
seats of Messrs. CLAIBORNE & GHoLsoN, the sitting
members.
Mr.. PRENTIss is most brilliant and elegant
orator. really do not pretend to know anything
of his politics, and even if do know, to what
school he belongs, it shall not prevent my saying
that he is eloquent. The Globe, with its black
claws may scratch at us for the eulogium, or the
Intelligencer may freeze us into circumspection by
| its lofty disdain. never heard an argument so
forcible, and language SO chaste; his rhetoric is
mastery and picturesque. | could quote from
memory passages Of vivid brilliancy, but, alas!
where is the use? His speech will be published
by the mammoths Of the day, and every body
will read it.
| must not forgetto remark, that Messrs. CLAI-
BORNE 6J GHoLsoN are ousted from their seats,
the whole extra session will be null and void
for on some questions, their votes alone, carried
important measures. If they were acting lille
gally, where is the legality Of the extra session,
| These are grave questions that will bear upon
the subject, and probably prejudice the decision
Of the House.
Ibelieve that the unfortunate difference between
the two gentlemen Of the lower House, will not be
carried further-every one hopes so. During the
rather singular, too, and you might have heard a
pin drop among them. Not one of their sweet
tongues moved, except to the burthen of sigh,
during the painful occurrence.
No important bills have been passed as vet.
Nothing for Florida; nothing for Canada; nothing
for Mexico; nothing for the northeastern boundary
question, urged, too, by the President, while
other matters excite great interest, though Of small
import. | must tell you, by the way, that l fre-
quently see the President riding out on horse
back; he rides well and fast; as plain as a pike
staff, too, but on delightful bit Of blood.
| 10 We substitute the following proceedings
from the Intelligencer Of last Monday, upon the
subject of the Native American Memorial of this
Icfty:
THE MEMORIAL OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN
ASSOCIATION OF THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA.
The Memorial offered on Monday last by Mr. PAT
TON, Of Virginia, asking for modification Of the Natu
ralizaon Laws, which Mr.. LINCOLN, of Massachusetts
had moved TO commit with certain Instructions and which
memorial and instructions Mr.. HAYNES had moved TO
refer to the Committee the Judiciary, and Mr. PAR
TON to select committee, came mp in order.
The CHAIR was of the opininn that under the rules
the sense of the House should be taken on the present
condition of the m point of order of proceeding
Mr.. LINCOLN remarked, Tin answer to suggestion
near him. that this memorial had some relation to the
abolition qnestion,) that il had no such tendency.
The question being put the House refused consider
the memorial at this time by vote of Yeas 50 to 70
Nays.
Mr.. LINCOLN then gave notice that he would with.
draw bis instructions permitted rather than ebarrass
the memorial in its consideration by the Houses and at
his request the question again put and the instruc
tions being withdrawn the memorial was taken up for
consideration without division.
Mr.. PATTON remarked that this memorial had been |
confded to him by the Native American Association,
most respectable society ofths District, and his only wish
that should receive such reference as would
for of ;ta T.,