Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-01-17
Twcnty-Gfth Congress.
SECOND SESSION .


on a motion TO print certain resolutions
adopted by the Legislature Of Vermont,
touching the subject Of slavery and the
abolition Of slavery. Mr.. Prent'ss, ol
Vermont, presented the resolutions
They embodied sentiments strongly hos
tile to the system Of slavery, and favora-
BILE to the abolition of slavery in the Dis
trct Of Columbia. MIR. y. in presenting
them, made the customary motion to
print.
MIR. Foster, Of Tennessee, objected.
MIR. Calhoun spoke in very excited
manner in regard to the resolutions from
Vermont. He was not only opposed TO
printing, but considered the Resolutions
as dangerous and destructive to the I'm
ion of the States. The course OF the
Abolilionists he considered destructive
of the best interests Of the States, and il
persisted in would forthwith lead to the
dissolution of the Union.
Mr.. King, of Ala, spoke in manner
still more excited, and said if the matter
embodied in the resolutions was discus
sed and considered, he and his friends
would forthwith leave the Hall, and the
Union would be dissolved. In the 9th
er House he knew it had been agitated
and in the most disgraceful manner
yes, in the most di graceful manner
The gentleman from Vermont well knew
that, If Congress should undertake to act
on this subject, in any way whatever,
tho Union would not last one day -
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That moment, continued MIR. King, when
Congress undertakes to legislate on
the subject of slavery, J will leave my
seat and 60 home, and tell my constitu-
ents that the compact has been violated,
and that the Union is at an end.
Mr.. Lumpkin, of Geo, was surprised
that the motion to print should be persist
ed in,and moved that the motion to print
be laid on the table.
4 Mr.. Prentiss said that he asked for
printing as an act Of courtesy TO the State
that he represented, and he was surpris
ed that the motion should be objected to.
The yeas and nays were demanded, and
the motion to print was REJEcTED-ayes
81, noes 8.
The Senate proceeded to the orders
Of the day. The bill fer the reduction
Of the price of Public Lands came up,
and Mr.. Nlerrck, of Md, spoke at some
length upon the bill, and in opposition to
It.
In the HoUsE,-Several Executive
communications were laid on the table
from the President and Heads of De-
partmenis, in relation to various objects
of public mportance, ,--some of them
giving further information in relation to
the Swartwout delalcation-the Deposite
Banks, and other important matters
All'of them were ordered to be printed
and laid upon the table.
The consideration of the resolution
providing for the appointment Of a select
committee to inquire into the Swartwout
defalcations was resumed-the question
imme diately pending being onthe amend
ment that the Committee be selected by
ballot. The debate was continued by
Messrs Bond, Taylor, Underwood,
Thomas, Menefee, and Robertson, OF
Va, when, on motion Of MIR. Legare,
'hO AAooSo ooJouipSo'
In SENATE, Thursday, Jan. 10TH
Mr.. Robbins, from the committee on the
library, made report on the Smithson-
ian bequest, accompanied by joint re-
solution, proposing that a select commit
tee be appointed, to consist OF five men,
bers Of the Senate and as many of the
House as may be appointed by that body !,
to consider the expcdiency Of establish
ing an institution according to the wish
es Of the testator.
MIR. Robbins mado a most beautiful
and classical discourse upon the subject,
characterized by all the vigor, spirit and
taste for which he is distinguished.
Mr.. Preston supported the motion for
referring the subject to committee ap-
pointed in the manner proposed He
congratulated the country and the Senate
upon this matter being placed in the
hands of Mr.. Robbins, and earnestly
urged that the resolution should be acted
on without delay.
The joint resolution was then rcad, and
ordered TO a second reading.
The resolution Of Mr.. Rives calling
on the President for information respect
ing the terms of the agreement entered
into between the Secretary of War and
the Bank Of the United States, was then
taken up, and adopted.
SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
MIR. Morris presented petition which
he described as praying, not for the abo-
lltion of slavery--nor Of the slave trade
but for the repeal Of all laws on the
subject Of slavery in the District Of Co
lumbia: and took occasion to demonstrate
strongly against the course which had
been adopted by the Senate in reference
to the abolition petitions and memorials.
He said that unless this petition was re-
ceived, the constitutional guaranty Of the
right Of petition would be mere dead
letter.
Mr.. Clay, of Alabama, moved to lay
the question Of reception on the table !;
which was agreed to without division
THE LAND BILL.
The Land Bill was again the theme
before the Senate, the question being on
the adoption Of Mr.. CIay's substitute for
the original Bill--which is in effect
that actual settlers anxious to have a
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