Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-01-09
CONGRESSIONAL.

part Of members TO take hold of business VIZ
spirit before the holidays have passed. The
question of the right of certain members TO
seats has been temporarily disposed of by
resolution to the effect that the committee on
elections be instructed TO report whether the
members elected by general ticket have been
elected according to the constitution and
the law, and whether they are entitled to
retain their seats as representatives in Con-
gress. Mr. Adams occupied whole day in
endeavors TO present petitions in opposition
to the 2lst rule. He presented among 9TH
ers, petition from sundry citizens of Illi-
nos, praying that Congress pass law con-
Tossing our national sins; law acknowledge
ing the dominion of Jesus Christ; law de-
fning what the law of God is, with other
prayers of similar character A day was
occupied in discussing these petitions, some
of which were accepted and others rejected.
The speaker quoted the 2ls. rule as follows:
"that no petition praying for the abolition of
slavery in the District of Columbia, or in any
of the states of the Union where slavery now
exists, or for the suppression of the slave
trade among the states, should be received
or entertained in any manner whatsoever"
Such is the language in which freemen are
instructed in their duty. We have not one
feeling in common with abolitionsts, unless
it be the single one OF desire to see this
rule abolished. The people it is said are
the source of all powcr-freemen, who elect
their representatives to do their will. But
what mockcry, when these servants dictate
to their sovrcigns what they may do and
what they may no:-on what subjects they
may petition and when they must be silent.
In our opinion, if the cause of abolition shall
ever acquire the strength to accomplish its
mad desires, it will be through the ill-advised
measures Of this character, and if the South
would be wise in time, ifit would crush alb
olitionism efectually, let the 2lst rule be
abolished when it will sink from its own na-
turc into obscurity and be forgotten. We
ask nothing but that petitions shall be recei-
we'd, any further action being exclusively the
bus ness eff Congress
Mr. Levy, of Florida, gave notice of in
tent.on to introduce bill extending the
elective privileges of the people of the ter
rtorics; also, bill to allow the territories TO
now locate the lands to which they VIII be
entitled on becoming states.
A proposition from Mr.. Rhct, of n. G.
to suspend the rules to allow him to intro
duce a resolution on the subject of the tariff,
was negativcd. This probably is indicative
as much of the disposition of the House on
the matter of suspcnding the rules, as with
regard to the tariff.
A long debate has been had in the House
on resolution 70 refer that portion of the
Presidents message, Which related to the
improvement of western rivers and lakes, to
a select committee, instead of the usual
committee, that on commerce. Up to the
22nd ult., our latest dates, this debate had
not terminated. The members immediately
interested in these improvements, wished to
have the matter referred to select commit.
tee, because from the location of its MEM
bers, they did not think the committee on
commerce would take that interest in the
matter which its importance demanded The
probability is, that the reference will be made
to select committee, and if so, we shall
look with confidence for the commencement
of these national improvements, too long
neglected. We like very much the appea-
rance of things, thus far The increased
strength which the west has in the House,
has its influence. Congress appears to be
getting fairly awake as 70 the necessity and
importance of the construction of harbors
and the improvement of rivers When the
west speaks the east listens with attention,
and the eastern members are realizing the
fact that the west has attained position
when its reasonable demands cannot be de-
MED with impunity. We shall look with
confidence for appropriations by the present
Congress, for the construction of harbors on
the western shore of lake Michigan.
|
BY demonstrations, since the commence
ment of the present Congress, it is rendered
evident that the next Presidential contest
will be determined between Henry Clay
and Martin Van Buren,. To secure the sue.
cess of the democratic candidate in our opin
ion, nothing is necessary, but harmony. VIII
harmony be had? We cannot help but think
it will. Every consideration, both selfish and
patriotic, will urge unsuccessful asp!rants TO