The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-03-17


therefore reported in favor Of the same.
Mr. SPEIGHT suggested TO the chairman of the
Judiciary Commute that the probability of a recess
sion Of Alexandra To the State Of Virginia vas an
other argument in favor Of the repeal Of tho law
MIR. ASHLEY was obliged to differ upon this
point with the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr.
SPEiGHT He did not suppose that the retroces.
SION alluded to would take place as such a course
would by many be feared as presenting at a future
day an argument for the removal of the seat of goy-
eminent 10 the West.
After some further remarks upon the SUI iect sub.
mrted by Senators WESTCOrT' and MILLER
the bill was ordered to be engrossed for third read
ing.
On motion Of Mr.. SEWER, the bill was immedi-
ately read third time and passed.
On motion of Mr. DICKINSON, the prior order
was further postponed, and the Senate resumed the
consideration Of the joint resolution for the relief Of
Peter German; which was read d third time, and
passed.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
On motion ofMr. SPEIGHT, the Senate resumed
the consideration of the bill 10 apply certain alter
nate sections Of the public domain towards the
peuon OF works Of internal improvement IN the
State Of Michigan, and for other purposes, as in
committee of the whole
After some remarks upon the bill submitted by
senator's BAGBY and SPEIGHT,
Mr.. NILES called for the yeas and nays.
Mr.. YULEE said that he was favorable to the
entire cession Of the public lands to the respective
States within which they are; and he could there
FORE have no objection to grant Of any lesser por-
tons of them TO the States from time time; but he
was disiacined to special legislation in all cases in
which il syodable If the Senate is disposed
TO take favorable action upon measures of the de-
scTiption under consideration, let il be by All act
which shall have uniformity and universally in its
operation, and which shall proceed upon some sys-
tenn. Let there be bill passed giving to each of
the States the alternate sections within a space Of
ive miles each side Of any railroad or canal
which 1t may construct at any time hereafter or
which may be now IN progress He was disposed
TO be liberal TO the utmost towards the new States
he was from new State himself He wished, also,
TO know upon what principles these bills rested He
desired TO settle down upon the exact constitutional
basis for this legislation before he voted lest he
might find himself entraPPed into the support Of
measures hereafter to which he might have scru-
Piles. The very persuasive character Of this class of
bills to a member from new State, as he was rem
dered il necessary for him to be more strict in try
ing Its propriety. Now, what is the principle upon
which the bills of this class stand? Is il simply of
hberality to the States Then extend uniform lib
erahy to each by general bill Is that, as a
andhOlder, the government is benefited by the pro-
posed improvement TO the extent of the proposed
contributions Then let us see that each case IS ca
pabe OF resting upon this principle. Now what is
the fact IN reference TO one Of these bils-the Illinois
bllP The quantity granted appears by the report
TO be several hundred thousand acres more than all
the public land now unsold within the space Of FIVE
miles on each side of the projected Improvement |
wish to know il the case is the same in regard to
the bill more Immediately before the Senate. He
had addressed an inquiry TO the General Land or
fee with this view, TO which he was promised a re.
ply as soon as 1t can be prepared. He would there
fore prefer TO be obliged by postponement of the
matter until he obtained the desired information.
He inclined In lad l. L.,
say he was anxious TO do So He must confess
that the reports in these cases especially that of the
gentleman from Illinois, had impressed him favora-
bly,; and he hoped the matter might not be pressed
TO vote now, as he desired to have all the light in
his power before he cast his humble vote
THE LIBEL ON THE SENATE.
Mr.. BENTON moved that 5000 additional con-
les of the report Of the special committee Of the
Senate appointed to investigate the CHARGES Of co,
rupton made by the DAILY Times" be printed
for the use of the Senate; which was agreed to.
A message in writing was received from the
President of the United States.
Mr.. JOHNSON of Louisiana moved that the
Senate resume the consideration of the special Or
der; which was agreed TO.
SPECIAL oRDER-"rHE NOTICE"
The Senate then proceeded to the consideration of
the special order "the notice" &c |
Mr.. BERRlEN addressed the Senate He said. |
am glad that it has fallen to my lot to participate
IN this discussion at moment when the cloud |
which seemed TO be lowering over its commence
ment Is passing away; and Frightening horizon
dlscIoses more distinctly our view the objects
around us. Time, reflection, and intervening
events have given us a accurate view of our
posluon-l trust clearer conception of our duty
avail myself of the occasion to state as briefly as
may the impression which this subject has made
upon my mind. Sir, the resolution which is pre-
scented to the consideration Of the Senate processes
to be responsive TO call made by the President of
the United States. Its purpose is to answer and To
give effect to the recommendations which the Pres
ldent has made on the subject to which it relates.
The nature and character of the resolution there
fore, are to be determined by looking at the cause
to which 1t gives practical operation and effect
Now, sir, the purpose of the President Of the Uni
ted States in asking from Congress an authority to
give the notice which this resolution proposes to
give, Is distinctly announced in his message, and is
with view TO the assertion, peaceably or forci-
bly, as the occasion may require, of title to the
whole Of what has been called in this debate
The territory of Oregon. To my mind, this
presents very grave question 1t is question in
Volving the highest interests of twenty millions of
people, which, 30 far as constitutional powers
md duties extend, are committed to our guardian
ship Ii may disturb the peace Of the world. Now |
upon such question, all mere defamation must be
out of place Excited appeals to our sense of ma.
lonnl honor and to patriotism denunciations
WIN Wow 10 lnHdGne the PASSIONS, OF the
,ance and impotence Of Great Britain; and infamma-
DRY representations Of our own prowess, with the
view to urge us into contest, seem to me not an
oroprate to the question the OCCASION Il ia vain
o attempt to influence the judgment of any man
who has mind enough to exercise his own iudg-
nent, and "nerve" enough to do its bidding, by ap-
'eals Of this description. Who so insensible to
he calls of his own honor--who does not agree,
md agreeing regret, that it may sometimes be ne
essary to vindcate the honor of the nation on
he battle field And who does not know, and
'nowing, rejoice, that bloody hand s not the
'ny symbol Of national honor And loud
appeals we have had about patriotism" in the dis
,ussion of this question before the Senate Of the
United States Why, truly patriotism is a virtue
which 1t becomes freemen especially to cherish; but
What American SENATOR what American citizen re-
Iuircs to be reminded Of his duty in that respect
And the arrogance Of Great Britain" to excite our
ceilings when our judgments called into exercised
Well, 1t may be that arrogance is Characteristic Of
he Angl Saxon race. | would quarrel with no man
who would affirm that; and yet, speaking for myself
should be ashamed to say that had seen any ex-
II