Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1848-01-22
THIRTIETH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 9 p. NJ.
FIRST SESSION.


Among the petitions presented to the
Senate to-day, was one of Mr.. Cameron,
of Pennsylvania, from citizens of that
State, praying for the abolition of slavery.
Mr.. c. made some remarks upon its pre-
sentation.
Mr.. Hannegan, of Indiana, submitted
resolution in substance, that no treaty ought
TO be concluded between the United States
and Mexico, without giving US the most
suitable line of defence; that it may be-
come necessary TO hold Mexico as pro.
vince; and that no foreign Intervention can
be accepted. Resolution laid over.
Mr.. Yulee, from the Com mittee on Ma.
val Affairs, reported bill making appro.
pria,ion of Sl5O,OO0 for the construction
of Dry Dock at New York.
Reverdy Johnson's War Speech.
The bill authorizing the creation Of ten
additional regiments in the regular army
was then taken up.
Mr.. Johnson, of Maryland, was entitled
to theafoor. He commenced by saying,
he should speak briefly to avoid postpon-
ing the passage of the bill. As he differed
from Senators. he felt bound to make per-
sonal explanations, and to give reasons for
his course. He should not defend the
President, for he came 10 Congress holding
certain political views not in consonance
with those of the Executive; but the coun.
try was in a war, and that had rendered a
change in his position necessary. He had
no favor to ask of the people, and could
acccp, none from the President. To seek
popularity by supporting opinions, or utter
ing those not sincerely entertained, would
render him unworthy in every respect
He had no word for mere partisans. He
believed the war just and honorable. lie
hoped that Congress would approve the
sentiment. The war was produced by ag-
gressions against the United States, and
not TO notice insult would dshonor US with
other nations. National honor is national
power. To declare the war to be unjust
now, would prove ourselves robbers, and
bring reproach upon US.
He reviewed the Texan Declaration Of
Independence and the history of events up
to the time when annexation was consum.
mated. He defended our course, against
the assumptions of Mexico. He consider
ed that the United States were bound TO
defend every foot Of ground recognized as
Texan Territory. Mexico refused 10 ne
gotiale, declaring that annexation had
caused The war, and she rejected our min.
lister, (Mr. Slidell) giving cause for de-
mand of redress. Mexico had declared
her disposition to retake Texas, if necessa-
~, and it became us to meet her, even on
her own territory. Some had commended
that the fact of sending Gen. Taylor to oc-
cupy disputed territory, was cause of war;
but he commended, that the marshallng of
troops, and the previous declaration of
Mexico, of her intention TO do, was suffi.
cient to Justify that act, and cause of war.
He opposed the calling back Of our armies
from the scenes Of so many battles. If
the war was unjust, we falsifed truth in
sending more men to the field, and its fur.
Their progress would hold us dishonored.
He believed that the President erred in
the execution of the act Of Congress under
which The annexation Of Texas took place
and in moving the troops to Corpus Chris
~; but annexation was not the cause Of
war. Having troops i'll. advised, why wa:
not Congress consulted' The responsible
ty of the war rested on the President.
E The Senate adjourned without hearing
; the conclusion of Mr.. Jobnson's speech.
!, House.-The debate on the southern
$ mail resolutions, was continued, and the.
: were laid on the table.
The subject Of the reference of the va