The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-08-15
Adjournment of Congress.

The first session of the thirtieth Congress of
the United States adjourned, sine die, pursuant to
resolution, erday at twelve o'clock, for which
act of mercy we are duly thankful.
The session just passed has been of longer dura-
ton than any that has been held in this country
since the formation of our government Throughout.
the first part of it, Washington was extremely dull
For long time there was nothing to disturb the
ger eral ennmi which prevailed, but the ratification
| of the treaty concluded by Nicholas p. Trist, on
his own hook, In the freest, easiest, and most
dependent manner possible, and for which merito-
rious act, he returned prisoner to the United
States. by and by, the members became excited
on the question of extending slavery to the newly
acquired territories of New Mexico and Cali
forna, as well as to Oregon which, after long
and exciting discussion, as regards the two first
named regions, ended in an abortion, IN every
point of view. But if Congress was dull In the
commencement, and Jagged little in the middle,
the members made up tor lost time towards the
conclusion. The last few days of the session
made amends IN excitement, for the languor of
the first part
Our readers will find in to- days Herald the con-
GLIDING scenes of the session, which we received
by telegraph and mail last evening, and which
deeply and painfully interesting. Among the last
acts which received the sanction of the represen-
tatives of the people, was the House bill, extend
ing territorial jur sdiction over Oregon, and con-
tanning provision excluding for ever the instltu-
ton of slavery therein. No sooner had this bill
passed, than the Sc nate confirmed the nomination
Of General Shields as Governor of Oregon, and
that of the Presidents nominees for the Offices of
Secretary and Judges. During the last days pro-
ceedings, an episode Of rather dsagreeable ma
ture occurred, and which, notwithstanding the
report that the parties concerned in it to meet
in deadly combat, we hope will 60 no further. 1t
appears, from report Of the affair IN our columns
to-day, that difficulty occurred between Senators
Benton and Butler, in relation to something which
appeared IN the NeU York Herald, and that, IN
consequence of the language used by Mr.. Benton
on The occasion, he was challenged by Mr.. Butler
of South Carolina. Now this is extremely silly
te rmina,ion of the matter. No one disputes the
| courage or gallantry OF either of the honorable
gentlemen but if they resort that relic Of bar
ism, the code OF duelling, to settle difficulty
which we have no doubt few words on both
sides, uttered in fair and honorable manner,
would set at rest, certainly think that there will
be ground on which to dispute their posse ssion Of
common sense. We hope and trust that lIttle
calm reflection will have the effect to convince
both OF the honorable Senators OF the folly of re-
sorting TO extremiues In this case
Our reports of the proceedings contain Mr.
Webster's speech on the Oregon bill, and pretty
full sketch of the debates in the Senate on that
subject, together with daguerreotype view # the
procee dings of the session Of twenty-three hours
on Saturday and Sunday morning last, being the
longest sitting that ever was held.
| FROM MEXICO DRRcT.-The II. s. steamer Mas
sschusetts, Capt. Wood, arrived last night, IN a
passage of IL days, from Vera Cruz. Capt. w
states that the city Of Vera Cruz, the FORTS and cas-
tie were transferred to the Mexican authorities or
the LIST instant. The Massachusetts has on board
three companies Of the LIST regiment of artillery
under command Of Capt. John ). Hathaway, IN al
233 embracing non commissioned officers and prI
Yates List Of names Of the officers will be found