The North-Carolina standard., 1849-03-21
THE sENATE-GEN. SHIELDS.

The Senate of the United States which has been in
session since the 5th of March, acting upon Execu-
tive nominations and engaged in considering the elg
bity of Gen. Shields to seat in that body, has no
doubt by this time adjourned On the 18th instant,
the Committee in his reported that he was ineli-
gibe, having been citizen of the United States
for the requisite Constitutional period before his cleo
ton; and subsequent day the report of the Com
mittee was adopted. -'.3 i"-S.''. 5 '.'
The Correspondent of the New York Herald
gives the following Interesting sketch of the proceed
ings in his case on the 18th
"The chamber presented, to-day, scene of the
most lively interest. Mr.. Mason, in the absence of
Mr.. Benton, chairman of the special committee on
Gen. Shields election, presented the report of the
committee, which finds that General Shields is neli-
gible to seat in the Senate. The report accom-
panied by resolution declaring the election void.
Gen. Shields for the first time in the chamber,
and the Senators crowded around him, evincng the
most marked interest in what he was about to say.
ReInarking upon the fact that no opposition was
raised from his own State-not even from his whig
competitor-to unseat him, and that it was within
the body itself the charge of neligbility arose. he
went on to say that ne should not make the slightest
resistance the adoption of the resolution Of the
committee. He had refraned, and would refrain,
from saying one word in the Senate in his de-
fence. He came there with the certificate of his
State Legislature. He would not do any act that
calling that act in question: He had lived for
teen years in Illinois, and during that period had been
at various times elected to Offices in that State re-
auiring citizenship. He had endeayored in all of
them to discharge his duty faithfully the State and
to the country. He deplored that, since his arrival
in the city, he had allowed himself in a.moment of
great excitement, to exhibit serious indscreton.
He wished now, in the presence of the Senate and
of the country make this admission; but he call
ed God to witness that the idea of assassination,
threat of which was charged upon by his predeces-
sor never for a moment crossed his thoughts. For
the rest if the decision of the Senate was against
his claim to his seat, he would take the only
left him-to throw himself again upon the generosi-
ty Of the people of Illinois; and he knew them too
we'll to doubt for one moment of the result zrs.s.
During the delivery of this speech the profoundest
advanced to the General, and expressed the warmest
sympathy and kindness towards him. While hewas
speaking, Mr. Webster several times expressed aloud
his approval of his sentiments; and when he had
concluded, was the first to shake him by the hand.
total change took place in the sentiments oftthe
Senate, and the good feeling increased by Mr..
Foote, who in short, happy and pertinent speech,
field, that thrilled the audience, and produced the
most profound sensations Mr.. Foote exercised,
this occasion, the power he possesses In remark
able degree of electfying his hearers, and created
an emotion that could scarcely be restrained from
venting itself in applause. The occasion appeared
to call forth the energies of the Senators In more
than ordinary degree, for Mr.. Douglass followed in
mastery constitutional argument IN opposition to
the views of the committee
The Legislature of Illinois will, il is thought,
elect General Shields to the Senate; and as he was
naturalized in 1910, he will be competent in the
course of few months to occupy the seat.