The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-24


Meeting OF Southern Members Congress.
| On Monday night, in pursuance of adjournment the
hnal meeting OF the southern members of Congress took
place
We informed that Mr. King of Alabama, chairman
OF the select committee reported address a subst-
tue for the which had been recommtled the last
meeting II read at the clerks table by Mr. Berren
ITS author We learn that the staple Of il taken from
the address for which it was offered substitute
The chief difference consisted in the fact, that the
substitute was addressed by the signers OF it, their
dvidua character citizens to the People OF the United
States while the original addressed by those - o
should issue IT, in their character representatives,
their constituents On points, told, the sub
slitue was more full than the original address but upon
some others less The main changes, however were
such as The different character OF the addresses made
necessary and were not OF confined to the state
mens alone but some respects extended TO the style
also. Each characterized by signal ability, las was
admitted on all hanls) and also by great frmness dig
nifty, and moderation They both exhibit in strong point
of view the aggressions committed and medated upon
the rights OF our southern fellow citizens
Mr.. Mason of Virginia opened the debate in strong
and decided speech agansthe adoption of the substitute
we cannot OF course, attempt TO sketch his remarks of
which indeed We have not had n very full account but
we understand that his main objection was the tribunal
to which the substitute was addressed and the tone of
the paper itself
MIR. Bayly explained the motives which had influenced
him and others of the committee in acquiescing in the
report of the substitute. He had voted against it in the
committee but he was overrued The hope was held
out that the substitute would the objections of
those who had opposed the first address and that if the
friends of the latter should agree to its adoption APP
proXmnon 10 unanimity among southern members
would be attained and the movement be Invested of the
slightest appearance of party lie considered this so es-
sental in every respect that he prepared TO
der his strong preference for the original address, and
overcome his decided objection some features OF the
substitute TO attain desirable result But he had
taken the precauton to inform the committee if it was
not likely to be attained, he should fall back his orgi-
nal position He also expressed the opinion that those
who opposed TO any address, any action what
ever, ought remain there TO control and thwart
those who desired it.
Mr.. Gentry OF Tennessee also explained his position
He had agreed to the report OF the substitute; but he
reserved to himself, however, the right oppose il in
the meeting, it, upon reflection, he should conclude that
lis adoption unwise. He hal come to the conc!u.
sion to oppose any action and acqucscing in the pro-
priey OF Mr. Blyys last remarks, he took further
part in the meeting.
Mr.. venatle made similar explanation to tina, of Mr.
Bayly.
Mr. Stephens expressed himself still opposed TO any
acton and TO test the of the meeting that point he
moved corresponding resolution iler stirring speech
es from Mr. Rednger and Mr. Tverson, and few re-
marks from Mr.. Rhet and others, upon motion il was
laid on the table by very large majority The precise
vote we have not learned.
Mr. Hilard moved 10 adjourn to the Goth of February
but the meetng by large majority, refused TO do.so
The question was taken upon the proposition to SUBJ
stute Mr.. Berrens address for the original reported
and decided in the negative, by 81 noes to 81
ayes; those present who opposed TO any action
not voting. The original address then adopted by
large majority.
On If MIR fbac al
to retain the address, to enable such TO sign hereafter
should see fit to do so.
Upon motion of Mr. Underwood, the journal was
dered to be printed but by provision of MIR VERSIONS
motion, neither the journal nor the address will be pub
shed till it is ordered by the sgners of the address
This, we presume will be very shortly done. We shall
lay the whole proceedings before readers
their publication is authorized.
We understand that very able and exceedingly inter
estng debate sprung up upon the motion TO substitute,
and the subsequent motion TO adopt the original report
in which, besides the gentlemen already named Messrs
Berrien, King, Jefferson Davis. Foote Sam Houston
| and perhaps others, participated Mr. Calhoun was
| confined TO his by sickness, and was not
present We regret unable TO give sketch
of it for we are assured that most of the sketches
OF former debates in other meetings, sent forth from
this place by letter writers, have been of the most
| reposterous and absurd character, giving anything
but true account of what actually said and DONE OF
this stamp, particularly the letter OF the correspond
ent of the Philadelphia Bulletin, which find copied
into several papers In it there is such confusion OF
the " drdmatis perSone,' they made much to
change parts that everything is COMPOUNDED. For in
stance, Mr.. Calhoun is made to repudate his
port as in complete accordance with constitutional
equity, and Mr.. Stephens to say "he thought the South
had shown too much weakness already. Had she per
sisted in her rights when the subject was first asitaed
she would not now be threatened with humiliation -
But speculation, TO most of the proceedings of the
southern members, will in few days be at end
very full journal of its proceedings has been kept, and
will be published. Although its proceedings were with
closed DOORS nothing material which TRANSFERRED will be
withheld from the public. The couutry will then be
able to Judge OF the part which each actor bore in the
drama.
is to be regretted that entire unanimy did not pre-
vail The proceedings will lose much of their force IN
consequence But free TO say, that in view of the
part which OF those who participated in them have
acted in reference to the exciting subject which called
the meeting together, that unananmity not to be
pected But very coat lent there will be less d.
vision among the people than there has been among their
representatives Let those who skepcal upon this
point look the proceedings OF the legislatures OF Virginia
and North Carolina, by the representatives in which the
popular will is sooner and intensely felt than by
those in Congress, who farther removed from the
bosom Of the people.
We cannot close this article without expressing the
ardent wish Of our heart that the intense OF wrongs
received in the South is manifested in many ways
may stay the hand that would inhct them Let not