The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-12-20
INTELLIGENCE BY THE MAILS.



WAsHisGroS, December Is, Is4o.
The Senate Commtess- The Rejection of Mr.. Benton
The Influence Of the South on the Senate
The democrats and wings having compared notes this
morning, before the meeting Of the Senate. it was
moved by Mr.. Msngum after the reading Of the jour-
nal that the Senate the election Of its stand
ing committees, which being agreed upon, they nrst
proceeded to ballot for chairman Foreign Relations
At the extra session. last March, Mr. Benton elected
the charmsn and according to the usage with regard
to the chairman of every other committee then sp-
pointed, Mr.. Benton should have been retained Bat
the strong opposition brought against him by South
yesterday in the democratic caucus ovsrrulsd him.
ruled him out, and Mr.. King substituted. Ysstsr-
day, Mr. Benton, understand disposed to withdraw
from the craftsmanship sent in to the his de-
chpation but when he found there spirit of OPP
portion against him and disposition to exclude him
any how he determined to fight It out-and 40 he
nouneed To the caucus that he did not withdraw. A
comnittee was appointed Of the to report to
the meeting, this morning suitable Tor the
committees, the democratic eide including the
cbarmsR. The committee reported the caucus, this
morning their list. with the name Of Mr. Benton
moved from the chair on Foreign Relations and Mr..
koote moved to substitute Mr. King The motion
ceeded-Mr. Benton being voted down by decisive
jorty. Some Of the Southern senators in favor
Of excluding Mr. Benton entirely from the committees;
but 1t was agreed to include him. by placing him sum
GENTLY low down to prevent his doing any mischief i'm
the absence Of the chairman.
On the election Of Mr.. King as Chairman Foreign
Relations, Mr. MsDgum moved that In order to save
time the Senate vote upon all the charmen OF all the
committees at once. which would save the trouble or
the tedious process Of ballot for every chair
man but he sad II would require the unanimous con-
sent Of the Senate, which he hoped woad b. given.
Mr. Hale and Mr. Chase Gree soilers) not having beer
admitted to the Of either party between which
the committees had been arranged wished to have
voice least in tn. Senate ana they demanded there
fore s'eparate ballot on every chairman or . post
popement till tomorrow Mr Berrien and Mr.. Ma
thought the rules did not require IT. but the chas
decided that separate ballot required except by
unanimous consent; aud the Senate constrain
ed to go through with the druogery. simply because
the wings and democrats in their csucussng, omitted
to invite the free soileIs to their installations.
The Senate had expended about one hour in this
slow mode Of business when Mr.. Hale went out ana
Mr. Chase .eemed to be forgotten Mr. Mspgum sez-
ed the golden otunity and moved the suspension
Of the rule ma that the rest of the charmsn be- elect
ed by simple motion. But to the utter astonis hment
OF the mover Mr. Chase rose up and put in demurrer
and the ballotiDg had to be resumed
The cbairmen At length being all elected according
to the arrangement OF the democratic with the
Of the wings the Senate adjourned for the day,
leaving the body Of the several committees to be elect
ed ia. morrow.
With the exception of Mr. Benton, aud the appoint
ment Of Mr. King on peDsions, In the place Of Mr.
Dodge, the chairpen precisely tho ct the
extra session Of March last
MIR. Dickinson, chairman Finance, will have q
heavy duty on his hands; ana some are disposed to
think he is hardly the for the office, being rather
OF poetic than financial turn Of mind; but he has
had considerable experience in the committee rs
Der apprebe nd he will be found understand
the business He is perhaps indebted for his election
TO the support Of the Southern Senator's being
com promise the slavery question.
For the reason MIR Douglass, of Illinois, Is
tinued as the Chairman ferritories and the reap
poin ment OF MIR. Mason Of Virginia, Chairman in
the District Of Columbia; and Of Mr. Butler OF South
Carolina, hsirman the Judiciary ought to be
considered pretty satisfactory evidence that the South
have at least foothod yet in the Senate They have
all the important committees In their hands and the
rejection in caucus, Of MIR Benton, Chairman on
Foreign Relations is the strongest proof all Of their
Influence In that body. Ii MIR. Dickinson and Mr..
Douglass stick to their sentiments there need be
great alarm on account Of the slavery question In the
Senate.
The House Of Representatives Is like the sick negroi
not bit better to- day, than IL yesterday; but
anything. little worse. After four trials, end
ing exactly where they started they adjourned Per-
baps IL IL just WE'LL for there is expectation that
business is to be done this session from present
appearances, though Congress should sit till next De-
cember.