The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1849-01-18
THE CAUCUS OF THE SOUTHERN
MEMBERS.
WASHINGTON, Sunday Jan. /

WASHINGTON, Sunday Jan. Ia
There was quite a fight in the Committee OF
the Southern caucus, yesterday, and Mr.. Cal
houn's report was finally adopted only by
jority of ones for and I against it. 1t was
deemed too inf1ammatory, though only historical,
and reciting grievances suffered by the South,
from the North. The fight will be continued in
caucus Tomorrow.
independent the correspondent of the Phil
Gdelphid North american, writes Washington,
Jan Is, as follows:
The Committee met at 10 o'clock and adjourn
ed near NJ Its whole session was occupied
with proposition 10 report Mr.. Calhouns ad-
dress to the general caucus of the Southern
States on Monday night.
This was advocated with considerable zeal by
Mr. Bayly, Mr. Venable and other members, who
appeared detailed for the duty; but it was oppos-
ed with quite as much ability and resolution by
those who were opposed to any immediate action.
Mr. Calhoun came to his own rescue. and was an
swered in speech from Mr. Rusk, which tor d-
rectness, patriotism and conservative sentiment
is conceded to have surpassed almost every effort
OF the occasion.
Its Impression was the more profound, because
1t was, in some degree, unexpected. He declar.
ed his purpose to combat every movement which
contemplated sectional organization As the
heirs OF common destiny, it was our tate and
our duty alike to stand together. He would fight
to the last gasp Tor the Southern rights under the
Constitution, but every blow thus struck should
be given for the preservation of the Union.
MIR Calhoun expressed his surprise at this in
dlcation from state which was so much indebt-
ed to his exertions, and animated that hereafter
her wants might meet with resistance rather than
regard. Mr. Rusk acknowledged his obligations
to the Senator from South Carolina, at whose
hands ne had received many kindnesses in his
youth, as we'll as for the aid which he had ex
tended to Texas in the hour of her trial but
such considerations disappeared before his oath
OF hdelity TO the Constitution and the duty which
ne owed the Republic, in seeing that it received
no detrlment.
Mr. Clayton, in brief, but pertinent speech,
endeavored to dissuade the Committee against
any official proceeding, because it was not need
ed' and one sectional organization would neces-
sarily provoke another.
Mr. Morehead took the same view. and so did
Mr. Cabell
Mr. Gentry Analysed the character of the adj
dress, and disputed the policy of the movement.
as wrong in conception and likely to be injurious
IN effect. 1t concluded, he is reported to have
said, with recommendation to the South of har-
mony and union; while its distinguished author
openly ayerred that the people and the LeglsIa.
lures were already united. II this were true.
what need of this urgent appeal II it were not.
and there were other designs cloaked beneath its
insldlous garb, he was more decidedly opposed TO
its adoption, because its true object was not clear
ly revealed to those who were most deeply inter-
ested.
Mr.. Foote endeavored to rally, but failed. and
the discussion became general and informal In
order to test the sentiment OF the Committee
Gen. Chapman of Md. offered resolution that If
was inexpedient for the Southern members 10
take any other action than was consistent with
their duty as Senators and Representatives This
was voted down upon formal division, the ayes
being Messrs Clayton, Cabell, Chapman. Cen
try, Morehead, Rusk, Stephens; the nays.
Messrs. Atchison, BorIand, Bayly, Calhoun.
Downs, Foote, King OF Ala. and Venable.
After this test, MIR Stephens, the Chairman Of
the Committee summed up the arguments and
submitted the direct question on reporting Mr.
Calhoun's Addresses to the Caucus, which sue.
ceeded by majority Of one-the ayes and navs
above stated being exactly reversed. The meet
ing then adjourned.
AT this writing, that portion OF the South which
opposed the manifesto, is undecided how to act in
reference to the caucus on Monday night. Some
OF the members are inclined to leave the whole
proceedings in the hands of Mr. Calhoun and b,a
followers, and to share part of the resbonsibil;-
ty. Others think it more prudent to attend and to
make opposition in the face OF the whole assemhl.
ed section, so that il there are men inclined 70
proceed, they may understand the consequences
they are about to incur.