The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-08

Mr.. DICKINSON asked II it was the intention OF
the Senator TO oppose the inquiry into the official
acts of the Postmaster General?
Mr.. PHELPS meant to oppose the resolution II
satisfied that II was unconstitutional.
Mr.. DICKINSON. If any thing is unconsttu-
onal, il is in the acts of the Postmaster General.
Mr.. DAWSON inquired if he correctly under
stood the Senator from New York as charging that
the Postmaster General had undertaken to dis
charge duties which properly belonged to the Pres
ident; and that the President has allowed another
to perform duties properly belonging TO himself
If this be what the Senator charges why direct the
inquiry to the Postmaster General, and not to the
President Why not ask the President if he has
allowed another to assume his duties? Or, is this
resolution containing attack upon the Chief Ex-
ecutve of the nation, indirectly charging him with
yielding his authority to subordinate. II 30, 1t Is
very far from being that course Of action calcu-
lated to produce harmony between the different
departments of the government.
Mr.. DICKINSON said the resolution would speak
for itself, and the Senator from Georgia could cx-
anime it. In his experience in the legislation OF
the country, he had found that the best way to OBJ
tain information to direct inquiry to the per-
son whom it is presumed knows something about
the matter He would not ask the Postmaster
General for information in possession of the Score
tary Of the Treasury and would not ask the Presi-
General If the Senator from Georgia presented
himself as champion in advance for this Admin
istration, it was probable he would have plenty to
do during the session
MIR. LA WSON was no champion, Dut Wncn nc
was, his mode of attack was to march right up to
the point of attack, and not make an indirect
charge. The Senator has announced that the Post
master General has exercised executive authority
and that the President has permitted it. Now, he
submitted whether it was not better, il it was not
more in accordance with propriety, to ask the
President himself if he has permitted subordinate
officer of the government to discharge duties be-
longing to the Executive. He thought this the
most proper mode of getting the information.
MIR. SEWARD had examined the resolution and
saw nothing in it Objectionable. 1t might have
been 80 framed as to specify the particular cases
but, if his colleague thought j proper to leave it in
it's present shape, he was satisfied As TO the ques-
ton of passing it to-day or tomorrow, he thought
it might be passed now.
Mr.. HALE saw something in the resolution
highly INDIGENOUS. He had no feeling of sympathy
with the Administration or its assaants but Il was
probable that shortly there would be an admins.
tration with which he could feel sympathy; and
he wished to have no such precedent established.
1t was not proper matter OF inquiry in the mode
proposed The Senate had no right to ask a public
officer il he had violated the Constitutionf re has
exceeded his powers-if he is not guilty of an i'm
peachabe offence. He was in favor Of all move
ments for information A little information would
not hurt the Senate. But he wanted it to come in
a proper way. He would be glad to have the in
formation, and he thought the Senate should have
it, that they might impeach the guilty officer. He
was opposed TO establishing such precedent. He
begged pardon of the champions Of the Admins
sure they bad in their ranks men who would not
quail even before the gigantic powers of the Sena
tor from New York. He entered his protest against
the resolution. because might be attempted to do
Mr. DICKINSON said it was rather difficult to
fight two administrations, one in esse and the other
in posse He did note fear however, the result, and,
with the Du Bots Gilbertson the other side.
Mr.. PHELPS agreed that the inquiry should
properly be made Of the President. II there was
any misconduct on the part of the Government
officers, he had objection to its being investiga
ted. But the information should come from the
President. The Postmaster General should not be
called upon TO answer charges against himself.
He would vote for resolution asking that officer
TO plead guilty, not guilty, to a charge made
against him here. What would result? Why, the
other side would reply, and the Postmaster General
would be called upon TO rebut, and then would fol-
low shareholders, and we would be involved in a
controversy which our own dignity should forbid.
Mr.. DICKINSON said there were one or two rea-
why the resolution should not go TO the Presi-
dent. One Of these was that il was said that the
President leaves all such matters to his Cabinet ;
and the other, that the Presidentcan know nothing
of the matter except through the Post Office De
partment The Presidents answer would be a
blank.
Mr.. DAWSON said the Senator from New York
had given utterance in the Senate to the charge
that the President left all affairs of Government to
wish to become the authority for such a charge.
Mr.. DICKINSON. Certainly not.
Mr.. DAWSON said the President was not man
likely TO yield TO others authority vested in him.
His whole course since he had been in the public
service, both at home and abroad, was evidence
that he acted in all things for himself, and never
surrendered TO others what he should possess him
self. He was a man who was competent 10 Judge
for himself and determined in the execution of his
public duties. He was a man who knew the i'm
Of his trtfat and WI would
the fullest extent all the duties assumed by him
when he took upon himself the high Office Of Pre-
sident Of the United States. This was said not as
n champion Of the President, but " n man who en-
tertains proper respect for the Executive Of the
nation. He hoped, therefore, the Senator from New
York would not repeat such a charge in the Sem
Mr.. DICKINSON. 1.-THE Senator desires it, GER.
Mr.. DAWSON submitted il 10 the taste of the
Senator whether II was proper.
Mr.. DICKINSON. As il does not suit the taste
OF the Senator
Mr.. DAWSON Your own taste.
Mr.. DICKINSON. Any way to please the Sen
ator.
He agreed, and the resolution was passed over
for the present.
Several other resolutions heretofore submitted
were taken up and passed.
Mr.. PHELPS moved TO take up the joint resolu-
ton.
Mr.. DOUGLAS moved to postpone all other or
Mr.. CAsss resolution, inquiring into the cxpedency
Of suspending diplomatic relations with Austria;
which motion prevailed.
Mr.. CASS said that in his remarks few days
ago, be had alluded TO distinguished gentleman
from Kentucky who had departed on a foreign mis-
sion as late as the 22d December. He now ascer-
tanned from authentic source, that the departure
Of that gentleman was not Of his own motion, but
was required by an imperative order Of the Govern
ment
Mr. HALE offered amendment TO the resolu-
ton, 80 as to include Russia in the inquiry.
He said that on Friday IL was his intention TO have
said but few words this resolution. He thought
that the occasion should not be allowed to pass with
out his saying something. He rose not TO oppose
the resolution. He did not remember TO have
listened in the Senate 10 a speech with such una-
Logged pleasure and satisfaction, as he had 10 the
speech Of the Senator from Michigan. In the words
Of another, he more than satisfied he had been
gratihcd. Among other sentiments expressed by
the honorable Senator, attention asked TO n few
Of them. The Senator said that a too frequent ex-
preston Of sympathy in all revolutionary struggles
for the oppressed, would weaken its moral force; il
should be reserved for great occasions like the par
tition Of Poland, and the subjugation Of Hunga-
ry. We might offer congratulations TO efforts
crowned with success; and then he had asked
with An cmDbaeis. which wouId thrill cverv