The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1850-04-04

Our report, in yesterdays paper, of the proceed
ings of Congress, on the 18th, was taken from the
81. Louis papers, which, for some reason, did not
give the proceedings of the Senate on that day.
In this manner was omitted an account OF the serl
Gus and, we will add, disgraceful alteration be-
tween Messrs. Benton and Foote. 1t is lamentable
and should be felt as humiliating to the American
people that the chamber of the highest and usually
most digniied branch of the National Congress
should be the scene of so coarse, wanton and des-
picable an outrage upon parliamentary decorum, to
say nothing of common deceney.
The character of the alteration Is such that we
are strongly led to the opinion that we have not
heard the last or the worst of it We give the re.
port, referred to, below:
u WASHINGTON, March se-sr.m.
In the Senate, Mr.. Clemens presented a petition
from citizensi in Alabama praying that the blessings
of slavery may be extended to every State in the
Union.
Mr.. Foote moved that the bill organizing terrific
rial governments in Utah and New Mexico, be
taken up, for the purpose Of making it the special
| order for an early day.
A most exciting passage between Mr.. Benton and
| Mr.. Foote ensued
Mr.. Benton, as a friend to California gave notice
to those who desired her admission, that they must
now stand by her. California was entitled to the
consideration of the Senate, and her rights were
| not to be postponed.
Mr.. Foote replied with warmth, indulging in a
personal attack upon Mr.. Benton, impugning the
motives Of his action and intimating that his new
born friendship for California was not for the sake
OF the people, but because of the presence here Of
her Senator, whose admission, to back him up and
sustain him in the Senate, he was looking for with
| the most feverish anxiety. He also contended that
the California question had, of right precedence
Mr.. Benton. | believe this is the American
Senate. | believe that, by the laws Of the Senate
and of and
motives forbidden. The attacks which have
tbeen made upon my motives are false and cowardly
i Mr.. Fo0ts, after some remarks, replied to the
charge of cowardice, and said feel bound to say
now, that when the Senator removes certain stains
which cling to his escutcheon, of which know the
history as well as any man in Christendom, (allu-
slons to which ought to his cheeks to be suf-
fused with bushes and shame,) or if the Senator
remains in his present attitude with but that special
discredit with which he knows | am familiar, and
which that paleing acknowledges, as well the
terrific fear which he knows | have Witnessed
whenever he comes out frankly and boldly instead
of shielding himself behind his established coward
ice-whenever he is prepared to hold himself amen
able to the laws which govern gentlemen, | am
prepared to meet him that footing.
M. Bsnt0n. pronounce it cowardly to give
insults where they cannot be chastised. Loud
cries Of "order,"l Is a Senator to be black
guarded
Mr. FoOts. He is blackguard
Mr.. Benton. Is language to be used here
=. which could not be used in an oyster celler or
tavern?
/ Vice President. The Senator is called to order.
Mr.. Benton, eontinuing-Iti is time to stop such
language here in place where cudgel cannos be
applied to him.
The Vice President repeated the call of " order"
After some further colloquy, Mr.. Foote said he
would stand by all he had said, and if Mr.. Benton
was willing to proceed in the matter, he would
meet him.
Mr.. Dickinson moved to lay the pending mo-
ton on the table, which was agreed TO-
The Senate then resumed the consideration Of
Mr. Clays resolutions
Mr.. Chase having the floor, spoke upon the gen
eral question of slavery wndicatng the course
pursued by the great body Of slavery agitators He
! had not concluded when the Senate adjourned.