The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-10-06


the Late Session.
The session OF Congress which has just adjourned is
one Of the most important which has been held under
the constitution lis history will occupy prominent po-
siton in the annals OF our country, matter what the
future may have in store for US.
The first session of the thrty-frs Congress was
commenced under peculiar circumstances Dangerous
men had forced upon the nation purely sectional
issue, and had perfected extensive party organi-
cation on principles which threatened the desruc.
ton Of the Union. II well known that the most
influential members OF the existing cabinet favored
those principles and using the power and pa
ironage Of the government to give them strength The
House OF Representatives presented dangerous aspect
Neither the wing the democratic party had MAORI
ty, and the dsoganizers held the balance OF power IN
that body The friends OF the administration offered as
candidate for the Speakershp who entertained free
soil sentiments. but who did not belong to the ireeso
organisation. His free-soil sentiments drove from his
support few southern wings while his failure to rank
himself in the free soil organization prevented his obtain
ing the support OF that party The democratic party pre-
scented its candidate the Hon. Howell Cobb OF Geor
gia whom they succeeded in elecng after unprece-
denied struggle. That struggle lasted three weeks and
the tmid began to be alarmed at the inability OF the
House even to commence its organization But the
election OF Mr. Cobb tended to restore confidence, be-
shed light prospect, although many weeks
elapsed before the organization Of the House
pleed The disorganizers had been defeated the cabi
had received heavy ebuke, and the patriot antci
pated happy consequences for the country.
Even before the election Of speaker the great question
which had brought danger upon the country had been
agtated in Congress. Al early day in the session
General Foote had given notice Of his intention to bring
in bill compose the difficulties and avoid the dangers
which threatened the Union. Mr. Clay and Mr.. Bell
each introduced series Of resolutions the basis of
legislation on that subject Mr. Douglas OF Illinois.
chairman of the Territorial Committee presented bills for
the admission Of California; the establishment Of gov
eminent for New Mexico the establishment Of govern
ment for Utah and the adjustment Of the boundary OF
Texas In the House of Representatives, angry debates
had, and from time TO time of adjustment
advocated and opposed. But no definite step was
taken until The adoption OF Gen Foote'S proposition to APP
point Committee Of Thirteen take into consideration
all the propositions relative slavery which had been pre-
scented. This important step, for il was
step towards something practical The action of that
committee was looked for with eager antcipaiions
After due deibealion. il reported through Mr.. Clay
its chairman. Tue report recommended measures
for healing all the wounds which afflicted the coun-
| try Those measures provided for the admission OF
California; the establishment Of territorial governments for
New Mexico and Utah without the Wilmot Proviso; the
adjustment OF the boundary Of Texas; the recapue of
fugitive slaves, and the abolition Of the slave trade in
the Disrc, OF Columbia. The bills for the admission OF
California and providing for the Territories Of New Mex.
leo and Utah substantially the as those re.
ported BY Mr. Douglas, the chairman OF the Territorial
Committee Of the Senate while the bill for the recapture
Of fugitive slaves bu, amendment 10 bill report
cd by Mr. Butler
/ The series OF propositions reported by the Committee
Of Thirteen gave rise to OF the most memorable de-
bates witnessed in Congress- But il is not our pur.
pose 10 ecaptuae its leading features for the dis
cussion watched with ntesse interest in every por
ton Of the country Yet il is necessary say that the
appointment Of the Committee OF Thirteen was violently
opposed. and that the most strenuous efforts were made
TO feier II in advance with instructions which would
leave il but little discretion. and but little power
to effect pacihcation But this was not the only
difficulty. greater obstacle presented itself The
President transmitted message TO the two houses oil
Congress- recommending the admission OF California and
advising that governments should be made for the bal
Of the territory acquired from Mexico until il should
hold conventions adopt constitutions and apply for ad.
mission into the Union. This proposition was well cal
cua,ed TO exaspers,e the southern States not only be-
they believed that they had not been fairly dealt
with by the Executive with regard TO California but be-
calculated to keep alive the slavery agitation
which they properly regard wrong. The incomplete
ness and the dangers Of the Presidents plan were sum
centy appsren yet the influence which flows from the
chief magistracy gave strength and made il formda
bic rival to any scheme Of Adjustment which might be
proposed. Mr.. Bell, Of Tennessee. became It's champion
in the Senate, while Mr.. Duer Of New York. led it's sup.
porters in the House Of Representatives
The great statesman Of South Carolina had fallen John
c. Calhoun had gone down to the grave, and the Sem
ate the South was without leader. The wings were
disunied; the democrats were without organization
and the issue was doubtful. Then, again, our public
edi6ces draped in mourning The President OF the
United States, General Zachary Taylor, had been sum
moned to the tomb, and his body lay cold corpse in the
Executive mansion.
The death Of the President dispersed the corrupt sabs
that had abused HE confidence, uampled on the prnci
pies Of the government and tred with the perpe,aiy Of
the Union. That even, placed new administration at
the head Of affairs, and created the necessity of new
cabinet Mr. Webster had made great speech-a great
speech for compromise and adustment although it was
filed with libeal and unfounded statements calculated
TO turn away from him an anticipated food Of abolition