Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-02-20
CONGRESS-.
MoxpAY, Feb. IL.

TAr SEs.rs.-The Senate resumed the consid-
Grafton of The motion 10 receive and refer the petit
ton from tPennsyly alpaying f5r the Peaceabe
dissolution Of the Union. Fheipettion was reject
ed-o6fy three voting tor IFS receptlon-Messrs
Seward Hale and Chase, who cUntended ssat
the right Of petition was sacred.
The Senate resumed the consideration OF Mr..
Cays resolutions On the subject ct the territories,
slavery, &c.. Mr.. Berrien had The floor, and ad-
dressed the Senate a, LENGTH He reviewed MT.
Claws plan, land showed thatihe South had right
Flo take with them into the newly acquired territory
their domestic institutions. Mr.. Berrlen yielded
HE f1oGr without concluding.
HOUSE or REPRESENTATIVES. The House re-
solved Itself into committee of the Whole on the
State ofthe Union and spent the remainder OF The
day in considering the joint resolution from the Sem
ale To limit The expense Of collecting the revenue
from Customs.
TUESDAY, Feb. 18th.
TIE SEsArr.-Mr Berrtn continued and con
cloded his remarks on Mr.. Clay's Resolutions. His
closing arguments was mainlylevelled Mr. Clay 3
conclusions, from which he differs, in toto.
HOUSE OF REpREsENrA TivEs.-TIe Revenue
COLLECTION Bill was passed-ihe amount voted a.
greeting with that asked for by the Secretary of the
Treasury. In Committee Of the Whole Mr.. Inge
made Speech upon the Subject Of slavery.
WEDNESDAY,, Feb. 18th.
=. TIE SENArE.-The President of line United
States sent message to the Senate to-day commu-
nicaiing The Constitution adopted by the Stale Of
California. MIR. Benton moved the relsreuceof the
message TO a select committee, with Mr.. Clay as
chairman This motion giving rise to debate the
whole matter was laid over Tire Senate then pro-
ceeded 10 the consideration Of the Compromise Res
oluiions offered by Mr.. Clay. Mr. Davis ufAlss,
addressed The Senate in opposition TO the resolu-
tons.
HoysE OF REpREsENTArvEs.-Ames message from
the President of the United States transmitting all
the correspondence on file in the State Department.
relating 10 The state Of affairs in Nicaragua was re-
ceived. Another message was likewise conmun-
Gated from the President fhe United States, trans
hitting the State Constitution adopted ny eke people
Of California. A moliun TO refer The last named
message to the Committee on Territories, failed; it
was then referred to the Committee of the Whole,
and ordered to be printed. MIR. Stanton, Of Tenn,
made speech IN which he animadverted upon the
course the President had thought proper to pursue
with regard 10 California.
THURSDAY, Feb. l4th.
TIE SEsATE.-Mr Davis, of Miss, concluded
his speech. He contended that Congress did not
possess the power either to legislae on the sub
ect of slavery in the Territories, to abolish it in
the District of Colombia. The Senate then took up
Mr. Benton's resolution 10 refer the Constitution of
California TO select Committee. Mr.. Clay said
he was in favor of admitting California into the u
Mon. Mr.. Fooe opposed the consideration of the
resolution; end. at his instance, the whole matter
was laid over till Monday.
HOUSE OF REPREsEHTATIvEs.-Ihe House went
into Committee Of the Whole, and took up for refer
ence the Presidents Annual Message. Mr.. Hilliard
being entitled to the Hoor, made strong Southern
speech He was followed by Mr.. Fitch, who de-
clared himself in favor Of the adoption of the Ordi-
nance of 1899, over all new territory.
FRIDAY, Feb 18th.
The SEYATE-Mr. Benton called up his mo-
lion to refer the California Constitution to the COM
miee on territories, with instructions to report
bill to admit California into the Union as State,
and independently Of any other measure. Messrs.
Butler and Badger spoke in opposition 10 both ref
erence and admission.
HOUSE OF REPREsENrAfIvEs.[The House re.
solved itself into committee of The Whole on the
state of the Union and took up the resolutions TO
refer the Presidents annual message. Mr.. Root, OF
Ohio add essed the committee at considerable length
in noticing the recommendations of the President IN
regard to the Territories Mr.. Wellborn, of Ga,
made very able speech in favor ola compromise
Of this question upon the old Missouri line.
Both Houses adjourned to Monday.