The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-07-18
CONGRESS- AND THE PRESIDENT.

CONGRESS- AND THE PRESIDENT.
The proceedings Of Congress were interrupted
last week by the death of the President of the
United States.
| Tuesday, the 9Th Mr.. Butler of South Carolina
had obtained the floor, and was proceeding to
make speech against the Compromise bill, when
Mr. Webster, with his permission, announced
the mournful intelligence that the President was
not expected to live. The Senate Immediately
adjourned
In the House, the same day, the House voted
to reconsider the resolutions concerning the
Gclphin affair, and was considering an amend
ment offered by Mr.. Featherston, when MI.
Bayly of Virginia communicated information of
the critical state of the President and the House
forthwith adjourned-the vote on the adjourn
ment being taken, lin bad taste, we Think by
yeas and nays.
Wednesday, Mr.. Fillmore, on whom had de-
volved the office of President, sent q message to
the Senate, announcing that he should no longer
preside over that body; and he also communica-
ted to both Houses intelligence of the death of
General Taylor, proposing at the same time to be
present at twelve O'clock in the Hall of the House,
to take the oath of Office prescribed by the Con.
stitution.
A Joint Committee was appointed by both
Houses to inform the President that they would
be ready at that hour. Accordingly, at the time
appointed, the Senate proceeded to the Hall of
the House.
The galleries were thronged with spectators
and every face wore o serious expression. In
short time, the President made his appearance,
and (the Senator'S and Representatives rising
proceeded down the aisle, accompanied by the
Joint Committee and the members of the late Cab
met, to the Clerks table, where he took his seat
The members resumed their seats and Mr. Fill
more rose, and in clear, firm voice pronounced
the oath of Office administered by Chief Justice
Cranch, as follows:
al do solemnly swear that will faithfully ex-
ecute the Office of President of the United States
and with to the best of my ability, preserve, pro-
tect, and defend the Constitution of the United
Statesn
He sat down few moments, then rose and
departed from the Hall. At an intimation from
the Secretary of the Senate, the members of that
body next rose, and passed to their own Chamber,
where they Immediately organized The whole
ceremony occupied only few minutes, but
was exceedingly simple, yet impressive.
Both Houses then received message from the
President, formally announcing the decease of the
late President and his willingness to concur in
whatever measures they might deem becoming
the melancholy occasion. The Speaker of the
House, with q few neat remarks, laid the mes
sage before that body, and Mr.. Conrad of Louisi-
ana followed in a brief eulogium on the deceased,
at the close of which he moved the usual resou-
tions for the appointment Of a committee to meet
similar committee on the part of the Senate, for
the purpose of devising suitable measures for
doing honor to the memory of the late President
Appropriate speeches were then made by Mr.
Winthrop of Massachusetts, Mr.. Baker of ILL.,
nois, Mr.. Bayly of Virginia, Mr.. Hilliard of
Alabama, Mr.. John A. King of New York. Mr.
McLane of Maryland, and Mr.. Marshall of Ken
lucky after which, the resolutions were adopted
and the House adjourned
Similar ceremonies took place in the Senate,
which was addressed by Mr.. Downs of Louisiana
Mr.. Webster of Massachusetts,, Mr. Pearce of
Maryland, Mr.. King of Alabama, and MIR. Der.
rien Of Georgia
Thursday the Senate, on motion of Mr. Dickin.
son of New York, (sll things having been pre-
viously arranged) elected the Hon VIM A. King,
frou, Alabama prao,daot q L
Senate; and also received the report of the Com.
mttee appointed to make arrangements for the
Funeral Of the President A similar report was
received in the House, and both Houses ad.
journed till Saturday, when they again met, for
the purpose of proceeding in procession to the
Presidents Mansion, to pay the last honor to the
remains Of its late inmate.
The DEMOCRATS OF ONO held a State Conven-
tion at Columbus Ohio, July 4th, to nominate
candidate for member Of the Board of Public
Works. No resolutions were passed in favor Of
the Compromise, but the Convention adopted
with unanimity the following;
"Resolped, That we hail with high satisfaction
the action Of the people Of California and N-w
Msrico IN the formation of Governments for them-
selves, and ws insist on Their admission INFO N. |
Union, NTH the Constitutions they hare adopted, |
wrhom delay"
TIE NORTH STAR, published by Frederick |
Douglass, formerly a slave in Maryland, lie an
honor to the colored people. We do not think |
his sentiments always just, or his measures al. |
ways expedient, but no one can help respecting |
the spirit and talest with which his paper is con-
Quoted.
THr L,BERrY MEN Of New York, who declined /
uniting in the Free Soil movement of ls4s, as
sembled in Convention at Syracuse in the early
part of this month, and nominated the following
ticket;
For Gopnnor--Wm. l.. CHAPLIN, Of Albany.
For Lint Gorernor--Jos. PLUMB, Of Erie co.
For Canal Commissioner-Jo C. HARRiSoroN,
IF Oswego. -.-------------
For Pri,oa kspsam-DAvID PLuMB, Of Troy.
We intend to give more Of the proceedings in
,ur next
LAST WoRps OF GENERAL TAYLoN-Tbe fol-
owing are stated to bs the last words Of General
Taylor;
81 am ready for the summons. | have endesv-
,red to do my duty. AN sorry to leave my old
'riendsn
The CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Of Ohio has