The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-03-06

of the message, it does not expect to stand at all
[DANIEL WEBsrER's Letter to the Union Meeting
at Westchester.
The Responsibility for tho Loss Of the
River and Harbor Bill.
We cited yesterday SO much of the annual
Message of President FILLMORE as related to
Harbor and River Improvements. The coun-
try can see and understand that, as far as this
question goes, the PRESIDENT has been pre-
pared to ''take the responsibility" A more
succinct declaration of decided opinions cannot
be found. The PRESIDENT entertains emo
doubt" of The authority Of Congress to make
appropriations for leading objects of this de-
scrption. This authority he traces clearly to
that clause of the Constitution which says:
Congress shall have power to regulate COM
merce with foreign nations and among the
several States;" and those clauses which say
Congress shall have power to lay impssts;"
and "no State shall, without the consent of
Congress, lay any imposts or duties on inn
ports or EXPORTS" SC. The PRESIDENT
sees no difference between the power of
Congress to make appropriations for objects
of this kind on the ocean, and the power
to make appropriations for similar objects
on lakes and rivers, whenever they are large
enough to bear on their waters an ex-
tensive traffic. ''The magnificent Mississippi
and its tributaries" he says, sand the vast
lakes of the North and the Northwest, appear
to me to fall within the exercise of the power,
as justly and as clearly as the ocean and the
Gulf OF Mexico" In the liberal and ma
tional spirit which has marked his Admins
tration in all its aspects, the PRESIDENT adds,
that in carrying this power and all other con-
stitutional powers into effect, "we should con
slider ourselves as celebrating and acting for
one and the same country" Therefore it
was that he distinctly recommended that ap-
preparations should be made "for completing
such works as have been already begun, and
6 for commencing such others as may seem to
: the wisdom Of Congress to be of public and
general importance"
In striking contrast with the frank, manly,
subject, has been the policy pursued by General
CAss We have not yet received the correct
ed report of mis- speech on the bill; but we
watched his conduct during the whole debate,
and can speak to his actions. We can speak
distinctly to one scene, which seems likely to
become the subject of controversy; and before
it fades at all in its impressions we desire to
place it permanently upon the record. And
we desire to do it before we have the official
reports of the Senate before us; for it is well
understood that, in consequence of the ''revi-
sion" that the language of members undergoes
in preparing for the press, the reports do not
always present, on delicate questions, faithful
transcript of what actually takes place.
1t was during the morning of Monday that
Mr.. BRADBURY, Of Maine, offered an amend
ment to the River and Harbor bill, which pro-
vided that the appropriations contemplated by it
should only be carried into effect when there
should be surplus in the treasury after paying
all other appropriations This was intended of
course to kill the bill !; but IL came acithin t,ro
rotes of being carried-the Senate dividing, 81
yeas to % nays. This offered a glimpse of
sunlight to General CAss. and he thought he
could see his way through without being obliged
to vote on the final passage of the bill. So it
offered fair opportunity for little innocent
display on Economy and Debt The General
rose, therefore, in agitation, and in a manner
somewhat Hurried announced TO the Senator
from Maine that he approved the general scope
Of his resolution. but not its particular applica-
ton. For his part he thought these mat
tiers of Improvements of Hafbors and Rivers
were quite as important as any other OBJ
jects Of expenditure, and ought not to be un-
favoraby distinguished from them. But he
was also opposed TO the accumulation OF
public debt; and if the Senator from Maine
would only so modify his amendment as to EN-
brace certain other objects of expenditure, he
would cheerfully give it his vote. Mr.. BRAD
BURY Immediately acquiesced, and adopted the
modification suggested. The General then I'M
and it was read to the Senate. 1t did not read
right, however, and there was a consultation of
learned doctors at the Secretary's table, to put
the amendment into shape. Mr.. CLAY looked
on with bland smile of triumph. 1t was evil
dent enough that our ertempore revolutonists
were getting into rather deep water. There was
no noise, but twas apparent that there was great
confusion in certain quarters. Mr.. BERRIEN
came to the Generals relief, and proposed while
the amendment was undergoing the process
of incubation, to strike out an appropriation for
| removing certain distractions in the Rio Grande.
1t took some time TO get the new amendment
into shape that would suit. MIR. BERRIEN
and Mr.. RUsH both made short speeches on the
motion to strike out. Mr.. RUsK made an effort
TO get up the Postage bill. Mr.. Dawson Of
fered an amendment, on which. Mr.. DoUeLAs