The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-03-12

IKE District OF Columbia, arc passing laws when.
ever necessary for the strict observance of the
Sabbath. What kind Of an example are we
sitting in this high place in desecrating Gods
holy day, by this work brought on by ourselves
IN consequence of talking instead of acting, du-
ring long session. We desecrate the Lords
day by unnecessary secular business, aud in the
most public and authoritative manner This is
throwing contempt on that holy day from one
extremity of the Union TO the other, so far as
our example can go We ought to furnish a
better example, and |, for one, will never sit ON
that day in time of peace do not say viii
never do it in time Of war, if necessary; but |
will never do it in time OF peace, nor willingly
at any time. That is my view of the subject,
and the organ of the administration is the last
agent that should throw contempt upon this
sacred matter.
But have constitutional scruples on another
point, says the Repubc--the right of sitting
after the Sd Of March at alternate sessions Of
| Congress- So had General Jackson---so had
| Mr. Polk. And for this reason: believe the
term of Congress expires on the 3D. of March.
And why is il said that you can prolong il until
noon Of the 4tb! Because General Washington
was at that hour inaugurated. ! take il that
there is no fraction of day. | take it that
General Washington's term commenced with
the 4th, but that his power to execute the duty
of the Office commenced only with his qualifca-
ton. General Taylor's term commenced on
| Sunday, though he was not sworn in until Mon
day. He had just us much right to be sworn in
at one O'Clock, in the morning OF Monday, as he
had at ten, eleven, or twelve o'clock, and then
| this strange anomoly would result, that we
should have two Presidents from the time the
new one is sworn in until twelve--two lawful
d. - Init Ctof H. {ol.a
for granted, that the same rule Of construction
is rs applicable to the President as to Congress.
Who ever drew pay for haIfa day? Our pay
and We all know it-terminates on the Sd Of
March. How do you break the calendar aud
legal day, and run into the 4th These are my
constitutional scrupes, not got up new, but,
stated two years ago. will not argue them
repeat, that to my knowledge both General
Jackson and Mr. Polk had the same difficulties
and yielded with much reluctance TO what APP
peared n necessity, not depending on their cabi-
net
And as mere question Of expediency, it is
wholly useless TO prolong the regular time of
sitting by the addition of half a day, or whole
day, or any number of days. because whatever
time you fix it will find us just us unprepared us
any other period would, aud we are quite as
likely TO be ready at the regular constitutional
time-midnght-as we shall be at the senator
ial time--midday. We shall prepare ourselves
for one or the other as we find either is inhexi-
BILE
One other word. This is small game-
very small. Here is a prominent organ Of
great administration, acting under their eyes,
do not believe the administration desires such
small attacks as these 7 will not do them that
injustice. But what do not believe, thousands
and hundred of thousands through the country,
who do not know the men that com pose the
cabinet as well as do, will believe. They will
not doubt that it is an attack, not on mel am
nothing-but intended to injure the great Dem
ocratic party with whose confidence have been
honored on one occasion, and which mean to
90 down to my grave without violating. This
administration has placed itself high in the great
work of pacifying the country, and they have
received the need Of appreciation from political
friends and political foes lpartake of the same
sentiment ] do them Justice But | am Il
Democrat. ! have passed my life as Democrat,
and, God willing, mean to die one This is n
Wing administration, but that is no reason !
should not do them justice and do it with plea
sure, in this great matter Of the salvation of this
country, if | may say so say. | have done so,
and shall continue to do So whatever sneers
their papers may contain for do it not for
thehesakes, but for the sake Of the truth and the
country.
MIR. President, it is not with any view to at
tack them, or to conciate them, that | make
these remarks for upon all the party issues we
are as far asunder as ever But ! do not wish
to have my views misrepresened upon this sub
ject, in a journal thus situated, without contra
dcton; for these views are as plain as the words
of General Jackson can make them, and he that
Isl. 81, 1
sage, let them be produced.
AS TO 'noise and confusion" ! observed be-
fore, ! can never advert to this absurd charge
without laughter. ! am sure the Senate will do
me the JUSTICE am sure my friend from North
Carolina, Mr.. BADGER, whom am proud to
call my friend will do me the justice to say,
have never alluded TO il but in the very best hu-
NOR.
Mr.. BADGER. | do, fully and entirely.
MIR. CASS. | think the senator from New
Hampshire, Mr.. HALE, TO whom also | feel
friendly, Notwithstanding he is on the wrong
side-very much on the wrong side--will do me
the same jnstice for he and have exhibited an
equal portion of good humor in these cases of
suffering. That is about all | have to say +
leave the matter, satisfied with the silent evil
dence furnished by the Senate, and bid good by
to noise and confusion.
One word more. Any editor Of paper who
believes what is here said is unfit for his posi-
ton, for the want of mental qualification. If
he does not believe it, and yet asserts it, he is
unfit, for the want of moral qualifications.
Whether it is one or both, or either, in which he
is deficient, have no wish to ascertain.
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Mr.. RHETT / beg leave to call the atten-
ton of the Senate to a communication of the
senator from Texas Mr.. HoUsToNl concerning
the State which ! have the honor in part to rep
resent on this floor; and as believe it contains
a great number of misstatements | think proper
to bring il before the Senate at this central place
Of public opinion and public information, in
order that the truth may go out as wide as pos
sble--at least as wide as the errors which the
senator from Texas has committed. will read
from the Union newspaper, which | hold in my
hand.
The PRESIDENT. Is it personal expla-
nation which the senator wishes TO make?
| Mr.. RtiETT 1t is concerning the State ]
represent, and | hope the Senate will indulge
/ -, al -. !