The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-01-29

IN SENATE.
WEDNESDAY,, January %, 1852

WEDNESDAY, Januaty 20, Aoo~.
The President laid before the Senate commu
in compliance with the resolution Of the Doth in
slant, a copy of letter from Brigadier General
Talcott TO Colonel Huger, bearing date November
/, 1850.
LArERcEssioH IN BEHALF OF THE IRISH ExiLEs
Mr.. CASS presented series of resolutions,
passed by meeting recently held al Detroit, IN
favor of intercession on the part of the United
States with the British government, for the liberia
ton of Smith 0 Bren and his associate exiles
Mr. CASS, in presenting the resolutions, SAID
he fully concurred in the spirit of them, and was
also ia favor Of the object which they conemi
plated. He believed the President might have
petitoned the British government for the release
of those men, without committing any breach Of
prOpriety, or involving the government IN the
least difficulty with Great Britain. great change
had taken place in regard TO the treatment Of
political offenders In modern times. There was
nothing which distinctly marked the i'm
proved condition Of the civilized world at the
present day, than the great amelioration which
had taken place in the mode Of punishment for
political offences. There no ground to fear
that by intercession in the present instance
our example would ever lead to intermeddling
with the affairs Of other countries. II was not
interference, but lntercesslon, which was asked
The request was made in the best spirit, and left
the Brush government free 10 act just as they
pleased. II the issue was favorable, no doubt the
friendly relations which at present exist between
the two governments would be strengthened. II
unfavorable, we should have no just cause OF
offence. 1t would not compromise The dignity of
the nation. On the contrary, such an act of
clemency on our part would, in his opinion, reflect
greater honor upon the country than the most
iilustrious OF our battles ever had.
The resolutions having been read,
Mr.. HALE asked the indulgence of the Senate
to state fact which would induce hts cordial sup
Of he liz WI pnO man
years dead, was the only child ofan Irish exile of
the name of O'Brien. Respect to the memory OF
his mother would therefore enlist all his energies
in behalf of the Irish exiles, whatever might be
the consequences to himself. He concurred In
every word which had been uttered by the hon
orable gentleman from Michigan, and wanted the
government to ntercede
Mr.. BUTLER said that many reasons would
induce him to take active part IN favor of these
exies but he desired to say that if the object Of
gentlemen was to procure the release OF these
men, they taking the very worst possible
course. If proper application were made to the
British Queen, as appeal to her clemeDcy, per-
haps pardon might be obtained; but to approach
the British government IN the terms OF reproach,
and to say to them :" this is our opinion, and you
must Weld to our legislation, F" was worse than
less. John Bull would Indignantly hurl back any
such effort. twas a false step. His sympathies
were with these exiles; but he was not going to
take a . ep OF this kind which he knew would
prove failure and more than that, 1t would be as
Stunning position from which we must hereafter
retreat.
Mr.. SHIELDS said he felt gratifed for the re-
marks which had been made by the honorable
gentleman from South Carolina He was conf
dent they could not accomplish their object by
any political attacks. He wished, If agreeable TO
the Senate, to have some day fixed for the con-
sderation of the resolution which had been sub
mitted upon the subject; and he should then de-
sire to say few words upon it. 1t was his de-
sign agreeaby to the suggestions of the Senator
from South Carolina, to modify the resolution so
as to obviate ta diplomatic character, and to place
the resolution in such form that, while it would
indirectly accomplish the object in view, 1t would,
at the same time, preserve the dignity of this gov
eminent, and give no reasonable cause OF offence
to that of Great Britain.
Some conversation ensued between several SEN
ators but no day being agreed upon for the con-
sderation of the resolution, the subject passed
over.
PETITIONS.
Mr. SHIELDS presented the memorial Of the
Board of Alder men and Common Council of this
citv. praving that Washington may be made
port Of entry.
REPORTS COMMITTEES.
Mr.. RUSK, from the Committee on the Post
Office and Post Roads, reported favorably to the
employment of an ice boat on the fotomac' for
mail service
MIR. DOWNS, from the Committee on the Ju-
dietary asked that that committee might be dis |
charged from the further consideration OF the va
r;ous memorials of marshals and deputy marshas
engaged in taking the seventh census, praying for
an increase of compensation, and that the memo
rails be referred to the Committee on Claims
which was so ordered.
THE GLOBES REPORTING.
Mr. NORRIS moved the reconsideration of the
vote by which the joint resolution authorizing the
renorting and publication of the debates of the
Senate in the Globe, was ordered to u third read
;np. his object being to offer an amendment to
the same -, |
The vote having been reconsldered by unan'-
NOUS consent, he submitted proviso that moth
inc be allowed for the publication of revised
speeches, a report of which has once been pub
lished nor for reports of executive officers, DC.
The amendment agreed to and the resolu-
tion again ordered to be engrossed for third
reading.
MR.. FooTE's COMPROMISE RESOLUTION.
This resolution, being the special order, was
.aLen M. and MIR. DAVIS. Of Massachusetts, spoke
-, lenoth against it. He was followed by MIR.
M.vcnM. who wished to get rid of the debate as |
Sann "a possible He yielded the floor to Mr..
WcR.r. The new senator from Mississippi, on
those motion the subject was postponed until to- |
,,orrow: when, after brief executive session,
The Senate adjourned
NINA r.