Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-02-04
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1859.
RESOLUTIONS BEFORE TnE SENATE.

At this time there are series Of resolu-
tons pending in the United States Senate
on three important and interesting subjects,
all Of which have more or less enlisted the
public attention. The first series in point
Of time, and as Some regard in Importance
also, is that offered by Gen. FooTE, of Mis-
sisslppi, early in the session, in reference
TO the Compromise measures Of the last
Congress. These resolutions express the
concurrence of Congress in those measures,
as full and final settlement of the various
questions which they embrace, and are in
tended as far as possible to foreStall the sla-
very agitation during the present session,
at least. They have been debated from
sine TO time. by secessionists, abolitionists
and free-soilers on the one side, and Union
men on the other, and the period of their
adoption appears still TO be as remote as
when they were first proposed. Without
calling in question the patriotism which
prompted the introduction of the resolutions,
we have always doubted as to the policy Of
the movement for the reason that they open
up afresh controversy which was presum-
ed to be settled. 1t seems 10 us that no
further action by Congress in reference to
the subject is at present necessary, but that
the whole matter should be left to the two
great political parties of the country, assem-
bled in their respective Conventions to NOM
mate candida5es for the Presidency. 1t is
not probable that either VII venture before
the people without some declaration on the
subject, and should both parties concur in
sustaining the Compromise, there will be
no reason TO fear future agitation. In the
event of both proving recreant, from de-
sire TO conciliate factionists of extreme o.
pinions, it may then become necessary for
the conservative men Of all parties to unite
on a common platform TO save the Union
from the hands of those who cannot be en-
trusted with its destines. The Wing men,
hers of Congress, at the commencement of
the session met in caucus ana endorsed the
Compromise the Democratic members re-
ferred the subject to their National Conven-
ton, by whom it is presumed some definite
action will be taken in reference to it.
The next question which has been brought
before the Senate in the form of resolutions
is that of intervention" and on this sub
iect no less than three distinct propositions
have been submitted. Mr.. SEWARD, of
New York proposes a resolution going the
full length asked by KossUrH, and which, if
adopted, will involve us III war with Rus
sia or subject us to ndicule in the eyes OF
the world. Gen. CASS has offered another,
merely asserting the abstract right of every
nation To regulate It's own internal affairs,
which amounts to nothing any way. Mr.
CLARKe, of Rhode Island, on the other
hand, has introduced series ofjoint reso-
lutions announcing the true American doc
trine, which has been acted upon since the
foundation of our government and has been
transmitted 10 US with all the sanction which
the authority of WASHINGTON could give to
it. Very little discussion has yet taken
place on the subject, and it is impossible to
tell which set ofresolutions will be adopted.
The first, it is believed, has few supporters;
while the fact that the last has been offered
by Senator from the North, where the
KossUTH mania has infected the public
mind to the greatest extent, gives rise to
the hope that it may finally prevail They
have been made the order of the day for
Wednesday next.
The third series of resolutions is in refer
ence to the Irish exiles, O'BRIEN and 9TH
ers, and authorizes the Executive to inter-
cede with the British Government for their
liberation. This hobby has, of course, been
mounted by Senators CAsS and HALE, and
they were in such haste to get up that they
did not take time to consider where it was
TO carry them. As pointed out by Judge
BUTLER, of South Carolina the resolutions
advocated by them contain denunciations
against the corruptions and tyranny OF the
the British Government, which would in
evitably defeat tue object proposed, Gen.
SHIELDS, of Illinois. himself an Irishman,
expressed the opinion that the resolutions
would do more harm than good to the cause
of the exiles, and has since proposed an a.
mendment removing the objection suggest
ed by Judge BUTLER. Although native
of Ireland, this Senator is nevertheless true
10 the dignity and honor Of his adopted
country. GAS citizen ofthe United States"
he said, che should be most unwilling to
place it, by any act of his, where ii would
De likely to be repulsed."
Tho reply Of the President to the commit
zee which recently waited on him with q
petition asking his intercession in behalf of
he exiles, appears to have given general
satisfaction. He promised his personal good
Offices, if upon consultation with his Cabi-
net it should be thought advisable to exer-
Use them, but could not consent to commit
imself officially ir-the matter. The reply
N all respects so appropriate, is only anoth-
a.. Guidance Of tho ffnass of MrIIARD Fill