The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-01-31
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.
IN SENATE.

: IN SENATE.
THURSDAY, January %, 1852.
CENSUS RETURNS.
The Chair laid before the Senate communities
ton from the Secretary of the Interior, transmit
ting report from the Superintendent OF the Cen
sus in answer to the resolution of the 2lst instant,
respecting the probable extent of the census re-
turns, &c.
DISCIPLINE OF THE NAVY.
Mr.. CLARKE presented the instructions of the
legislature of Rhode Island, against the restoration
Of aogging, and in favor Of the abolition of spirit
rations, in the navy. Ordered to be printed, and
referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.
JUDICIARY SYSTEM.
Mr.. BRADBURY, by leave, introduced a bill
to alter and amend the judiciary system Of the
United States, and briefly explained its provisions.
1t proposed to confer upon distant courts the pow
ers now exercised by circuit courts, and to estab-
lish court of appeals. The bill was read twice
and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
TEE IRISH ExILEs
The resoution proposing to apply to the British
+ government for the liberation of Smith 'Brien
and his associates being taken UP for the purpose,
MIR. SHIELDS offered the following as sub
.stitute to the resolution
"That while we discaim all intention of inter-
fering, in any way, in the internal affairs Of the
kKingdom Of Great Britain and Ireland, we deem
1t our duty to express in respectful manner, our
firm conviction that il would be highly gratifying
to the people Of the United States, many of whom
are natives of Ireland, and connected by blood
with the inhabitants OF that country, to see Smith
o. Brien and his associates restored to liberty, and
permtted II so disposed, to emigrate to this coun-
try. We would regard this act of clemency as a
new proofof the friendly disposition the British
government towards our republic, and as cacu-
lated to strengthen the bonds Of affection now hap
PLY existing between the people of the United
States and of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland.''
On motion of Mr.. SHIELDS, the subject was
made the special order of the day for Thursday
next.
SALARIES OF TERRITORIAL OFFICERS.
Mr.. McRAE, by leave, introduced bill to re.
peal the proviso in the civil and diplomatic appro-
priation bill Of the last session. relating the sal
aries of officers in the territories of the United
States, which was read and appropriately re-
ferred.
ARMY OFFICERS IN NEW MEXICO.
Mr.. FISH introduced resolution directing the
Committee on Military Affairs to inquire into the
proprety of granting an increased compensation
to the officers Of the army stationed in New Mex
leo.
the resolution was considered by unanimous
consent, and agreed to-
Mr.. FOOTE'S FINALITY RESOLUTION.
The Senate then resumed the consideration OF
he resolution, declaring the compromise mea-
bures final settlement Of all the questions grow
ng out Of the institution ofsavery, when
Mr.. McRAE, of Mississippi, proceeded to ad
dress the Senate. He explained the views which,
were entertained and the course which was pur-
bued by himself and the party with which he act
d in Mississippi, with regard to the compromise
measures at the time they were under consdera-
ion in Congress- They opposed those measures
It that time, not because they were Disunionists
put because they were in favor Of redressing their
grievances, and maintaining the guaranteed rights
# the South. And now that these measures had
ecome the law of the land, they were disposed to
cquiesce in them, although they could never
|ield their assent 10 the principles which they in
Folved. Entertaining these views, he could not
tote for the resolution in its present shape, al
hough he was ready to vote for a resolution de-
arng simply acquiescence in the measures OF
pmpromise, was originally proposed.
He regretted the introduction of the resolution,
nd spoke at some length to show the improperly
introducing 1t. The people of Mississippi had
ot the remotest idea that his late colleague would
Ike such course, or he was sure they would have
bndemned 1t IN advance. He objected to the reso-
ton, because IT did not assert that these measures
ere an adjustment of all the questions growing out
the Institution OF slavery. what the people OF
issssppi wanted Was, to have the subject of sla-
Try excluded from all the laws Of Congress for the
ture. He objected to it, because the resolution
self implied that those measures were repealabe,
ID that they were liable to be repealed. If this
as not implied, what was the use of introducing
e reso utlon' He was not prepared to make
v such concession.
The party with which he acted in Mississippi
been charged with seeking dissolution OF
Union, because they were in favor Of certain
arantees which required an amendment Of the
1eral Constitution. The party, as such, had
yer demanded an amendment Of the Cons'itu-
n He was not now, and never had been, in
Eor of amending the Constitution; provided il
ild be properly administered as il now stands.
he had yet to learn how the Union was to be
solved by amending the Constitution. Amend
nts had been made heretofore without erdan.
ring the Union, and the Constitution itself pro-
ed for them.
He alluded to his presence at Nashville as a
mber Of the convention. While there, he said
visited the grave Of Andrew Jackson. He
cd upon the slab which me- ked the spot where
remains Of the illustrious hero were reposing.
bones Of the dead rested in quiet. He heard
outcry from their sepulchral abode. But he
med TO hear a spirit voice saying " Preserve
Union, but preserve with il the Constitution. 81
Here Mr.. McRAE gave way to an adjourn