The southern press., 1852-01-29
CONGREGATIONAL pRocEEDfNas.
I'm SENATE.
WEDNESDAY,, January 2s, 1862.

The PREsIpEsr laid before the Senate a commu-
nication from the Secretary of War, transmitting,
in compliance with the resolution of the 26th in
slant, copy Of letter from Brigader General
Talcott TO Colonel liuger, bearing date November
l, 1850.
Mr. CASS presented a series of resolutions,
passed by meeting recently held at Detroit, In
favor OF lntercession on the part OF the United
States with the British for the liberia
tion of Smith O'Brien and his associate exiles, 4
Mr., CASS, in presenting the resolutions, said
he fully concurred in the spirit OF them, and was
also in favor of the object which they contem-
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, A great change
had taken place in regard to the treatment of
political offenders in modern times There was
nothing which more distinctly marked the im-
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 was 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 intercession, which was asked.
The request was made in the best spirit, and left
the British government free TO act just as they
pleased. If 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. II would not compromise The dignity of
the nation. On the contrary, such an act of
olemency on our part would in his opinion, reflect
greater honor upon the country than the most
illustrious 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
port Of the measure. His own mother, now many
n - - ~ I'll
the name of O'Bren. 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 intercede.
Mr.. BUTLER said that many reasons would
induce him to take active part in favor Of these
exes; but he desired to say that if the object Of
gentlemen was to procure tile release OF these
men, they were taking the very worst possible
course. Ii proper application were made to the
British Queen, as an 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 Z" this is our opinion, and you
must yield to our legislation, was worse.than use
less. John Bull would Indignantly hurl back any
such effort. II was false step. His sympathes
were with these exiles; but he was not going to
take ep Of this kind which he knew would 1
prove failure and more than that, il would be
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 10
the Senate, to have some day fixed for the con-
sideration Of the resolution which had been sub
mitted upon the subject; and he should then de- |
sire to say few words upon it, Ii was his de-
he NJ h. an afnrl
from South Carolina, to modify the resolution SO
obviate ts diplomatic character, and to place
the resolution in such form that, while il would
indirectly accomplish the object in view, it would,
the same time, preserve the dignity of this gov
eminent, and give no reasonable cause Of offence |
10 that Of Great Britain.
Some conversation ensued between several SEN |
aiors hut no day being agreed upon for the con-
sderation of the resolution, the subject was passed
over. !
PETITIONS.
Mr.. SHIELDS presented the memorial Of the
Board OF Aldermen and Common Council Of this
city, praying that Washington may be made a |
port Of entry.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr.. RUSK, from the Committee on the Post
Office and Post Roads, reported fayorably to the
employment Of an ice boat on the Potomac, for
mail service.
MIR. DOWNS, from the Committee on the Ju-
0IClary, dSkeu lndt udt COiH1uitbec ue uis-
charged from the further consideration of the va
rious 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
n hich was so ordered.
THE Clones REPORTING.
MIR. NORRIS moved the. reconsideration of the |
vote by which the joint resolution authorizing the
reporting and publication of the debates Of the
Senate in the Globe, was ordered 10 a third read
ing, his object being to offer an amendment to
the same. |
The vote having been reconsidered by unani-
NOUS consent, he submitted provso that moth
ing be allowed for the publication Of revised
speeches, report Of which has once been pub
lished. nor CIR reports Of executive officers, DC.
The amesdment was agreed to and the resolu-
ton again ordered to be engrossed for a third
reading.
Mr.. FooTE's Compromise RESOLUTION
This resolution, being the special order, was
taken up, and MIR. DAVIS ofMassachusetts, spoke |
=, length against it. He was FOLLOWED by Mr.. |
M.xeuM, Who wished to get rid Of the debate as
soon as poss Ole. He yielded the floor to Mr..
McRAE, the new senator from Mississippi, on
whose motion the subject was postponed until to-
morrow, when, after brief executive session,
The Senate adjourned.