Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1852-08-11
CONGRESSIONAL SUMMARY,

TIE Congressional news is interesting at pre-
sent titan it has been for the last month. The old
and foreign subject of KossUTH and Hungary, the in
erminablc and unntclligible printing question and
the Presidential election thrown aside for the mo.
ment. Instead Of these hacknefed themes, the news
paper columns are filled with dsquistions, exposi-
tons discussions and explanations of, and concerning
the Northeastern Fisheries-a subject highly interest
ing OH account of its novelty and freshness, and par
,icuIarly exciting as it SUreshadoms the possibility of
war with England.
Notwithstanding the excitement created by the
sudden springng of this unexpected question upon
Congress- Mr.. SUMNER, on the ssh ul,. attempted to
consume the time Of The Senate by his romarks upon
repeating the fugitive slave law.
Mr.. S. thought it his duty Senator to place this
question before the house. Perhaps, he also thought
that by postponing it to this late day, he would have
the field to himself, there would not be sufficient
time for fair and open discussion bnt in this he
deceived for his plans anticipated and entirely
frustrated.
The real question was whether he should be heard
upon the resolution. Mr.. S. Of course, wished "to
express convictions dear to his hcar and dear 10 large
numbers of his constituents" Mr. Mason thought
that any Senator had right to introduce subjects ap
propra,e TO the OCCASION before the House, but OBJ
ccied to the consideration of the resolution on the
ground that there not sufficient time for full
and satisfactory discussion of such dn important and
exciting question: and because of its disturbing char
accr. Mr. Brooks said that the State which he rep
resented, had by her convention solernnly declared
that the repeal, modification Of the fugitive slave
law would be regarded by her rs sufficient cause
! a. I,....,. r Il
proposition no less than insruclins the Committee
IN the Judiciary to bring in bill to dissolve the
Union, and therefore could not consent-cuurcsy or
no courlcsy-tllat such question should be moutcd
at this k;e day Of the session.
Mr.. CHARLTON remarked nearly the same Of Geor.
Sia Mr.. b. had of Mississippi. lie asserted that
Georgia stoud pledged to dissolve the Union whenever
F.; the fugitive slave law should be repealed Mr.. c.
meant personal dsrsspect, but would not vote for
it,
! Mr.. SHIELDS was sorry that the question was
brought before the House at so late pcrod yet since
the motion had been made he would not vote against
it, He had sal in his scat and heard treason uttered
by Senator's indeed had listened to them patiently
in tender consideration whereof, he thought that
thing could be gained by sitting the voice of Mr..
SUMNER upon the subject lie had not the least idea
that his speech would ever rcnd The Union of the
States asander. lie meant never to give n vote
against hearing any gentleman from whatever quarter
or Gpon whatever subject.
Mr.. GwISH differed from the Senator from Illinois
with regard to allowing members to speak upon any
and every subject. lie wished to know that, ii Mr.
SUMNER had introduced resolution requiring the
Committee OH the Judiciary to inquire into the expe.
dency Of reporting bill for dissolving the Union
whether not he, Mr. SHIELDS, would vote for it.
Mr.. SHIELDS replied that he would not vote for any
reasonable proposition.
Mr.. BUTLER disliked to vote for any measure which
looked either to the suppression of presenting petl.
tinns. or of the right Of debate. lie was perfectly
willing TO give to Mr.. SUMNER, since lie was under
such great obligations his constituents leave at any
time to speak on this subject when the other side
could be heard. lie only asked fair field and an
open sky.
After great deal of preliminary debate the yea,
and nays We're called for and resulted Il, follows
Yeas 10, Nays 3d. The motion was accordingly voted
! down.