The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-01-30

IN SENATE
THURSDAY, January %. 1852.


IN SENATE
THURSDAY, January %, 1852.
CENSUS RETURNS.
The Chair laid before the Senate a communica-
ton from the Secretary of the INTERIOR transmit
ting report from the Superintendent Of the Cen
sus, in to the resolution Of the 2lst instant,
respecting the probable extent of the census re-
turns, &c.
DISCIPLINE THE NAVY.
MIR. CLARKE presented the instructions Of the
Legislature Of Rhode Island, against the restoration
OF 1ogging, and in favor OF the abolition of spirit
'rations, in the navy. Ordered to be printed, and
referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.
.ee JUDICIARY SYSTEM.
Mr.. BRADBURY, by leave, introduced bill
To alter and amend the judiciary system OF the
United States, and briefly explained its provisions.
Ii proposed TO confer upon distant courts the pow
ers now exercised by circuit courts, and estab-
lish a court of appeals The bill was read twice
and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
TIE IRISH ExILEs.
The resolution proposing to apply TO the British
government for the liberation Of Smith 0 'Bren
and his associates, being taken up for the purpose,
Mr.. SHIELDS offered the following sub
sQtute to the resolution:
"That while we disclaim all intention of inter-
fering, in any way, in the internal affairs Of the
it our duty to express in respectful manner, our
firm conviction that it would be highly gratifying
70 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'Bren and his associates restored to liberty, and
permitted, il SO disposed, to emgrate to this
try. We would regard this act of clemency
new proof Of the friendly disposition ofthe British
government towards our republic, and calcu-
lated to strengthen the bonds of affection hap
PLY existing between the people of the United
States and Of the United Kingdom Of Great Britain
and lreland.'
q On motion of Mr.. SHIELDS, the subject was
made the special order of the day for Thursday
next.
~ SALARIES OF TERRITORIAL OFFICERS.
MIR. McRAE, by leave, introduced a bill to re-
peal the proviso in the civil and diplomatic appro-
prlaton bill Of the last session, relating to the sal
aries of officers in the territories of the United
States, which read and appropriately re-
ferfed.
ARMY OFFICERS IN NEW MEXICO.
Mr.. FISH introduced resolution directing the
Committee on Military Affairs to inquire into the
propriety of granting 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 rINALirY RESOLUTION.
the resolution, declaring the compromise mea-
sures final settlement of all the questions grow
Ing out of the institution of slavery, when
Mr.. McRAE, OF MISSISSIPPI, proceeded to ad
dress the Senate. He explained the views which
were entertained and the course which was pur
sued by himself and the party with which he act
ed in Mississippi, with regard to the compromise
measures at the time they were under considera-
ton in Congress. They opposed those measured
at that time, not because they were Dsunionists,
but because they were IN favor of redressing their
grievances, and maintaining the guaranteed rights
Of the South. And now that these measures had
become the law of the land, they were disposed to
acquiesce in them, although they could never
yield their assent to the principles which they in
volved. Entertaining these views, he could moi
vote for the resolution in it's present shape, al
though he was ready to vote for resolution de-
claring simply acquiescence in the measures oil
compromise, as was originally proposed.
He regretted the introduction of the resolution
and spoke at some length to show the improprety
of introducing it. The people of Mississippi had
not the remotest idea that his late colleague would
take such course, or he was sure they would have
condemned it in advance. He objected to the reso
luton because it did not that these measures
were an adjustment of all the questions growing ou
Of the Institution OF slavery. What the people O
: Mississippi wanted Was, to have the subject of sla
very excluded from all the laws of Congress for the
future. He objected to it, because the resolution
ltSeu lWplicu muse measures were repediaCle
and that they were liable to be repealed. If this
was not implied, what was the use of introducing
theresa ution' He was not prepared to make
any such concession.
The party with which he acted in Mississippi
had been charged with seeking dissolution OF
the Union, because they were in favor Of certain
guarantees which required ar amendment of the
federal Constitution The party, as such, had
never demanded an amendment of the Cons itu
ton. He not now, and never had been, in
favor of amending the Constitutions provided il
could be properly administered as it now stands
Buthe had yet to learn how the Union to be
dissolved by amending the Constitution Amend
ments had been made heretofore without endan
gering the Union, and the Constitution itself pro-
vided for them.
He alluded to his presence at Nashville a
member of the convention. While there, he said
he visited the grave of Andrew Jackson. HI
stood upon the slab which marked the spot where
the remains of the illustrious hero were reposing
The bones Of the dead rested in quiet. He heard
no outcry from their sepulchral abode. But hi
seemed to hear spirit voice saying Preserve
the Union, but preserve with it the Constitution.
Here Mr.. McRAE gave way to an adjourn
ment