Weekly national intelligencer., 1853-01-15

and that recollection is fresh in my memory il its
date were but yesterdayhat thereupon remarked
by the gentleman who had called US together that
whatever obscurity there might seem to be in the article
to be attributed TO anxiety on the part of the Bri-
h Minister to have his national pride protected and to
desire the part of Mr. Clayton to indulge him in that
natural wish-that England felt she was forced into
sort OF backing and il expected would not in
sst upon any expression being in the treaty which might
wound her seDsibilities
Mr. CASS. Will the honorable Senator allow me to ask
who made that remark
Mr.. SQULE. Ii was made by Mr.. King Ii was Of
understood that the right OF cutting certain de-
nomination of timber at the Belize might still be exercised
independent of the treaty because that authority could
under circumstances imply right of ownership. But
il was expressly declared that such the understand
ing of the high contracting parties and that whatever
obscury if any there might be found in the treaty
was to satisfy the kees sensbility exhibited
that occasion by the British negotiator
Well sir, the treaty afterwards before ia this
chamber, and feel that labor under difficulty
to the question whether not am permitted to alude
what ranspred in secret session in reference to it,
would like to be enlightened on that point am
paratyey young Senator and therefore wish for light
on this point before proceed further.
/ The PRESIDING OFFICER, Mr.. MASGUm temporarily
occupying the char) The injunction of secrecy not hav
ing been removed the Senator refer to the pro-
ceedings on that subject in Executive session.
/ Mr. DOUGLAS. Cannot the injunction Of secrecy be
now removed by unanimous consent
The PRESIDING OFFICER We are not now in Ex-
Mr.. DOUGLAS. If the injunction can be removed now
by unanimous consent do not suppose there will be any
objection
the body to act Executive business in open session
/ Mr.. CASS. believe not obliged to have Ex-
ccutive sessions with closed doors. would therefore
suggest that Executive session with open doors
it will not take minute to the injunction Of
secrecy This is very important matter to the Amer
people, and for having every thing in regard to
| it laid before them
Mr. S0ULE take it. then, as the of the Senate
| that am to proceed
The PRESIDING OFFICER The Senator cannot, in
the opinion of the Chair naate the proceedings Of the
Senate in Executive session. unless where the injunction
of secrecy has been removed.
| Mr.. BUTLER. AS this subject is likely to be very
freely discussed and gentlemen cannot do them
selves justice that the Senate proceed to the
sideration of Executive business.
Mr.. GWIN. hope the motion will not be agreed to.
Mr.. CASS. We need not close the doors
Mr.. MASON would submit to the honorable Sena-
tors whether may not be establishing precedent
which we may have cause to regret
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The present occupant of
the chair clearly of the opinion that aluson be
made to any question purely Executive except in Execu
tive session proper.
Mr.. WALKER Can there be any thing more sacred
in the proceedings of the Senate the consder
ton Of this treaty than has been already adverted by
various gentlemen?
The PRESIDING OFFICER. 1t has been usual to per-
NIT Senators to disclose their action upon any ques
ton in Executive session affecting nobody else but them
selves but it is utterly against all usage the Chair
understands to allow allusjon all in open session
to any question of Executive character, unless where
! the injunction of secrecy has been removed.
Mr.. CASS suppose it is perfectly in order for the
gentleman to make any supposttous that he pleases
provided he gives no names
Mr.. BUTLER. Oh no. 1t would not be well to do that
| The PRESIDING OFFICER then put the question on
the motion to proceed to the consideration of Executive
business and twenty-five Senators in the affirmative.
Mr.. PEARCE Before the negative is put, desire to
say that have obesion to the notion if the under
standing be that to have Executive session in
the usual manner with closed doors.
Mr. MASON. That is my understanding.
Several SENATOR'S. Open doors.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair cannot recog
Mise an Executive session with open doors.
Mr. SEWARD vote in the negative, for the purpose
of making quorum and not because opposed to the
motion
The motion was agreed to, there being a division 25
ayes, and II noes.
EXECUTIVE SESSION.
The Senate accordingly proceeded to the consideration
of Executive business and after time spent therein,
the doors reopened, and the Senate adjourned.