Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-01-07
CONDUCT Or COMMODORE MORGAN

| CONDUCT Or COMMODORE MORGAN
| In the Senate on Tuesday, Mr.. HALE moved to take
for consideration resolution submitted by himself the
day previous calling upon the Secretary of the Navy for
| information to the conduct of Commodore Morgan
Commander of the Mediterranean squadron, whilst in
the harbour of Naples and whether said Morgan had or
had not been guilty of disobedence of ORDERS violations
of regulations, neglect of duty while in command of
the navaorces ofthe United States in the Mediterranean
| during the past three years.
Mr.. HALE explained that the matters stated in the
resolution to be found in speech m ade in the
House of Representatives. He desired this information
in order thatt might be known by the country whether
these statements were true or not.
Mr. SHIELDS objected to taking up the resolution
He thought the enquiry might well be extended so as
to ask what quantity powder used the size of the
and the quantity and quality wine consumed
by the squadron. He hoped the Senate would not
fG " '"A p'''' 0'''''' '''''"'On "a' O'Ssfa's-
Mr.. HALE said he would be glad to be informed
what the Senator from Illinois meant by dseracefu
Mr. CAss considered that of the inquired
of in the resolution mi ht be pertinent for the
Senate call for information respecting them but the
others he thought extended too much il detail He hoped
1t would be suffered to lay over In order that it might be
amended
Mr.. SHIELDS necessity in laying the resolution
for another day. He no reasoa why the Senate
should go into examination of the conduct of an Off
in all the petty details of his cruise. That was
matte- properly to be investigated bya martial
not by the Senate. He had said it disgraceful re-
souton by that he did not to the Senator had
done disgracelu but that the resolution itself was
dsgracetu by proposing inquiries too petty and trivial
ior the Senate to make
Mr. MASON said he had knownthe gallant and distin-
tngushed officer named in the resolution for thirty years.
and though yesterday he had heard the resolution
read he would not appear to notice by making any
objection to the resolution He would tell the Senator
from New Hampshire that Commodore Morgan will
shrink from investigation into his conduct: on the
contrary, he would covet L. He would tell the Senator
from New Hampshire that Comnodo Morgan was
gentleman and of honor, and he would demand of
The pFt1
to be treated as gentleman. Let the Senator put his
inquiries in proper ormlet it be put in the shape of
resolution of nquiry-and he would vote for it. He
could not do in the present shape. But this resou.
tion not designed of inquiry it had Interior
objects to accomplish. Things could sometimes be
judged of by their complexion The complexion of this
acts stated in it.
Mr.. HALE said that some things were expressed by
words, and others by He would tell the Sena-
tor from Virginia that he could not put dignity,
either words tone of voice sufficient to
make him (Nlr II move a thousandth part of hairs
breadth from whatever he undertook. He had heard
much and before of Senators refusing descend to
notice resolution or measure introduced by him. He
trusted he had high precatien of his position as
Senato and of the rights and dignity of a gentleman
and man OF honor the Senator although that Senator
was from Vrginia-the Old Domnion-and he was but
fanatic from New Hampshire. He was Senator ac.
ting In what he considered the fair and honorable dis
charge of his dutes and under the responsibilities of an
OATH and those duties intended perform regardless
ofthe dignity OF tone and manner and speech assumed TO-
wards HIM by Others and regardless whether they
dedtonotce whatever sintroducedb by him not was
also said that there Interior motives INTRODUCING
this resolution What Interior motives could he haye90
1t must have been the reflection of the Senators own
heart which taught him charge another with having
Interior motives The idea that he (hr Hazel was actu
aed by Interior motives was too ridiculous be enter
tanned lie would say that he would descend to no.
tee the remark weret not in bad taste and bad manners
to do So He would not say for twoud be in bad taste
and bad manners to make such remark
He again repeated that what nlained in the
resolution had been repeated in debate The House of
Representatives and he desired have the information
whether such serious statements founded ia ia
not.
He said he had some little acquaintance with Com
modofe Morgan some years agf and, if that officer
were appealed TO- he would say that The acquan snce
l-ttih the mind OF that officer imp- ssion OF wan
otiberality on the part ol him. fMr. Hale.)
Mr.. MASON SAID that il the Ssnaor over tn way en-
ertained the opinion that he tMr Ny Intended bv his
he did him tMr. NJ Injustice. II the Senator supposed
that he ever before c0ured personal sou ss,op
with him, then he did hun Unjust &c. FL spoke of the
resolution before the Senate which resolution he had
SAID was OF such character as he would descend
TO notice It, ii there thing his tone or man
ntr when speaking objectionable the Senator and
calling Tor his lebuke, he (Mr. regretted it, He
sought no discussion with the Senator. Their inter-
course had beer confined 10 the official in
The Senate, and in that Official acquaintance Sana-
tors he desired to treat the Senator from New Hamp
shire with The respect due to him as Senator.
Mr.. RUsK followed, objecting the consideration of
the resolution, as involving matter in which The Sen
ate mad no interest aad which de ayed the Transaction
oil other proper business of the Senate.
Mr. MALLORY defended the Navy and hoped the res
olntlon would not be taken up.
Mr. CAss repeated his desire to have the subject post
poned, which was agreed to.
DEATH OF COMMODORE MORGAN.