The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-08-11
From the Charleston Standard
The Closing Scenes in Congress.

The CLOSING scenes INA Congress.
We learn from Washington that both Houses
agreed TO extend the time for final adjournment
from Friday till eight o'clock this evening. This
was necessary in order to enable them TO dispose
Of the vast amount Of unfinished business before
them. The usual turmoil and confusion incident
to the close Of every sitting has been witnessed in
the halls OF both bodies, and throughout the SEES
sion spirit OF political hostility and personal
viudIctiveness has at times been cvinccd that was
little calculated TO further the ends OF legislation
nevertheless, we think that majority Of readers
will bear US out in the assertion that greater
number Of important bills have been passed and
executive measures ratified than was ever before
perfected since the adoption of the constitution
Notwithstanding the vast amount Of time spent
upon the Kansas Nebraska and the Homestead
Bills, this has been virtually working session,
and perhaps no measures have given greater salts
faction 10 the great mass Of Americans than the
sha pc in which these first named passed the Senate,
the former finally. The first gives settlers in
territories the inaenabIe constitutional right TO
regulate their internal affairs according TO their
own ideas, and the second, it is hoped will pass
the House and there settle all further trouble
corning the land question, upon which probability
quite as much money has been spent through dis
cursion the domain was actually worth. An
Improbable subject has thus been disposed Of
We regret that we cannot say much respecting
the Nebraska affair. With regard to that matter
the abolilionsts are putting forward every muscle
defeat the action of Congress, and embroiI the
country in anarchy and confusion, However, they
have not, thus far, succeeded to any great extent,
in carrying out their reasonable designs
Both houses remained in session till very late
hour on Thursday morning, or rather early hour
on Friday - the House, we understand, did not
take recess ill about four o'clock, A. NJ, and
nearly that late hour before the Senators
sought their couches. Oar special correspondent
having posted up concerning ali events OF spCciei
interest up 10 the closing his letter on Thursday
evening, we propose TO continue the thread OF his
narrative. Conference Committees were kept quite
busy throughout Thursday night and Friday
morning, the Civil and Diplomatic, the River
and Harbor, the Navy and the Posoffice bills
reports upon all which measures were eventually
made and concurred in. The River and Harbor
bill was finally passed and sent TO the President
Tor his signature. Reports having been circulated
that the Executive would most likely veto this BILL
some anxiety exists to ascertain its fate. A des-
patch TO the Petersburg Democrat informs US that
it has been already vetoed. All the appropriation
bills have been passed, except the for the ocean
mail service. The Senate persists in refusing 10
recede from IFS amendment striking out the clause
TO close the contract with the Collins steamers
In the course Of Thursday mig hit the House passed
4 bill TO carry into effect the recent treaty with
Great Britain 10 establish reciprocity in the trade
with the Canadas, and sGttle the fishery dispute.
This bill subsequently added by the Senate.
There another great material matter settled.
We are sorry to state that, up to last advices
nothing haC been done towards practically placing !
he administration in position to bring the Cuban |
question to final advisement either by force of
rms or by diplomacy. We hope and have right I
o expect that Congress, before the final adjourn
ncnt to day, will act in accordance with The spirit
t the following report submitted TO the Senate last
thursday, by Mr.. Mason, Chairman Of the Com
nttee on Foreign Relations
The Committee on Foreign Relations TO whom
vas referred The message of the President Of the
United States, of the 1st instant, in reply 10 the
esoIuiIon Of the Senate asking for information
neither any thing has arisen since the date OF his
lcssage 10 the House, &c. The committee en-
RELY concur with the declaration contained in his
lessage TO the House Of Representatives, and
,Iterated iii his message 10 the Senate, that in
ew of the position Of the Island Of Cuba. lis
-oxilnity 10 our coast the relations which it must
'rr bear 10 our commercial and other Interests,
is in vain TO expect ihat series OF unfriendIy
Is, infringing our commercial rights and the
option OF policy threatening the honor and
curly Of these States. can long consist with