The Sierra citizen., 1854-04-15
Correspondence Sierra C,tizen.l
WASHINGTON, D. G.
Morob I lOEd

Messrs. Editors II have scarcely any
thing of interest to communicate to you.
In both Houses of Congress the Nebraska
bill appears to be the allengrossing topic,
and also seems to have excited no small
degree Of interest throughout the whole
country, but more particularly at the
North. The provision which this bill
contains, declaring the Missouri compro-
mise of 1920, which prohibits slavery north
of 36 degrees 80 minutes north latitude
''null and void, because inconsistent with
the principle of non-intervention by Con-
gress in the States and Territories, as re-
cognised by the acts of $780," has created
no little excitement in that section, and
many remonstrances are daily presented
against its passage. It is said to be Ger
tain, however, that it will pass the Senate,
and the friends of the measure declare it
probable that it will receive a small ma
jority in the other branch. Thus once
more is the exciting question of slavery
agitating the National Legislature, and
renewing among the people that discord,
which it was hoped the compromise acts
of 1850 had forever settled. That this
impOlitic course of reviving the slavery
question may not be productive of evil, is
indeed "a consummation devoutly to be
wished y
SENATE.
In the Senate on Monday, Feb. 20,
MIR. johnson, of Arkansas, introduced q
bill for a novel, but beneficial purpose-to
establish and organize the Territories of
Chahlahkee, Muscogee and Chakta. In
presenting this bill, Mr.. j. stated that its
design was, if possible, to solve what had
always been very grave and very seri-
Gus and difficult question with the govern
ment and people of the United States; as
to what should be the fate of the nnfortu-
nate aborigines of this country: what the
destiny and the end of our Indian tribes.
He said it proposed to give them some
description of government, simplifed, as
much as might be, which should tend to
elevate thcmin the scale of civilization,
and which woald hold ont to them induce
men:s to rise and improve upon the civili-
zation which they already had, to such a
degree that they might ultimately become
with the highest rights Of selfgovernment.
The tribes to which the bill related were
now highly civilized, and were the only
tribes on the continent of America, that
he knew OF, where this experiment could
be forcibly tried, for of course it was as
yet but an experiment. He declared it
to be a subject which would address itself
to the benevolent and humane in every
nook and corner of this prosperous, power
fui and happy country; and that it was in
discharge OF debt we all must acknowl-
edge. in fultilment of duty to much and
long-injured race of people, that ought to
be and he trusted was a matter of con-
science throughout the land. If successful,
it would in some degree atone for wrongs
that were innumerahle, and expressions
unequalled in the history Of all the world
beside. The bill was referred to the COM
mittee on Territories, and the remainder
of the day consumed in the discussion of
the Nebraska bill.
On Tuesday, the 21st, Mr. Gwin, of
California, reported from the Naval COM
mittee, bill for the construction of six
steam frigates. Mr.. Jones, of Iowa, from
the committee on Territories. reported
back bill for the construction OF line
of telegraph from the Mississippi river to
the Pacific ocean, which had been previ-
ously referred to them; and Mr. Foot in-
troduced bill granting lands to the
States and Territories for the benefit of
INDECENT insane persons. which he pressed
in an able speech. Before any question
was taken, however, the Senate took up
the Nebraska bill, which consumed the
remainder of the days sitting.
Neither House sat OH Wednesday, both
branches adjourning over to Thursday, as
a mark of respect to the anniversary OF
Washington's birth day.
On Thursday, Mr.. Cass. of Michigan,
presented to the Senate petition asking
the interposition of this government with
Foreign Powers, where such interposition
is required, in order to secure to American
citizens abroad the enjoyment of religious
worship while living. and place of sepul-
ture. and the rights of christian burial
when dead. Mr. c. said that this peti-
tion was not the forerunner of many others,
and in a few remarks took the position
that the government should take "all such
measures as are justified by the laws Of
nations to ensure the protection of its
people, and their exercise of rights which
ought to be wholly without the scope Of
political institutions, as they are without
just authority" The Nebraska bill was
then discussed, and the bill heretofore re-
ported by Mr.. Gwin from the Naval com
mittee, for the construction of six steam
frigates was next taken up and passed.
On Friday, Mr.. Walker, of Wisconsin,
from the committee on Public Lands,
reported a billto perpetuate pre-emption to
actual settlers on the public lands; which
ne stated was designed to take the place
OF the homestead bill, and would secnre
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