Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-06-27
wAsHIEsrnN HKws AND GOSSIP.

much indeed Tor the ability manifested on that
occasion. Senator Jones, of Tennessee, opened
the BAL, the qaes ion being the proper dispo-
sition Of the Massachusetts, petition, presented
on Friday last by Senator Rockwell, for the
repeal of the fugitive slave law. He, (MT- >
e2celliDg al all times in brilliant 1nVecuVe'
poured out the walls of his wrath most merci-
lessly upon the crazy petition in question, and
all concerned, either in getting it up or justi-
fyip,it He spoke in all, full an hour and
three quarters, taking occasion, Of course, to
give Senator Sumner rap On rap (oratorically) Il,
over the ears. The latter took the mauling
in apparent good part, looking as couten.ed
and philosophic as one might suppose the old
lady's eel to be, after getting used to being
skinned.
Senator Rockwell replied to Mr. Jones in a
calm and digni6e1 speech--his maiden sena
torial effort-in which lie not only put the very
best possible face on Lis very bad case, but
made fer himself as high reputation for ora
torieal and argumentative powers as Sena
tor, as be certainly enjoyed when member
Of the other House. Many other speeches
markable for its oratorisal Aourishes, as his
colleague was for its avoidance of every thing
but plain, cool headed, manly, and straight
forward argument. In tho course of his
speech MIR. Sumner, essaying to take the bull
by the horns, boldly proclaimed, in the face of
bis oath to support the Constitution and laws,
that he would not sustain them in the matter
of the rendition of fugitive slaves, if ever it
should be his fortune to be called on so to do.
or to refuse.
Senator Petit, seizing upon this strange
declaration to be made by United States
Senator, in his place in the Senate of the
United States, exhibited with wonderous dis
tinctpess and force Of argument, that his {Mr
Sumners) declaration amounted 10 delber-
ate boast that he stood ready to peIjure him
self on the first passing occasion. Senator
Butler, too, made his FIRST speech since his re-
turn to Washington, showing up the over
righteousness and really reasonable purposes
of those who elevate their prejudices above the
obligations of the Constitution and laws, under
the pretence of the diatates Of conscience. I"
His effort was az pungent, graceful, animated,
| and forcible as might have been expected from
one of his capital ard captivating oratorical
| abilities. Mr.. Broadbead also made capital
speech against the petition.
The Proposed Measures fer the Improve
ment Of the Army.-We have already laid
before our readers the vigorous movements in
the House to put the Navy upon footing In
some degree commensurate with the require
| ments Of the country. Under the recommen-
dations of the Secretary Of War, the Army bills
now before Congress, if they should pass, will
add immensely to its efficiency ami thorough or
ganization. The bills to which We allude are
l. The bill to increase the present military
establishment of the United States. This PRO.
poses to raise one additional regiment of dra.
goons and two regiments Of infantry-the 1egi-
ments Of infantry, if deemed expedient by
| the President, to be armed and equipped, and
to serve as Iifemen or light infantry. He is
also authorized to increase the number OF
privates TO one hundred and twenty eight in
any company, whenever existing or prospee-
tive hostilit.es shall, in his opinion, demand
| such increase. There is added to the corps Of
| engineers second company Of sappers, miners
| and pontopicrs. The Secretary IF Wa, is au.
| ihoIized to select from the non-commissioned
| officers. who shall disti nsnish rhon,1slvs. :,
| good conduct and faithful service, as many
fort keepers and barrack masters as the pub.
lie service may require. the civil agents now
employed az fort keepers, &c, to bs dispensed
with. -.5
| 2. bill to regulate the pay and increase
the efficiency Of the Army of the United States
This proposes an increase in the pay Of thu
officers which remains now, We believe, wha
it was originally fixed q. in 1890, but it il
more especially important on the increased in
ducements which it holds ont for enlistment
1t fixes the pay Of private of dragons ant
mounted rilemen Mt $l1; Of artillery and in
fantry at $40 per month 1t provides addition
al pay in cases of re-enlistment to be increased
for every successive period of Eve years.
| authorizes the President to confer the breye
Of second lieutenant upon such meritOriou
nOn-commissioned officers as may be found
qualified for the duties Of commissioned of
ASSio, 1i.u SAeVboS t0S piVSAslVuo VI tuc nc
granting pensions to the widows and orphan
Of persons dying in the naval service to ths
non commissioned officers and soldiers Of thu
Army, &C., dc.
3. The bill to promote the efficiency of The
army by retiring disabled officers This pro
vides that if any commissioned officer shall
have become incapable ofperforming bis duty
he shall be placed upon a retired list and
! Withdrawn from active service and command
The President is authorized to direct the Sec
rotary Ct War to refer the case of any such Of
feer to an army board, to he composed of no
more than nine nor less than five officers. /
in the judgment of the Board the officer be con
sidered ineapacitated for active service, the
Board will report whether. in their opinion
the disability is to be traced to vicious habits
if go, he shall be dropped from the roll of the
Army. If otherwise, to be placed upon tn,
list of retired officers, De.
We have thus given brief summary of tn,
leading provisions in these three most impor
tan: bills-the pass sc of all of which are nov
imperiously demanded by the condition of tn,
Army and the necessities of the country.
The i'll health of Colonel BisselI, of Illinois
\ Who was named as en- Al rman of iae Honsa Cow,