Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-20
Gomarfssi0naI.
THIRTY-THTRD CONGRESS.
SECOND SESSION.



Mr.. CASS said that this was the third session
since the commencement of the presentation OF
petitions, asking for the interposilion OF the Anne
rican government 10 secure 10 our citizens abroad
the rights of religious worship, as well as the
rights of sepuliure. Al the first session when
they were presented, the subject was referred TO
the Committee on the Judiciary, and an excellent
report, accompanied by appropriate resolutions,
was made by MIR. Underwood, then Senator
from Kentucky Subsequently petitions had be-
come more numerous, and the whole subject was
again brought to the attention of committee, and
The interest felt in Il was increasing, and therefore
ne gave notice that at an early day ne should ask
the Senate TO adopt the resolutions which had
been reported.
Having expressed his opinions 10 the Senate on
former occasion, he did not propose again 10
enter into the discussion, but he desired 10 state
an interesting fact. The discussions in this body
attracted some attention in Paris, and by the COM
menls Of the Paris papers there was drawn out
very singular document which was well worthy
Of the attention ofthe Senate. AT the coronation
of Napoeon--ths Napoleon-representatve were
summoned from the various religious bodies Of
France TO be present al the ceremony, and among
others, representatives Of the Consistorial bodies
of The Reformed Church of France were called
there, and 10 them Napoleon, with that vigor of
thought and energy, and terseness OF expression
which characterized that remarkable man, and
which, not less than his brilliant military achieve
mens, will forever place him high among the roll Of
those men who have mpressedtheir character upon
the history Of the age in which they live, said, |" /
see with pleasure assembled here the pastors of
the reformed churches OF France, and embrace
with ardor this opportunity Of iestifying to them
how highly have been satisfied with the reports
that have reached me of the fidelity and good con-
duct of the pastors and citizens Of the different
Protestant communions. desire them to under
81 and that il is my firm intention TO maintain the
freedom Of religious worship. The empire ofthe
law ends where the underlined empire Of conscience
begins. Neither the law nor the sovereign can
do anything against this freedom. Such are my
principles, and those Of nature; and If any one of
my race who may succeed me, should forget the
oath have taken, and, deceived by the prompt
ings of false conscience, should violate il, de-
vote him TO public censure, and authorize you 10
give him the name Of Nero"
These remarkable words were those Of des-
potic sovereign-despotic by habit and by temper
ament-but they are words of truth and wisdom
by whoever spoken. Mr.. CAss thought they
were a stirring rebuke 10 those men-and there
some of them in our own countrywide main
tain that Liberty of conscience Is the power TO
think, and that human government have the right
| to place themselves between man and his Creator,
and prescribe all forms of religious worship, but
those fixed on by themselves
The PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE laid
before that body message from the President Of
the United States, in answer 10 resolution
adopted in August last, transmitting correspon-
ucuCt UetWecu lndfsu, idtc iHuStcr IcbiocHt
at Constantinople, and the Secretary Of State;
which was ordered 10 be published, as the reason
which had heretofore prevented its publicity, now
no longer exist.
Mr.. BROWN submitted proposition, provid-
ing for the appointment of joint committee Of
the two Houses, by which all claims shall be ex-
amned, and thus avoid the delay incident 10 the
examination in one House of bill which has
been examined and passed by the other. A joint
instead Of two separate examinations, he thinks,
will facilitate legislation on private claims. II
was referred TO the select committee entrusted
with the bill of Mr.. BRopHRAD for the establish
ment Of board for the examination of private
claims.
The resolution yesterday introduced by Mr..
BRopHEAD, instructing the Committee on Naval
Affairs 10 inquire into the expediepcy of sending
steamer and tender to the Arctic seas, for the
purpose Of rescuing or afording relief 10 Passed
Assistant Surgeon E. X. Kane, of the United
States Navy and the officers and men under his
command was taken up, and adopted, after some
explanatory remarks by the mover of the resolu-
ton. A&
After the transaction Of other business, the
Senate passed the House bill allowing 10 General
Wool double rations for twelve years service as
Inspector general ofthe army;
And then adjourned.