The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-28

EGen. Cass made lengthy speech in the United
States Senate yesterday in defence of his with
regard to the Nebraska Kansas question. Though
he regretted that the subject had been brought up,
and that he was compelled to make known his posi-
ton thereupon, he nevertheless should vote for the
bill. This was expected the General having already
committed himself In the celebrated Nicholson letter.
and in resent speeches. to the effect that the Missouri
act Is unconstitutional and should be declared null
and void Mr.. Cooper followed in opposition, taking
the old track of Seward, Chase and company, that
the passage Of the measure would produce greater
reprobation aud excitement than the adoption Of any
other act Mr.. Brodhead replied to his collea yue
and declared that the bill was perfectly in accord
ance with the sentiments uttered by him (Mr. b.
eight years ago. In the OF the day Mr.. Chase
presented an informal amendment, providing for the
election Of Governor and other public officers and
members Of the Territorial Legislature.
The free solers throughout the Northern States
are unceasng in their endeayors to create excite
ment the Nebraska question; but despite all their
efforts q great, an overwhelming majority Of the
people appear to look upon the bill pending in Con-
gress an act justly due to the good sense OF the
inhabitants OF the Territories, and one that
is calculated to sustain them in their rights
rs independent freemen who are capable OF
choosing such laws as win best subserve their
own interests. Not satisfied with sending some
twenty or thirty remonstrsnces against the abroga
ton Of the Missouri compromise act to NE Senate
yesterday the free sellers also transmitted petit
for the repeal Of the Fugitive Slave law, the aboi
ton of slavery in the District Of Columbia, and the
amendment Of sill laws taking slaves in payment for
debts. These documents, which were duly received
and tabled show upon their face how much faith
may be placed in the assertions Of various leading
free sellers in and out of Congress, that they are
willing to abide by the compromises of 1850.
Railroad spectators did q prosperous business
yesterday. No less than eight bills granting lands
for as many railroad projects in the South and West
passed the Senate. While the members OF the new
States were in good humor with their success, Mr..
Dawson moved that the bill granting land to all the
States for the support of the INDECENT, insane, deaf
dumb and blind, be taken up. This was agreed to,
and after short debate the subject was postponed.
substitute for the bill rewardisg the San Francisco
rescuers was informally presented 1t provides that
gold silver and bronze medals, with suitable devices,
shall be given TO those who participated in the
humane duty instead Of rewards in money. How
unfavoraby the action of Congress concerning this
pursued by the British government in similar cases.
The House of Representatives, after short con-
sultstion, postponed the election of printer in the
place OF the late General Armstrong till tomorrow.
huch anxiety prevails to the result Of this election
il being understood that direct attempt will be
made 10 oyersaugh the administration candidates,
Of whom there are several and elect new mau,
who is not Objectionable to either the soft or hard
shells or any other faction Should this movement
be consummated IL is believed that there will be
decided change in the tone Of the vacilating govern
ment. Mr.. Florence, we observe, has proposed to
abolish The system Of maintaining party organs a.
the expense Of the nation by the establishment OF
o government printing Office.
An unsuccessful effort was made in the House TO
avoid the necessity Of sending the bill for the con
stfuction of six first class steam frigstes, which
passed the Senate unanimously to the Committee OF
the Whole. The motion failei by ninety one yeas %
forty.eisht nays-it requiring twothirds of those
present TO suspend the rules. The measure, there
FORE goes TO the bottom OF the long calendar Of bill
TO be acted In committee, and may not be reached
Tor months, notwthstan ding the immediate urgency
Tor placing our naval power In condition TO meet
any emergency that may arise. With war pending
IN Europe and an open acknowledgment on the
part Oh England ana France that they win not
hesitate to set at defiance the Monros doctrioe
with regard to Intervention in the affairs Of
this continent, we find forty.eight Congressmep
unwilling that the proper steps should be taken Il
efectusIy protect both our national honor and our
maritime commerce. That majority Of the nam
bers really appreciate the necessity Of Strengthening
the navy is evident from the vote on the foregoing
question, as well as by the adoption OF resolution
requesting information as TO whether and II co. how
many Of the steamships employed 10 the osean
nail service can be converted into menofwar9
Senior Gallegos, the delegate from New Mexico
spIesfs 70 be In Eou6Ie IAN around, The diGlcuiy