The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-22

The Nebraska-Ksneas question again occxpied q
considerable share Of attention in both branches OF
Congress yesterday. When the Senate proceeded
% the consideration Of the subject Gen. Cass arose
and made brief explanation with regard to his
position on this important subject He reiterated
his opinion tina. Congress had constitutional right
10 interfere in the matter Of slavery in Territories.
He was followed in lengthy opposition speech by
Mr.. Sumner, which we publish in full, and upon
which we have commented in an editorial article.
The debate the subject in the Senate is believed
to be drawing to close. The four leading. free
soilers in that body-Messrs. Chase, Wade, Seward,
and Sumner-have been heard, and as there viii pro
badly be little further opposition to the bill, sfrends
win hardly consider it worth while TO waste
ammunition upon game that is already in
their hands. In the House, Mr.. James G.
Allen warmly advocated Judge Douglass mea
sure, upon the ground that it proposed nothing
more than was justly due TO the people Of the Terri
tories and also because it would efisctuay put to
rest the agitation of the slavery question in the halls
n Congress- He showed that the free sellers, who
IRE row exerting themselves to perpetuatc the Mis-
souri, compromise had always hitherto opposed that
oct 10 the utmost OF their ability and also remarked
that no man had been more grossly msrepresented
with regard to this matter than the late Henry Clay,
who was neither the author Of the act, nor ia
vorable TO its principle but was induced to give his
support for the purpose Of adjusting difficulty
which, at that time well Us in 1850, threatened to
lead to dissolution of the Union and would so have
dine had not the schemes Of the agitators been
tAwarted.
In the early part OF the day. five petitions in favor
Of establishing territorial governments on the non
Intervention principle, presented to the Senate.
Judge Douglas was appointed Regent Of the
Smithsonian Institution The bill for the construction
Of six steam fgates was reported, and notice given
that early action would be asked for Senator Foot
made speech in favor Of the bin granting lands to
The several States for the support Of the INDECENT in
sAne, in accordance with the project Of Miss Dix.
bill was reported approprating six huadred thou
aand dollars to complete the Treasury building and
commence the construction Of a similar edtfce for
Me accommodation Of the War and Navy depart
ments
Mr.. Warren made . personal explanation in the
House relative to the bill granting bounty lands to
Che soldiers and sailors who served ia the last war
with England and in the Indian wars subsequent 10
$780, in the course of which he stated that If passed
IL would not only relieve Of onehalf public do
MAN, but take ten years to carry its provisions into
affect The BIZ, was referred TO the Committee of the
Whole. Speeches made in favor ofthe Free Farm
bill by Messrs. Grow, Dawson, and Gerrt Smith,
and against It by Messrs Dent of Ca, and Smith
Of Va. Mr. Dent contended that Congress had no
constitutional right to distribute the lands among
settlers railroad spectators AMI others. If the lands
must actually be divided it should be equally and
irly among the States according to their Legitimate
representation In the national councils. Judging
from the speeches the friends of this project rather
lost ground yesterday.
It is gratifying TO learn that our legislators at Al
bany are beginning to evince disposition to atone
Cor their past diatoriness, by going to work in
earnest ard earning their money Tor toe balance Of
The session. Unfortunately, however, some Of them
cannot forego the habit Of speaking subjects that
are neither profitable nor useful. For instance,
Monday spirited and protracted debate took place
on roll of petitions respecting womans rights. From
the sketch furnished by our correspondent it will be
seen that the remarks Of the different gentlemen
were exec edingly spicy, and some Of them elected
considerable Kissing from the galleries. but, then, why
the necessity Of debating the matter az all II was
perhaps well enough 70 refer the petitions to select
committee to ascertain whether our laws really With
hold from women any rights 10 which they are con-
sti.uiicnsly, morally and socially entitled; sfer
which TIE Senate should have waited for the report
But the strong minded ladies were present in full
force and we suppose the grave Senators deemed Il
highly proper TO let them know what they thought
OF thin. bill has BEEN introduced in the Senate
TO more tlectuaIy equslize the system Of taxation
i'm this city proposition to take up the resolutions
requesting Congress to purchase Mount Vernon
failed ny vote Of nineteen to eleven. bill TO d.
vide the Sixth Judicial district Of New York was
ordered TO third reading In the Assembly and a
variety OF miscellaneous business was transacted in
both houses, TO which i s unnecessary to refer par
tcularly.
This day being the anniversary o. the birth OF the
Ilustrious Washington, will be celebrated nv balls
parties, fessts gatherings and displays 10 all parts o.
ne country. Both Congress and our State Ler.a
fure have adjourned over uqtll tomorrow Snd n,
members OF the latter body will commenorase the oc
ession by diring with the citizens Of Troy.
The sudden activity impaired to our stock market
Sppears TO be fast subsding. Prices fell of yester
DAY. Flour, on the contrary, advanced q trife