The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1854-03-15
From an Occasional Correspondent

From an Occasional Correspondent
Extract to the Editor, dated, Washington,
ID. c. Feb. 2S.h, 1854:
Last week was one of the most important peri
DDS of debate, that have occurred in the Senate
for many weeks, If indeed, the same amour, of
talent IL debate has attracted public attention at
any period during the present session.
The Nebraska Territorial Bill being the order
of debate, Judge Petit, Of Indiana, led off in
most powerful and well systematized argument
in favor of the Bill. Mr. Sumner, of Mass. fol-
lowed on Tuesday, in his usual style Of orat'rcal
beauty of address. He was against the Bill in
all its phases. Wednesday, being the natal day
of the Father of his country, neither house of
Congress held session. On Thursday Senator
Toombs, of Georgia, made an able argument in
defe nee of the Bill On Friday Senator Hun
ter, of Va, also made an able consti, utional ar
gument in favor of the Bill, and, in paying
compliment to the different democratic States,
that have made the Constitution of the United
States the,. polar star, he instanced Iowa, as
the 'cock ade State of the Northwest" she ever
being true to the institutions of perfect equal
ily of State Rights. l feel somewhat proud
that your young, but noble Iowa, should be thus
complimented by onek of the first Senators Of
the country. Mr.. Hunter did full justice to
the subject. He was followed on the same eve
ming by the venerable Judge Butler, Of s. C.,
Oh the same side Of the question. Judge Butler
concluded his argument on Saturday; and then
Senator Brown, of Mississippi, addressed the
Senate, also on the same side Of the question.
At the conclusion Of the speech of Mr.. Brown,
Gen A. e. Dodge, of Iowa, arose, and in his
usual emphatic, and commanding power of ora
tory, delivered one Of the best speeches yet de-
livered in the Senate, for its plain, concise and
powerful consti uuonai forbearance, that is in
duty, required of each State, towards each sis
slavery, yet, he was for the constitutional con-
pact, and there was no way TO preserve that COM
pact invioate, SO effectualIy, as 10 give to the |
people in their primary formation of governs
nents, their own choice of the form of govern
nent under which they prefer to live. Gen
Dodge, in allusion to his domestic relations, and
more particularly of his former as well as pres
mt duty to his venerable sire, who sat beside
him, poured forth from the heart, language of
ilial affection, that could only flow from such
Son to such a Father. Yet, for all this, he, as
Senator, had held, and still held the Constitu-
ion Of the United States his political chart
md guide, and he would never faulter in his
uty to the one, as he never would be found
wanting in fidelity to uphold the Union of the
States and the Rights Of the People, that com
'ose this great and happy country. You may
epend, Mr.. Editor, that last Saturday was a
roud day for young Iowa, for, she not only
armed the proud title of being the democratic
cockade ofthe northwest" but, as a State, her
in the Senate, for his manly de.
ence of the Constitution deserved this proud
Yes, sir, having won this dstinc
ion, may her representatives continue to wear
that they have won nobly, until further hon
RS await them for their faithful service, at sub.
equent periods Of time.
Gen. Cass, delivered his sentiments yester-
/
is speech he sprung some objections to the Bill,
ut would propose no amendments, merely re |
,arklng, that he should vote for the Bill. Mr.
cooper, of Penn, spoke against the Bill, as
,ea.ure, that was unnecessary, and the conse.
uence he feared would result in no good to the ,
ouutry. MIR. Broadhead of Pennsylvania has
,e floor for to day
Yesterday, by the e1er,ions of Gems. Jones b
nd A. {. Dodge, the Senate passed Bill, or c
ills, granting large quantity Of the public
.ands TO the State Of Iowa for railroad Dur. =
oses Wisconsin, was fortunate enough also, u
get Bill passed by the Senate for the same n
nrpose-so also California, Arkansas, Florida, q
Iabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. =
The Senate has passed Bill to construc tf
Z new Steam Frigates. | wish it were three
mes siz, for it 10 more than likely, from the ~
ate Of affairs in Europe, that the United States,
fore many months will require large armed y.