Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1856-02-02
Congressional Wetus
THiRTY.FoURTH CONGRESS.
First Session.
WASHINGTON, Jan. "a.


President in Executive session. and from
which the injunction Of secresy had been re.
moved transmitting copy OF the letter ol
Lord John Russell to Mr.. Champion, dated
January 10Th 1853, In which it is declared
that the British government intends to ad.
here strictly to the treaty Of Washington, OF
the direct or indirect in Central America.
Mr.. Clayton moved that the letter be trans
ferred from the Executive to the Legislative
Journal and printed.
Mr.. Clayton then expatiated on tne usu,
nations of Great Britain aud the tortuous ui-
plomacy Of her ministry, stigniati1ing IL Us
monstrous and disgraceful.
Mr.. Cass desired to speak, but, but not pe-
lug WE'LL yielded the floor to MI Mason VINO
thought that debate now was not eAacty
,nroper. either from the condition OF the ques-
tion or that of the country, and before dehn'
ite action by the Executive. so lar as nc
had read the documents, they show purpose
on the part Of Great Britain to disregard the
treaty stipuations OF this country. When
the question shall be presented to the Senate
or to Congress in tangible form by the Ex-
ecdtiye there would be no difference of opin-
ion as to the incumbent duty Of this govern
ment. England will be held to q strict per-
formance Of her treaty obligations.
Mr.. Seward agreed with Mr.. Mason that
debate ought not to be INDUCED in until the
House is organized ; still, he thought there
ought to be no unnecessary delay in the set
Element of this controversy with England
Unnecessary delay is indecision often looses
good cause, while decision as often wins
bad ones.
Mr.. Cass saw no reason why this subject
should not be fully discussed before the Amer
lean people. He moved to postpone the fur
ther consideration Of the subject till Monday
next, which was agreed to.
A message was received from the Presi-
dent OF the United States. in which he says
that circumstances have occurred to disturb
the course Of the government of Kansas, pro-
ducing condition of things which renders it
incumbent or him to call the attention Of
Congress to it, and urgently recommends the
adoption OF such measures as the exigency
seems so require. He aJludes eulogistically
to the principles embraced in the Kansas
Nebraska Act, and the system of Government
and laws passed to put it into operation -
While Nebraska has been successfully organ
lied, the organization OF Kansas has been
long destroyed, attended by serious Difficult
ties and embarrassments, partly from local
mal-administration, and partly from uniustif-
able interference fl iom the inhabitants of some
of the States with views foreign TO the inter
ests and rights of the territory. Gov. Reed
else of his duties, allowed his attention TO be
diverted from his official obligations by other
objects, himself setting an example of viola
tion Of law and duty. which impellcd the
President to remove him. He alludes TO the
mis-directed zeal OF the prodagandist emigra.
ton, and the clashing Of the slavery and ant
slavery interests as the cause Of the mischief
and as omphatcally condemns the efforts tc
anticipate or force the determination Of that
question in this nchoate State. The first
Legislative Assembly, whatever may have
been the informalities in the election Of mem
bers, was for all practical purposes Lawful
body; and in this connection the President
reviews Gov. Reedcr's conduct regarding the
removal of the seat Of government, and his
refusal to sign the bills passed by that body
The i'll feeling in that territory has reached
euch point that it threatens the peace, not
only of Kansas, but Of the Union. Relative
TO the recent convention which formed Free
State Constitution, he says 1t was by party
and not the people, who thus acted contrary
10 the principles of public law, the practice
under the Constitution of the United States
and the rule of right and common sense
The movement in opposition to the constu
tional authorities OF Kansas was revolutiona
ry in its character, and if it shall reach
point OF organized resistance it will be q
the duty of the Federal Government to sup
press it. 1t is not for the President to defn'
the duties Of the States or the Territories, o
to decide whether a law is wise or unwise
Just or unjust. 1t is his duty to cause it t.
be executed. The great popular prerogatiy
Of self-government must be respected.
The President says it is his duty to pre-
serve order in that territory, and to vindicat
the laws, whether federal or local, and to pro
tect the people in the full enjoyment of self
government from all encroachments fror
with hJut Although serious and threatening
the disturbances announced to bin by Cover
nor Shannon in December last, were quiete
without the effusion of Blood. There is req
son now, however, to apprehend renewed dis
orders there unless decided measures forth
with taken to prevent them. He conclude
by saying, that if the inhabitants of Kansa
shall desire State formation, and be Of sufl
eient numbers, the proper course would be
Convention of delegates to prepare Const
tuition, and recommends the enactment OF
law OF that effect, in order for its admissio
into the Union in lawful and proper maj
ner, and that special appropriation be mad
TO defray any expenses which May becom
requisite in the execution OF the laws, or
maintaining public order in that territory.
Mr.. Seward differed from the President
Under the present state OF our foreign rel
tions he would forego argument on that ma
ter now but when, in the judgement Of ii
majority Of the Senate the time shall hay
come for action on the subject, he would ei
deavor TO make good his opposition to Il
policy, the position, and the sentiments col
tsined in the Presidents message.
Mr.. Mason moved the reference OF Il
message to the Committee Of the Judici
~.
Mr.. Clayton thought it better to organi.
special committee Of thirteen.
Mr.. Seward suggested that on the Commi
tee of the Judiciary there we're no opponen
Of the administration, while on the Commi
fse on Territories there was only one. u
thought it would be generous and fair to i
the minority have hearing. but would nj
Insist on the motion for that reference.
After further debate, the message was T
ferred TO tho Committee on Territories, nj
the Senate adjourned until Monday
IIousE.
The proceedings were opened with pra
er.
Mr.. Fuller said il had been his desire f
weeks to withdraw as a candidate for Spea
or, and he had 30 expressed himself TO b