Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-02-16
THIRTY-FoURTH CONGRESS.

1eDs If
SENATB.-The annual report OF the U. S.
Coast Survey was laid before the Senate.
Mr.. Weller introduced bill providing for
an overland mail from some point on the Mis-
sissipp River TO San Francisco.
The Senate resumed The consideration of
Mr.. Wilson's resolution, calling on the Presi-
dent for all the information in his possession
respecting the disturbances in Kanzas, affect
ing the freedom of elections.
Dir. Weller said, as the President had sent
a special message to Congress on that subject,
he saw no necessity for the resolution; he
took it for granted that the Senate has already
all the facts in possession of the Executive.
Mn. Fessenden replied that there were points
of inquiry in the resolution, relating to which
they had no information, it was proper that
Congress should have authentic information,
instead of being obliged to depend on mere
newspapers reports, especially as regards this
subject, on which the public mind is so much
agitated.
Mr.. Geyer denounced the emigrant aid So
cieties, which sent men to Kanzas to control
extraordinary, unprecedented organizations
he was willing to have inquiry into the mat
ter, if the action of these societies is to be ina
cluded in the investigation.
Mr.. Toucey hoped that the Senate would
adopt the resolution, in proper form, calling
on the Executive for full information relative
to Kanzas affairs; he approved in the fullest
manner the Presidents proclamation. and the
course therein suggested. Further discussion
was postponed.
The debate relative to the proceedings of the
Naval board was resumed.
Mr.. Butler considered the board as the most
odious tribunal ever instituted in this or any
other country. The debate involved, Intellect,
the repeal of the law under which tie board
acted.
Adjourned to Monday.
HoUsE.-Mr. John Letcher was appointed
member of the Committee of Ways and
Means, in place OF Mr.. Jones, OF Tennessee,
excused from serving thereon.
On motion of Mr.. Cobb, of Ca, the Presi-
dents annual message, and the accompanying
documents, were referred to the Committee
of the Whole on the state of the Union.
Mr.. Florence presented memorial from A.
II. Reeder, contesting the seat of ]. S. Whit
field as delegate from Kanzas. Mr.. Florence
said he had arrived at no conclusion relative
to its declarations, but should make up his
mind from the evidence which may be pre-
sented.
The memorial was read. It states that the
pretended election of Whitfield, in October
last is absolutely void, being without valid
law or well qualified voters to support it, and
that he was elected by nonresident and other
illegal votes
The memorial, together with Others, con.
testing the seats of Messrs. Allen of Illinois,
Gallegos of New Mexico, and Eustis of Lou.
isiana, were referred to the Committee on
Elections.
The Presidents special message in regard
to Kanzas was taken up.
Mr. Houston moved to refer it to the Com
mittee OF the Whole on the State of the Union.
Mr.. Giddings appealed to the friends of hui
manity to send it to the Committee of Terri
tories, as twas necessary to legislate at the
earliest possible moment, in order to avert the
dangers threatening the people of the territory,
and prevent them from being butchered by
the Federal troops.
Mr.. Dunn thought the Judiciary Commit
tee the proper reference; he protested against
the bayonet being presented against his breths
erni in Kanzas.
Mr.. Orr and others commended as 10 the var
ious recommendations contained in the mes
sage, that the House could determine after
discussion the proper reference of them.
Mr.. Houston's motion prevailed by 8 ma
jority.
Adjourned until Monday. .