New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-03-04
n X XIVTH CONGRE S.
FIRST SESSION.
SENATE. WAsHIyGToy Mari

SENATE... .WAsHISGToS, MarCh3.
Mr.. CASs made a personal explanation in relation
10 an article in to-days IatcigeHcer, signed 81. W.
w." which be attributed TO james Watson Webb.
II relates to a conversation between Mr.. Webb and
Lord Clarendon, in which the latter stated that be had
no unriendly feeling toward the United States. This
statement was explanatory Of a remark made by
Clarendon in the House Of Lords that the understand
ng between the English and French Governments was
perfect in relation TO all parts OF the world, which was
understood a. a menace TO this country regarding
Cuba.
Mr. CASS asked if Lord Clarendon language had
been misunderstood, why did be not explain il IN the
House OF Lords instead of leaving II to be explained
in private letter which few perhaps would see or
hear Of
The bill authorizing the construction Of ten sloops-
Of-war was taken up.
NJ. SEWARD referred to several perods of our
hisory-fom the affair Of the Caroline to the late dis
pute in regard TO the isheries-tO show that the ap-
pearance of single British vessel had frightened the
country into fear OF impending He said be- was
tired OF these things, and wished the people, especially
the merchants OF commercial cities, TO discuss
questions Of national interest without being alarmed
through fear of the inability of our Government TO
maintain them in their property. rights and interests.
He would vote for this Increase Of the Navy iTespec'
tive Of question in regard to our foreign relations
because be thought wrong to leave our seaboard "a
posed and because there never had been a time so
Iropitious as the present when, without any alteration
OF system, we, receiving an immense sur
plus revenue, could 90 so.
Mr.. HALE thought II ~ " Put
our Navy a footing to compete with those OF other
countries II reminded him Of legacy Of ten pounds
bequeathed by EDglshman to pay the national debt
If there any apprehension Of war, it originated
in Congressional speeches. 1t was time to economze
expenditures.
Mr.. BELL Tenn said the bill was unanimously
recommended by the Naval Committee, and not found
on any existing alarm on the subject of war. The
object was supply class of vessels necessary for
the protection Of commerce.. ~
Mr. HUNTER believed that the matters Of differ
ence between Great Britain and the United States
were such a. ought to be settled if common discretion
is exercised The passage Of the bill should not create
a wer alarm. We increase the chances of peace by
preparing for war; thus diminishing the opportunity
Tor foreign powers to speculate on our weakness real
or supposed.
The bill was passed. THE estimated cost of each
vessel is sjO7 900, including equipment and steam
machinery. Two million are now appropriately
The Trumbul election case was considered.
Mr. CRITTENDEN favored Mr. Trumbulls right
TO the seat stating that the Constitution of the United
States defines the qualifications of Senator, and no
State has authority to require any other qualifications
Mr. PUGH contended that the plain and obvious
meaning of the State Constitution should govern the
question. The State had right to require any quail
fcaton pleased long there was no conflict with
the Constitution of the United States. Adjourned.