The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-05-15

tam provisions respecting suffrage, &c. He
held, however, that after Congress had enabled
a Territory to assume legislative powers it was
not competent for Congress to restrain any
legislative act of such Territorial Government
under the Constitution of the United States /;
and among such acts he held the admission or
exclusion Of Sldcery. This was necessary
deduction from the principle of popular sover-
eighty.
Mr.. Cass then proceeded, in reply to Senator
Brown, of Mississippi, to show that President
Pierce and Senator Douglas held the same
views on this point as himself. To this effect
he quoted from the messages of the former
and the speeches of the latter.
Mr. Brown, in reply to the latter observations
of Mr.. Cass, defined his views of the Presidents
position on this question, if he understood hi m
rightly, though he said he was not sure that
was the case. In any event, however he was
opposed to the doctrine, by whomsoever advo-
Gated, which taught that the people of a Terri
tory had right to exclude any portion of their
fellow.citizens from entering into that Territory
with their property, as secured under the Con-
stitution of a common country.
The further consideration of the subject was
then postponed.
HOUSE
The first business was Mr.. Clingman's mo-
tlon for suspension of the rules, so as to per-
init the consideration of a resolution submitted
by him on Monday last in reference to the
measures necessary to be taken for the protec-
ton of American citizens travelling between
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Mr.. Camp.
bell, OF Ohio, wished to present substitute in
reference to the peaceable acquisition of the
Canadas, and the other British and Russian
possessions on this Continent, and Cuba, and
the prohibition of Slavery therein. But the
House would not suspend the rules for the
purpose OF considering either proposition. A
resolution was adopted, on motion of Mr.. Bar
bour, of Indiana, asking the President of the
United States for information as to the employ.
ment of United States troops to enforce the
Territorial laws OF Kansas; and, if so, the au-
thority OF law for such employment.
resolution, offered by Mr. Stephens, of
Georgia, was adopted, asking information from
the secretary OF state, respecting custom-house
regulations applicable to American cotton in
the principal commercial countries, the amount
OF cotton exported, and the aggregate amount
of duties derived therefrom, &c; also. the
amount of cotton manufactures imported into
this country for period of five years; and
such other general information concerning the
cotton trade as could be furnished This is
admitted to be a subject of great interest.
Mr. Goode, of Virginia, member Of the Dis
trict Committee, made an Intellectual motion TO
have a consideration of the Senate bill defining
the duties of commissioners of elections in the
city OF Washington. Mr.. G. urged its imme-
date passage, on the ground that it was a
measure which had the appreciation of all par
ties IN the city; but twothirds of the House
did not vote for suspension Of the rules, 1.-THE
vote being 60 to G2,) and therefore the bill
could not be taken up. The House passed two
internal improvement bills. Mr.. Wheeler, of
New York, made benefcent movement in the
way of providing relief for the suffering inhab
itants Of the Cape Verde Islands, bu. there was
no quorum present, and the House was com.
PEELED to adjourn.