The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-05-29

Mr.. Stanton offered a resolution, directing
the arrest of Judge Lecompte and MarAhal
Donaldson of Kansas, that they may be brought
before the House to answer TO a charge of con
tempt and breach of privilege, in issuing and
serving process against the Hon. A. III. Reeder.
The Speaker decided the motion not a ques-
ton Of privilege, and Mr.. Stanton withdrew 1t.
Various reports were made from committees.
In reply to the resolution offered by Mr.. Bar
bour, requesting the President to communicate
whether United States soldiers have been EN-
ployed in Kansas "to arrest persons charged
with the violation of certain supposed laws en-
acted by the supposed Legislature assembled
at Shawnee Mission" &C. the Secretary of War
responds that by instructions from his Depart
ment, dated February, ID, Colonel Sumner and
Lieutenant Colonel Cooke were directed TO aid
by military force the constituted authorities OF
Kansas, in suppressing instruction or invasive
aggression against the organized Government
of the Territory, or armed resistance to the eX-
ecutiOn of the laws; and IN case the Govern
ment, finding the ordinary course Of judicial
proceedings and powers vested in the United
States Marshal inadequate for that purpose ho
should make requisition upon them for mill
tary force to aid him in the performance of thai
official duty. Under these Instructions and
upon the requisition Of Governor Shannon, 4
detachment of troops under lieutenant was
ordered to sustain the constituted authorities
in the enforcement of the laws. The Secretary
says, the instructions from the Department, be-
ing directed exclusively to the support Of the
organized Government and constituted author
tiles of the Government, convey no authority
to employ soldiers to aid by making arrests or
otherwise in the enforcement Of supposed laws
cd hxva L ell
partment, therefore, presumes and believes that
United States soldiers have not been employed
to make arrests under the circums; ances stated
in the resolution.
Adjourned till Monday.
Monday, May 20, 1856.
SENATE
The Journal of Friday having been read
Mr.. Weller took objection to statements thar,i,,
to this effect Mr.. Wilson stated to the Senate
that his colleague was unable to attend the SEN
ate to-day, in consequence ofinjuries received in
an assault made upon him in the Senate YES
terday." He did not conceive that it was
usual to state the remarks made by a Senator
s 90 the Journal. To introduce the resolution
was We proper, and also equally proper to
make an inquiry -frsSto the facts bat to place
any remarks of Sen.Sl2.r upon the journal
was not usual, and therefore not neeees 10y
After brief remark from Mr. Seward ana
MIR. Mason as to the propriety of the entry on
the Journal
Mr.. Weller said his only object was 10 call
the attention Of the Senate to the subject. lie
thought from the reading that the statement
was unhe eessary, and still thought so, but
would make no motion on the subject
Mr.. Pearce called the attention of the Senate
to the fact, that in the adoption Of the resolu-
ton, on Friday last, appointing a special com.
mittee to investigate the occurrence relating To
the late assault, power had not been given to
send for persons and papers. 1t would be i'm
possible to make proper investigation without
having that power conferred on the committee,
and ne asked that it might be extended to
them which was agreed to.
The Senate then proceeded 10 the copsiJera.
ton of the special order, being the bill to au-
thorlze the people Of Kansas to form a Con-
sttuton and State Government preparatory to
their admission into the CniOn when they have
the requisite population,
MIR. Pugh addressed the Senate at length IN
favor Of The bill as reported from the Corn
Inlttee on Territories. lie descanted on the
amendment proposed by MIR. Seward as i'm
possible on account Of want of the necessary
population, aud because the Constitution estab
hshed at Topeka was not adopted bv anv CON
siderable number of the people
MIR. Wade obtained the floor. and the sinh.
Ject was postponed till Friday
HOUSE
Some time was spent H. the consideration Of
a resolution offered by Mr.. Ball. of Ohio. re-
questhg the President Of the United States to
inform The House what amount Of money has
been expended upon the Capitol extension,
what debts incurred, and what further amount
wall probably be required according TO the
present plan of construction, &c. The rasolu-
ton was adopted without a division. The only
other subject deserving special notice was \
bill reported by Mr.. Ii. Marshall, OF Kentucky.
from the Committee on the Judiciary, providing
for the confirmation Of title to land claims IN
California, under authorizations of the Land
Commissioners and of the Courts. After az
exposition Of the character Of these claims. and
the importance of an early adjustment Of them,
and some opposition, it was agreed to postpone
the consideration OF the subject until the lOth
oil June. Provision was made for payment To
the widow Of the Hon. John q. Miller, of tie
pay and mileage due to him to the day of his
death.