The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-03-19
correspondence of the Charleston Mer.
CurV,
WAsuINGToN, Marcl

MeSsrs. Editors : AbolitiOnlsm has fair
ly sprung lis rattle in both Houses. For
len days pgst the Senate has been fully
exercised upon tho Kansas question, and
has been tie theatre Of some rich scenes.
lis said, that in secret session Mcssrs.
Johnson, Of Arkansas, Weller, of Califor-
aia, and Pugh, Of OHIO, administered a
handsome castigation TO Mr.. Wilson, of
Massachusetts. The Navy Board has al
so drawn of some Of the declanatoty fu-
ry Of the Senate: Judge Hu,ler has lnaAe
capital speech OH each OF these subjects.
His speech on the Kansas question, and
in defence Of General Atklson, we think
the finest effort which the Judge has made
for some wears.
There is some feeling here upon our
foreign relations. The newspaper cores
pondcnts, in pandering to n morbid appe.
tite among our people for novelty and ex
citement, have, to some extent, alarmed n
war feeling in our country. The various
points in controversy may easily Lo al
justed. Time will settle the most, and on
ly criminal bungling can magnify the rest
into sufficient moment 10 involve us in a
war. | think it quite likely that diplomatic
intercourse will be suspended, but this will
not be war, although it will not be an iui-
lialion Of soreness and res;lessness between
the two countries. The cnlising question
is assuming a form Of chronic irritation.
and will, NGless managed with good feel
ing and good temper on both sides, lead
to haTrassing entamglements. The war
ciamor which has been raised, is much to
Be deprecated, as it stirs up difficulties, and
ruffies the wings of commerce. But we
have domestic questions which now veS us
sorely, and threaten us much more. The
Winfield and Rcedcr case is now UP be.
fore tho House, and is exercising the cc-
mus and resources Of that body.
same weeks ago the Committee of E!cc-
tions reported resolution authorizing
them to send to Kansas for persons and
papers; but, as they did not give any
reasons for such an extraordinary proceed.
ins, after siior; aHd sharp debate, !: was
referred back TO them. Last week they
reported back their resolution, wi. long
report, in which they profess to give their
reasons for the course indicated. Tie
minority, consisting Of Stephens, of Geor-
gio, Oliver, Of Missouri, 'snd Smith, OF
Alabama, have made n minority report,
which is brief, but able and conclusive
The minority report is accompanied with
letter from Gen. Whitfield, which is lu.
cid and eminenty satisfactory. The House
is now fairly launched upon the current Of
4 ,s al Il N
it will stop. ReeIer will not be admitted,
though it is quite likely that Whitfield
will be rejected. The iaRst:cism of the
House seems driving to this; but, should
1t thus evcntuate, it will involve us IN a
striking embarrassment.
The bill organizing the Territories Of
Kansas and Nebraska, orders the Cover.
nor to take census OF the population; 10
distribute tho number OF Representatives
among the districts to appoint the places
and time for holding the elections, apd
persons to superintcnd it; and then SAYS
that thereafter the whole power Of tho
subject shall be i'll tho Territorial Lcci,la
ture.
Thus you will see, that the elections hav-
ing been held under the bill, nil the pow
er under it, in the hands Of the Cover O :,
has been exhausted. Now, IL the House
pronounces the kansas Legislature an lille
gal body, whereis the power 10 order aew
election! Not in the hands Of the Gov
ernor Where, then In the hands (
Congress. But, supposed tho Senate
should decide the Kansas Lcgisture to Lc
legal body; or suppose tho PRESIDENT
should SO decide-apd, IN !sct, he has so
decided-and either should refuse to pass
or sign new bill what would he the
condition Of things in the Territory Que
Of anarcliy-profound confusion. The
action OF the House may yet involve us in
utter embarrassment.
The debate in the House upon the sub
jcct has been very able one Mr.. Boyce,
of South Carolina, made n superb speech.
lls is one Of the very best and clearcst con-
stitutionsl lawyers in the House. Ills
opinions always carry great weight with
them. Ills discussion Of the many grave
questions connected with this subject, was
luminous and profound. lie commanded,
throughout his argumcht, the unhagging
attention Of the House. This is the best
test Of a mans standing in the House. Mr..
3oyce is regarded here as having exhaust.
ed the important points in the controver-
~. So far as the friends Of Whitfield are
concerned, they can leave their case with
Mr.. Boyce's argument. Ills constituents
may well DC proud Of him.
Washington is gay. There are balls
every week, and private parties innunne
rsble. Tkcre are great many brilliant
women here, and many matcbes are said
to be on the tapis. The weather has been
balmy and delicious. Penns yIvania Ave
nue. flashes with silks. and b!aSes with
beauty. will give the facts connected
Kansas as they arise.
CHARLESTON.