New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-02-21
FROM WASHINGTOX.
KANSAS IN CONGRESS - WAYS AND
MEANS.
om Our Own Correspondent.

Prom Our own NOUcssonuehN
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Feb. ~, $3.50.
Kansas engrossed the attention and interest
of both wings of the Capitol to day La the Senate
Mr.. Wilson anmadverted in a most stirring aud
effective speech on the whole course oil Poiicy
which had been pursued toward the free-State
settlers and emigrants, and denounced with pow
erful invectiye the yacang, false and disgracetul
course of Gov. Shannon throughout all the difficult
ties. In reviewing the official and private charac
ter Of this parsonage he disclosed facts which would
have produced a marked impression on any other
tribunal than one already Predetermined to sustain
Shannon in spite of evidence and in the lace OF the
most overwhelming marks of popular disapproba-
ticn. Still the force of the proof adduced, and the
earnest manner in which it was criticized, seemed
to stagger for a moment even those who, making
ShanIon's cause their own, were unwilling to
abate convictions based upon sectional prejudces.
Asa corrollary TO this discussion, the Senate
Immediately afterward went into Executive Ses-
sion. and there the struggle was renewed through
the nomination of Wilson shannon as Governor of
Kansas. But it was foregOne conclusion. Iestl-
mony and established disqualification for this deli
cate trust went for nothing. The party bugle was
sounded. and he was carried through upon d.
vision, which left the friends of Freedom in
minority. But the record survives and the
names of the men who refused their sanction,
stand now and will stand hereafter, as cOndem-
nation, which no superiority Of numbers can OBJ
literatc.
In the House the Committee on Elections re-
ported resolution asking authority to send for
persons and papers in the contested seat of the Del
egate from Kansas. This simple and ordinary pro-
ceeding at Cnce called out all the bitter feeling OF
the Democracy, and speech followed speech from
that side, each in turn deprecang this concession,
without which it is impossible to reach any safe or
just conclusion. Messrs. Phelps, Stephens aud
Others, exerted all their force to defeat the prOpO-
siion, but they were met at every point and an
swered with complete success by Messrs. Camp
bell Washburne and Hickman on the Anti-Nebras-
ka side. The last particularly distinguished him.
SELF and achieved o successful debut. Mr.. Dunn
only partially sustained the course of cur friends,
assigning as a reason that the inquiry proposed
should be limited within certain restrictions. Ar.
Campbell of Ohio pressed home strong point
upon the opposition by referring to their course in
repeating railroad charter granted by the Terrific
rial Legislature of Minnesota at the last session
upon proof of fraud justly contending that if Con-
gress had the power to act in that case, surely it
had an equal right in the present one, where more
vital principles than individual or corporate spec
ulation are involved.
Finally, Mr.. Stephens of GeOrgia moved ~ re-
commit the resolution, and the vote on that stood
CO Ayes against 81 Nays. The Speaker then re-
corded himself in the negative, and the motion was
lost by tie. Mr.. Dunn voted for the recommit-
ment on the grounds already stated but will prob
ably support TIE resolution directly. Mr.. Walk
went in the same direction without any reason.
Mr. Whitney was absent from indisposition. Mr..
Spinner of New.York and Mr. Clark were called
away by sickness. The former is expected back
to.night. Mr.. BroOme Of Pa. put himself right Oh
the run. Altogether the House was thin, there
being niney-sight aDsentees-almost one half the
House We lost, as usual largely by pairing of
and other accidental causes. 1t is time this sys-
tenn was checked, or that one should be estab-
lished BY which the names OF all denquents should
be daily published.
1t will be seen BY the published Kansas docu-
ments that the actual power OF military interven-
ton is confded 10 the discretion OF Colonies Sum-
ner and Cooke, rather than to Gov. Shannon al
though the requistiOn must officially emanate from
him. Shannon was instructed before leaving here
to avoid complications and in case any exigency
shoud arise by which the United States troops may
be employed, the officers in command will be required
TO communicate with the President before resOrtng
to extremites The report that authority has been
given to arrest or to interfere with the members OF
the Convention at Topeka is unfounded. If any
attempt shall be made to interrupt their proceed
ings by force, the commanding officers must inter
pose for their profession grossly abuse the trust
reposed in their keeping.
The Committee of Ways and Means held their
first regular meeting to-day since their organiza-
ton They are in earnest in the endeavor to ex-
pedite the public business, and with this object in
view, the Committee on the part OF the Senate will
divide the preparation OF tha APpr'ar'As'on St!''