The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1856-03-21
Washington Correspondence of the Char
lesion Mercury.
WAsHIEGToN March 10 1874

Messrs. Editors: Abolitionism has fairly
sprung its rattle in both Houses. For ten
days past the Senate has been fully excr-
cised upon the Kansas question, and has
been the theatre of some rich scenes. 'Ts
sail that i'll secret session Mcssrs. johnson.
| of ARKANSAS, Weller, of California, and
Pugh, OF Ohio, administered handsome
castiga,ion to Mr.. Wilson, of Massachusetts.
The Navy Board has also drawn off some
Of the decIanatory fury of the Senate
Judge Butler has made a capital speech on
each Of these subjects.
His speech on the Kansas question, and
in defence of General Atchison, we think
the finest effort which the Judge has made
Tor some years.
| There is some feeling here upon our for
eign relations. The newsper correspond
ents, in panderlng TO morbid appetite
among our people for novelty and excite
meht, have to some extent, alarmed a war
feeling in our country. The Various points
in controversy may easily bc adjusted.
Time will settle the most, ndouy c,imi-
nal bnngling can magnify the rest into suf-
flclent moment to involve us in war.
think it quite likely that diplomatic inter
course will be suspended, but this will not
be war, although it will, be an initiation of
soreness and restlessness between the two
countries. The enlistment question is as:
suming form Of chronic irritation, and
will, unless managed with good feeling and
good temper on both sides, lead to harass.
ing entang lemenls. The war cl,.mor which
has been raised, is much to he deprecated,
AS 1t s'irs up difficulties, and rufflcs the
wings of commerce. But we have dopes-
tic questions which now vex us sorely, and
threaten 10 vcx us still more. The Whit
leId keeder case is now up before the
Housc, and is exercising the genius and re-
sources of that body.
Some weeks ago the Committee of Elcc-
tions reported a resolution authorizing them
to send to Kansas for persons and papers !;
but, rs they did not give any reasons for
such an extraordinary proceeding, after a
short and sharp debate, it was referred back
- cnen. Last seek they reported back
their resolution, with long report, in which
they profess to give their reasons for the
course indicated. The minority, consisting
Of Stephens of Georgia, Oliver, Of Mis-
souri,, and Smith, of Alabama, have
made a minority report, Which is brief
but able and conclusive. The mi
norly report is accompanied with letter
from Gen. Whitfield, which is lucid and
e'ninently satisfactory. The House is now
fairly launched upon the current of this
discussion, and no one can tell when it
will stop. Reeder will not be admitted,
though it is quite likely that Whitfield will
bercjected. The fanaticis,n of the House
seems driving to this; but, should it thus
eventuate, it will involve US in striking
embarrassment.
The Bill organizing the Territories of
Kansas and Nebraska, orders the Governor
10 take census Of the population: to dis
tribute the number of Representatives a.
mong the districts; to appoint the places
and time for bolding the election, and per-
sons to superin,end it; and then says that
thereafter the Whole power of the subject
shall be in the Territorial Legislature.
K, Thus you will see, that the election hav-
ing been held under the bill, all the power
under,it, in the hands of the Governor,
has been exhausted. Now, if the House
pronoances the Kansas Legislature an iIle-
gal body, where is the power TO order a
new electioD9 Not in the hands of the
Governor. Where. then2, In the hands
OF Congress. But, suppose the Senate
should decide the Kansas Legislature TO be
legal body or suppose the President
should so dccide-aRd,; IN fact, he has so
deeided-and either should refuseto pass or
sigma new bill: what would be the condi.
ton OF things in, the .Territory2 Ono Of
a9arciy-profound confusion.s The action