Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1856-01-04
sRGF SUMMARY 7HE LATEST VOReN AND DomHsTc stlesNcg

ly taken 10 arrest and punish the par
ties concerned. The matter required
additional importance by the disclose
ure Of the fact that the enlistment was
prosecuted upon plan devised By Off
cial authority
After stating that q rendezvous had
been established in the United States
through the completely of British civil
and military officers, he says; "These
considerations. and the fact that the
cause Of complaint was not mere
casual occurrence. but deliberate de-
sign, conducted by responsible public
functionaries, impelled me to present
the case to the British Government
The subject is still under discussion,
the result of which will be communica-
tod in due time"
After the reading of the Message,
Mr.. Clayton made some remarks rela-
tive 10 the treaty Of April 10, 1850,
in order to show the people Of the
United States the strength of the posi-.
lion assumed by this Government rel.
alive to Central American affairs. and
the injustice of the position taken by
Great Britain, with regard TO the con.
struction Of this treaty. He agreed
generally with all that the President
has stated. and contrasted the pacific
character of this country with the as-
gressiye policy always pursued by
Great Britain.
Mr.. Seward inquired whether the
ground taken by the British Govern
ment. regard;rg the construction OF
that treaty; namely. that it was merely
prospective in its operation. and had
no reference to actusl occupation BY
that country of the territory in ques-
ton, was the understanding Of the
Goverrmens Of the United States
when the treaty was made. MIR. Clay
ton then being Secretary Of State.
Mr.. Clayton replied that it was an
entirely new construction. something
Of which he had never before heard
The debate was further continued at
some length. and the Senate finally
adjourned until Wednesday.
HousE-Mr. Clingman obtained the
floor and said he did not know what
The message contained. but the Presi-
dent had a right. on the assembling Of
Congress, when, in his judgement ne
cessary. to communicate il in writing
The Constitution CAV chin the author
~.
Mr.. Campbell. Of Ohio, contended the
reading Of the message was business.
and. holding that no business can be
transacted until the House is organized
the sending of the Message was bust
ness. in an advance Of an organization
was an innovation.
Clingman was perfectly willing that
the gentleman should decide upon the
question Of order.
Orrsaid the Constitution expressly
recognizes this body as the House.
The House Of Representatives shall
choose their Speaker. and other officers
He thoughtthat Campbell raised his
point too soon, II is respectful to the
President that the message should be
read.
Campbell, OF Ohio, replied it was
utterly useless to have il read, unless
they could do something with it after
1t was read
Mr.. Stephens insisted that the Mes
sage should be read. 1t might con-
tain important matters for Congress to
know.
Mr.. Washburn, Of Maine, contend
ed. this is not Congress. and the
Preside-t cannot communicate until
organization. Mr.. Giddings said,
this is too great question TO be de-
cided upon technicalities. He wished
to meetit boldly. II was an attempt
ed innovation on the part OF this Gov
eminent.
Ifit was important for the President
to communicate the Message, why de-
lay il four weeks? He would not sub
nit to such proceedings.
A debate ensued concerning the
constitutional power in the above
premise, during which. Orr said. the
sending of the Message at this time,
was an innovation, but the cxtraordi-
nary scene here presented justified
the President in taking the responsible
ity. The question was. shall il be re-
ceived.
Humphrey Marshall thought the
Message should be received and laid
on the tabletuntil the House adjourned
The House. after lon, debste. re-
fused to read the message. and laid
the whole subject on the table. The
House then adjourned.