The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-06-19
VOL. X.

ment of law; and if law is resisted, the admin.
istrative officers have the power to call out a
posse coDattdttts TO aid in the enforcement of the
law. Was it supposed that Gen. Scott was 10
act in subordination of the Sheriff, as one of the
posse cOmitdtus2 If that was the object, he did
not approve Of it, because it YVES calling upon
the highest officer in the army to go there and
perform very subordinate duty in aiding the
Sheriff to make arrests and bring criminals be-
fore the courts of justice. Bat unless that was
the object it could only be that an appeal was
to be taken from the courts of Justice to the
military power.
Mr.. Adams, Of Mississippi, remarked that the
President had power to recommend to Congress
the enactment of such laws as he might think
desirable, but he could find no power by which
congress could recommend to the President
how he should perform his duties.
Mr.. Mallory, of Florida, was opposed TO talir,
up the resolution, and should vote against II in
any form. 1t implied an indictment on the
course ofthe President, and an indictment ON tbs
course OF the officers in command of the military
forces there now. He thought that if Congres,
should cease debating on the subject of Kansas
affairs, all excitement wonld soon be aIlave.L..
and there would be no difficulty in restor'. 3
quiet in Kansas. -
MIR. Crittenden, of Kentucky, was not a little
surprised at the opposition which had been 80
unexpectedly manifested to the resolution. He
had hoped for different result. II was nroposaJ
in the utmost simplicity of purpose. as means
by which the anarchy and blOodshed now pra
vailing in Kansas might probably be suppressed
and ended. The proposition could do no harm
and might do good. 1t is very easy for gentle
men to say, that if all would obey the laws there
would be no trouble; but the point was. that in
consequence OF the fraity Of human nature
there were always some who would not yield
willing obedience to the laws. The remedy was
not adequate to the disease. If all would obey
the laws, there would be no need of courts
Judges sherifis or ails. But it was well known
there were those who did not admit that these
laws were of such character as to demand
their obedience. 1t was contenAed that they
were fraudulently made, and therefore invalid
Hence the propriety of approaching the subject
In calm and temperate manner so that these
difficulties might be settled in the best manner
Mr.. Mallnry . 2if got wish to ilRterfere in.apv
manner with the duties which especially belong
ed to the Executive. Unless the Senate be-
ieved that the President had not done bis duty
hey ought not to NEEDLE with the matter.
Mr.. Mason, of Virginia, believed that every
hing had been done which the occasion calej
or, and which propriety would allow, to bring
he unfortunate state of things in Kansas TO An
end.
Mr.. Seward believed that peace would not be
secured in Kansas until the people should enioy
he full and ample rights of citizenship enjoyed
BY the people OF the organized States.
Mr.. Reid, of North Carolina, argued to show
that no good could result by sending Gen. Scott
to Kansas.
The Senate, without concluding the subject,
adjourned.