The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-07-31

having been disclosed TO the contrary was legal,
and its laws must be enforced, until abolished
or changed by proper authority. If he had his
way, he should withdraw the army from Kan
sas, believing the people there capable of self
government. He did not want troops to enforce
laws.
Mr. Giddings declared that the Missourians,
not the people of Kansas, had enforced those
laws. 1t was an usurpation not to be permit
ted in a republican Governments despotism
never before known. He was willing that the
army should be withdrawn, and not employed
to dispense persons peaceably assembling, or
to arrest them on mere allegations of offence.
Mr.. Whitfield, for once in his life, agreed
with Mr.. Giddings, that the army should be
withdrawn. He had for long time been anx-
ious for this, and would not give farthing for
laws which could not be sustained by the peo-
pie. He denied the right of Congress to repeal
the laws of Kansas the Supreme Court of the
United States was the proper tribunal to pro-
nounce upon their legality. But for inAamma.
tory speeches made here by Northern men,
Kansas would now be as quiet as any part of
the country. The Missourians, as charged,
were not responsible for the disturbances.
Mr.. Savage said it was the duty of the Pres
ident to enforce the laws and suppress all in
surrections; hence the propriety of keeping
military forces in Kansas for the preservation
of peace. He characterized the object of the
amendment to be to seize power which Con-
gross had no right to exercise, and O part of the
game to obstruct the operation of the laws.
Mr.. Sherman said, when he was in Westport,
he saw large force of armed Missourians
taking up the line of march for Kansas, to en-
force these pretended laws. These things are
now done. Massachusetts men and others from
free States are prevented from travelling over
Al Il L. IL
from the Territory. Mr.. Whitfield started with
a company from Westport. he saw him go.
In answer to a question by Mr.. Whitfield, he
said, Mr.. Whitfield informed him at that time
that he was going over for peaceful purposes
to prevent fight.
Mr. Whitfield explained, at length, to the
effect that he did go with a Missouri force. He
went with small party, to prevent difficulty
nothing more.
Mr.. McMullin thought the pending PROPOSE
ton was direct attack on the Executive de.
partment, with which the House had no right
to interfere.
Mr.. Cumback said the amendment is to pre-
vent the enforcement of laws that were never
passed by the people of Kansas. He was glad
to see that the opposition side of the House in
tended to place themselves on the ground of
carrying out the original plot of repeating the
State. Free State men have q right to 90
there in such numbers as they choose.
MIR. Florence Indignantly denied that he had
voted 10 repeal the Missouri restriction for the
purpose of making Kansas slave State. The
gentleman from Indiana should not so accuse
members of improper motives.
MIR. Cox did not approve of all the laws of
Kansas, but he wanted them enforced till they
were repealed or modified. Hence he would
keep the army there till the people return to
sense of justice and propriety.
Mr.. Kennett attributed the troubles to de-
liberate determination formed among certain
members of Congress, pending the Nebraska
and Kansas bills, to make Kansas free State
The adoption of the amendment would leave
the Territories in condition of discord and
civil war.
Mr.. Stephens, replying to Mr.. Cumback, said
that, as Southern and national man, it was
not his object, in voting to repeal the Missouri
restriction, to make Kansas slave State He
wished to leave it to the people to select their
own institutions.
Mr.. Craige made a similar avowal.
MIR. Qultman, In condemning the amend
ment, did not believe those who spoke in favor
of it would dare usurp power not granted by
the Constitution, by assuming the functions of
the Judiciary, and depriving the President of the
duty imposed on him by that instrument.
Mr.. Wakeman contended that Congress can
repeal not only a part, but all the laws of Kan
sas; the Constitution gave ample power, and
the Senate has SO declared in its Kansas BILL
MIR. Seward said that Mr.. Wakeman stood
forth as the open violator of the Constitution
He was opposed to a withdrawal of the forces,
because, if this was done, civil war would forth
with ensue.
Mr.. Millson deprecated the introduction of
the amendment.
Mr. Simmons advocated it on constitutional
grounds. Mr.. Stanton moved an amendment,
declaring the laws of Kansas null and void
lie would stand by this, even at the hazard of
the loss of the bill. Cries of agreed"1
MIR. Letcher and Mr.. Bowie earnestly opposed
these proceedings.
Mr.. Stanton's amendment was then agreed
to-yeas 81, nays Sc.
Mr.. Barbour's proposition, as thus amended,
was then adopted by a vote of u against 81.
The House has yet to vote on the act.
The Committee here rose.
MIR. Washburn, of Maine, from the Commit
tee on Elections reported resolution declar-
ing Mr.. Whitfield was not elected to a seat in
Congress, and that Mr.. Reeder be admitted to
a seat as the Delegate from Kansas.
Mr.. Wsshburn gave notice that he will call
up the resolution on Wednesday.
The House then took a recess till o'clock.
EUening Session.-Mr. Clark condemned the
repeal of the Missouri Compromise as the source
of the strife and heart.burning prevalent in the
country and the bloodshed in Kansas,
Mr.. Campbell, of Kentucky, gave notice of
his intention to speak of the corruptness of the
Government from the period of Mr.. Buchanan's
connection with it, holding himself responsible,
in or ont of the Capitol, for what he might utter.
Mr.. Brenton argued against Slavery extern
sion, and exposed the inconsistencies of the
Democratic platforms on that subject.
Several members awaited themselves of the
opportunity to let off political speeches, occupy
ing the time of the House till after 10 o'clock.
Mr.. Burlingame has returned, and appeared
in the House this evening Adjourned