Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1856-03-07
Congressional.
Washington, March 8.

SENArE.-Mr. CaSs made personal ex-
PLANTATION in relation to an article in to-day's
Intelligencer, signed J. w. w, which he
attributed to Jas. Watson Webb. It re-
lates to conversation between Mr.. Webb
and Lord Clarendon, in which the latter
stated that he had no unfriendly feeling to-
wards the United States. The statement
was explanatory of remark made by Clar-
endon in the House of Lords, that the un
Outstanding between the English and French
governments was perfect in relation to all
parts of the world; which was understood
as menace to this country regarding Cuba.
Mr.. Cass asked, if Lord Clarendon's Ian
guage had been misunderstood, why did he
not explain it in his place in the House Of
Lords, instead of leaving it to be explained
in private letter which few persons would
see or hear of?
The bill authorizing the construction of
ten sleeps of war was then taken up. AT
ter discussion the bill was passed.
The Trumbull election case was then dis
cussed.
SENATE.-Mr. Seward referred to several
periods of our history, from the affair of the
Caroline to the late dispute in regard to the
fisheries, to show that the appearance of a
single British vessel had frightened the
country into fear of impending war. He
said he was tired of such things, and wished
the people, especially the merchants of our
commercial cities, to discuss questions of Ma
tional interest without being alarmed
through fear of inability of our government
10 maintain them in their property, rights
and interests. He said he would vote for
this increase of the Navy, irrespective of
any question in regard to our foreign rela-
tons, simply because he thought it wrong
to leave the seaboard exposed, and because
there never had been time more propitious
than the present, when without any altera-
tion of our revenue system, we are receiving
an immense surplus revenue, and could do
SO.
Mr. Hale thought it absurd to undertake
to put our Navy on a footing to compete
with other countries. 1t reminded him of
legacy Of ten pounds bequeathed by an
Englishman to pay the National debt. If
there was any apprehension of war, it orig
mated in Congressional speeches. 1t is
time to economise expenditures.
Mr.. Bell, of Tenn, said the bill was unan-
imously Recommended by the Naval Com
mittee not founded on any existing alarm
on the subject of war. The object vas to
supply class of vessels really nessesary for
the protection of commerce.
Mr.. Hunter believed that the matters of
difference between Great Britain and the
United States were such as ought to be set
tied, if common discretion is exercised. The
passage of the bill should not create more
alarm. We increase the chances of peace
by preparation for war, thus diminishing the
opportunity for foreign powers to speculate
on our weakness, real or supposed.
The bill was then passed. The estimat-
ed cost of each vessel is 100000, including
equipment and steam machinery. Two
millions are now appropriated.
The Trumbull election case was consider
ed. Mr.. Crittenden favored Mr.. TrumbulPs
right to the scat, stating that the Constiu-
ton of the United States defines the quail
fieatiou of Senators, and no State has au-
thoritv to require the other.
Mr.. Pugh contended that the plain and
obvious meaning of the State Constitution
should govern the question. The State had
a right to require any qualification it pleas
ed, so long as there was no conflict with the
Constitution of the United States Ad-
iourned.
HoUsE.-The deficiency appropriation
bill was considered. The discussion of it
had not concluded when the House adjourn
ed. .r.