Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-12-20


Thursday, Dec. s.
SENATB.-On motion of Mr.. Fish of N Y,
the Committee on Commerce was directed to
inquire into the expediency of erecting Gus
tom house at Sag Harbor.
Mr.. Hale of n. H., offered a resolution d.
recting the Committee on Military Affairs to
inquire into the expediency of disseminating
further appropriations for the Military Asy-
lums in the District of Columbia, and what IS
the annual expense and manner of support.
ing soldiers there; and whether a more COM
Portable mode may not be adopted, at much
less expense, by direct payment in money, or
by boarding them at private establishments,
or by aHording relief in some other way. He
had understood that the Military Asylum in
this District supported seventy or eighty SOL
diers, at a cost of about $500 each, giving them
nothing but pork and beans, and the usual
army rations. together with such vegetables
were raised on the place. The soldiers ere
likewise separated from their families; where
as much smaller amount of money would
enable better care to be taken of them at ;heir
respective homes.
Mr.. Thompson OF KY, suggested an amend
ment, which Mr.. Hale accepted, extending a
similar inquiry to the Military Asylums at
Harrodsburg, KY, and TO report if desirable
to retain either, and which; and further,
whether the asylum at Harrodsburg may not
be benefcially removed to California.
The resolution passed.
Mr.. Stuart presented the memorial of Ed.
Walk. Collins and associates, contractors for
carrying the mails between New York and
Liverpool, setting forth that the original con-
tract does not enable them to keep up success
full competition with the British line, sustained
as it is, by the increase OF government sup.
port. They express an unwillingness to sur
render to England the great national ocean
supremacy they have won, and desire, if it
must be surrendered, it shall be done by
hands other than their own, and ask. mas
much as they embarked in the enterprise at
the solicitation of our government, Congress
may pass law to terminate their contract.
and dispose Of their ships, so they be relieved
from the undertaking without loss.
The memorial was referred 70 the Post Of
fee Committee.
The Presidents message was then consid-
cred
Mr.. Jones OF Tenn, thought the Presidents
condemnation or structures on the Republicans
perfectly proper, and eminenlly truthful
There was another question of far greater I'M
portance to him and the country, than any
which might be got up on bubbles regarding
the Presidents message it was as to the pow
er of Congress to carry slavery into he terri
tories, or exclude it therefrom. Much had
been said on both sides of this question but
after all, it was not a question for Congress,
or any other deliberative body, to decide. 1t
was to be adjudicated by the Supreme Court
of the United States, and he hop ed in few
days their decision would be given.
He read several extracts from speeches
made at different times, by prominent mem
bers of the Republican party, to demonstrate
that they were laboripg for the eventual en-
tinguishment Of slavery within the States
He then read an extract from speech of Mr..
Seward, which appeared in the Union.
Mr.. Seward inquired if the speech was
given in full?
Mr.. Jones repled-God forbid that the
Uaion should fill its columns with speeches of
that character. The senator from New York
had Advertised to the Senate that his speeches
had been printed by Mr.. Redfeld in three
volumes, i'll which senators could find his
words and opinions laid down fully, il they
desired to read them, but he (Jones) had no
particular relish for that kind of literature,
and did not like to purchase and carry it
home; SO he preferred to depend upon news
paper extracts.
Mr.. Seward referred to the books as con-
tanned i'll the Congressional Library. He
would give copy to Mr.. Jones or any other
senator who would accept or desired to read
it.
Mr.. Jones replied. He never allowed any
man to Guido him in generosity and would
cheerfully accept the senator's offer, with the
proviso that he should not be required to carry
the books South of Mason and Dixon's line.
Excessive laughter. He would read them
III the District of Columbia. but was not sure
w of no if,bf
he carried them home TRenew ed merri n emit,
Mr.. Wade. 1t seems, then, you have no
freedom in the South.
Mr.. Jones. We have no such freedom as
permits men to go there and incite insurrec-
ton among our slaves, and cause them to
murder our wives and children. MIR. Jones
then alluded to Mr.. Hale, when the latter
arose and defended his heretofore expressed
opinions concerning higher law.
The colloquy between Mr.. Hale and Mr..
Jones was conducted with considerable spirit,
and both sides afforded much amusement to
all listeners.
Mr.. Wilson obtained the floor, when the
Senate adjourned.
HoUsE-In the House, twenty thousand
copies OF the Presidents message were or
dered to be printed.
Gen. Quitman of Mississippi, addressed the
House IN defence OF the Presidents message.
Mr., Branch defended the South from the
misrepresentation concerning its growth,
prosperity, and social condition, and contend
ed that the issue, made up and decided upon
in the late canvass, was in favor of the peace
and quiet of the South against Congressional
agitations of the slavery question.
Mr.. Davidson entered INTO an argument to
show that Congress has not now, and never
had the power to legisate on the question of
slavery in the territories. Adjourned.