Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1856-12-26
Congress-.


Mr.. Benjnmin thought the resolution
ought not to pass, and moved its reference
10 tho committee on Finance, in order that it
might have thorough investigation Motion
ncgauved
The subject was then debated at some
considerable length but no final action was
taken.
SIR. Fessondon introduced bill in addi-
ton to an act, to more eilcctually provide for
the punishment Of certain crimes against the
United States. Referred TO the committee
on the Judiciary.
Mr.. Fessenden explained that it was in
tended to remedy certain defects in criminal
law, saying it had been found that for the
crime Of manslaughter when committed on
the high seas, the person not dying until he
arrived ON shore, there was no punishment
HousE.-Mr Whitfield introduced a bill
for paying losses by the recent disturbances
in Kansas, and for establishing District
Court at Leavcnworth city.
Mr.. Campbell reported several appropda-
ton bills; also a bill amending the 26th
section Of the tariff of 1912 40 as to prevent
the importation Of obscene prints, stationery,
etc. The bill was passed.
The House then resumed debate on the
Presidents message.
Mr.. Nichols of Ohio commended notwith-
standing the aspersions of the President, that
the agitation of the slavery question is the
Legitimate consequences Of the repeal of the
Missouri Compromise.
Mr.. Crawford of Ga. approved of every
word in the Presidents Message. lie be-
loyed, Notwithstanding their denials that tho
Republicans were prepared to Interfere with
the Institutions Of the slave States
Mr. Jones Of Tenn. argued that no ex-
press power had been delegated to Congress
10 establish territorial government, but, hold
ing a large extent Of soil. the Constitution
gives authority for the application Of rules
under which the country shall be settled and
the public lands sold. Then in accordance
with this first great principle, the law organ
ling Nebraska and Kansas derived It's vital
ity from the implied consent of the lreemen
who settle the country They should be al.
lowed TO exercise the right to frame their
own institutions, the power of the territorial
assembly extending to all rightful subjects
of legislation consistent with the constiiu-
ton of the United States and the principles
of the organic act The Republican party,
so far from carrying out the principles Of
true Republcanlsm would play the part Of
despotism undor the cry Of liberty and free.
dom, claiming and exercising power to gov
orn the people m the territories. Adjourned.
WEDNESDAY. Dec. II.
SENATE Mr.. Weller gave notice that
Immediately after the holidays he should
call up the Pacific Railroad bill which was
under discussion last session, and indulged
the hope That it would command the vote Of
a majority of the Senate.
The consideration of the bill granting fur
Their time 10 the creditors of Texas TO pres
sent their claims WINS resumed
$4,000 extra copies Of the Secretary of
the Treasuy's Report on Finances were
ordered 90 be printed
Mr.. james gave notice of his intention to
introduce bIIl establishing a navy yard at
| Newport, r. /.
/ Mr. Seward introduced a resolution which
was adopted, requesting the Secretary of the
Navy TO report whether, IN his opinion, 1t is
/ practicable and eXpedlent TO cause steam
vessels TO be so constructed as TO afford
greater security against accidents By FIRE
than now exists, and TO submit such suggcs-
tons as he may think proper for Legislation
on that subject.
Adjourned
HousE-The debate on the Presidents
Message was resumed.
Mr.. Cumbnck defended the Republican
party from the insinuatons Of the President,
that they had assaied the institutions Of the
country, and sought to destroy the Union by
ovcruuing the Constitution. Such a charge
was eniirslr 9rptuitnr- Tho-~ ---- .t---
aaid by the leaders OF that party, 20 justify
such an allegation. On the contrary they
had declared for the principles Of the Dec
laruton OF Independence and the manten-
ance of the Union and the Constitution, as
essential to our happiness and general
prosperity. lie yeutured to say that If a ros-
oluuon had been introduced in the Cincin-
nau Convention, asserting that the Union
should be preserved, at all hazards, it would
not have received an unanimous vote. When
/ the President the great political physician.
came TO Doctor the Republicans for disunion
maodes, he would commend him 10 look
at some Southern papers which support the
administration, while they advocate DISCO
luton Of the Onion. The Republicans ar
;algn the President at the bar of this House
for making Wliul misrepresentation. They
could prove there was a dIsuntou pa rty favor
ing the revival Of the slave trade, and pro-
hlbitng free speech and free press. The
Republicans make no attack upon Slavery
IN the States. They washed their hands of
that institution, but when, he said, you at
tempt to plant It on ground in which we
have common interest, then if we suffer you
to do It, we are responsible for the institution
not Otherwise" He claimed the Republi-
can as the only whlte-man party in the coun-
| try.
/ Mr. Walker commented on that part of
the Presidents Message which states his
reason for disseminating diplomatic relations
with Nicaragua, and expressed the opinion
/ that tins government had made a mistake
from The beginning to the end, concerning
the whole Central American question. He
insisted on the Importance of having some
settled understanding with Cenlrl America.
as through dat country, we must have
transit 10 the Pacific. to enjoy the rich trade
OF the East lie did not seek to inculcate
the idea OF annexation, but, that our coun-
try was destined to enlarge It's domains. he
had no doubt.
Mr.. Brooks SAID, he, as democrat, and
South Curolinlan, would vote foe the admiss-
ion OF a State excluding Slavery, provided
this should be agreed upon by majority Of
the actual settlers. He regulated squatter
sovereignty IN a territory as affecting South
ern rights, and did not wish TO lose the ben
eft of the Kansas-Nebraska bill
Adjourned,
THURSDAY, Dec, Is,
SENArE-On motion of Mr.. Fish, the
Committee on Commerce were directed TO
inquire into the eXpcdiency OF erecting
Custom House at Sag Harbor.
Mr., Hale offered resolution directing
the Committee on Military Affairs to inquire
into the eXpedlency of disseminating further
appropriations for the Military Asylums in
the District OF Columbia, and what is the
annual expense and manner Of supporting
soldiers there; and whether more comfort
abs mode may not be adopted at much less
expense, by direct payment in money, or by
boarding them at private establishments, or
by atiordng relief in some other way. He
had understood that the Military Asylum in
this District supported seventy or eighty sol
ders at a cost Of about five hundred dollars
each giving them nothing but pork and
beans, and the usual army alions, together