The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1856-06-24

~ SESATE.-Mr. Clayton said it would be re-
inembercd that he had carefully abstained
from uttering, during the present session, one
word calculated to add to the excitement
growing out of the present distressing occur
rences in Kansas. He had endeavorcd 10 con-
ciliate all parties, that no might, on suita-:
bic occasion, present a suitable measure Of
justice, harmony, and peace. He NOW in
tended to make proposition in the sincerity
of an honest heart, designed to propitiatc no
particular party or section. He would not
present his bill as a partisan Of any candidate
for the Presidency. Like the sailor he desired
to go in a gang by himself. He was the
little State Of Delaware, which occupies little
ground between tho Northern and Southern
grounds of the confedemcy. The Northern
county of that Safe, with 10000 inhabi-
tants, has scarcely one hundred slaves. Tho
Southern is as grossly pro-slavery as Georgia,
and is the one which gave him birth, and is
conservative, but the whole Of that State is
deeply anxious to preserve tho Union, and
prevent rupture if possible. .a
He had objections to Kansas come into the
was, that it has not federal population of
10000, exclusive Of Indians and others not
taxed.
There is feeling in the North, which if
suffered to continue, will result in serious in
jury to the common Union.
He states his objections, both to Mr.. Doug
las and Mr.. Soward's bill proposing the ad
mission Of Kansas and referred to the latest
accounts from that territory, asking, "shall
we, sit by, when 40 men were, recently slain,
and the excitement constantly increasing, and
towns sacked and plundered, without en-
deavoring to avoid the distressing and shame
full state Of affairs" 1t is only by justice,
peace can be restored.
The Senate morning adopted resolution
calling for the correspondence between this
country and England on the maritime laws,
that free ships make free goods.
Mr.. Clayton offered proposition for re-
storing harmony, justice and peace to Kan
sas.
Some laws in Kansas, added Mr.. Clayton,
are palpably unjust and unconstitutional and
that it is the duty of Congress to repeal one
Of them which declares no man shall vote till
he swears to obey the provisions Of the fugi-
tive law. He thought it unjust and cruel to-
wards those who differed with him In regard
to that law, it was a dangerous and unex-
ampled precedent and contrary TO the Nebras-
ka bill.
Another law of Kansas denies any man
the right to speak or print against the exist
ence or legality of Slavery in that Territory,
and Furnishes such infractions with hard labor
in the Pcnitcntiary for not less than two years.
1t docs not say how many more. This shows
the disgraccful character of the act.
Mr.. Clayton went on to say that the Ne
braska bill provides that the Secretary of the
State shall cause census to be taken, making
1000 persons tho basis for one Representative
to the lower branch of the Legislature of the
Territory, and 5000 Gr the upper. Legal
voters must he residents of the Territory for
3 months, and Of their respective election dis
trict one month before each election.
After the apportionment tho Governor is
to issue his proclamation directing the election
of members Of the Assembly and Legisla-
turc. And the bill provides that when the
Territory contains 93,42O inhabitants the peo-
pie shall be authorized to call Convention
for the formation of State Constitution.
Mr.. Adams made speech in favor Of his
bill proposing the extension Of the term of
naturalization to twenty-one years, and pre-
venting foreign paupers and criminals from
voting.
Mr.. Davis presented tho resolution Of the |
Rhode Island Legislature, condemning the as
sau.t on Sumner. He said while he had tho |
honor TO hold seat in tho Senate, he should |
defend, here, or elsewhere, if need be, the
freedom Of debate. "a
Mr., Seward said it is not the rights ofindi-
vidual members which are involved, States
only are here represented; and when we for
get our States, and bring ourselves, our rights
and wishes before this Assembly, the Consti-
tuition prevents Senator from being called
to an account elsewhere than in the Senate,
for words spoken in debate.
After somc further debate by Seward, Brown,
and Others, adjourned till Thursday,
Congressional.