The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-12-25

accordance with the Constitution than those OF
any other party. He would sustain that party
when right, but would not close his lips when
he believed they were wrong.
Mr.. Quitman, of Mississippi, then obtained
the floor.
And at o'clock the House adjourned.
Thursday, December Is, 1856.
SENATE
Resolution by Mr.. Hale, directing the Com
mittee on Military Affairs to inquire into the
expediency of disseminating further appropria-
tons for the military asylum in the District of
Columbia, and what is the annual expense and
manner of supporting soldiers there, and
whether a more comfortable mode may not be
adopted at much less expense, by direct pay
ment in money, or by boarding them at private
establishments, or by affording relief in some
other way, with an amendment by Mr.. Thomp-
son. of Kentucky, embracing the military asy.
lum at Harrodsburgh, Kentucky, in the in
quiry. Passed
Mr.. Pearce, irom the Library Committee, re-
ported the House resolution striking out the
section authorizing the purchase of DR.. Kane's
narrative, bat reservipg the following, which
passed:
ReSOlUed, That the Secretary of the Navy
cause to be struck eff and presented to DR..
Kane, his officers and men, such appropriate
medals as, in the judgment of the Secretary,
shall express the high estimation in which
Congress holds their respective merits and SER
vices.
Memorial from Z. X. Collins and his asso-
ciates, asking Congress to RELEASE them from
their contract, and take their ships off their
hands, On the ground that the original contract
does not enable them to keep up a successful
competition with the British line without great
loss. Referred to Committee on the Post Office.
The Presidents message was then consid-
cred.
Mr.. Jones, of Tennessee, thought the Presi-
dents condemnation of the Republicans emf
nently truthful. There was another question
of far greater importance: it was, as to the
power of Congress to carry Slavery into the
Territories, or exclude it therefrom. Much
had been said ON both sides of this question
but, after all, it was not question for Congress
or any deliberatve body to decide. 1t was to
be adjudicatsd by the Supreme Court of the
United States, and he hoped in a few DAYS
their decision would be given. While he should
deeply regret if the decision be against the
rights and interests Of the South, yet, egarding
the Constitution as that higher law which is
| above all law, he was ready to bow submissive
~ 10 the decision, be it what it n ight. If al
vpuid agree to submit to that decision, thin
90 ifoversy was approaching its end, and every
Ios 6 of his country would rejoice to have
hnAt settlement of this agitating subject made
q tois time. He considered Squatter Sever
eighty ss one of the greatest political hum
hngs of the dsy. The ordination of that phrase
had been attributed to the venerable Senator
from Michigan; but he believed the term wss
first used derisively by Mr.. Calhoun. In order
to show the dangerous nature Of the efforts oil
the Aboitionists, be read several extracts from
speeches made at different times by prominent
members OF the Republican party, to demon
strate that they were laboring for the eventual
extinguishment of Slavery within the States
He could not vouch for the accuracy of these
extracts but if any of them did injustice to
any Senator, he should be glad to be correct
ed. He then read an extract from a speech OF
Mr.. Seward, which appeared In the Union.
Mr.. Seward inquired if the speech was given
in full.
Mr.. Jones replied, God forbid that the Union
should Gil it's columns With speeches of that
character. He remembered that the Senator
from New York had advertised to the Senate
that his speeches had been printed By Mr.
Redheld, in three volumes, in which Senators
could find his (Sewaro's) opinions laid down
fully if they desired to read them, but be
(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
newspaper extracts.
Mr. Seward did not intend to have Mr.. Jones
purchase the books, but referred to them as
contained in the Congressional Library. He
had supplied one Senator With a copy of his
works at his own expense, and would give one
TO Kr. Jones, or any other Senator, who would
run the risk Of accepting and desired to read it.
Mr.. Jones replied, he never allowed any man
to Guido him in generosity, and you'd cheer
fully accept the Senator's OFFER with the pre-.
yiso that he should not be required to carry the
books south of Mason and Dxon's line. Ex-
cessiye laughter. He would read them in the
District of Columbia, but was not sure but
what be might get into the penitent;e-y if he
carried them home. Renewed merrimentl
Mr.. Wade. 1t seems, then, you have no free.
dom in the South.
Mr.. Jones. We have no such freedom az per.
mits men to go there and incite insurrection
AMONG our slaves, and cause them to murder
our wives aad children.
Mr.. Jones then alluded TO Mr.. Hale, when the
latter arose and defended his heretofore ex-
pressed opinions concerning higher law.
The colloquy between Mr.. Hale and Mr.. Jones
was conducted with considerable spirit on both
sides, and afforded much amusement to all
listeners.
Mr.. Wilson obtained the floor, when the
Senate adjourned.
Twenty Thousand copies of the Presidents
message and accompanying documents were
ordered to be printed.
fhe consideration of the Presidents mes.
sage was then resumed.
Mr.. Quitman believed that every word used
by the President on the Slavery question was
welltimed and true and the DEVELOPMENTS in
the Honge show that the objects of the Repub.
lican party were such as the Executive had
attributed to them. The leading men in that
organization had declared that their purpose
vas to destroy that institution which is inter.
twined With the Southern States. Speaking
on the subject of Central America, Mr.. O. said
he was opposed, as an American, to bowling
and yielding to England or France. This has
been the rock on which we have split. We
want 10 treaty with any foreign nation relative
to our duty on this Continent, and should not.
therefore, call on any European Power to come
across the ocean to help to regulate Central
American affairs. We should on,selyes attend
TO this matter. He believed General Walker
was al instrument in the hands AZ Providence
to carry on American civilixation, and that it
was the duty of our GoyernInspt not 10 throw
obstacles in his way.
Mr.. Q. concluded by minuisly dsGuing his
views on the theory of our Gogernuent and its
practical application to questions ef TIE day,
taking strictly State Rights view Of the entire
subject.
BAR. Branch defended the South from the
misrepresentation concerning itt growth, pros
perity, and social condition, and bonclsj1sd that
the issue made up and decided upon II ths late
| - &c Al