The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-07-03
THlRTY-F 0URTH CONGRESS,
First Session.
Tuesday, June "a, 1856.
SENATE.

A message was received from the President
in response to a resolution asking for copy OF
the instructions to Mr.. Buchanan, late Minister
to England, on the subject of the invitation To
the British Government TO enter into a treaty
similar to that between Russia and the United
States, recognising the principle in favor oil
neutral commerce, that free ships make free
goods, contraband of war excepted and that
the goods of q friend captured on board the
vessels OF an enemy, with the like exception,
shall not be bject to cOnfscation; and, further
more, that the parties shall apply these princi
Piles to the commerce and navigation of all such
Powers and States as shall consent to adopt
them on their part as permanent and immuta-
bic.
Mr.. Marcy, among other things. says that
France was likewise invited to enter into a sim
liar treaty, and that he apprehends no serious
objection, excepting from Great Britain; apd,
but for her resistance to the principle that the
neutral flag protects the property which it
covers, If 1t be not contrahand OF war; it would
long ago have been regarded as a wel-estab-
hsned rule OF international law. She has i'm
pledly admitted its justice, by adopting it as
the guide of her conduct in the present war
with Russia. If it is fair toward neutrals 10
act upon it now, it will be difficult Cor her to
devise good reasons foT not observing it in all
future warE,
No response from France or England accom-
panies the Presidents message.
Mr. Mason introduced Joint resolution ap-
propriating $4,000 for the purchase and res
toration to the British Govern meat Of the ship
Resolute, late Of the British navy, which was
abandoned in the Arctic Seas, and found by the
crew of an American whaleship, by whom she
was brought to this country. Passed.
Mr.. Geyer introduced bill supplementary to
the act organizing the Territories of Nebraska
and Kansas, snd providing for the faithful exc
paiion of said act in Kansas, according to the
true intent and meaning thereof.
MIR. Hunter replied TO the illusions of Mr..
Sumner 20 the State of Virginia, and comment
ed Oh the resolutions Of the Massachusetts
Legislature concerning the late assault He
knew of no previous instance in which the
Legislature of any State had stepped forward to
PREJUDICE case of this kind; and he thought it
could result only IN increasing the exaspera.
ton OF that unfortunate sectional feeling which
rs now threatening the peace of the whole coun-
try, and endangering the perpetuity of its insti-
tutIonS. Massachusetts, had nothing to say by
way OF rebuke to Mr. Sumner for his offensive
personalities but, so far from that. she had scs-
ually endorsed that speech, and thanked him
for having made it, lie (Mr. Hunter) repealed
the attack OF Mr.. Sumner on Virginia, as being
State where human beings are bought as cat.
tie at SHAMELESS, where little children are sold
upon the auction block, and dungeon rewards
the pious matron who teaches a negro to read
the Word of Life. The foundation upon which
the Senator from Massachusetts rested was ;.e
fact that Slavery and the slave trade existed in
Virginia; that negroes were held in bondage,
and liable to be sold from one place to another
But he Mr.. Hunterl argued that Slavery was
the best condition for the colored race, and that
no community was to blame for the inseparable
incidents of a necessary institution. He also
essayed TO prove that the attack of Mr.. Brooks
upon Mr. Sumner was not q breach of privilege.
but merely a matter ior the exclusive iurisdic
ton of the courts of law.
MIR. Seward, in reply to Mr.. Hunters argu.
ment relative to the Brooks assault. said the
remarks Of the Senator had filed him with nro.
found surprise and deep regret.
Mr.. Butler said Mr. Sumner was the first raan
who had ever abused his privileges as a member
OF the Senate, to lay his profans hands upon the
revolutionary history Of one of the original
thirteen States,