The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1856-01-09
CONGRESSIONAL
WASHINGTON, Dec. 81,

WASHINGTON, Dec. 81.
SENATE.-After the reading of tho
Journal. the Annual Message of the Pres
ident of the U. S., was presented and
read. Aftor the Message, Mr.. Clayton
made some remarks relative to the treaty
of April 10th, 1850, in order to show to
the people of the United States, the strength
OF the position assuned by this govern
ment relative to Central American affairs,
and the injustice of the position taken by
Great Britain with regard to the construc-s
ton of that treaty. He agreed general
ly with all that the President has stated,
and contrasted the pacific character of this
country with the aggressive policy always
pursued by Great Britain.
Mr. Seward enquired whether tho
ground taken by the British Governments
regarding the construction of that treaty,
namely, that it was merely prospective in
its operation, and had no reference to ac-
tual occupation by that country, of tho
territory in question, was the understand
ing of the Government of United States
when the treaty was made; Mr.. Clayton
then being Secretary Of State.
Mr. Clayton replied that it was an en-
tirely new construction, something Of (which
be had never before heard. The Senate
debates was further continued at some
length, and the Senate adjourned until
Wednesday.
HoUsB.-Immediately after reading tho
Journal, Sidney Webster, the private Sc
crctary Of the President, appeared, an !
~nouncing from the latter, tho message in
writing. Great excitement was produced,
amid which Clingman moved that it be
read, in order to hear what it was.
Mr.. Morgan called for the yeas and
nays on Ciingmans motion, and said that
he wanted no reading until the House was
organized.
Mr.. Giddings and others then anxious
ly struggled for the floor.
Clingman finally obtained the floor,
and said he didnot know what the mes
sage contained, but the President had .
right, on the assembly of Congress, when
in his Judgment necessary, to communi-
cate it in writing. The Constitution gives
{ him this authority.
Mr.. Campbell, of Ohio, commended the
reading of the message was business, and
holding that no business can be transacted
until the House is organized; the sending
the message in advance ofan organization
. was an Innovation.
r Clingman was perfectly willing that tho
gentlemen should decide upon the question.
of order.
Orr said tho Constitution expressly
recognizes this body as the House. The
I House Of Representatives shall CHOOSE
their Speaker and other officers. He
thought that Campbell raised his point
) to soon. 1t is respectfulto the President
that tho message shonld be read. 8f9
Campbell of Ohio replied. it was utter
~ useful TO have the message read, unlesa
they could do something with it after Is
was read.
Stephens insisted that the message
should be read. 1t might contain mattsrs
important for Congress to know.
Washburn of Me. contended, sthis ia.
not a Congress and the President cannos
communicate until organization"
Giddings said this is to great a ques-
ton to be decided upon technicslitiss.
He wishes to meet it boldly. 1t was an
attempted innovation to the practice Of
5 this Government.
If it was important for the President
to communicate the message. why did tho
President delay it for four weeks! Hs
> would not submit to such proceedings.
A debate ensured concerning the Con-
, stitutional power in the above premises.
during which Orr said, the sending o. the
message at this time was an innovation,
but the extraordinary scene here, war
} ranted the President in taking the respon-
sibility. The question was. shall it be
received.
Humphrey Marshall thought the mes
sage should be received and laid on tho
table, until the House adjourn.
, The House after a long debate, refused
to read the Message, and laid the whole
subject on the table.
The House then adjourned until We'd
) nesdsy.
. Riot at L~eavenworth City, Kansas.
ST.. Louis, Dec 20.
0 The Lexington, (Mo.) Herald, Of the
92d saws on the 18Th inst the day the