Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-17
Congress.

Z MoNDAY.-Senate.-Th chair appointed the
usual standing committees, being substantially
the same as those of the last session. Mr. Pratt
Is appointed on Foreign Relations instead Of
Mr. Clayton, deceased; Ar. Foster on Public
Lands, 70 supply similar vacancy; Mr.. Bgler
Ion Commerce instead of Mr.. IIamlin.
On motion of Mr.. Clay resolution was q.
dopted that the cl,aplains ofthe different denom-
nations be elected, who sllalliSterchange week.
ly.
: Rev. Stephen P. Hill, of Washington was then
elected chaplain
The Senate resumed the consideration of the
motion to print extra copies of the Presidents
Message and accompanying documents.
MIR. Blgler, of Pennsylvania. entered largely
into the defence of the Presidents Message a.
galnst the attacks of the Republicans. In reply
to questions by Mr.. Wade, of Ohio. relative TO
Mr. Buchanans policy he said. the people of
Kansas must determine the question fer them
selves; but he had no doubt that Mr.. Buchanan
like most Northern men, prefers that she should
be admitted as free State.
Mr.. Wade inquired whether Mr. Buchanan
believed that the people in territorial state
have the power to admit or exclude Slavery at
their own will.
Mr.. Biger replied that he could not speak on
that point for Mr.. Buchanan. He was perfectly
willing to give his own views on that question.
He was Of the opinion that the people through
| their local Legislature had that power
Hcuse.-The Presidents message was read.
and on motion of Mr.. Campbell to refer it to
Committee of the Whole, a good deal of useless
sectional discussion took place in which Mr..
Campbell, Mr.. Giddings Mr. Keitt, Mr.. McMul-
lin and Others participated. Nothing of impor-
lance occurred and the House adjourned.
TUEsDAY.-.Senate.-Mr Collamer made a
speech in opposition to the Presidents Message
and claiming that Congress has the right to leg
islate on the subject. of slavery in the terrific
ries.
House-Mr. Smith of Tennessee. replied Il.
the speeches Of Messrs. Campbell and Sher-
man.
The vote refusing to admit Gen. Whitfield
was re- considered, and resolution admitting
him was adopted by four majority. He was
admitted and sworn and the House adjourned
WEDNEsDAY.-Senate.-- Mr.. Pugh, of Alabam-
O. delivered an elaborate speech. letting judicial
authorities to prove the President correct in the
arguments used in his message; .eulogizing him
for his official course with regard to the rights
of the South
House.-In the House, debate ensned on the
Presidents message participated in by Messrs.
Washburne OF Me-, Kett, Stanton Gliding and
Morrison.
MISUNDERSTANDING Cass spoke in de-
fence of the Presidents Message.
Messrs. Hale, Bigler and others spoke, when
the Senate adjourned until Monday.
House Mr. Otero presented petition of the
citizens of ''Arrizonia," Gadsden's purchase,
asking their erection into territorial Govern
ment.
Mr.. H. Marshall, of Kentucky, made q speech
to show the difference of opinion between
the Democrats of the North and the South. re-
garding Interpretation of the Nebraska BILL
During his speech, Messrs. Quitman, Orr. Keitt
and McMullen, ION behalf Of the Virginia delega-
tion.) repudiated the squatter sovereignty doc
trine as explained by Gen. Cass.
Mr.. Letcher essayed to prove that Giddings
and the Republican party had expressed senti-
ments advocating Northern interference with
the institutions of the South tending to create
1
The House then adjourned.
FnIDAY-Senate.-No in session.
Rouse.-Mr. Campbell, of Ohio, reported the
consular and diplomatic, and legislative, execu-
tive and judicial appropriation bills After the
consideration of private bills, the House adj
journed.