Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-12-16
coRREsrorDErcE or THE srANDARD.

80. 7-s..' - WASHINGTON, Lee. lItH, lCOts
Both branches Of Congress were fully organized
being absent, the Hon. Ben Fitzpatrick Of Alabama,
was chosen President. of the Senate. pro tenn. In
the House all the nominees of the Democratic eau
Gus were elected without delay. The Hon. James
L. Orr, of South Carolina, chosen Speaker OF
the House, Hon. James c. Allen, an ex- member OF
the House. its Clerk, A. j. GIossbrcnner, Sergeant.
at Arms, R. B. Hackney Doorkeeper, and Mr.. Clus-
key, Postmaster. Thus in single day the organi-
cation of the House was completed, presenting
marked contrast to the of two years before,
when two months were consumed by the odds and
ends Of the opposition in trying to get ready to trans
act the business Of the country.
The attendance of members of the House was ex-
ceedingy large, scarcely member being absent
Perhaps the new mode Of compensation established
by the last Congress may have had something to do
with this promptitude: if SO, its policy is fully vim.
Dictated. l notice that all the members from North
Carolina were at their posts-seven Democrats and
one opposition. Mr. Gjlmers Know Nothing friends
will perhaps be shocked to hear that he voted for
Mr.. Orr for Speaker Democrat and a South Car
olnian,-yet such is the fact. I commend Mr.. Gil
mer for the act, but, as a friend am apprehensivc
lest he should lose the confidence and support of the
Know Nothings of Guford and the fifth district.
His first act as member of the House was to vote
for Democrat! Who could have predicted it?
On Tuesday the first annual message Of Mr.. Blu
chanan was transmitted to Congress. 1t has doubt
less been spread before the readers OF the Standard
tlength san able and forward document,
setting TO, tn in plain language the present state of
the Union, and giving his views without reserva-
ton. The Democratic press have received it with
much satisfaction, and the responses with which
their columns are laden, Of most gratifying
character. The only points to which strong excep-
ton is taken by the opposition press are his obser
vations on the banking system and his position
the present phase of the Kansas question. But
these have no doubt, will call forth from the de-
mocratic press the most decided expressions of APP
probation.
The reception of the message in the Senate was
followed by spirited debate, initiated by Judge
Douglas, who embraced the occasion to express his
emphatic dsapprobation of the Presidents views
relating to the admission of Kansas. OF course,
reply followed, and thus Kansas is the first subject
considered by the present Congress. On Wednes-
day he delivered his views at length, and they are
now before the country. 1t is said that be intends
to follow the matter up by introducing bill, either
for the converting of a new Convention or for the
submission of the whole Of the Lecompton Consti-
tuition to the vote of the people of Kansas. reply
will be made to Judge Douglas at early day by
Hon. James S. Green, one of the new Senators from
the State of Missouri.
In the meantime affairs in Kansas have been fur
ther complicated by the unauthorized steps of act
ing-Governor Stanton. His instructions from Wash
ington to do nothing, but simply to execute
the Territory. The telegraph announces that he has
yielded to the solicitations of the black Republican
fanatics in the Territory, and issued his proclama
ton converting special session of the Territorial
Legislature. 1t is proposed to pass law submit
ting the Topeka and the Lecompton Constitutions to
a vote of the people at the same time the one re-
ceiving majority of the votes 10 be the Constitu-
ton under which the admission of Kansas as a State
is to be pressed upon Congress
For thus exceeding his instructions, Secretary
Stanton has been removed by the President and
Gen. Denver, of California, exmember of Con.
gress, and, up to this Time the Commissioner of In
dian affairs, appointed his successor. A lengthy de-
bate occurred III the executive session of the Senate
when this nomination was under consideration, but
il vas confirmed by considerable majority Hon.
Vim. A Richardson, of Illinois, at the time
confirmed as Gov. of Nebraska, to succeed Gov. L.
ard. who had resigned.
The contest for printer of the two Houses of Con-
gress has been animated one. The profits are
set down at very large figure and although great
ly over estimated, they are sufficiently large to at
tract an active competition. The contest for House
printer terminated by the election of James B. Stead
man, of Ohio, with whom it is understood Mr. A.
ID. Banks, of the Petersburg Democrat is associated
as an equal partner in the profits. Rumor further
saith that they will establish new Democratic pa
per in this City. Sol is probable that every inter-
est will be represented by press in this City. The
Senate have not as yet, proceeded to an election.
day next for the purpose of selecting candidate.
The House spent a considerable PORTION of Thurs
days session in the discussion of the chaplaincy
question. IL ended by refusing to elect chaplain
for the session, and by requesting the clergymen of
the city to offciate in turn. The result is about
equivalent to having twenty chapains in the place
OF one. The new plan goes into operation immedi-
ately, and to morrow the new Hall of the House of
Representatives will be opened by sermon from
the Rev. DR.. Cummings, distinguished clergyman
of the City,
An important amendment was made to the rules
of the House on the first day of the session, at the
suggestion of Mr.. Cngman 1t provides that no
Committee shall hold the floor during the morning
hour more than two days in succession. The ne
cessity Of this modification Of the existing rule grew
out of the practice of single committee sometimes
holding the floor for many weeks in succession af-
fording other committees no opportunity to report
the business with which they may be charged The
land Committee once kept the floor during whole
session of Congress. The modification is an impor-
tant one, and its adoption will greatly facilitate the
transaction of the public business.
1t will be observed that both the President and
the Secretary of the Treasury recommend the issue
of Treasury notes in the revenue continues to
fall off in consequence of the revusion in trade. AS
the revusion is believed to be of a temporary char
acter this is recommended measure sufficient
to meet the present emergency. The amount is not
to exceed twenty millions Of dollars. If the falling
OFT in the revenue continues for few weeks longer,
such measure will become necessity for the gov
ernment and the early passage Of an act authorizing
their emission may be expected.
The bankrupt law suggested by the President is
to apply to two classes OF corporations only-bank-
ing and railroad companies. 1t would have the ef-
feet of forcing either bank or a railroad into i'm
mediate liquidation, if either suspended payments.
The rec election Of Mr. Hunter to the Senate by
the Legislature of Virginia is matter of great re-
joicing among his many friends here. The vote in
his favor was almost unanimous. The whole coun.
try should rejoice that this able statesman has been
again chosen to represent the State of Virginia in
the Senate.
$780,. MECKLENBURG.