Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-12-09
WASHINGTON, Dec. s, 1857.


The message of the President was received
and read.
Mr.. Douglas submitted motion for print
ing the usual number of copies of the mes
sage and documents, and fifteen thousand
bodies for the use of the Senate. He remarked
that he concurred heartily and cordially in
the views of the President, with the excep-
ton of that portion relative to kanzas and
the action of the Lecomptou Convention. At
an early day he would express his views, and
give reasons why he believed that the people
of Kanzas had not been left as the organic
act declared, perfectly free to form and regu-
late their own institutions in their own way.
Mr.. Gwin offered a substitute, that all the
printing be done by the Printer of the Senate,
at the last session.
Mr.. Stewart concurred in Mr.. Douglas
views respecting the Lecompton movement.
AT future day he would speak on the sub
ject, and insist, to the extent of his ability,
that the people of Kanzas should be treated
like Others, and have the right to regulate
such institutions as they wish to live under.
MIR. Davis cnncurred in the views of the
President on the Kanzas question, and would
await the promised remarks of Mr.. Douglas
before he expressed his own views. Mr..
Bigler gave notice that he should defend the
position assumed by the President to the best
of his ability, and that he would respond
to Mr.. Douglas.
Mr.. Douglas accepted Mr.. Gwinn's substi-
tute.
Mr.. Hale spoke in opposition to the constitu-
ton formed by the Locompton Convention,
arguing that it would perpetuate slavery in
Kanzas, no matter whether the people accept
ed or rejected the slavery clause.
Mr. Seward said he Iyould hn o1ad in hear
the supporters of the President ex plain his
position, for it seemed to him that the mes
sage was very lame and impotent in its argu-
ments on Kansas, aud that something more
would be required to satisfy the public mind
than is contained in the document ITSELF lie
trusted that the debate upon this point wonld
not be delayed long, for, before we are aware
Of it, there might be civil war in Kanzas,
After reviewing other parts OF the message,
he said he hoped that it would be understood
that on Utah affairs Congress was substantial
ly unanimous-that the world might be as
sured that the government of the United
States would not suffer its fame to be tarnish.
ed, its power insulted. and the lives OF its cit
liens destroyed-by an enemy, entrenched
though it be in the Rocky Mountains and
under the forms of the constitution of the
United States.
Mr.. Mason Of Virginia was free to declare
that all information for the last six months re.
lative to Kanzas affairs, had come from ques-
tionable sources. If he understood the Presi.
dents position--and he thought he did-the
Presidents position was impregnable.
Mr.. Trumbull of Illinois denied hat the
Legislature Of Kanzas had authority to initiate
| the convention 1t was, according to a
| speech once delivered ia the Senate by
Mr.. Buchanan himself, an act of usurp-
alton. Congress had repeatedly refused
to authorize the people of Kanzas TO
| form State Constitution. Much had been
said about popular sovereignty, but this now
merely amounts, according to the great expo
sition of the party, to giving the free white
| people of Kanzas the right to determine the
| condition of few negroes, while they are
precluded from regulating their own institu-
tions in their own way.
Mr.. Brown said there seemed to be great
| anxiety to enter into discussion, and especial
| ly to find fault. They had heard the message
| imperfectly read by the Clerk, therefore could
| not properly understand it. He asked Senat-
ors to pause and sleep on the document, be-
fore indulging in debate, which would go
forth to the country over the telegraph wires,
| penetrating even to Kanzas, and giving tone
to public opinion on the premises, not yet
| perfectly understood. He asked Senators to
reflect before telling their positions and utter
ing sentiments under the circumstances, to
| which he he'd referred. On his motion the
Senate then adjourned.
| HoUsE.-Mr. Clemens obtained permission
| to make a personal explanation. He read a
| letter from oolleage, MIR. Faulkner, asking
him to state the facts upon which he in eau
| Gus based his conclusions with reference to
the statements impeaching MrWendell's char
aeter. Mr.. Clemens i'll reply agreed to Faux
ner's suggestion to submit to Wendell, in or
| der to give him an opportunity of vindication.
| Clemens written statement, describing the
| circumstances under which he was last Sat
urday approached by a person who said he
was interested in procuring the printing for
| Wendell, and that pecuniary consideration
could be secured for Clemens mother in one
or two contingencies; first that he should
cast his vote for Wendell, or, secondly, alb.
stain from voting.
Mr. Clemens, at this, pointed the man to
the act of Congress providing pans and pen-
allies for such corrupt approaches, and told
| him he had mistaken his man.
Mr.. Wendell, in reply, solemnly protested
against such charges, based on nameless au-
| thor. If the charges were properly preferred,
he would promptly refute them. He had new
er, directly or indirectly, employed any per-
son or agent to act for him.
Mr. Clemens, having finished reading the
correspondence said he had never seen Wen
dell, to his knowledge, and had no purpose to
accomplish other than faithful discharge of
| his public duty. He was constrained from
exposing the name of the scoundrel who APP
| preached him, on account of the mans fami-
! ly' who should not be confounded with the
| guilty. He accepted the statement of Wen
| dell, so far as his denial of all completely or
knowledge of such proposition was con-
cerned
Mr.. Smith of Virginia offered resolution
| for the appointment of committee to exam
| inc into the subject of the public printing,
| and providing that the election of Printer be
| postponed until their report be made. lie
said it was believed that enormous corruption
was connected with this matter, and hence
| the necessity of an investigation. The profits
were probably 100000, and Printer who
might be elected today could get quarter of a
million for his contract.
Mr.. Clingman said, elect Printer first,
and afterwards investigate.
| Mr.. Houston, who had moved to proceed to
the election of printer, sand he would agree TO
that. Mr.. Houston, suggestion Of that kind
| amounts to nothing.
Mr.. SWEET of Tennessee--I am a fast friend Of
| Wendell, and state on bis authority, that he
abldes by the decision of the caucus, and sup
ports the nominee.
| Mr.. Keitt of South Carolina, said he did not
| 60 into the caucns, but would vote for the nomi.
nee, because that gentleman suited him. The
| debate was here interrupted by the reception of
| the Presidents message, which was read.
/ Mr. Rahcnck nf Wir0inia apnaaiod In tho