Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-02-10
CONGRESSIONAL
WAsHrNaroN. Feb. 2.

AhS DENAIE pdSSSu TIE house Oil MAKING
appropriations for the National Armories, err
~roneously omitted in the enrolment Of the
last Congress.
The discussion Of the Army Increase bill
was then resumed
A message from President Buchanan con-
corning Kansas was received and read. 1t
makes four columns of small type. 1t conf
mences by saying that some delusion pre-
walls in regard to the condition of parties in
Kansas. Recapitulates the history of past
affairs. Says the Topeka Government is a
usurpation, and that it is impossible any peo-
pie could have proceeded with more regularl-
ty in the formation of the Lecompton Consti-
tuition, than the people Of Kansas have done.
The Convention in June last was a propi-
tious moment to have settled all difficulties,
but the Topekaites suffered the election to go
by default-hence they have no right to com
plain.
The Lecompton Convention was legally
constituted, and invested with power to frame
a constitution, which it did, and submitted
the question to the people whether Kansas
should Be a free or slave State.
The President believes that under the or
ganic act, the Convention was bound to SUBJ
NIT this all important question to the people.
1t did so, and again the Topekaites defaulted.
At the election of officers on the 4th Of Jan
uary, a wiser spirit prevailed, and the vote
was larger. The people Of Kansas, have,
therefore, in strict conformity with the or
ganic act, framed a Constitution for the State
Government, and submitted the slavery ques-
ton to the people; they have elected officers,
and now ask admission into the Union under
this Constitution.
The President is decidedly in favor Of it's
admission, and thus terminating the Kansas
question, by localizing the distracting in1u-
ences.
As a question of expediency even, the mes
sage argues, Kansas should be admitted, in
asmuch as it would restore quiet to the Uni
on, and prosperity to the territory.
With the people of Kansas, the only prac-
teal difference between admission and rejec-
ton is, whether they can more speedily
change their present constitution, or frame a
second to be submitted to Congress. 1t
should never be forgotten, that in proportion
to the insignificance of the slave question as
affecting the few thousand Inhabitants of
Kansas, the fourteen Slave States will feel
the rejection of the. Constitution the more
keenly. Kansas once admitted, the excite
ment becomes localized, and cools, and the
T troops will be withdrawn.
The President concludes with the consci-
e~ntious belief that the dark clouds over the
Union may be dispelled by the admission of
Kansas, or darkened by its rejection.
Mr.. BIGLER moved that the Message be
printed, and referred to the Committe on Ter
%ritories.
Mr.. TRUMBULL, of Illinois, opposed the re-
ference. He assailed the Message as a per-
verted and incorrect history of affairs in Kan
sas, from beginning to end, and inconsistent
with itself. He was followed by Mr.. TooMBs,
in an eloquent and ardent speech, ~favoring
the ground assumed by the President. Mr..
I. argued that the people of Kansas clearly
desired to be admitted into the Union-hav-
ilg three years ago formed the Topeka Con
s%titution without law, and more recently the
Lecompton Constitution in pursuance of the
forms of law.
The SENATE adjourned pending the motion
to refer.
In the HOUSE several hours were occupied
in debating the printing deficiency appropri
alton, which was ultimately defeated by g
large majority.
The Presidents Kansas Message was re
ceived and read.
Mr.. HUGHES offered a proposition to refel
e the Message to a Select Committee. He mad,
, a speech against the Republican party, ant
in favor of the Lecompton Convention ant
Constitution.
, Mr.. HARRIS, of Illinois, moved that tn
Message be referred to a Select Committee
a to enquire if the Constitution embodied tn
will Of the legal voters of the Territory. /
warm debate ensued, and much excitemen
prevailed. The HOUSE adjourned withou
referring to a Committee.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3.
Y In the Senate several unimportant bill
k were passed or referred, and the debate o
the message was resumed.
' Mr.. Wilson, of Massachusetts,, moved t
amend the motion for reference, by authorii
Of ing the committee to send for persons and p;
~ pers. He characterized the message as a stl
;, pendous misrepresentation. The Presider
:, was absent from the country, when many
the events he had alluded to, occurred, an
lr was only elected because absent, and thu
, able to prove his ability. Mr.. W.. denounce
, the Lecompton Constitution. He would muc
rather have proposed the Constitution wit
'e slavery than without it, because the formt
2f can be changed, but the latter recognizes {
unalterable property, the slave already i
Kansas.
Mr.. Brown, of Mississippi, followed, col
troverting the position taken by Wilson.
In the House no action was taken on tn
t. message.
Mr.. Bocock, from the Committee on Nav
affairs, reported resolutions disappearing Il
conduct of Commodore Paulding, but at Il
" same time not imputing to him any improp
IL motives in arresting Gen. Walker. Mr.. She
man, from the same Committee, made a II
{ nority report, to the effect that Commodo
Paulding deserves the thanks of the countl
h, for the arrest of Walker and his men.
IS, No other business of Importance was tran
acted.