The Placer herald., 1858-02-20
ARRIVAL OF THE JOHN [. STEPHENS,
TWO WEEKS LITTER .NEWS FROM
THE EAST
Congressional.

SENATE.-On the 5th ult Mr.. Gwn offer
ed a resolution inquring into the expediency
of sending minister to Japan. On the 7th,
after some resolutions calling for correspon-
dence and information, the Presidents reply
to the call for information as to the capture
of Walker was received The President
thinks Commodore Paulding committed an
error, but his motives were patriotic. Mica
ragua alone has the right to complain and
as she received substantial benefit. there is
no probability of her doing So A debate
followed in which Messrs Seward, Dooitte
and Pearce, sustained the Presidents views,
while Messrs. Davis, Crttenden, Brown,
Hugh, Toombs and Douglas took the oppo-
site ground. The message was referred to
Foreign relations Committee and after ex.
ecutive session the Senate adjourned. On
the 18th, petition for the establishment of
a telegraph line from Missouri to the South
Pass vao Fort Laramie, was presented. In
executive session the Hon. Nathan G itford
was confirmed as Judge of the Supreme
Court, by a vote Of 26 to %. On the 18th
Mr.. Doolittle introduced joint resolution
providing for the presentation of medal to
Commodore Paulding, and Mr.. Brown gave
HOllSC VI olIlcuulucuG tucIclt " tIc cuecL
that Congress disavowed and condemned his
conduct at Punta Arenas. On the 18th, the
Paulding medal resolution was made the spe-
cial order for Wednesday. Mr.. Houston gave
notice of a bill to provide for the admission
of Kansas into the Union. 1t provides to
submit both the Topeka and Lecompton Con-
stitutons to the peoples vote, either for or
against. and the admission of Kansas with
either, if accepted. If neither is accepted,
bill authorizes a new convention. The Gene
raj says that his purpose is to secure the full
est exercise of popular sovereignty. Special
order Of the day-the Kansas queStion-was
then taken up. Mr.. Hale, of New IIamp-
shire, spoke strongly in opposition to the
with Mr. Douglas as regarding as an intrac.
ton Of the princi pies Of popular sovereign
; ty" embodied in the Nebraska bill, but as
their consummation, the natural fruit of the
tree planted by Mr.. Douglas and his coadu
tors. The appointments to nearly all the
important Consuates, together with the Com
missioner to the Sandwich Islands, were con-
frmcd; among them Gov. Bigler, Minister
to Chile. The most important news, is the
introduction by MIR. Gwin, the Chairman of
the Committee on the Pacific Railroad bill,
Of his proposing to locate the road at II
point on the Missouri River, between the Big
Sioux and the ka sas Rivers, thence run
ming to San Francisco in the most eligible
route. In aid of the construction of the
work, alternate sections of land on each of the
roads are to be granted, and $l2,5 500 per mile
advanced on the complelion of every twenty
five miles of the track, until 25,O0O,OOO
are expended, the amount to be reimbursed
in mali services, for the transportation of
the troops and munitions of war. The Pre-
sident is to receive the bids, and make the
contract for twenty years-fve per cent of
the stock is to be issued. The appointments
OF Lamar as Minister to Nicaragua and Den
yer as Governor of Kansas are confirmed
The Territorial Committee report in favor of
admitting Minnesota with her present Con-
stitution. The Southern Senators will op-
pose the admission until the Kansas question
assumes some definite form.
HoUsE.-On the 5th, the debate on the
message was resumed on resolutions refer
ring its subjucts to the proper committees.
Mr.. Quiman moved for select committee
on that part relating to the enforcement of
the neutrality laws, and thereupon proceeded
to speak in favor Of Walker, the tillibuster.
Clancy Jones wanted the matter to 90 to
the Judiciary Committee. Mr.. Keitt pitch
ed into the President and supported Walker.
Mr.. Stephens concurred with Mr.. Quitman
Mr. Grow was glad to see the other side ready
to restrain the encroachments of the Execu-
tive power; and asked that the rule should
be applied to Kansas. In committee of the
whole, Mr.. Sickles made a speech in favor
of the President, in the matter of the arrest
Of Walker, and spoke in severe denunciation
of the course of the eminent fillibuster. Mr..
Bliss spoke against the Dred Scott decision.
Mr.. Haskin followed on the Nicaragua busin-
ess, taking ground with Mr.. Sickles and de-
nounced Walker. Mr.. Ii. spoke highly of
Commodore Paulding and then went on to
advocate national filIibustering operation
against Cuba Mr.. Stephens replied, con-
demning Walkers arrest as great outrage.
Miscellaneous.
kANsAs.-1be report received by the last
steamer of collision between the United
States troops and the inhabitants of Kansas,
was incorrect. The election of January 4th
passed of quietly. The accounts as to which
party were successful, are conflicting. Final
returns not yet received. The Free State
Delegate Convention by vote Of Is to Ga,
decided not to vote. There was bolt on
the part of the minority, who nominated a
State ticket. About half the vote of the
Territory was cast for State officers, but a
very decided expression was given against
the Lecompton Constitution, the majority
against it being set down at 10000. In
some precincts there were two distinct polls
kept open. According to the latest inteli-
gence, the pro-slavery ticket for State officers
was elected, but the Legislature was Free
State. The Leavenworth Times, Of the 9th,
says that reports indicate the success of the