Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1858-02-21
xxxvtb CONGRESS FIRST SESSION.

WAsHEGTON, Feb. T-SEEATE.-AIr Fosters
resolution calling upon the President for further in
formation in reference to the of PhilO s. Shell
ton and Avis Island was adopted.
Mr.. Chandler introduced resolutions from the
Michigan Legislature in opposition to the admission
Of any more slave States and against the LecOmptOR
Constitution.
Mr.. Houstons resolution, presented yesterday,
1 instTucting the Committee on Foreign Relations TO
inquire into the eXpediency Of the Government es
tablishing Protectorate over Central America and
Mexico, was calledup.
Mr. Wilson, Of Massachusetts,, thought this eI-
traordinary proposition WAS calculated to foster
spirit Of 6busterism, and disgrace US in the eyes
Of the civilized world.
Mr. Houston denied that it Was proposition to
extend our dOminions, but simply to benefit our
neighbors. He was opposed to ilHbussrism, but
thought the subject worthy Of consideration, espe-
cisly as other powers have designs upon Central
America
Mr. Mason objected to the reference because the
Central American States would justly regard such
reference as an indignity. Although weak, they
we're sovereign and independent States, with whom
have treaties, and therefore should be regarded
as political equals HI doubted the policy Of estab-
lisning prOtectorates anywhere.
Mr. Hale offered the following amendments:
Whereas a state Of colonial dependence is not
calculated 10 illustrate the theory snd practice Of
popular sovereignty and perfect freedOm therefore
the committee are instructed 10 inquire with regard
to Canada and other British possessions on the
American continent.
Mr. TOOmbs advocated the resolution and said
the time for action Is not distant and it had better
Mr.. Mason moved to lay the resolution on the ia
bic. Agreed to-
The army bill was resumed.
Mr.. johnson, Of Tennessee, submitted a substi-
tute, which Mr. Wilson accepted instead Of his own,
providing for four thousand volunteers to serve only
during the present troubles.
Mr.. johnson said he offered the amendment be-
cause he believed it reflected the views of the Ad
ministrstiOn. The bill reported by the Militsry
Committee did not represent the wishes Of the Ad-
ministrstiOn, which had not asked permanent in
crease Of the standing army. He urged the impor-
lance Of reduction Of government expenditures.
Congress holds the purse strings and the dominant
party are responsible for the expenditures. He
referred 10 practical poyEamy in Utah, but there
was more polygsmy in New Ork city than in Salt
Lake; the difference being that it was tolerated in
the latter by religious belief but in the former, is
in violation of the moral sense Of the community.
Mr. Chandler move to strike out the l4th section
Of the original bill, which propose to change the
method Of promotions.
Messrs Seward and Wilson favored, and NeBsrs. |
Pugh snd IversOn opposed the motion.
Adjourned.
HousE.-Tbe House passed resolution in rsIa- |
tion to the Maryland contested election case, de-
caring il eXpedient 20 grant the prayer OF Mr.. |
Brooks, the contestant, for specisI committee to
take testimony
The House went into Committee Of the Whole.
The Indian appropriation bill was taken up.
Mr. Atkins made a speech favoring the admission
Of Kansas under the Leoompton Constitution.
Mr. Loveioy argued that the conAect was not
between the North and South, but between freedom
snd slavery; between the principles Of liberty and
despotism. he said the President and Jesuit
Chief Justice were endesvoring to natOnsliZe sis.
very, and were calling the Democracy to the TEN
pie Of this demon to worship, on the foul and impi
Gus avermeRts that certain human beings are pro-
perry. Il was rank and foul treason against God
and his annojuted
Adiournad