The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-03-25
THE GREAT STRUGGLE IN THE SENATE on
THE NIGHT OF THE 18TH.


The Republican Senators proposed to the
Administration party an adjournment, prom.
Using to consult concerning the time for the
termination of the debate, and to announce their
conclusion formally. The Lecomptonities, re-
jecting the proposition, persisted in trying to
cut short discussion and force vote, but at last
yielded, and agreed to the proposition of the
minority.
Monday, March Is, 1853.
Mr.. Green said the bill had been more amply
discussed than was the Kansas-N ebraska bill,
when only three days were allowed. Minorities
have their rights-maj orities their responsible.
tiles. We are resolved to take the responsible.
ity. The good of the North, of the South, and
the whole country, requires it. Postponement
will subserve no public good. The subject is
as we'll understood tonight as it will be when
the Senators from New York, from New Hamp-
shire, and from Massachusetts, shall have
spoken.
Mr.. Wilson. When the Senator from Mis-.
souri, made his report on the 18th of February,
he pledged himself that Senators should have q
full opportunity for discussion. Every Senator
has right to speak, and to speak in proper
hours. Fourteen Senators, opposed to the LIE.
81
and by q session of six hours each day the
subject may be terminated this week, or at all
events within one week from now. If Won ad.
journ at once, we will consult and let YOU
know what we will do.
Mr.. Benjamin thought gentlemen on the
Democratic side would not object to an ad.
journment, if gentlemen on the other side will
say that tomorrow they will name some day
this week for taking the final vote, or otherwise
assent to q permanent session until the cues.
ton was decided.
Mr.. Hamlin thought, considering the number
to speak and the amendments to come, Mon.
day would be better day to close the debate.
He approved of the suggestion to adjourn over
and consult.
Mr.. Seward was not going to make an agree
ment to night for his associates, nor assent to
their making one for him, for the reason that,
as the debate proceeds, it comes out by degrees
that the majority intend to press the question
to vote tonight, unless the minority will con-
sent to fix day. We would be willing to name
q day, but not without consultation. 1t is i'm.
possible to decide without consultation. The
main question might be taken at any moment,
we're he to leave the Chamber. The minority
is entitled to consultation. He would not,
could not, be drawn into any factious opposi.
ton to the public business. The crushing
process had no terrors for him. He was &C.
customed to it, and had seen the party crushed
grow stronger. Such q question as the present
had not been here since 1850. Great men were
here then, and they undertook to bring in Gal.
ifornia. The great debate began on the first
day of the session of l849. The leader of the
Senate promised that every man should be
heard. That promise was faithfully kept, and
the bill passed on the 18th Of August. This
debate began just fifteen days ago, which, less
Sundays and adjournments, gave but ten bust
ness days, time entirely too short and of
that, one-haf was consumed by the opposition.
He wished to correct the idea that this debate
began in December. BE thought it best not to
come to vote now, because there are Senators
who desire to speak, and have q right to be
heard. BE closed with giving the assurance
that the subject should be taken MP in the
morning, and an honest answer given, BY which
he supposed all persons would be bound.
Mr.. Brown, after consultation, said he was
disposed to assent to this, if he understood the
proposal definitely.
Mr.. Wilson said that other parties and the
Americans had to be consulted. rti
Mr.. Hale suggested that, though his party
would have to take care of the Americans and
seeding Democrats, they had not got them
yet and 50 his party could only answer for
themselves.
Mr.. Kennedy said the Americans were ready
to take vote tonight The country il worn
out on the subject.
Mr.. Brown said the most extreme concession
Of the Democratic party is to take the vote on
Saturday, while the other party propose Mon
day. He thought that Senators could hardly
hold out on this difference. The leading men
on the other side have made q promise, and he,
Brown, being dependent on no party inAuence,
felt free 70 say be thought his friends should
accept it.
M. Cameron repeated, that they would con-
suit tomorrow, and bring an honest and fair
answer. ~
Mr.. Wade said, after the words " crush out I"
we're uttered, all hope of reconciliation with
him had gone. He might be outvoted, but y
could not be crushed out. BE would rather
die in his place than humiliate himself and his
constituents. He could die, but could not be
conquered. So help him God, he would not be
cruahed ont