The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-02-09
Conversational.


little presented petition from citizens of
Wisconsin, asking. by conquest or pur-
| chase, the annexation of Cuba. A long
| discussion ensued as to whether the Min
nesota State, or the Pacific railway bill be
considered. Mr. Mason said there might
be circumstances making it necessary for
the Southern States, in order to determine
where they stand in the Union, to take up the
Minnesota and Kansas bills together. Mr.
Wilson said such a conjunction was I'M
necessary, and gave notice that himself
| and friends would avail themselves of all
| legitimate means to resist the admission of
Kansas under the Lecompten Constitution.
Mr. Hale said there never had been propo-
sition that SO seriously threatened dis
| ruptien of the Union as that of Mr. Mason's.
Mr. Crittenden opposed the connection of
| the two subjects, and made on eloquent
| Union speech, which ELECTED much ap-
plause in the galleries.
In the House, resolution was adopted
to consider reduction of the expenses of
the government, navigation laws, and the
expediency of the abolition ofimport duties
and a resort to internal taxation. A reso-
lution was adopted directing the Speaker
to issue a warrant for the arrest of j. B.
| Williamson, of New York, who refused to
appear before the Corruption Committee in
the case of Laurence, Stone & Co. Mr.
Parrot, of Kansas, presented remon-
STRANGE from the Legislative Assembly of
Kansas under the Lecompton Constitution.
Mr. Lane asked the admission of Oregon
into the Union.
| In the Senate, on the I'd, message from
the President was received and read, in
| regard to Kansas, advocating the accept
ance of the Lecempton Constitution. Mr.
Bigler moved that the message be printed,
and referred to the committee on terrific
ries. Mr. Trumbull opposed the reference.
assailed the message as an incorrect his
tory from beginning to end, and incensist-
ent with itself. He was followed by Mr.
Toombs in an eloquent and ardent speech
in favor of the ground assumed by the
President. He argued that the people of
Kansas clearly desired to be admitted into
the Union, having three years ago formed
the Topeka Constitution without law. and
more recently the Lecompton Constitution.
in pursuance of the forms of law. The
Senate adjourned pending the reference of
the message.
In the House, several hours were spent
in debating the printing deficiency bill,
which was ultimately defeated by large
majority. The Presidents message was
received and read. Mr. Hughes offered
proposition to refer the message to a select
committee, and made speech against the
Republican party, and in favor of the Lee
compton Convention and Constitution.
Mr. Harris. of Illinois, moved that the mes
sage be referred to a select committee to
enquire if the Constitution embodied the
will of the legal voters of the Territory.
A warm debate ensued and much excite
ment prevailed. The House adjourned
without taking any action.
In the Senate ON the Sd inst, several I'M
important bills were passed or referred to
appropriate committees. The debate on
the Presidents message was resumed. MIR
Wilson moved to amend tho motion for
reference, by authorizing the committee to
send for persons and papers. He charac-
terized the message as stupendous misrep
reservations. The President was absent
when many events occurred, and was elect
ed because absent, and able to prove an
abb. He denounced the Lecompton Con-
stitution, and said he would rather have
proposed the Constitution with slavery than
without it. because the former can be
changed, but the latter recognizes, as I'M
alterable property, the slaves already in
Kansas. Mr. Brown of Mississippi, follow
ed, centroverting the positions taken by
Mr. Wilson. No action was taken on the
subject.
In the House, the Sergeant-at-Arm re-
ported that he had in his custody J. D.
Williamson, who refused to answer the
ting Committee. Mr. Bocock, from the
Committee on Naval Affairs, reported a
resolution disappearing of the conduct of
Com. Paulding, but, at the same time, not
imputing to him any improper motives in
arresting General Walker. Mr. Sherman,
from the same committee, made minority
report, to the effect that Com. Paulding
deserves the thanks of the whole country.
In the Senate, on the 4th, Mr. Jones pre-
sented a resolution of the people of Iowa,
against the admission of Kansas under the
Lecompton Constitution. The resolutions
instructed him to vote against the admis-
sion, or to resign his seat, but he refused to
obey. He was in favor of the admission
of Kansas, and would support the Admin
istration. Messrs. Brown and Wilson made
speeches against the LecomPton Constitu
tien. Mr. Green spoke in its favor. The
debate very exciting and interesting.
In the House. the select committee on
the Tariff and Navigation resolutions ap-
pointed Mr. Boyee of South Carolina, chair