Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-02-10
Tbrtv.dftb Cougress-..1st Session.

for the increase of the Army. MIR. Wilson gave
notice of an amendment, and the bill was post
poned.
Mr.. Douglas moved to take up the bill to adj
nit Minnesota into the Union.
During the debate Mr.. Mason said there
might be circumstances when it might be found
necessary for the Southern States, IN order to
determine where they stand in the Union, to
take up the Minnesota and Kansas questions to-
gether.
Mr.. Wilson spoke of the injustice of such a
conjunction, and gave notice that he and his
friends would avail themselves of all Legitimate
means to resist the admission of Kansas under
the Lecompton Constitution.
Mr.. Hale said there never had been propo-
sition that so seriously threatened to disrup. the
Union as that of the Senator of Virginia.
Mr.. Crittenden opposed the connection of the
two subjects, and made an eloquent speech ex-
pressve of love for the Union, eciting applause
from the galleries.
House.SMr. Stanton offered a resolution di-
recting the Speaker to issue warrant for the
arrest of J. B. williamson, of New York, wit
ness summoned by the committee appointed to
investigate the charges against members or OIL
GERS of the last House, growing out the expen-
ditures of Lawrence, Stone q Co, to influence
the passage of the Tariff bill of 1S57-Willlam-
son having refused to appear. The resolution
was adopted.
The printing deficiency bill was further con-
sidered in Committee Of the whole, and then
passed over.
Mr.. Lane presented the Constitution of Ore
gon.
Mr.. Parrot presented strong protest from
the Kansas Legislature against the admission OF
Kansas with the Lecompton Constitution, and
in favor of its admission under the Topeka Con-
stitution.
TUESDAY enate.-Mr Mason, from the
Committee on Foreign Relations, reported bill
TO indemnify the master and owners OF the
Spanish steamer Amistad and her cargo, involv-
ing the payment for alleged slaves.
Mr.. Seward, in behalf of Mr.. Foot and him.
SELF submitted minority report being OF the O.
pinion that the claim was not supported by the
facts or law.
The Army bill was taken up. Mr.. Seward
said he would grant the increased force If ne
knew that the troops now in Kansas would be
withdrawn. Mr.. Hale expressed his mortitica-
at the course of Mr.. Seward.
A message from the President, enclosing the
Lecompton Constitution, was received and read.
Mr.. Bigler moved the printing of the message
and its reference to the Committee on Terrific
ries
Mr.. Trumbull said he looked upon the mes
sage as a perverted and incorrect history from
end to end. There was no usurpation in Kan
sas worse than that committed by the President
with his army in that Territory.
Mr.. Douglas presented protest against the
admission of Kansas under the Lecompton
Constitution, signed by the Governor and State
officers elected in that Territory, and moved its
reference to the Committee on Territories.
Mr.. Toombs paid high compliment to the
President for the signal ability displayed in the
message. He earnestly supported the PROPOSE.
tons assumed by the President, and contended
that the Lecompton Constitution was framed in
persuance of law, while the Topeka Consttu
ton was framed without law.
House.-The printing deficiency bill, appropri-
ating $3.50, 000 was amended and rejected-yeas
G7, nays 1876.
Mr. Hughes moved that the Presidents Le-
compton message be referred to select commit
tee of thirteen and made speech against the
Republican party and in support Of the Presi-
dents message
Mr. Harris, of Illinois, offered proposition
to refer the message to select committee to
INQUIRE whether the Lecompton Consti ution
had been framed in pursuance Of law, whether
it embodies the will of majority OF the people
of the Territory, ect.
WEDNESDAY -tSenate-Mr. Trumbul, of Hi
nois, desired to call up the report on the contest
ed seats of the sitting members from Indiana -
Mr.. Bayard, of Delaware objected. He thought
the Kansas question far more important, and 1t
ought to be settled first. Mr. Trumbull replied
that if the Kansas question was so important,
the first thing was to determine who had right
to settle it, and it was so much the more neces
sary that it should be settled by Senate prop
erly constituted After some further debate
Mr.. Trumbnll withdrew his motion but said he
would renew it tomorrow.
Mr.. Wilson made speech strongly condem-
natory of the Presidents positions, and spoke
of the Lecompton Constitution as a contempla-
ted fraud on the people of Kansas.
Mr. Brown made speech endorsing the con-
illusions of the President in his Kansas message,
and advocating .he admission OF Kansas under
the Lecompton Constitution.
HOuse.-The Sergeant-at- Arms informed the
Speaker that he had caused the arrest of j. D.
Williamson and had him now in custody. Mr..
Stanton offered a resolution that Mr.. Williamson
be arraigned before the bar of the House when
the Speaker shall enquire as to his excuse for
not answering the summons, and whether he Is
now prepared to answer such questions as may
be propounded. Adopted.
Mr.. Bocock from the Committee on Naval af-
fairs made report from the majority OF said
Committee, concluding with resolution that
the act of Com. Paulding arresting General
Walker and his fillibusters, was not authorized
by the instructions given him by the Navy de
partment. That while the committee have no
30 bol tbo. Enrnrnnlnra ponl1ipo or
ed from any improper motive or intention, yet
they regard it as grave error which calls for
the disapproval of the American Congress.
Mr.. Sherman from the minority Of the Com
mittee reported a substitute to the effect that
Commodore Paulding, in arresting Walker and
his associates and returning them to the u
nited States, acted within the spirit of his in
structions and deserves the appreciation of his
country.
Mr.. Harris called up the report on the con-
tested election case between Messrs. Campbell
and Vallandigham, of Ohio, and a debate en-
sued
THURspAY.-Senate-M Jones, of Iowa,
presented the resolutions of the Legislature of
that State instructing its Senators to oppose the
Lecompton Constitution or resign, and though
he admitted that majority of the people of To-
wa would approve these resolutions, yet he de-
clared that be had not the most remote idea OF
obeying these instructions.
Mr.. Mason submitted a resolution, which was
referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations,
nquring into the propriety of extending to the
Turkish Commissioner, who, it is understood,
will shortly visit this country, an appropriate
reception.
Messrs. Brown, Wilson and Green continued
the discussion on the Lecompton constitution,
and the Senate adjourned till Monday.
H0use-The Speaker announced the select
committee to consider the navigation laws of the
United States, the reduction Of the expenditures
o IL q, Il Il. :. L..