The Placer herald., 1858-01-30
Congressional.

| VII 4AuAOO O'OHHS oV v " OAONA'
Congressional.
On the 2lst, Dec. Kansas matters were
brought up in the Senate. Senator Bgler
defended the Lecompton Constitution, and
blamed Senator Douglas for inconsistency.
Douglas replied in a speech which WAS severe
on Senator Bgler.
In the House leave was asked but refused
to introduce resolution to expel the dele
gate from Utah.
Mr.. Blair brought in a bill authorizing the
contractors for carrying the overland Calfor-
MIA mail to adopt any route they might
choose.
On the 22d, the Senate referred bills to Sc
cure to actual settlers the alternate sections
of the public lands reserved in the grants to
the States for railroad purposes; to grant eve
ry head of a family, who is citizen of the
United States, homestead of l60 acres of
land, on condition of its occupancy and cul
tivation.
On the Presidents Message, Fitch took the
floor. lie did not desire to read Mr.. Doug
las out of the party, but pointed him to the
fate of such as had taken position outside of
the pale, instancing Mr.. Van Buren, as a
frightful example. Mr.. Fitch was for admit
ting Kansas with whatever Constitution she
might present.
Mr.. Douglas replied, showing Mr.. Fitch to
be heterodox in one point at least lie (Mr.
d. had never become the mere servile tool
of any precedent. If the President wanted
Democratic harmony, let him stand by the
Cincinnati platform. Mr.. Douglas spoke
with confidence in the strength of his posi-
ton, and in tone of defiance to those who
denounced his course.
Mr.. Stuart, of Michigan and Mr.. Broder-
ick, of California, supported Mr.. Douglas
position.
Mr.. Pugh, Of Ohio, offered bill as a com
promise on the Kansas question. 1t plo-
vides for the admission of Kansas under the
Lecompton Constitution, and requires that
the clause relative to slavery shall be sub
mitted to a direct vote of the people on the
7th of April next; also that the Constitution
shall not be so construed AS to impair the
right of the people to alter or amend it at
any time.
The Committee on Territories of the House
were instructed to report on the propre:y of
taching that Territory to other Territories
contiguous.
Miscellaneous.
The news of the breaking up Of Walkers
expedition created an intense excitement in
New York, Washington, Mobile. ard at other
points at the South The conduct of Com.
Paulding was severely criticised.
The excitement at the Sonh is up to fever
heat Public meetings have been held ex-
pressing Indignation at the seizure Of Gen.
Walker. They have been called at New Or
leans and Mobile. R,cruling for Nicaragua
is going on actively at those points, and a
large force is already enlisted. A Eoly of
eight hundred men left Texas on the 26lh
December. to reinforce Col. Anderson.
Gen. Scott is now in Washington, plan
ming the Spring campaign against the Nor
mons.
Gen. Shields and Coy. Rice are elected to
the United States Senate, from Minnesota.
The United States Government will send
the Niagara to assist in LAYING the Atlantic
telegraph cable.
The Walker mania in the South, and Kan
sas matters in the North, monopolize the
New York press. Walker is perfect lion.
Civil War in Kansas.
The N. y. HeroM sta;es that the factions
in Kansas have at last come to hard knocks.
Bourden engaged recently in a regular pitch
ell b. tie, in which there was one man killed,
several wounded, and prisoners captured on
both sides. Gen. Lane had entrenched him
self at place called Sugar Mound, and as
serts his intention of attacking the u. S.
stroops if they are sent to dislodge him.
While this bloody work is going on, the
Free State Delegates to the Lawrence Con-
vention are at oggerheads upon the ques-
ton of participation in the election for State
officers.
We have report from St Louis Of ter
rible battle in Kansas between Gen. Lanes
forces and the L. S. Dragons, at Sugar
Mound in which, it is said several of the lat
ter were killed. 1t is also reported that the
dragons retreated, and that Gen. Denver
had sent four companies Of infantry to assist
them; moreover, that the Free State men,
to the number of $500 had rallied in sup
port Of Lane, and that fearful collision
was expected
Kansas atlvices of the 22d December have
been received at St. Louis. The Lecompton
Constitution, with slavery, was carried at the
election on the 2lst Dec, by large MAORI
ty. The returns as yet received are, however
very meager.
1t was reported at Lawrence that a party
CT Free State men were going to Lecompton
to seize the Territorial arms.
Europe.
An attempt to launch the Leviathaa proved
failure. A further attempt was postponed
sine die
Monetary affairs are somewhat easier in
England and Hamburg, but in the North of