The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1858-01-23
Congressional.
WASHINGTON, Jan. IA.

| OF the w nOIe anu considered Tue resident 8
annual Message
Mr.. Stephens of Ga, affirmed that under
the neutrality laws, as they now stand, owing
to their imperfect phraseology, the President
cannot at all use the army and navy. But
for Paulding's interposition Walker would
now be secure in possession of the Presiden.
cy of Nicaragua and he was the only legiti-
mate Chief Magistrate of that country. He
repeated that Walker and his men should
be sent back and fully indemnIfied for losses
by the conduct of Paulding, who kidnapped
him.
| Mr.. Blair gave notice of his intent ion to
offer resolution for the appointment of a
Committee, with instructions to inquire into
the expedency of acquiring territory by
treaty or otherw Sc III Central or South Am
erica, for the purpose of colonizing there the
free blacks of this country, and those who
may hereafter obtain their freedom, to be
protected as dependency under the flag of
the United States. He believed that the ex-
tension Of slavery was at the bottom of the
aggressive movement against Central Ameri-
ca. He was opposed altogether to the
schemes OF rapacious propagandists and
thought that Government ought forthwith to
take steps with view Of such colonization,
which was recommended by Jefferson and
approved of by the fathers Of the Republic.
In advocating his proposition, he adverted to
the commercial, civil and other blessings
which result from its consummation. The
resolutions heretofore offered referring to va
rions parts of the Presidents Message to the
| appropriate committees have been taken up
for action.
When Mr.. Stanton endeavored to engraft
an amendment, rendering thanks to Paulding
for his patriotic and spirited conduct, it was
rnled out of order
reading of which occasioned much laughter,
| proposing that an inquiry be made determin-
| ing whether Gen. Walker was induced to en-
ter on the fillibustering expedition by the o.
| tend Manifesto, and the letter of the Secre-
tary OF State produced at fillibustering meet
ings in New York and elsewhere.
The resolution to refer the subject of mill
| tary expeditions to the Judiciary Committee,
| was amended with instructions to enquire
into the expediency of amending the neutral
ity laws
The proposition by Mr.. Phelps, to refer the
Pacific Railroad to a select Committee of ID
was debated, but could not conclude.
The Committee then adjourned.
SENATE.-On motion of Mr.. Bell, resolu-
ion was adopted, requiring the Secretary of
| the Interior to communicate an estimate of
the quantity of land which will enter under
the act of March, 1857, granting land to Min
nesota for railroad purposes.
On motion of Davis resolution was adop-
ted calling on the Secretary of War, for the
report of the Commission on war claims in
Oregon and Washington Territories.
Mr.. Houston gave notice of his intention
to introduce a bill to provide for the admis-
sion of Kansas into the Union as State.
A joint resolution directing the presenta-
ton of medal to Com. Paulding, was made
the special order for Wednesday next.
The Senate did no other business of i'm
portance. After an Executive Session adj
journed.
WASHINGTON, Jan. Is.
HOUsE.-On motion of Mr.. Bennett a res
olution was passed authorizing the appoint
ment of special committee to investigate the
facts attending the sac Of Fort Smelling He
remarked that this wasa case requiring close
examination.
Mr. Stanton offered an amendment for the
appointment of select committee to inves-
dlesex Manufa turing Company OF Lowell,
and inquire whether any member or officer
of the House received any portion of the
amount said to have been paid to secure the
passage of the tariff act of 1857. If the
Committee find that any part of the money
was paid for the use or benefit of any officer
or member of the House, they shall present
specific charges, in which case another Com
mittee of five shall be appointed to investi-
gate charges, the accused to be informed of
the precise time of meeting.
MIR. Stanton earnestly advocated the pas
sage of these resolutions.
Mr.. Burlingame would in this case depart
from this policy; he would select his own
evidence. So many grave charges had been
made by individuals and a partizan press,
with what motive and what purposes he
would not undertake to intimate, that it was
made to him. The House would consult its
dignity as we'll as its honor by adopting the |
resolutions on the facts disclosed by the Com
mittee of the Manufacturing Company. He
knew nothing except what he had seen in |
the newspapers. He was a representative
from Massachusetts,, in which this manufac-
turing Company had its chief establishment,
and wished this matter probed to the bottom. |
He did not believe that the hands of any |
member of this House had been stained by |
the money of Lawrence, Stone & Co. The |
name OF the senior of the firm has stood, and |
stands to-day, as synonym of mercantile
honor and integrity.
Mr.. Davis, of d., said that no man held |
the political press in more contempt than he.
When charges are made in the press he
deemed them unworthy of Investigate n. He
regarded his reputation and the reputation of
every gentleman here as more than enough
to look in the face of the whole combined
press of the country; but this is statement
based on responsible NAME and it is ade-
quate foundation for an investigation. The
record did not say how the money was dis
tributed. 1t may have been spent legiti-
mately to pay the expenses of agents. If it
got into the hands of any member, let him
die the death. He was for following the
precedents of the last Congress in conduct
ing this proposed investigation. He opposed
at length Mr.. Stanton's proposition, which
clothed the committee with the powers of a
grand jury in the absence of the record. it
left the character of the accused open to sus-
picon.
Mr.. Harris, of Illinois, said, from what
trduSplreu last session, the democratic side
has very little to fear from the investigation.
1t might be we'll enough to go to Boston,
and they had better turn to the Congression-
al record, where would be found a case of
consideration-he meant that of Mr.. Matti-
son, who fortunately was not member of
the Democratic party. He then offered an
amendment setting forth the proceedings of
the last House relative to Madison, and in
structing the Committee to take a II the facts
into consideration and report what action IS
necessary to vindicate the character of the
House. Mr.. Madison, he said, is still resting
under serious imputations.
Mr.. Stanton raised question of order that