Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-06-08
Thrty.fifth Congress.-.1st Session.

sideration of the resolutions from the Committee
on Foreign Relations on British aggressions
IN the Gulf of Mexico was continued. Mr.
Ioombs repeated what he said on Saturday,
that he wanted to seize the British ships. The
resolutions were not worth the paper they are
written on. Mr.. Hammond, of S. O., and Mr..
Orlttenden suggested more moderate course.
MIR. Wilson moved the adoption OF joint reso-
luton authorizing the President to arrest the
outrages at once Without disposing of the sub
lject the Senate then took up the miscellaneous
appropriation bill.
House.-The joint resolution tor the adjust
ment of our difficulties with Paraguay was dis
cussed and adopted The House then, in Com
mlttee of the whole, took up the Indian supple
mental and Indian deficiency bills.
TURsDAY.-Senate.-T Miscellaneous appro-
priation bill was debated at great length by the
friends of internal improvements, especially the
Northwestern Senators who introduced amend
ment after amendment for making appropria-
lions to lake and river harbors.
House,. Clancy Jones asked leave to in
troduoe joint resolution providing that the
next session of Congress shall commence on the
second Monday in November.
The House passed the Indian deficiency ap.
preparation bill, and the bill making appropria-
ton for the three regiments Of volunteers. The
vote on the latter bill was 101 against &C.
The House then proceeded to the oonsidera-
ton Of OF the Fort Smelling report.
Mr.. Morrill, addressed the House in con-
domination of the sale of the property I'M
der the direction of the Secretary of War, and
in Reproduction of an alleged con hination from
Virginia and New York.
Mr.. Faulkner replied, saying the report of the
majority of the Select Committee was bitterly
characterized by party spirit; but there was not
one word syllablein the testimony affecting the
official conduct and purity of the Secretary of
War, and this fact should have been cheerfully
ANNOUNCED to the House.
During the afternoon, Mr.. Harris, from Hi
nois, from the Committee on Elections, made a
report concluding with resolution declaring
the seat of Hon. j. Morrison Harris, of Maryland,
vacant, on the ground that his election was ef-
footed by fraud and violence.
WEDNESDAY, Senate-Th subject of British
aggressions was made the special order of the
day for Saturday at noon.
Mr.. Houston made an attempt to bring up the
Mexican Protectorate project. In reference
thereto he said that if the Government of this
nation do not interpose in the name of outraged
humanity in Mexico, men will be found who
will not shrink from interposing to protect their
rights and the rights of their fellow citizens.
He himself would not hesitate, if necessity de-
manded, to do so, and they who do it will not
be liable to the name of fllibusters nor amena-
Bile to the reproach Of marauding He therefore
demanded an expression by yeas and nays of o.
pinion by the Senate, to show whether we will
really do anything or nothing in the matter.
| Mr.. Hunter suggested that he hoped the SEN
tor would accept the Senates expression as de-
csive. The vote was taken and resulted as fol-
lows Ayes II, nays &c.
House.-The Fort Smelling report was resum-
ed. Mr.. Clark, of New York, differed from the
conclusions of both the majority and minority
reports. There was not the slightest ground for
impeaching the personal or official integrity of
the Secretary of War, but the management and
sale was iniudicious and improper. There was
probably or possibly an entire want of power
for the sale, and it was probably vodable on &C.
count of the circumstances attending it.
Mr.. Smith of Illinois, disclamed any charge
of fraud or corruption against any one. He did
not believe that the Secretary acted corruptly
or dishonesty, but was deceived and unfortu-
nate in the selection of the agent to effect the
sale. =,
Mr.. Petit closed the debate, contending that
the sale could not be justified by law or usage,
Justice or morals; the act throughout was all
wrong.
Mr.. CLARK, of New York, offered series OF
resolutions, the first one of which reads as fol-
lows: :,
Reso1ued, That the evidence reported by the
Select Committee as to the recent sale OF the
Fort Smelling reservation, has failed to exhibit
any fact or circumstance impeaching the person
al or official integrity of the Secretary OF War
This was as agreed to-yeas 1873, nays 60.
Mr.. Russell then moved to lay the whole sub
iect on the table, but the question was decided
in the negative-yeas IS, nays l4O.
THURsDAY.-Senate.--M Stewards resolution
to extend the session to the 21st of june was
voted on and carried by vote of % to 20; but
Mr.. Hamln's amendment to terminate the
session on the 18th was then voted on and a.
dopted by vote of SO to II.
MIR. johnson, of Arkansas, then moved to re-
consider, but the vote being taken on the adop-
ton of the resolution it was confirmed by vote
of 80 to &c; consequently if the House concur
the adjournment will be on Monday, the 18th.
The miscellaneous appropriation bill was taken
up. discussed, and finally passed.
HouSe.-Mr. Davis, OF Mississippi, asked leave
to introduce preamble setting forth that the
violations of American merchantmen in the
Gulf of Mexico and ports of Cuba, exercised by
the British war steamers, is in direct viola
ton of international law, and that in the course
of which illegal conduct one American has been
killed. -concuding with resolution that the
President be required to give instructions to our
NAVY to arrest all the offending vessels until
ample reparation be made by the British Gov
eminent. and guarantees given for the future ex
emption from visitation. After some debate, or
motion of Mr.. Davis, the resolution was referred
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The resolution from the Senate fixing on Mon
day. the 18th, as the day for adjournment wa:
received. when the House amended it by fixing
Thursday, the 10th inst:
FRIpAY-Ssnate-Th House amendment
|in'relation to the day of adjournment was agreed
Ito. Unless further postponement is agreed up
on Congress will adjourn on Thursday next.
House.-The House refused to suspend the
rules to receive report from the Naval Com
Imittee. in favor of the construction of ten pro-
Ipeller sloops. of-war. A majority of the House
voted in favor of suspending the rules, but 6
two.third vote was necessary
SATURpAY.-The death ex-senator Henderson
of Texas. was announced in both houses, and nc
business was transacted.
Excitement in Norfolk and Petersburg.
For sometime past slaves have been escaping
from Norfolk and Petersburg in mysterious
manner. On Thursday the 9th nit, it was sus
pected at Norfolk that the schooner Francis
French, Capt. Allen, OF Union, N. j., had takei
off slave, and she was pursued and brough
back, the slave being found on board. A larg
number of persons assembled at the wharf II
meet her, and great excitement prevailed. VI
Friday night meeting of citizens was held ant
resolutions adopted ordering two white men
Danenburg and Mott, who were believed to b.
annassnries to lenYa the city.