Weekly American. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1858-1858, 1858-01-09
noINGs or CoNcREss.

The proceedings in the Senate during the
past week have not been either of an import
ant or exciting character Mr. Crittenden, on
Wednesday, made brief speech in support
of his resolutions in regard to home valuation;
that is to say, Of fixing the values Of goods up
on which duties are laid here, in the United
States, instead of taking their supposed foreign
values, with view to prevent frauds on the
revenue. The resolutions are laid over for the
present. Much Of the time of the Senate has
been occupied in Executive session, upon the
nominations of officers Of the Navy restored by
| Courts Of Inquiry.
In the House lively and rather exciting de-
bate has been going on, upon the subject Of
the arrest and forcible return of Fillibuster
Walker and his men. Much, and pretty Sc
we're censure has been cast upon the admins
tration and Commodore Paulding for arresting
Walker. This has come chiefly from demo-
Gratis too; for the opposition generally APP
prove the act. Mr.. Sickles Of New York, sup
posed to be pretty much of fllibuster on
large scale, defended the action Of the ad-
Il
He thought the opinions advocated in the
House yesterday were more in accordance
with what might be expected in House of
Representatives in Nicaragua, under the con-
troll Of President William Walker, than with
such as became the Congress of the United
States.
He regarded the neutrality law as conson-
! ant with the wise policy handed down from
Washington. Have we forgotten, he said, that
Champion and the British consuls were dis
missed for violating the neutrality law of
1920?
Many treaties have been made in conformity
with the principles of that law. We have en-
tered into treaty with New Granada to
guaranty and secure the Isthmus transit
against unlawful interference.
In reply to the argument that our Govern.
ment cannot arrest beyond the distance of
marine league from shore, he referred to the
treaty for the suppression of the slave trade
by sending force of eighty guns to the coast
of Africa. No, one has ever contested the
right, or doubted the duty Of the President to
execute that treaty.
distinction is made in favor of Walkers
expedition, that it was peaceful, unarmed
expedition. But in all such cases, the intent
must govern. With what intent did Walker
set out from our sboresp Certainly to make
war; to take property and life in Nicaragua,
with which we had just made treaty
guarantying the security and protection Of its
public transit route.
All writers on international law call such
acts as were committed by Walker and his
force unlawful, and denounce them in the
strongest terms.
The Supreme Court of the United States
has decided ttat even when there are no arms
on board vessels starting on such an expedi-
ton, yet when the intent to evade or violate
the act is plain, punishment must be inflicted
Nothing has been said of Walkers conduct
and condition. A few months ago Walker,
when in destitute condition, was rescued by
Commander Davis from a borrid doom. and
restored to his friends. Shortly after, in let
ter to the Executive he pledged his honor to
do no acts in violation of the neutrality law.
He forfeited his plighted honor, and took an
other gallant band of deluded followers to the
scene of former miseries
Our Government has declared such expedi
tons illegal, and has pledged its faith to put
them down. Shall that faith be forfeitedP
Shall we be charged with condemning them on
paper, but encouraging them in fact? Let not
public officers be condemned for doing what
they think the will of Government
We confess our surprise to hear man
Landed as an injured hero and patriot whom
we have looked upon rs cold blooded inur-
derer, buccanier and land pirate, and fugi-
tive from justice.
The Hon. j. II. Hammond of s. c., success
or of Senator Butler, appeared in the Senate
on Thursday and took his seat The 'Presi-
dents Message in relation to the arrest of
Walker was received, but not disposedof An
exciting debate took place upon this message.
In the House the debate upon the Presi-
dents Annual Message was continued and
speeches were made by Messrs Thayer of
Mass, Adrian Of N. j., Washburn of Me-, and
Faulkner Of Va
Both Houses adjourned till Monday: Why2
because, the 9Th inst is the anniversary of the
only battle, $50 one would be led to think
ever fought by Americans in which they were
victorious. What were Saratoga, Monmouth,
Kings Mountain, Yorktown, Chippewa,
Lundy's Lane, The Thames, Buena Vista, Cero
Gordo, Cherubusco, Contreras, &cp not to be
thought ONO, none but New Orleans.
tR- IL those who think the times are hard.