The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1858-03-06
The Action Ofihe Senate Democratic Can.


In the Senate, Wednesday. Feb e4tb
Mr. Douglas. l rise to make a remark
on another point | have observed. in a
very large number Of newspapers, of various
political compilations, that have come to me
ten days | YVES confined in my house in con-
here in which it was stated that it was be-
lieved 4 caucus Of Democratic Senators had
formally read out Of the party my friend
from Michigan, (Mr. Stuart,) my friend
from Califoruia, (Mr. Broderick,) and my
self. | rise for the purpose Of asking my
friend from Rhode Island, CIR. AlleE,) who
was the President of that caucus, whether
there was any truth in those statements
Mr.. Allen. | was the presiding officer of
that caucus, but heard nothing Of reading
out any member Of the Democratic party
from that caucus.
Nj. Douglas. supposed such was the
case, and yet thought 1t was proper TO call
on the chairman of that caucus to make this
statement, as | was absent, and had no
means Of knowing what was done, except on
the informal inquiries have made, to which
| received the same answer. 1 will take &C.
casio to remark, that during the fourteen
years have been here, no caucus has ever
yet been held by which the right was ella IN
ed to make any measure party measure
II WAS not done on the Nebraska bill it
never has been done On any other bill. |
understand that it has not been done on this
LecOmpton question. The friends of the
Nebraska bill met-men Of all parties; and
the opponents of the Nebraska bill met-men
of ri parties. The friends Of the Lecompton
Constitution may meet and its opponents
also; but no party has ever yet taken juris-
diction Of a measure TO declare it a party
measure, much less have they undertaken
to read anybody out of party for differing
from them.
Mr.. lverson. At the suggestion Of my
friend friend from Indiana, (Mr. Fltch) | will
take occasion 10 make a response 10 the in
quiry of the Senator from Illinois and it is
proper that | should do so, inasmuch as the
only action Of that caucus was on resolu-
ton which | offered.
Mr.. Toomts. ! will take the liberty with
my colleague, which | do in the kindes'
manner possible, and probably | would not
have done II TO any other Senatoa; but
can take the lberly with my colleague OF
account Of our relations, To object TO these
explanations in the Senate of what took
plsce in caucus. i hope my colleague vii
lie, i. drop. | say it in the kindest spirit
Those g, ntlemen who choose to bring II
bring it forward here may do 30.
Mr. lverson. Ms only object is to disa
bu.e the mind OF the Senator from Illinois
Mr.. Douglas. trust the Senator from
Georgia may be permitted 10 make his state
nent. 1t Is Informal but trust there vii
be no objection TO it. As he says he offer
ed the resolution, think i, is proper be
should now have an opportunity OF explain
+ irg.
/ The Vice President. The Chair did not
arres, the remarks which have been mad,
though there wer. none Of than strictly II
order.
Mr. Benjamin. | shall renew the object
/ ion. | 90 nst think this i in order.
Mr. Douglas. do not wish to push ihii
/ question any further. IL has gone far enough
{ | understand the resolution which was Offer
T ed TO the effect that 1t was conceded on
all hands that ;he caucus disclaimed such
right, intention or power