Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-03-05
BY TELEGRAPH
W ORC TER S Ply.
By the American Telegraph Companyis Printing Lines
Office in DEN raj Express Office Lincoln House Block.
THiRrY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON. Thursday, March 4.
SENATE.

Mr.. Hammond OF South Caroline, contend
| ed that the Lecomptor Constitution embodied
the will Of the people of Kanzas, for the con-
vention was an assemblage of the people in
their highest capacity.
Mr.. Hammond said that he understood the
senator from Illinois to have declared that he
was opposed to the Lecompton Constitution
only on one point, namely, because he was
not satisfied that it EN- bodied the wiz of the
people of Kanzas.
Mr.. Douglas replied, that was not exactly
his position. He thought thereSwere other
irregularities, but would waive these if he
could be assured that the Constitution en-
bodied the will of the people of Kauzas.
Mr. Hammond had understood that Doug
las maintained that all the other irregularities
could be cured by Congress, and that that
was the soc ground of difficulties between
them, but the question is, how can the will
Of the people of Kanzas be ascertained. He
thought Mr.. Douglas in error in saying that
the Lecompton convention was the creature
of the Territorial Legislature, and he thought
that from that error chad probably arisen all
his subsequent errors upon that subject. How
was it possible that the convention could be
the creature of the Territorial Legislature
The convention was an assemblage of the peo-
pie in their highest sovereign capacity, about
10 perform the highest act OF sovereignty. The
Territorial Legislature was mere pro-
yisional government, petty corporation ap-
pointed by Congress without particle of
sovereign power. Congress could not inter
tere with the Convention. 1t has no power
to act outside of the limitations of the consti-
tuition no right to carry into effect the SUI
preme will of any people, if it has not been
expressed in their constitution. He then pro-
ceeded to argue that the Lecompton constitu-
tiou Naa local iDatr,1roant ovar
pressed the will of but minority of the peo-
pie. The u. S. constitution was made by
minority.
Mr.. Doolittle of Wisconsin, alluded to the
threats made in certain quarters that unless
Kanzas be admitted under the Lecompton
constitution, the Union win De dissolved.
Did he believe such national calamity would
follow the rejection of the Lecompton consti-
tuition, or. that it was at all likely, he confess
ed it would be entitled to great weight. But
he did not believe that all the politicians in
Washington could dissolve the Union. Re
feering to the boasts made that, had Fremont
been elected he never would have been inau-
gurated, he said the Republicans would stand
by the Union, whoever was President. He
then passed glowing eulogy on the Union.
Without concluding the. consideration of the
subj ct, the Senate adjourned till Monday.
HOUSE.
The Speaker announced the first business
to be Mr.. Hoard's resolution asking for Sc
lect committee to examine into the charges
that the action of members had been 1nhu-
enced by the hestowal, Or the Withholding of
executive patronage. The question pending,
was shall the motion be entertained as a ques-
ton of privilege?
Mr.. Hoard Of New York, proposed an
amendment, charging on his own authority
and common report, the President with en-
deavoring to control the action of the House
on the Lecompton Constitution, by executive
patronage.
Mr.. Humphrey Marshall of Kentucky, sug-
gested the postponement of the subject for
one week.
Mr.. Hoard again disclaimed any party spirit
or intention to wound the feelings of any
man, When he introduced the proposition,
he did not suppose there would be any oppo-
sition to it. He commended that it was lie.
gitimate subject of inquiry, that common
fame was sufficient ground for an nvestiga-
stion. 1t is a common rumor that the execu-
tive is now endeayoring to control the action
of the House, as he has heretofore endeayored
to do. 1t was common rumor that led to an
investigation III Mr.. Wolcott's case, In NOV
ing for this inquiry, he was not in pursuit Of
a victim, but an offender. Mr.. Hoard said
that he was informed that Mr. Morris of Hi
nois, has twice endeavored to get the floor to
make some affirmation of the truth of tie
statement which Mr.. Burns had denied, rela-
tive to his vote on the reference of the Lee
compton message to the Committee on Terri
tories. Messrs. Smith and Morris of Illinois,
had both informed him (Hoard) that Burns
was previously relied on as anti Lecompton.
Nh. Blair of Missouri repeated conversa-
ton with Mr.. Morris, in confederation of Mr.
Hoard's statement.
Mr.. Nichols of Ohio, said when common
fame was presented as the ground of investi-
CATION, it was beneath the dignity of the House
to entertain this subject. The allegation
against his colleague was false. He never ex-
pected as is charged, the appointment to the
Marshalship of Ohio. Members all knew,
without an investigation, that favor and pat
ronage were brought to bear in favor of the
passage of administration measures. This
had been the practice of all administrations.
Mr.. Giddings of Ohio, asked Mr.. Nichols
to make an exception in favor OF John Quincy
Adams, who once declared on this floor, that
while he was President, he never on but one
occasion asked an appointment, and that was
deputy post master, in whose favor he wrote
note to Judge Mclean, who declared the
applicant was unfit, and there the matter end
ed.
Nichols replied that there were honorable
exceptions. AS to Burns note, no member
had stated on his own responsibility that
was any reason or motive for the charge. He
moved to lay the subject on the table, includ-
ing resolution from Mr.. Burns, which Mr..
Hoard had accepted, as this substitute provid-
ed for the appointment Of committee TO IN
quize whether there had been any collision
betw cen Burns and the President, and wheth-
er improper attempts had been made directly
or indirectly to Influence the action of any
member of the House on any measure on
which the House has acted, or has under con-
sideratiou with power to send for persons and
papers. The motion was carried, yeas 90,
nays 80.
Mr.Quitman Of Mississippi, called up his bill,
authorizing the organization of a regiment of
mounted volunteers for the defence of the
frontiers of Texas, and also authorizing the
President to call out, as occasion may require,
four additianal regiments of volunteers.
Pending the consideration of the bill, the
House adjourned.