Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-02-10

i
quiry and truth has triumphed in the House.
The prolonged discussion. consequent on Mr..
Harris resolution. pointed directly to the
result which has just been attained
MIR. Stepheus's motion to refer the message
to the standing Committee on Territories was
lost by one, the vote being yeas ll3, nays
ia.
Mr.. Harris's motion to refer to select COM
mittce of fifteen passed by 3 majority. The
vote stood, yeas III. nays Ill.
Thus there is chance to settle all the dit
ficuties, as we suggest elsewhere. The par
ties now have breathing time, aud need not
tlindly rush at conclusions.
II the speaker selects sound, conservative
men for this committee, We have every hope
that the Democratic party will be a great
gamer from the result.
Matters have come To such pass, that in-
vestigation must be the greatest boon that
not only either, but both parties, could de-
sire. The opposition to the Lecompton con-
sttutiOn is 80 strong, 50 decided, and so ra-
tionally based, that common sense, as we'll as
10 icy, must dictate to the advocates Of the
measure the great good which must result
from such course. The benefits accrulng
from such an investigation into fraud, as Is
desired, must be many; the evils none. lti IL
certain that it would calm much Of the pop.
ular excitement, aud place the parties beyond
the accusation of acting towards ta;h other
in either blind or despotic manner"
While upon this subject, we will quote
from the letter OF Ion, the Washington cor
res pendent Of the Baltimore Sun. He says:--
Gen Calhoun has been here several days,
and has had interviews with the President
and with Senator Douglas, and other promi-
nent men on both sides of the Kansas ques-
ton. Numbers of persons have called upon
him, and he is very frank in his communities
tons on the subject OF the election of the
4th January. learned, just now, that he
has informed members of Congress and
others that he has, since his arrival here, re-
ceivcd information which settles the question
of the election for State officers and the
State Legislature, in favor Of the Free State
candidates. He had stated his opinion adj
versely 10 this result upon his first arrival
here. Perhaps the testimony just received,
which was given before the committee OF the
Territorial Legislature, in regard to the re-
turns lrOn SUult vi tuc pltSibSto, uo'O uoN
the effect to change Gen. Calhoun's judge
ment in the matter.
Ii it prove true that Gen. Calhoun intends
to give the certificates of election to the free
State candidates, it will greatly change the
aspect Of the Kansas question. There will
remain but very little ground for the lnvestl-
CATION proposed, and If the inquiry be or
dercd, + will pro luce no delay.
If, on the contrary, Gen. Calhoun should
determine tp give the certificates OF election
to the candidates on his own side, there is
every reason to believe that Congress will 60
through searching examination into the
details of the election of the 4th and the re-
turns, and the grounds upon which they are
admitted or rejected by Gen. Calhoun, or the
officers to whom the returns were to be made.
1t is true that the Legislature may itself
Judge of the election aud returns, and that
the laws Of Kansas provide for the punish
ment of frauds upon the suffrage; but,
Judging from the present temper of the House,
they iutend to be themselves satisfied upon
the point"