The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-12-16

WASHINGTON, Dec, 6,

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.
SENATE.-The consideration of Mr.. Ma
sons resolution, of inquiry as to the Har-
per's Ferry Insurrection, was resumed. Mr..
Trumbull, of ILL.,, said let this investigation
be impartial and thorough. The effect on
the country would be most salutary, and
had a similar investigation, been instituted
when a similar transaction occurred in 1855,
it would have been better. The arsenal at
Liberty, Mo-, was then broken into, and the
public property taken therefrom. He briefly
recapitulated the facts of that occurrence,
as stated by Capt. Leonard, in charge there,
That, however, was for the purpose of
forcing slavery into Kansas-while at
Harper's Ferry the effort was to abolish
slavery" He then offered an amendment to
the resolution extending the inquiry to the
former case.
Mr.. Mason replied that he would not
stand in the way of the inquiry suggested,
but the very document read, contained all
the facts officially set forth. If the Senator
wanted to prevent the recurrence of such
transactions, he would not stand in the way
of applying the proper legislation, but now
when four years had elapsed, and neither
that Senator, nor those who act with him,
have asked an investigation, it is little
strange to be so anxious to couple these
transactions. Mr.. Mason continued, "the
committee could not examine both at once,
and therefore time and money would be lost
by adopting the amendment" He wanted
to know whence resources were obtained for
the Harper's Ferry invasion, and who sup
piled the money, munitions and counsel.
Congress could not act on the subject with.
out official information, and if it should turn
out that Congress had no power to prevent
such transactions, it is the duty OF the
Southern States alone, but of all the States,
to take proper measures for their protection.
He alluded to the remark of Mr.. Trumbull,
respecting the shieks from Kansas not being
heard in Virginia, by saying that no shrieks
would be heard from Virginia, happen what
may in their political relations with others.
He did not know what mans political ed
ucation could be, to lead him to use such
expressions in reference to recent events.
Mr.. Trumbull answered that nothing the
Senator might say could get him to speak
unexpectedly of Virginia or any other
State of the Union. He used the term
shrieks, as used in regard to the people of
Kansas, but not with The view of casting
ridicule on any portion of the country.
Mr.. Mason's impression was that the term
came from the political associates of Mr..
Trumbull at first it was sbrieks for free
dom.
Mr.. Hale, of New Hampshire followed,
denouncing the Supreme court of the United
States, and defined his position generally in
regard to the slavery question.
Mr.. Hunter expressed surprise at the
manner this resolution had been received
1t was proper in ITSELF and made eminently
necessary by the circumstances which have
recently occurred. He was not so much
startled by the foray of Brown and his fol-
lowers, but by the sympathy openly expressed
by the North for him, and at the apparent
indifference of the great mass of the North
at such manifestations of sympathy. The
Senator from Illinois proposes to turn the
matter into a party issue. Does he suppose
the South regards the peace and safety of
community as a party measure. They are
10th that such things can be treated with
indifference by those bound to them by ties
of common government /; but, if such is the
case, it is time they were made aware of it;
upon such occasions as this, which has no
parallel in the history Of the country, the
levity displayed by the Senator of New
Hampshire, is like the laugh of an inebriate
at the bed of death. The South can take
care Of themselves if no remedy can be found
in the general government. Let the South
know, SO that they can take action. Is this
Union to be used only to stay the arms Of
States for self defence, and give no protec.