New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-02-19
XXXVth CONGRESS. . Second Session.

SENATE. .wAsHISGTos, Feb. Is, 1859.
TIE ooly tbipg of interest which transpred during
Che m orning hour was bill reported by Mr.. POLK
from the Committee of Foreign Relations to pay Mr..
Squies, our late Charge at Guatemala, the sum OF
~ 500 az compensation for extra services ms bli
provoked much discussion for and sgans ~ but no de-
1ieOn come to.
Mr.. HUNTER tried te have the Consular and Dip
Jomatc ACKNOWLEDGEMENT considered but he wac out
voted % against 81 in favor Of the Pnvae Calendar
which was accordingly proceeded WITH;
After the discussion OF lew prVdte pension oi1s,
the important Message received from the Presi-
dent which will be found under our general dispatch.
partial debate took place on the motion TO refer
the Message 10 the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Messrs. CLINGMAN and BENJAMIN spoke
briefly in support Of the views Of the Message.
Mr.. SEWARD considered that it was sad sight TO
zee the President Of these United States asking Con-
ress 10 confer him the warmsking power, in order
10 assimate his functions TO those Of European gov
ersments The passage of a bill granting the Presi-
dept such power as he asks would be virtually to sur
render the powers Of Congress and In opposition TO the
express preoepts Of the Contribution.
Mr.. FESSENDEN expressed similar views, and
cited the Paraguay Expedition, which was to consist
of single ship and lie now an armada OF twenty eau,
as an instance OF how the President might plunge the
patton into war. The President now comes forward
and asks for general powers. II wo1d be more
rational TO take military steps at once TO have king
than blnd,y confer absolute powers.
Mr. DOUGLAS was glad the Presiden. had called
attention to this subiect. He considered that the
President ought to have power to keep open the tran
sit routee and 10 protect citizens and commerce.
He ought to be invested with power summary to
enforce redress for any outrage committed upon our
flag, citizens or property, wherever occurs The
Executive Of every otner nation has It. Mr. Douglas
did not mean TO give special vote of confidence 10
the present Executive, but content to trust that
power to him and bis in all time. Our pol
icy is TO make the Executive strong abroad to make
the American name respected, but not undny TO
increase the Executive power within the Uoned
States. He hoped this Message would originate q
more vigorous and efficient foreign policy.
Mr.. DAVIS Miss could not concur IN the doctrine
of Mr. Douglas to its fullest extent There s no fore
seeing to what limit il might not extend if urged by
ambition, or by any other feeling. That we want to
invest the Executive with power than our fathers
gave, only marks the decadence of the American peO
Die. Mr.. Davis would prefer the delay of Congress
sona action to the surreDdering of great COnsltu
fonal principle. But be did not understand the Pres
dent as asking for undue or irresponsible powers.
The transit route was constructed by American ct
1ens with American capital and is therefore an ex-
ceptiOnsl case. ,
Mr. DAVIS would grant him the power, but would
limit il to the special case that is known to exist.
Mr. GREEN obtained the floor, and expressed him.
self as ready to 20 On with bis remarks when general
Senators proposed to adjourn, whereupon Mr.. Green
said this was one Of the most important messages ever
before the Senate and ought to be carefully considered
Adjourned.