Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-12-16
THE SENATE DEBATE.

We can give but brief epitome Of the de-
bate in Senate on Tuesday last week. Mr. Ma
sons resolution being up, Mr.. Trumbull Of
fered his amendment. He went for a thor
ough investigation, not only of the seizure OF
the arsenal at Harper's Ferry by Brown and
his men. but of the seizure of the arsenal at
Liberty. in Missouri, which was broken open
and the public property taken aw y. That
however was for the purpose offorcing slav-
erv into Kansas, while at HaIper's ferry the
eff,rt was to abolish slavery.
Mr.. Mason would not stand in the way OF
the inquiry; but thought strange that the
two transactions should be coupled together.
Time and expense would be wasted by adopt
Ing the amendment. He wanted to know
who supplied the money, munitions and
counsel for the Harper's Ferry affair. If Con-
cress has no power to prevent such transac-
tons, it is the duty Of all the States to take
measures for protection.
Mr. Hale was for the resolution, and also
for the amendment. He wanted a committee
to make thorough work. The committee
should consist of learned men, deeply yersed
in philosophy, physiology, psychology and
theology, 50 as to get at the bottom Of the
affair. He wanted to look the whole thing
right in the face, and 20 to first principles
He had been accused of completely with the
affair-he was not here to admit or deny
that, but would say that the Republican
Party in the North never sought TO tamper
with slaves Fears have been entert!lned OF
danger to the Union, bat he thought the
greatest danger arose from the constant oblo-
guy and reproach heaped on the people of the
free States every time an opportunity pre-
sented ittelf
Mr.. Green remarked that the purpose Tor
which the arms were taken at Liberty was,
to resist the unlawful acts of the Emlgrant
Aid Society, which had prevented the execu-
ton of the laws of the territory. Although
an unlawful act, it was for good purpose
and in order to support law and order.
Mr.. Crttenden thought that the amend
ment could do no harm, and only occupy
few days more, and hoped it would be adopt
ed.
Mr.. Wilson should vote for the resolution
and amendment. He concluded by hoping
that the investigations would be thorough.
Whoever may be implicated, let him take the
consequences.
Mr. Pugh would vote against the amend
ment as referring to transactions not german
to the resolution, and having no connection.
We have talked enough about Kanzas in
years past
Mr. lverson said that these Kanzas matters
had become almost forgotten and would new
er have been brought up again unless by some
old Mortality like the Senator from Illinois,
who delights to revel in rotten and disgust
ing remains The object of the amendment
could only beto revive agitation and smother
the inquiry prop sed. He believed that 1t
was the settled design Of the republican par
tv to break down the institution Of slavery,
by fair means or foul. if not by appealing to
the SHAREHOLDERS, by melting the slaves As.
for the democratic party, he was sorry to
say he was afraid it was becoming, il not
corrupt, at least corruptibe The South can
take care OF hrs II, and needs SO assistance.
We will be prepared to defend ourselves 70
the last ex tremity, even at the sacrifice of the
Union, which you all pretend to revere SO
much.
Without taking the question, the Senate
adjourned.