The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-01-24
CONGRESS.

Senate on the 10TH in defence Of the tights Of the
South, and discussed the slavery agitation in its
present aspect, and its effects on the country
He said he would state his views with the utmost
frankness, because this was subject to which he
had given his thoughts while he had been in
public life, and if any benefit was to grow out of
this discussion it ought to be frank and full.-As
preliminary matter, however, he remarked that
it bad been charged that the present agitation
due to the action of the Democratic party. He
thought they ought to be entirely exonerated from
this charge, and declared that their action had
been statesmanke and patriotic. But why should
we seek to deceive ourselves by crying peace"
when there is no peace? When dark and rapidly
approaching cloud covers half of the heavens, and
the mutterings of the thunder and the wall of the
storm are heard in the distance, he would be an
inexperienced mariner who should fail to take
warning and seek refuge. The South had been
censured because they did not hold meetings, and
testify their devotion to the Union. But when
country is invaded do the inhabitants get together
and pass resolutions in favor of peace? Demos
themes was denounced political agtator in the
days Of Philip because he warned his countrymen
of approaching danger. If those on the other side
of the chamber would adopt such resolutions it
would be well; but they onl y treat them with
derison. This abolition movement at first was
very insignificant. When an abolition society was
first formed in Boston, it was so feeble that the
members Of Congress from that district refused to
answer its inquiries But they went industriously
to work with their publications corrupt knowledge
at its fountain head; and very soon it was seen
that women preachers and those of lively sensibties
were Influenced.
Mr. Bigler of Penn, has introduced bill to sup
press the invasion of State Territory by the
citizens of another, which was referred to the
III tbo
In the House, Mr. Underwood of Ca, made
speech of 3! hours length, in which he severely
condemned the course of the southern opposition
members and the anti-Lecomptonites Mr. Under
wood said he INDUCED the hope that by
this debate the people Of the South had been
aroused to their true position in the Union, and
have become fully acquainted with the ends and
aims Of the enemies of the republic. 1t would be
neither truthful profitable nor just to speak Of the
republicans otherwise than as the abolition party
which he regarded utterly unmindful of their
constitutional obligations. He gave brief history
Of the slavery agitation, speaking not as a Southern
man, but us citizen of the United States; for the
constitution, be said, depends not only the pre-
servation Of Southern rights, but Of the Union.
He maintained that it was the duty Of every citi-
zen to aid in the execution Of the fugitive slave
law, and those concerned in the underground rail
road operations he denounced band of pirates,
and as foul as ever boarded ship. This
republican or abolition party had faithfully follow
ed the advice of Senator Seward, who had proclaim
ed the highcr law against the lives and interests
Of the South. In the course of bis remarks he de-
cared that he wanted united South, for the
South demanded nothing to which they not
entitled. While they are not united they become
preyto their enemies. AS further argument,
he said that if the South had been united the bill
for the admission of Kansas into the Union would
have been passed, and sufficient number Of
Democrats elected to the House to have organized
that body He gave as his opinion that the Demo-
cratic party is the hope of the country.
Mr. Hill of Ga, whig, having been engaged in
colloquy with his colleague, said the Union
party predicated the good sense Of the
American people, for the enforcement of all the
laws. Mr. Underwood replied that he would not
break down a constitutional party at the North to
build up new party. Dir Hill further explained
that this new party might draw off gentlemen from
the peoples party-gentlemen who, though acting
with the Republicans, had shown their nationality
by voting for Mr. Gimer. Mr. Underwood replied
that they had shown themselves to be sectional
men by voting first for Grow and then for Sherman
In conclusion he euloeized the Democratic party,
and said that if the Southern Oppostionists would
unite with them they could elect conservative
Speaker Mr. Morris of Illinois, Republican, con-
tHdI tle has Changed his origin
al position the question Of slavery in the Ter
rtories, aud made bid for Southern votes in the
Charleston Convention.
On the 18th the Senate elected Mr. Bowman, of
the 'Constitution," Printer Of the Senate by one
ma ority.
In the House, Mr. Hickman offered his plurality
Mr. Branch wished it withdrawn. This
was opposed by the Republicans in a long debate.
Mr. Hickman accused the Northern Democrats of |
being under Southern influence and factious. Mr.
McClernand said that Mr. Hickman was traitor
to the Democracy, follower of Seward and tool
of the Republicans. MIR Pryor denounced Mr.
Hickman's language as false. Then followed quite
a lively time. No vote taken for Speaker.
A dispatch from Washington says:
Various private conferences have taken place
among the gentlemen representing the different
parties in the House, with the view of agreeing |
upon basis for the election of Speaker, but, as
heretofore, without favorable result. Several
members await an opportunity to offer propositions
Of practical character for this purpose. Among
them is that of Mr. Sckles, whose resolution
provides that the House proceed to election
Of Speaker viua poce, and that if upon the first
call of the roll no one shall have majority,
"a quorum being presently then from those having
he highest numbers, not exceeding three, the
House will proceed to make choice by second
vote, and if neither have majority then from the
wo highest on the list the House will procec |
% make choice of Speaker.-That if upon the
bird vote the said two persons shall receive an
equal number, the House will continue to vote for
me or the other of the same two until one of them