Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-01-18
THIRTY-sIxTH CONGREss-First Session
SENATE.

THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS-First Session
SENATE.
WAsHINGroS Jan. 1G.
On motion by Mr.. Sumner a resolution adopted,
directing the committee posofces and postroads to
inquire whether the present charges letters carried by
ocean steamers are unnecessarily large and burden
some operating a check to commerce between the
two hemispheres and especially grievous tax upon
European emgrants seeking home in the United States
and whether something may not be done and if so, what
to secure the benefits of cheap ocean postage
Mr. Powell introduced joint resolution authorship
the president and directors of the Louisville aud Portland
Canal Company TO construct a branch canal from a suit
able point the south side of the canal point in the
Ohio river opposite Sand Island sufficient to pass the
largest class of vessels navigating the Ohio river
which was read twice and referred to the committee
commerce.
On motion, by Mr. Yulee a resolution adopted
directing the committee the posofiice and postroads
inquire into the practicabity OF providing such sys
TEN for the transmission of money and valuable packa
ges by the mails will furnish greater security and TO
inquire how far plan of money orders be engrafted
upon the postal system of the country.
Mr. Biger introduced a bill 10 provide for the sup
preston of invasion from State Territory by OF
through another and the fitting of military expeds
tons or enterprises in State Territory against an
other and for the punishment of such oienses which
was read twice and referred to the select committee or
the Harper's Ferry invasion.
The resolution of Mr. Pugh resumed and Mr.
Clngman took the floor discussing the slavery agitation
in its present aspect, and its effects the country
lie would state his views with the utmost franBness
because this a subject to which he had given his
thoughts while he had been in public life and if any ben
eft grow out of this discussion ought to he franz
and full As preliminary matter, however he remarke,
that had been charged that the present agitation wal
due the action OF the Democratic party lie though
they ought to be entirely eXonerated from this chnrg
and declared that their action had been statesmanii
and patriotic. But why should seek to deceive OU
selves by crying peace when there is no peace Whff
dark and rapidly approaching cloud covers half OF TIE
heavens and the muterngs OF the thunder and the wc
of the storm heard in the distance he would be an
inexperienced mariner who should fail to take warnings
aud seek refuge The South had been censured because
they did not hold meetings and testify their devotion 20
the Union.
But when a country is invaded do the inhabitants get
together and pass resolutions in favor of peace! BE
mosthenes denounced political agitator in the
DAYS of Philip because he warned his countrymen OF APP
preaching danger If those OF the other side of The
chamber would adopt such resolutions it would be wei,
but they only treat them with derison This abolition
movement at first very insignificant. When an "b-
clifton society first formed in Boston, it was so fee
BILE that the member Of Congress from that district re-
fused to answer its inquiries But they went industri
ously work with their publications TO corrupt know
ledge at its fountain head and very it was seen that
women preachers and those of lively sensibties
influenced.
Mr.. Green presented the memorial of the chamber Of
branch mint in st. Louis.
The Senate went into executive session, aud after
wards adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
point of order raised Friday by Mr.. Leake,
to the admissibty of Mr.. Pennngtons plurality
solutions and this morning it passed informally
Mr. Underwood 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
It would be neither truthful profitable Just to speak
OF the republicans otherwise than the abolition party,
which he regarded utterly unmndfu Of their cOnstu
tOnal obligations.
He gave brief history of the slavery agitation speak
ing not a Southern man, but 4 citizen Of the United
States for the constitution, he said depends not only
on the preservation of Southern rights but Of the Union
lie maintained that il the duty of every citizen to
aid in the execution of the fugitive slave law and those
concerned in the underground railroad operations
band of pirates and foul crew as ever boarded
a ship This republican abolition party had faithfully
followed the advice of Senator Seward who had proclaim
ed the "hgher law against the lives and interests Of the
South.
In the course Of his remarks he declared that he
ed a united South for the South demanded nothing to
which they are not entitled While they are not united
they become prey their enemies. As a further
gument he said that il the South had been united the
bill for the admission of Kansas into the Union would
have been passed and sufficient number OF democrats
gave his opinion that the democratic party the hope
of the country.
Mr. Hll having been engaged in a coloquy with his
colleague, said the Union party predcaed on the
good of the American people for the enforcement
of all the laws.
Mr. Underwood replied that he would not break down
constitutional party at the North to build up new
party,
Mr. Hill further explained, that this new party might
draw off gentlemen from the peoples pary-gentlemen
who, though acting with the republicans had shown
their nationality by voting for Mr.. Gimer.
Mr. Underwood replied that they had shown them
selves be sectional men by voting first for Grow and
then for Sherman. In conclusion he culogzed the demo-
cratic party and said that if the southern oppoOusts
would unite with them they could elect conservative
Speaker
Mr. Morris of Illinois, contcnded that the President,
has changed his original position the question OF
slavery in the Territories, and made bid for southern
votes in the Charleston Convention.
When he had concluded the House adjourned.