The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-12-07
xxxvI Congressional Session
SENATE.

SENATE.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 3.-The Senate met at Il
O'Clock, Mr.. Breckenridge in the chair.
Several members did not answer to thei
names.
A committee was appointed to notify IN
President. and i2o'clock was fixed for the hou
meeting.-Adjourned.
HOUSE,.
The House met at ~ o'clock. Good humo
prevailed among the members, before th'
Speaker called the House TO order.
Prayer Was offered by Rev. Mr.. Stockton
who implored the Divine blessing upon thei'
proceedings.
The r, n was then callel About two hun
drel members answered to their names.
Messrs Moorheai. Bocock aud Adams wer'
added To the Senate Committee, consisting o.
Messrs Bigler, Mas, N, and COllamer, To wal
on the President, and announce that both
Houses were really ~ receive any communica
ton he might be pleased 10 make.
Mr.. GrOw called up his motion, made las
session, to reconsider the vote ON the homesteal
bill, and moved the previous question, but sub
sequently withdrew his motion.
On motion of Mr.. Florence, the hour Of moor
was adopted As the time Of meeting.
The members then proceeded To draw seats.
Mr.. Washburn, Of Maine, was excused from
serving on the Committee on Ways and Means
as he would yacate his seat ON the FIRST Of Jan
uary.
Mr.. Young renewed his motion Of reeonsii
Grafton in reference to the homestead bill.
Adjourned.
Mr.. Bigler, In behalf OF the committee e
wait upon the President, reported that the,
hal performed the duty assigned 10 them.
The message was read by Mr.. GlOsbrenner.
the Presidents private secretary.
Amer the reading Of the message, Mr.. Cling
man OF ". G.. moved that IL DO printed. lii
thought IL fell short In Investigating the causes
of the present crisis. The President elect WAS
known To a dangerous man, and his party
would eventually control the Government, the
Supreme Court included. lie did not think
the southern States hal acted preeipitately.
In South Carolina the submission party was
very small The wisest thing Congress could
do. was to divide the public property as fairly
as pOssible, after paying the public debts.
Mr.. Crittenden replied, hoping the example
the gentlemen wonli not be followed. They
had better not come here at all The
Union was worthy Of great sacrifices and con-
cessiOns. lie looked forward 30 dsuniOn with
fear and trciabling. They must search for
means OF reconciliation and harmony. lie
hoped there would be no angry debate. North
Carolina always carried the olive branch o.
peace.
Mr.. Clingmsn approved the desire to pre-
serve the Union bat when the Union ceases to
project North Carolina, she will bill it good bye.
The usual number Ofeopes were ordered to
be prinied.-AdjOurned.
HOUSE.
The annual estimates Of the Secretary Of the
Treasury were referred 10 the Committee on
Ways and Means.
The other business was uumportan,.
The message was read by MIR. Forey, the
clerk Of the house.
After the realing Of the message, Mr.. Sher-
man moved that IL be REFERRED 10 q Committee
Of the Whole, AMI that the printing Of 10000
copies be referred to the COmIaittee on Print
ing.
Mr.. DOteli offered an amendment that 50
much of the message ,s relates to the grievances
between the slaNeh0lding States, and the pro-
possl by Congress ut amendments to the con-
sttution for ratification by the several States
and the question Of state secession, be referred
toa Committee Of one from each state, Ia be
appointed by the Speaker. Such Committee to
report by bill or amendments TO the Constitu-
ton upon each subject, particularly, whether
legislation or amendment To the Constitution
is necessary to give prompt, full, and certain
effect 10 the article in the constitution concern
ing fugiti,es from slavery.
MIR. Botelier declined accepting MIR. MeCler-
narl's amendment.
Mr.. Sherman proposed to Mr.. Dotelier that
the Committee should consist OF fifteen in all,
instead of one from each state. lCries Of Oh!
Mol
Mr.. Bocock RAISED point Of order withrefer.
cnce to Mr. Botelier's amendment, that the
Committee could not report At any time with
out q suspension Of the rules.
The Speaker decided in favor Of Mr.. Bocock.
but the latter withdrew his objections, and
Mcssrs. Curry and Burnett reviewed II.
Mr.. Morris, Of ILL.,, offered an amendment,
which was read for Information. that we are I'M
alterably attached 10 the Union, aud recognise
in il the primary cause OF our present great
ness and prosperity, and that as yet. having
seen nothing, eithe- Ina Mr.. Lineoln's election
or any other source, TO justify its dissolution,
we pledge our sacred honor 10 maintain II.
Objected TO but after some suggestions, the
question was taken on Mr.. BOtelier's amend
nent.
Messrs. Singleton. Of Miss. Jones and Gar
trell, Of Ga, Hawkins OF Fla, Clopton AMI
Pugh, OF Ala, declined voting, their states hay-
ing callel conventions 10 consider the natter.
Mr.. Niles offs C., said his state was already
out OF the Union, except by mere form, there
fore her delegation took NO interest In this mat
ter.
This remark WAS received with good humor.
Mr.. Botelier's amendment was adOpte1-yeas
li5. nays Is.
The House then agreed to Mr. Sherman's mo-
ton. with Mr. BOtelier's amendment thereto.
Mr.. Morris. OF Ill. endea,oured to Introduce
his resolution, but IL was objected to, anu the
House adjourned.