Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-05-17

history OF the recent secession OIL the coIt3I
States At the proper time Mr. lancey DID
precipitate the Cotton States into revolution
He left Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri
Tennessee and Delaware in the convention
Part Of Delaware went out, but it was though!
that it was too small State To divide, SO lie
representative was sent back, laughter was
it to watch? Mr. Yancey though that Ken.
lucky was not to be trusted because she had
been represented by those freesollers, Clay
and Crittcnden lie asked pardon Of the
Senator from Kentucky MIR. Crttendcn)
whose fame was as wide as his country's an
mails. (Applause.) God grant that every
man in the Country were such a lrcesoller as
Clay and Crittenden. (Applausc.l
The Secedcrs wanted intervention. The
House of REPRESENTATIVES, had indicated what
kind Of intervention would be made. There
was a House bill on the Senate table which re-
pealed the slave-code which the people OF New
Mexico had unanimously adopted. This was
an unwarranted interference. Never II ne
could help it, should Congress prevent slav-
cry, if the people of New Mexico wanted 1t.
Never, il he could help it, should Congress
force slavery upon Nebraska, where they
did mt want it. These were or principles,
the principles OF the Democratic party, as
EXPRESSED at Charleston lie denied that
this would work !. wrong to the South. 1t
had made New Mexico. slave when 1T was
surrounded by free territory, and 1t would
make the Northern States of Mexico when
acquired, also, slave territory. TO appeal TO
Congress for protection would be to get such
protection lis the wolf gives the lamb. Ap-
pcaling to an anti-slavery Congress TO force
slavery on an unwilling people. What could
be greater folly? lie had, then, read letter
from the Hon a. Ii. Stephens, which nc
cuiogiScd, as the only way to save the demo
cratic party and perpetuate the Uinon OF inc
States. Mr. Stephens had SAID that the
South ought not To demand more than the
Cincinnati platform. lie Mr.. Douglass be-
licved that the interest OF the Country de-
manded that the Democratic party should
stand a unit on its old platform. 1t was
said that the platform WAS susceptible OF
two constructions. 1t conld not be miscon-
ceiycd upon amy political question. Upon
the judicial question all were wiling to dis
agree as to what the courts would decide.
The only objection he had TO the Tennessee
resolutions was that they would intallbiy re-
ccive two constructions. They bore upon
their face the intention to be donbly con-
strued He wanted no two-laccd platforms.
lie stood upon the party platform rs he had
always interpreted it. Ii amy one differed
upon the law question, let both walt until
the courts decide it and then we will both
abide by it. In no other mode can the party
be united and preserved.
II was demanded that tie majority should
Weld to the minority, boilers rule over the
regular organization. The regular organ!-
zation was called to surrender to secederS,
with notice served in advance, that no quar-
ter would he given. Ii vas proposed to give
the majority leave to vote for the candidate
and platform of the minority, with the pro-
mise that no quarter should he given when
the minority rot the power to Cabinet "ili-
Ger. Postmaster, or Light house man. Tins
WAS bio talk for scccierS. The Democratic
party made no such tests, proposed no such
nroscfiuti,,n: it WAS willing to larmnnizc
the party upon It's old platform. If the .u-
diciaI question was decided against him, Ii
would not prove INN less IL Democrat but
less 4 lawyer--aud indeed on this subject be
would have no pride of opinion il he WAS not
called. Judge lie said he would not have
taken IN 81 much of tie time "i the Senate,
if he had not been convinced that upon thus
question hung the fate OF the Union. lie
closed with cuiogy on the principle OF mon
intcrycntion.'
Mr.. Davis rose To reply, but gave way t"
Il motion Of Mr.. Hale, that when the Senate
adjourn it he to meet at o'clock, which mo-
ton was lost by yeas II; nays p.
MIR Davis, oI Miss, responded to Mr.
Douglas, and alter declaring his rrcSponsi-
hiiity tor any opinions attributed 10 hIm ny
MIR. Douglas. who would not consent to III
tcrruutions. he said that Mr.. Douglas seem
cd to think he embodied the democratic par
tv like the King Of France, he was the State.
lie. MIR. d., was not correct Ill attrlbut'nS
10 him any desire to prescribe.
Mr.. Davis continuing corrected various
errors into which Mr.. Douglas had fallen IN
his comments upon Mississippi politics. lie
said that his resolutions influence neither the
Supreme Court nor the Charleston Conycn-
tiun. he said that Mr.. Douglas had prid-
ed him.eclf on the apparent majority he re-
crivud az Charleston. lie would show there
WAS no majority. lie, Mr.. d. had but
one adhcrcnt III the Senate.
1t was now / o'clock, aud Mr. Davis gave
wav for motion Of Mr.. Mason that the
Senate go into Executive session, which WAS
agreed to.
The Senate having spent some time III
Executive session, adjourned.
House of Representatives.
Nj. Norris Of ILL.,. offered Il resolution