The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-05-16
TRIPLE SHEET.
The New q.

The proceedings of Congress yesterday were
highly interesting. The galleries of the Senate
chamber were crowded with spectators anxious to
hear Mr.. Douglas promised exposition of his record
and principles with reference 10 the question Of
slavery In the Territories. The preliminary bust
ness. consisting OF the introduction of bill in
addition TO the acts for the punishment of crimes
against the United States, brief discussion on a
bill amendatory Of the establishing Territorial
government in Utah, and some explanations
relative to the bill for the relief Of Arson
Dart. Superintende Mt of Indian Affairs in Oregon,
was quickly passed over, aud Mr.. Davis reso-
lutions, declarstory Of the principles Of the
democratic party as regards the protection Of
slave property in the Territories, were taken up.
Mr.. Douglas then took the floor and delivered
a long speech, going to prove that the squatter
sovereignty doctrine did not originate with him,
but that it was embodied in the celebrated Nichol.
letter of General Cass, in 1si7, and recognized
in the resolutions offered by Mr. Dickinson in the
Senate in the same year; that ii vas presented to
and accepted by the Democratic National Conven.
ton in ls4s, entered into the Compromise mea-
sures Of 1850, aud was affirmed in the Cincinnati
platform Of 1852, and in the KansasN ebrasxa bill
of 1864. He fortified his argument by referring
ern States in favor of squatter sovereignty, and
10 the resolutions Of the Georgia Legislature of
1854. after the passage Of the Kansas Nebraska
bill. endorsing that measure, and said those resou-
tons were as good platform as he wanted--he
was willing TO accept them without the slightest
alteration. Before concluding his remarks Mr.
Douglas became so exhausted as 20 be compelled
to give way to a motion for an adjournment
In the House yesterday resolution to invite the
Japanese to visit the chamber, and appointing a
committee Of FIVE TO do the honors, was adopted.
The report Of the Committee on Elections, ousting
Mr.. Cooper, Of Michigan, from his seat, and giving
it to Mr.. Howard, was adopted, and Mr.. Howard
was tbereupon qualified as o member. In Commit
tee OF the Whole the bill making appropriations
for deficiencies in the Post Office Department was
debated TIL the adjournment The appropriations
amount 10 sl35O0000.
The Republican National Convention for the
nomination OF candidates for President and Vice
President meets at Chicago to-day. According to
our dispatches there will be very large a.
tendance OF delegates From the reports OF the
proceedings OF the preliminary caucuses, il ap
pears that the Convention Is not likely TO prove
harmonious n gathering as has been anticipated
The friends Of each Of the candidates for the
Presidential nomination seem determined to stand
by their favoiite, and consequently the prospects
Of Stewards success are quite dubious.
The japanese remained in their quarters AT VIII
lsrd's Hotel yesterday, not having recovered from
the fatigue of the reception Of Monday They
were put in communication with the State Depart
meRt. and il was arranged that the ratihcaiioas OF
the treaty should be exchanged to-day, and that ON
TO morrow they should be formally presented to
the President at the White House. Tue New York
Aldermanic Committee are at Washington. W as
certain VIA. arrangements have been made as TO
the future movements Of the japanese. II Is
stated that the Ambassadors will probably remain
in Washington abcut twenty days, that they viii
then proceed TO Philadelphia, where they win tarry
three days. aud from there come to New York.
The defalcaton Of Postmaster Fowler continues
to be the town talk, especially among the demo.
cratic politicians. The Whereabouts OF the de-
faulter has not yet been discovered. Messrs
George Law and Gusiavus A. Conoyer. MIR. Fow-
ier's bondsmen, have been notified TO pay over the
sum for which they stand responsible. and Il is
likely that they will respond without delay. Mr.
Fovlers E lends are II Is said. exeriing themselves
TO make up the deficit in his accounts with the
Poe, oaice Department. with every prospect Of
success.
The first anniversary celebration OF theI Old
Dominion Society was held in this city on Monday
and Tuesday evening last An Grafton was de.
nvered ct the Cooper Institute by the Hon. Mr..
Summers on Monday, and q supper given at the
Metropolitan Hotel last evening. Our report ap
pears In another column.
meeting Of the Commissioners appointed by
the Legislature to Assess and collect damages &C.,
Al Quarantine, was held yesterday al the 81 Nioho.
Las HcseI-present Messrs Sweeney, Leavenworth
and Barger. On motion Of Mr.. Sweeney, Mr.. Lea
venworth was appointed chairman. aud George
Warner chosen a. secretary. The 9TH day of June
Was designated a. the day Of meeting for The
Transaction Of business, at the Office Of Peter
sweeney. No. AZ Wall street. A formal notice Ma
cent 90 the President of the Board OF Supervisor
Richmond county. and the Commission, after
ssignsiing the HERALD and Tribune. Of this city
and such two papers Of Richmond county as Mr.
Barger shosd name, 70 publish the notices Of toe
meetings, &C., OF the Commission, adjourned to the
date and place named above.
Coroner Jackman yesterday held su inquest a,
the City Prison upon the body Of Robert @. Macdo.
nsld who committed suicide In his cell in that inst,
tuition on Monday lsst, by taking poison. The tss'
,imouy ofihe Witnesses and several letters written
BY TIE unfortunate man, which VIC publish else,