The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-04-20

WASHINGTON, March 7-9 P. M.

slavery in Congress, and they pray that body
to recommend to ell legislatures change in
constitution for establishing the States and
Territories, north of which slavery is to be
prohibited, and south of which it is not to
be interfered with by Congress or the States.
Mr.. Trumbull moved that it be referred to
the Judiciary Committee.
Mr.. Green-It affects the Territories and
had better 60 to that committee.
Mr.. Trumbull supposed that as they
asked change of the constitution the ju-
dietary committee would be more appropri-
ate; so it was referred to that committee.
Mr.. Wilson offered resolution calling
on the Post Office Department for all the
correspondence with Mr.. Cook, the late
Chicago Postmaster, in relation to the
condition of that Office. Adopted.
Adjourned.
HoUsE.-The House passed fourteen pri>
vate bills.
WASHINGTON, April 9.
SENATE.-Mr. Brown presented the reso-
lutions adopted at the meeting at Nashville,
Oct. 10th, 1859, in regard to the improve
ment of the Mississippi river. Referred to
A number of bills OF private nature
were considered.
On motion of Mr.. Sumner it was
RESOLVED, That the Committee on Foreign
Relations be instructed to consider by what ii.
tie or right the Saratoga, a ship of war belong.
ing to the United States, has undertaken in
time OF peace, without the sanction of Congress,
to use force against two other vessels of war,
at that time in Mexican waters, and after
bloody contest to capture the same and bring
them as pretended prizes of war into port of
the United States, holding their officers and
crews as prisoners, and also to consider if any
action of Congress be required to prevent re-
currence of such collision and such an as
sumption to make prize of war and prisoners
in time fpeace.
Mr.. Wilson gave notice of bill to more
effectually suppress the slave trade
Mr.. Davis's resolutions were taken up and
Mr.. Chestnut made speech in their favor.
The resolutions were then laid aside.
MIR. Hunters motion to take up the In
dian Appropriation bill was lost. Yeas, "a;
nays, "a.
The House Homestead bill was then taxi
en- up by rs against %. Adjourned.
HousE.-Mr. Thayer introduced bill
constituting Dacotah land district, and
providing for the admission to the House of
delegate therefrom.
Mr.. Scott introduced bill to authorize
the President, in conjunction with Califor-
MIA, to run and make the boundary between
the Territories of the United States and
California. -"- ""
MIR. Morse offered resolution, which,
after amendment was adopted, calling for
information concerning the slave trade, with
instructions to naval officers, and the opinion
or tho President whether further legislation
is necessary. .e.-
The House proceeded to the consideration
OF the report of the Covode Investigating
Committee, asking for the arrest of Angus.
tus Schell, when Mr.. Winslow made min,
ority report, maintaining that there is no
authority to inquire into the private con.
tributions OF any persons, unless it be first
determined that the purposes were corrupt.
Mr.. Covode questioned the right of Mr..
Winslow to bring in minority report.
Mr., Winslow maintained that he did so
as question of privilege.
Mr.. Covode wished to postpone the con.
sideration of the subject in order to allow
Mr.. Hickman to report on the Presidents
protest. :..... ft ....+.:. .
Mr.. Hickman raised point of order, that
Mr.. Winslow's course was irregular under
the parliamentary law.
The Speaker decided that Mr.. Covode
was entitled to the floor, and an appeal by
Mr.. Winslow was tabled, 125 against 80.
Mr.. Covode said he wanted the list in Mr..
Schell's possession because it contained the
names of Government officers, and not be-
cause it was signed by private individuals.
Mr.. Hickman Intellectually sought to pre-
sent his report.
After call of the roll, during which
there was much confusion, the report made
by Mr.. Covode in relation to Collector
Schell, was recommitted, on motion of Mr..
Stevens, los against 80.
Mr.. Hickman, from the Committee on
Judiciary, made report on the Presidents
protest, refuting the position of the latter.
They say, among other things, They can
not refrain an expression of their deep re-
greet that an officer who prides himself upon
the fact the people have thought proper to
invest him with the most honorable,
responsible, and dignifed Office in the world,
and who declares he feels proudly conscious
there is no public act of bis life which will
not bear the strietest scrutiny, and that be
de6es all investigation, should forget, among
the surroundings of place and power and
flattery, that he is the servant of that same
people, that he should shrink back in anger
and terror from a simple inquiry into bis
stewardship. This is the first time under
the Republic that Chief Magistrate has
left recorded admission that be has been
made oblivious of the origin and emphemeral
character of his position by the venalities of
his enjoyment. To distinguish such conduct
by appreciation would be to sanction the
kingy prerogative, and proclaim that right
full rule came by the grace of God, and not
from the confidence of man. The nation,
always charitable in the Interpretation of
acts and motives, is not prepared to over
look such delinquency" ,a. . e.. .
The committee take the ground that the
President under the constitution possesses
neither privilege nor an immunity beyond
| public citizen, and is less favored in this
respect than Senators and Representatives
in Congress. Unfortunately" they say,
g for the attempted defence of that officer,
there is no charge made of any grade of
offensive calling for trial of any kind. It is
a mere inquiry that is proposed. Mr.. Co.
vode's resolutions do not contemplate
judgment, and therefore there can be no