Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-12-12
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10.
SENATE.
After prayer and the reading the Journal Mr.. Bigler
made motion that the standing committees Of the last
session be continued. Carried
Mr. Latham moved that the resolution relative to the
overland daily mail be referred the posoice committee
Adopted.
Mr. Sumner presented the memorial Of Thaddeus Hy-
att praying that relief be extended TO the sufferers in
Kansas. He cited similar instances 10 which aid had
been extended, and suggested that relief be afforded
either by an appropriation OF money or land Referred
TO the committee on territories
The homestead bill passed first reading.
Mr.. Powes resolution in regard to federal affairs was
called up He said that events were rapidly crowding
one upon the other which, if speedily suppressed
would result in dissolution Of the government. The
resolution proposes legislation to give power for the
recon of the evils which have produced the present
state of affairs. Duty the country requires that they
should act promptly. The eleventh amendment was
made in 1884 aud 1903 the twelfth made. Our faith
ers acted in emergencies, and so can we.
Mr. King-I am not one Of those that despair.
Mr. Collamer moved that part OF the resolution be
stricken out except much referred to federal affairs
and that it be referred to a special committee.
Mr. King inquired whether additional legislation was
necessary TO maintain the constitution
Mr. Yulee inquired what was intended by the amend
ment?
Mr. Green said he would not vote for the resolution for
an amendment to the constitution legal enactmens
unless the popular sentiment goes with It, or the strong
arm of government goes with it. it is not worth straw
Efforts must be brought to bear on public sentiment or
alternayey we must arm the federal government with
physical power to enforce the constitution everywhere
Mr. Latham said that California will remain with the
Union-the great North and West-no matter what &C.
ours The Pacific railway was the great desiaeratum OF
her people.
Mr.. Powell accepted Mr.. Collamer's proposition to
strike out.
Mr. Foster said that the remark had been made that the
Of the government was in the hands OF the
Democratic party. We told that the Union is in
danger of disruption, and will fall to pieces. He felt it
his duty to support the proposition that looks towards al
LAYING the excitement and will bring back harmony and
iratcrna feeling The disruption OF the country should
be deplored by every in this body. Kentucky ex-
poets her representatives to rise far above party consde
rations will therefore, cordially give my support to
the resolution, and hope the committee will decide
promptly for the harmony and peace OF the country
Applause.
Mr. Doug LAS s.d II am ready to act with anybody
any individual who looks TO the settlement OF this que-
ton that will aid in the preservation OF the constitu
ton Applause trust we may lay aside all party
grievances euds and ealoues and look TO our coun-
try not our party, on this occasion. Applause de-
sire hear words Of party while meeting and discus
sing question upon which the fate OF the country de-
ponds. Applause.
President breckenridge here rose and said he deemed
il the duty of the chair enforce the rules Of decoum
Mr. Mason-I!i il an ndignity to the Senate for the
galleries to express their appreciation or dsappobson
trust if it occurs again the presiding officer will have
the gaaries cleared. 1t an indgnty TO the Senate
Laughter
Mr. Davis said that the proposition presented was not
very hopeful of good results 1t has been suggested 10
cure the public evil by investing the Federal Government
with physical power such rghtfny belongs to the
minority alone. Some refer evil to party Sir We have
fallen on evil times when purity politics shaken by
this slavery agitation The formation OF republican gov
ernment was peaceabe Our fathers fought the war of
the Revolution TO maintain their rights set forth in the
Declaration of Independence.
Mr. Powell said speak of the present Governme nt
Mr.. Dayis-The Government is machine. Ii is
agency OF the State. | cling TO the Government not
merely because of the and FORM but on account Of
its spirit and purpose. IL formed to insure domestic
tranuuility-to provide common defense; not dlsloyal
armies and navies and bring By common force State
together Do want new government, and are we TO
exercise military force over the people oil the State p
This is not the means fathers provided for putting
down instruction. When IL proposed that Congress
should execute the laws il refused upon the ground
that TO make upon any state would rear military
desPotism. ,... To-. u,,
turn the minority II is proceeding under the
OF Union 10 carry against each STATE This will
resist subversive Of the theory of constitution
which is OF the equality OF the sovereign States Ii
made by States, and made for States. This Union is
dear to union of fralernal States. 1t would lose
It's value the union had to be held together by armed
physical force Hostility, not fraternity, exists in the
hearts of the people, II there anything do it
is 10 get evidence il does not exist II you submit
that evidence feel that the bitterness will cease
Mr. Foster said he had the misfortune to be misunder
stood. said federal government was In the hands
Of the Democratic party it not true? did not make
the assertion in offensive manner. did not it
with the meaning that the party responsible for the
present evils will do anything for the restoration Of
| harmony and peace of the country.
Mr. Green said that the Senator from Mississippi threw
au expression which conveyed the idea Of quack
rums. Indeed there quicks but they expect TO
complh results without means; they hope for something
without doing anything They the quacks; and Just
in political science there quacks who the dis
Of patient but do nothing. But he is nota quack
who has been advised as physician should be and who
has considered the condition Of the patient and then sug
| gests a proper application.
1t Is said to be impossible make proper application
to the present Of the country because the public
sentiment at the North wrong say must devise
means hold rights until reasonable opportunity
given for reaction Of public opinion To execute the
laws expressed in the constitution is not despoism.
Washington aud Hamilton established this government
surely they did not establish despotsm. At any rate
looking the present state of affairs the South
say-we going out Of the Union, right wrong.
believe the state of public opinion TO be wrong The
timen in the South may be wrong. know il is not so
in my State. Ny duty TO remn in the Union, unless
in the Developments Of future events find the revolution
to establish order Of things better calculated for
the happiness of the people. Ii is the complaint that
The constitution is not carried out. When suggest
means Of carrying it out am informed that it is quack
remedy
Sir this constitution Ia good enough for the Union
Give time for public sentiment to react and all will be
| right Now We must lCok more highly, and rise TO a
higher altitude. We feel alike, and pltFiotcay look
the danger in the face. We inquire what is the evil
The diagnosis of the disease must be better understood
before prescribing. II the present evil is the fault OF the
government there must be legislation to meet it.
The debate further continued by Mr.. Foster and
other Senators.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The House met at the usual hour
Tie motion to excuse Mr.. Hawkins from serving on
the SELECT committee of thrty.onc TO take into conside-
ration the perous condition of the country coming up,
| Mr.. Hawkins further explained his for not
complying with the request lie had been guided by his
oEn ideas what appropriate on this OCCASION
The solution OF the question aud the CONCLUSION being so
simple he acted entirely on his responsibility.
Il that after he had marked out his course he
asked the opinion Of the great majority feItTeme South
ern members, and they, with or two exceptions,
| agreed with him.
By virtue Of the powers entrus cd to him, he might
act on the committee under circumstances different from
those now existing but he could do So Fori-
da had initiated measures for State Convention to be
held the 30 January ensuing aud will take such steps
as will be compatible with her dignity and honor.
Il was true the population of Florida had been retard
ed by untoward circumstances She is numerically weak
but for all that she is not the less sovereign and ent'
tied TO all the rights and immunes Of the other sove-
reign States.
Florida cannot be forced remain in the Union, II
she wants to 90 out Such an attempt would be resisted
by ten times the number OF federal troops sent against
her. The Southern States pied edto do it. Virgil
MIA stands pledged not 10 Sovereign State eOerced
If abe thinks the time has arrived when honor and safety
require her to go out Of the Union. Florida he repeat
| al (, dat mad IN epk lnr