The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-12-18
CONGRESS.

Dec. 10.-In the Senate, Senator PowelPs re-
solution to appoint committee Of thirteen to
amend the Constitution taken up.
Senators King and Collamer moved to amend
it, so as to protect persons well property in
the States and Territories.
| The resolutions were finally amended, by strik-
ing out that portion inquiring into the necessity of
granting additional power to the Federal Govern
ment to execute the provisions of the Constitution.
Senator Green advocated an amendment to the
Constitution, if upheld by public sentiment. He
thought that the General Government should in
tervene to clog the wheels of dissolution. Douglas
he said, would join any party to preserve the Con-
stitution. He urged upon men of all parties to
drop old issues, and to look to the country, and
not tie party. [Applause.]
Senator Davis took the ground that any attempt
on the part OF the Federal Government, at coer-
cion, would be ruinous and unconstitutional
long debate ensued but the question was not
taken upon the resolution.
In the House of Representative, Mr. Hawkins,
of Florida, still declined to on the Committee
of Thirty three, and denounced the composition of
the Committee not representing the sentiments
of the States.
Messrs Valandigham and McClernand COM
planned that the Northwestern Democracy was not
represented
Dec. lin the Senate, to-day, the resolutions
contemplating reduction in the army and the
admission of Kansas made the special order for
the 18th instant.
The House refused to excuse Messrs Hawkins
and Boyee from serving on the Committee. The
proceedings generally were unimportant.
| Dec l2.-The Senate proceedings were unim-
portant.
| In the HOUSE, about dozen Union-saving pro-
positions were introduced and referred.
| Dec. 13.-In the Senate, to-day, Mr.. johnson,
Of Tennessee, introduced series of resolutions
looking to the settlement Of the pending dsunion
difficulties. Among the resolutions was one re-
cOmmeding that a select committee OF thirteen be
appointed, and instructed to inquire into the ex-
pediency of amendment to the Constitution
first, by authorizing dividing line in the Terri
tories between slavery and freedom, on an equita-
bic basis; second, compelling the free States to
turn fugitives, or pay double their value; third,
authorizing slave labor in the Government work
shops and other establishments in the slave States
fourth Congress never to interfere with slavery in
the District of Columbia until it is abolished by
Maryland and not then without the consent of the
Inhabitants and proper compensation; fifth, Con-
gress never to modest the present ratio of slave
presentation; SIXTH that these provisions be unal-
terabie. Laid over for future action.
| In the House, a resolution was offered by Mr.
Noel, of Missouri, to abolish the office of President
and to substitute council of three with power to
veto any measures proposed against slavery.
| About two dozen propositions for settling diff
fcultes presented, and referred to the select
committee They contemplate different remedies
two of them to constitutionally establish line
similar to the Missouri Compromise; others declare
that the Constitution, if faithfully executed, is suf
fient; others that the Constitution should be
amended so that no bill affecting slavery in any
way shall be acted passed without the consent
and concurrence of the slavehodng section; others
provide, among other things, that the southerners
shall not be be damaged while passing through or
temporarily sojourning in a non-saveholding State
Those propositions from the slave States were
presented by Smith of Virginia, Noel of Missouri,
and Hindman of Arkansas.