Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1860-12-25
NEWS BY TELEGRAPH.
Thirty-Slxth Congress---Socond Session.
WASHINGTON, Dec. "a, 1860.
EXPORTED FOR THE RICHMOND ENQUIRER.

Thirty-Slxth Congress---S0cond Session.
WASHINGTON, Dec. "a, 1860.
SESATS.-Mr. pugh submitted n resolution
recommending the Legislatures of all the States
to apply to Congress to order the holding of o
Convention TO amend the Constitution, US pro-
rided by the fifth article thereof.
Mr.. Bigler introduced a bill to prevent the
invasion OF one State by another. Mr.. Douglas
introduced sundry amendments to the Consti-
tuition, all Of which were referred to the coul.
mittee of thirteen. Mr.. Wilson, OF Mass,
introduced n bill for the suppression Of the
slave trade. which, was referred to the Judiciary
committee.
The Kansas Jill was taken up, and Mr..
Nicholson replied to Mr.. Wadc's recent speech.
He culogiZed the Democrats Of the North. The
South feared that when thrce-fourths of tho
North were controlled by the anti.slavery sen.
timent, Congress would abolish slavery in the
States. An amendment Of the Constitution
was the only security against it. Mr.. Pugh
advocated consultation among the Southern
States, and declared that any attempt 10 coerce
South Carolina would be war.
Mr.. Doolittlc said the admission of Kansas
was the duty of Congress, and would give peace
to the borders. The bill was further discussed,
and made tho special order for next Monday.
The Senate al nurncd.
uouSE.-The Speaker laid before the House
alct,er signed by Messrs. Boyce. Mcqueen, Ash
moro and Bonllam, saying that they took the
earliest opportunity, since receiving official in
telligence. of making known that the people Of
South Carolina, in their sovereign capacity,
have resumcd the powers they heretofore dele
gated to the Federal Government, and dissolved
rhpir rnunnrtt0D tri.h tln lIn,cn oF p,,r,rnp-
~tatives. In taking leave OF their associates
they express feelings OF mutual respect to each
other, aud the hope that they may continue to
enjoy friendly relations.
The letter was ordered to be printed.
Tho Speaker directed that the names Of the
South Carolina Representatives remain on the
roll anu be called with others on all occasions;
! thus not recognizing the act of secession.
Mr.. Morris. Of Illinois, offered a resolutions
locking to an. investigation Of the recent ab-
S~traction in the department Of the Interior,
but withdrew it.
The committee Of Ways and Means reported
the Army Appropriation bill, Which WAS re-
ferrcd to the committee of the Whole. The
bill to provide for a metropolitan police in
Washington, was referred to the committee on
the District Of Columbia The committee on
Military Affairs reported l bill for the ~ettectu-
al punishment Of deserters, which was post.
poned. The Speaker laid before the House Il
letter from the Secretary Of the Interior, ask
Ing for Z full investigation of the abstraction
OF $4,000 from his department for private
uses, and the appointment of a committee with
power to send for persons and papers.
Mr.. Sherman moved the adoption Of 4 re<o.
luton on the subject. Mr.. Cochrane, Of \. Y,
offered n resolution declaring the opinion of
Congress on the slavery question. Mr.. Has
kin, as a substitute, offered a resolution in
structing the committee on the Judiciary to
Inquire into the relations now existing between
the Federal Government and South Carolina,
and the duty Of the Government, in view Of the
attempted withdrawal, and to secure the Fed,
eral property in her limits, and what action
Congress should take to execute the Federal
laws and protect property from seizure. The
resolution was subsequently withdrawn.
The diplomatic consular appropriation bill
was passed, aud the House adjourned till Thurs.
Iav.