The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-12-28

tant states to help to prevent civil war-a
calamity which would fall on the border
states. He would not debate the right Of
secession. He thought this was the path
of duty and wisdom. He believed that in
the programme of his colleague we shall be
driven to the verge of ruin. A separate
confederacy had no charm for him.
Mr.. Nicholson, Tennessee, got the floor,
and the matter was postponed.
l. The Vice President announced the Com
mittee on Mr.. Powell's resolution, viz. :
Powell, of Kentucky Hunter, of Virginia;
Orittenden, of Kentucky Seward, of New
York Toombs, of Georgia; Douglas of H.
linois |; Oollamer, Vermont /; Davis, Missis-
sippi Wade, Ohio Bigler, Pennsylvania
Rice, of Minnesota Doollttle, of Wiscon-
sin /; and Grimes of Indiana.
Mr.. Davis, of Mississippi, was excused,
by his own request, on account of the con-
dition which bis state was now In. ID.
After an executive session the Senate
adjourned. $50 l. g..
. WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.
HoUsE-Mr. Delano, of Massachusetts,
asked leave to offer the following, which he
read for information:
WHEREAS, Ry the report of the proceedings
of the State Convention of South Carolina. held
on the 10th. the Hon. VIM. Porcher Miles, a
member of this House, used the following Ian.
guage in conversation, and subsequently in
a written communication to the President: III
know this to have been said, if you send sol.
itary soldier to these forts, if the intelligence
reaches our people, and We will take care that
reach them roach
forts, the forts will be taken, because such a
course is necessary to our safety and self pres.
ervation, Therefore
Resolved, That the President be requested
to communicate to this House what information
he has received, either orally or in writing, to
the effect that if the forts in the harbOr of
Charleston are further reinforced, the forts
will be taken by any force or authority hes
tile to the authority and supremacy of the
United States.
There was considerable excitement on the
southern side of the House.
Mr.. Ashmore wanted to know where
the information came from.
Mr.. Delano replied that it was published
in the proceedings in the South Carolina
convention.
The Speaker said that neither debate or
resolutions are now in order. The latter
can be taken up at another time.
John H Reynolds, from the Judiciary
Committee, made report on the Watrous
impeachment case, the consideration OF
which was postponed till Thursday next
Also on the bill for the repeal of the act
establishing the Court of Claims.
: The House went into committee of whole
on the bill granting lands to Nebraska for
railroads. The committee adopted Mr..
Curtis substitute which provides for a start
from the western border of Missouri and
Iowa two converging lines uniting within
200 miles of the Missouri river; thence on a
line to California (; also for two converging
lines from Fort Smith, and the western
border of Louisiana, to unite with the
southern Pacific road chartered by Texas.
In the course of the debate, Mr.. Garnett,
of Virginia, said the measures were designed
for political purposes, but he doubted
whether there would be another presiden-
tial election. Carolina, by the glorious
action of her people, had to-day at half past
one, withdrawn from the Union. (Sup-
pressed applause in the lower part OF the
Hall)
The committee rose, and the bill as
amended was reported to the House. The
Pacific bill passed, IS against 70.
Adjourned until Monday.