The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-12-22
CONGRESSIONAL.

Dec lin the House, Mr. Adams of Ken
lucky, offered proposition that the Special Crisis
Committee should take action with a view to the
punishment of those who resist the fugitive slave
law, and holding the States which permit infrac-
tions of that law pecuniarily responsible for the
escape Of their slaves. Several other resolutions
were referred to committee.
Mr. Siekles, Of New York, offered proposition,
calling for an equitable division of the Federal do
main and of the Federal debts, in case of the Sc
session of any of the States.
MIR Adrain offered resolution reciting that
"Whereas the Constitution was the supreme law
of the Union, ect., Resolved, that we deprecate
the spirit Of dsobedience toits provisions wherever
manifested, and that earnestly recommend the
repeal of all statutes conflicting with or violating
that sacred instrument, or the laws of Congress
passed in pursuance thereof, as well as the repeal
of all personal liberty bills"
The resolutions were passed-yeas ISL, nays II.
Lovejoy, Of Illinois, announced himself for the
resolution.
The Southern members denounced the resou-
ton as a cheat.
Mr. Morris, of Illinois, then asked leave to intro
duce his resolutions, expressing a proper estima-
ton of the immense value of our National Union;
cherishing cordial, habitual and i'm movable at
tachment to it, that will speak of it as the pal
ladium of our safety and prosperity; that will
watch for it's preservation with jealous anxiety
that we will dscountenance whoever may suggest
any suspscion that it can, in any event. be ADAM
doned, and Indignantly frown upon the first dawn
ing of every attempt to ALLEVIATE any portion Of our
country from the rest, or enteebe the sacred ties
which now cling together the various part of the
Confederacy
Among other things, the resolutions declare
that regard the perpetuity of the Union of
more value than a temporary triumph of any party,
or any man. That whatever evils or abuses exist
under it ought to be corrected within the Union,
in peaceful and constitutional way. That we
believe it has sufficient power redress every wrong
and enforce every right growing out of its organi
cation pertaining to its proper functions. That
it is patriotic duty to stand by it as hope in
peace and our defence in war.
The resolutions were passed. Yeas 1l5; nays A.
Dec lS.-In the Senate Gen. Lane, of Ore
gon, introduced resolutions in opposition to CO.
ercion and for Convention of all the States. They
were laid on the table for the present.
Mr. Crittenden, of Kentucky, after a very patri-
otto speech, introduced series Of resolutions ia
voring the extension of the Missouri Compromise
line to the Pacific, protection to slavery, the en-
forcement of the Fugitive slave Law, strengthen
ing the laws for the prohibition OF the African
slave trade and toleratlng the inter-slave trade.
Mr. Hale responded to Mr. Crittendens resolu-
tons and inquired whether Mr. Crittenden or Mr.
Wigfall was the proper accredited organ Of the
South, aud if MIR Crittenden's proposition would
satisfy the Disunionists.
MIR Salisbury of Del g, asked if Mr. Hale would
urge these propositions upon the acceptance of his
State, IN. ii. ) if they would save the Union.
Mr. Hale said he would not be willing to adopt
them all, but would accept some of them.
GEN CAss Gen. Cass says he remembers dis
tinctly the reoicings at the birth of the Confed
eracy; he has grown with its growth and strength
ened with its strength, and he is now unwilling to
be present at it's last expiring gasp. Having wit
messed it's birth he says he is unwilling to remain
in the Cabinet to witness its dissolution. Hence
he retires from the cabinet, but with the kindest
feelings for President Buchanan and each member
of the cabinet, whom he compmented highly as
honorable and patriotic men.
In the conversation upon the affairs of the Union
between the President and cabinet, the President
and Gen. Cass are said to have shed tears at the
probable fate of the country.
The President is deeply exercised and grieved
at the departure of his old and valued friend, Gen.
Cass, from among his advisers. But he has taken
stand against coercion in which he is sustained by
the Secretaries of War and Navy, and will abide
the issue.