The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-12-26
XxxvIth Congress "a Session.

/
WASHINGTON. Dec. 22.-The selec,
Committee of the Senate, on the crisis, met
to- day and had free interchange ofopinior
during which Mr.. Douglas said that he was
ready now to unite in recommending such
an amendment to the Constitution as would
take the slavery question out Of Congress-
in view of the danger which threatens the
Republic with disunion, revolution and civil
war, he was prepared to act on the matters
in the controversy without regard TO his
previous action, and as if he had never
made speech or given vote on the sub.
ject.
Senator Bigler, who is on the Committee,
has been for some days maturing plan by
which the Slavery question, by an amend
ment of the Constitution, may be removed
altogether from Congressional control II
meets the appreciation Ct distinguished gen.
tlemen.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2l.--A dispatch from
the editor Of the Mississippian and State
Gazette, published at Jackson, to the
Mississippi delegation in Congress, dated
this evening, states that Mississippi has cleo
ted delegates to the State Convention, in
favor Ct separate State secession by very
large majority; and 70 in the Convention, of
100 delegates, by a popular majority Of
three thou sand votes. .t ...a
COngEess--Dec. 18th.
SENATE Mr.. Crittenden offered where
as and six or seven resolutions to save the
Union. He prefaced by makinga powerful
appeal for the Union. His plan would, he
said, practically re-establish the Missouri
Compromise line. .. ....
Mr.. Powelps resolution for committee of
I3 to save the Union, was taken up, and af-
ter speech from Mr.. Hale it was passed,
and the President of the Senate authorized
to appoint the committee. Mr.. Crittenden's
resolutions were referred to this committee.
The discussion of the secession question
was continued by johnson of Tenn. and
Collamer of Vt. The latter explained and
indicated the laws of his State.
HousE.-The Speaker laid before the
House letter from Mr. Washburne of Me-,
informing him that he had placed in the
hands of the Governor of that State his re-
signation as Representative. to take effect
January LIST.
Mr.. Stephens, of Washington Territory,
introduced resolution authorizing special
enactment so as to enable the Secretary of
the Interior to decide as to the validity of
the Puget Sound Agricultural Company :
also resolution having in view the employ
mcnt of a war steamer on Columbia river
The former was referred to the Committee
on Public Land, and the latter to that on
Naval Affairs.
Mr.. Otero, from New Mexico, introduced
resolution recognizing the cooperation of
the volunteers with the regular forces of that
Territory, and proposing an appropriation to
pay them. '... .r...
After disposing Of some matters, which
are not clearly reported, the Pacific Railroad
bill was taken up. AS the bill makes appro-
priations. the Speaker decided that it must
be considered in committee of the whole
The House went into committee of the whole,
and spent much time in laying aside bills
which preceded the Railroad bill on the cal
ender. When the Nebraska Railroad bill
was reached, after considering it awhile, the
Commit ,e rose.
Gov. Ford sent in proposition to surren-
der his printing contract on certain con Ii
tons. ....
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2l.-SExArE.-The
report of the Secretary of the Interior was
received and lai | on the table.
Mr.. Powell moved that the President have
the power to fill the vacancy in the special
committee, occasioned by Mr.. Davis resig-
nation. Agreed to. On motion of Mr..
Kennedy the bill to allow the b. & O. R. R.
to cross the Potomac at Long bridge, was
taken up.
A memorial of the citizens of Washington
and Georgetown was received
A message was received from the House
announcing the passage of the Pacific Rail
Road bill. Mr.. Gwin moved to take up the
bill and make it the special order Tor the Cd
ofJanuary.
Mr.. Brosg moved to refer the bill to a
special committee. Disagreed to.
Mr.. OWNS motion was carried
The consideration of the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad bill was resumed. A long discus
sion ensued upon minor amendments.
Mr. Kennedy spoke at length in favor Of
the bill.
Mr. Fessenden offered an amendment al.
lewing the City of Washington to tax the
property of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
III the District of Columbia. Disagreed to.
An amendment was agreed to, providing
that the B. & 0. R. R. shall check baggage
with all roads, terminating at Alexandria,
Baltimore and Washington, on as favorable
terms as with other lines. The bill passed
! Mr.. Yulee moved the reconsideration Of
the vote excusing Mr.. Davis from the Com.
mittee. Carried
Mr.. Yulee said he wished Southern Sena.
tors would serve, and asked Mr.. Davis il h:
would do So
Mr.. Davis said that owing to the urgent
solicitation of Southern friends he would do