Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-12-20
CONGRESSIONAL.
WASHINGTON, Dec. II. 1856

WASHINGTON, Dec. II, 1860.
SENATE.-A resolution inquiring as to the number
Of men. their condition, and in whose charge were
the public arms in South Carolina. was laid over.
Mr.. Wade of Ohio, made speech in reference to
that portion Of the Presidents message referred to
the special committee Of 49, He said that the South
could not complain of the acts of the Republicans,
. because that party had never had the power. All
their complaints were the result of unfounGed ap-
prehensions. He understood the Senators from the
South to say that the subject Of the fugitive slaves
was not the cause of complaint
- Mr.. Mason said that Mr.. Wade was mistaken
They had said that the personal liberty bills did not
Z do practically anything more than the people had
; been in the habit Of doing without them
Mr.. Greene said the fugitive slave law contained
no provisions in restraint Of individual liberty which
was not also contained in all laws providing for the
rendition Of fugitves from justice. The Republicans
cared for nothing if the negro was not in it. APP
plause
Mr.. Wade continued at great length, in a strain
not personally offensive but, at times exceedingly
irritating to Southern feelings and he frequent
ly non-plussed by questions and interpretations by
Southern Senators. The tone Of the speech was
more defiant and triumphant than argumentative,
and indicated that no concessions would be made
even at the risk Of dissolution of the Union. The
Senate adjourned at a late hour
HousE-Thursday next was set apart for the
sideration of Territorial business and next Thurs.
day two weeks will be devoted to the consideration
n affairs in the District of Columbia.
Among the propositions offered to day, was one
BY Mr. Adams, of Kentucky, for the more effectual
protton Of the rights of the citizens of the United
Stat. providing for the punishment of those re.
sistfv The execution of the Fugitive Slave law and
holdi1S the States pecuniarily responsible when
slave Escapes. MesSrs. Florence and Cochrane in
troduced Similar measures which were all referred
to the committee of thrty-three Mr.. Sickes offer
ed pt9pos;ton looking to the appointment of COM
missiohsY % adjust the question of property and
public debates, to the seeding States which
similarly rcferred. Mr. Adrain, of New Jersey,
offered the following resolution, which, under the
Constitution of The, United States is the supreme
law of the land:
ReSolred That we depfecate the spirit of disobe-
dence to the Constitution wherever it is manifested
and that we earnestly recommend the repeal CT all
statutes by State Legslatures, conflicting and in
violation of that sacred instrument and the laws Of
Congress passed in pursuance thereof
Mr.. Cochrane proposed artamendment which was
accepted, namely recommendation 10 repeal the
so-caled personal liberty bills Mr.. Sherman moved
to amend so as to include all multiplying laws with
view of obtaining a unanimous vote, which was OBJ
jected to. The main question ordered to be put,
which resulted: Yeas one hundred and six nays
ftY-fve.
Mr.. Lovejoy offered resolutlonsimilar to that of
Mr. Abrams, but adding thatH IS the duty of the
President to protect and defend the property o the
United States Mr.. Crawfofd wanted proposition
stating exactly what rights the South should have
guaranteed. Mr. Barksdale thought the resolution
a cheat Mr. Branch thought the resolution justii-
ed the President in using force. Yhe resolution was
passed-yeas l5l nays A. Mr.. Morris offered
his resolution published in last Thufsday,6 pro-
ceedngs that there was nothing in the election Of
Lincoln to the Presidency any other cause to
Justify the dissolution of the Union and that its
perpetuity is of more value than tlic Temporary
triumph Of any party or man and that AL the evils
/ ought to be corrected in the Union, enc The reso
\ luton was adopted-yeas 1l5; nays A. Mr.. Davis
of Mississippi, excused FROM serving on the
select committee Of thirty tfEeepfhe reason of his
withdrawal was that the Committee refused to weld
anything to the South. Tho House then adjourned
In the Senate, on the 18Th Gen. Lane introduced
series ofresolntions favotng the call of a national
Convention and opposing the use of force against
seeding State. Tabled, -
Mr.. Crittenden made y powerful and patriotic
speech which wasireceiyed with marked feeling by
all present lie urged The adoption of resolutions
in effect amending the Constitution; that the Mis-
souri, Compromise line be extended to the Pacific
that the laws prohibiting the African slave trade be
strcngthenedS md enforcing the fugitive slave law
by the repeal Of multiplying statutes
Mr.. Hale responded. Mr.. Salisbury asked Mr.
Hale if he would urge these propositions Of Mr. Crit
tenden on New Hampshire, if they would save the
Union. M Hale said he would not be wiling to
adopt them all, but would accept some Of them.
Mr.. Johnson of Tennessee, spoke in opposition to
secession and in favor of maintaining Southern
rights in The Union.
No BUSINESS Of importance transacted to-day, the
18th, in Che Hodsa2 NS~S''. :. -