Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
Thirty-sixth Congressional Session.

by the House
Thirty.Sixth Congressional Session.
MONDAY, JAM Tn the United States Sen
ate to-day Mr.. Crittenden briefly urged his reso
lutions submitting the question of our sectiOna
difficulties to direct vote of the people. Mr.
Toombs followed in violently weak war anl
disunion sbeech. The Senate afterward went in
to Executive session, when the nomination of 8
Collector for the Port of Charleston was referred
to the Committee on Conference.
The House proceedings were of an exciting
character. Mr.. Cobb made personal explapa-
ton, declaring that be had sent no telegraphic
dispatches home, and was willing to leave the
people of Alabama to decide the question of Sc
cessiou for themselves. Mr. Etheridge. of Ten
nessee, made an effort to suspend the rules in or
der to introduce the plan of Compromise adopted
by the Border States Committee. The House
refused to suspend the rules, the Republic
cans generally voting against it. The introduc-
ton of a resolution by Mr.. Adrian. Democrat,
approving of the bold and patriotic action O
"Major. Anderson 10 withdrawing from Fort
"Moultrie to Fort Sumpter, and of the determine.
tion of the President to support him in his pres
ent position" and declaring that the Hosue will
support the President by all constitutional means
'sto enforce the laws and preserve the Union"
created storm of excitement in the House.
The previous question was called and sustain
ed, and amidst great deal of confusion and re-
elimination the resolution was adopted by vote
of one hundred and twenty-fonr az es to fifty sir
nays. The House adjourned over till Wednesday.
Tuesday being the anniversary of the battle of
New Orleans
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 9.-In the United States
Senate Mr.. Hunter gave notice that lie would
to Fri tho out
Message, and Mr.. Seward similar notice that he
would speak on Saturday. Mr.. Slidell offered q
resolution of inquiry in regard to the authority
upon which Mr.. Holt is acting as Secretary of
War, which was laid over. Mr.. Davis spoke
Dpon the Presidents Special Message, and an ex-
cited scene was occasioned by his call for the
reading of the final communication of the South
Carolina Commissioners to the President, and
which, having been returned as an improper
communication, was not sent in with the Mes
sage. Some strong language passed between Mr..
Davis and Mr.. King, OF New York, but the Sen
ate finally permitted the reading OF the letter.
Mr.. Davis retains the floor for the conclusion of
his speech tomorrow. Pending motion to post
pone indefinitely the Pacific Railroad bill the
Senate adjourned.
For the Spectator.
4uis. IDIIOK - dIL UOt dCCuSlOuI0u W WIltluR
public communications, but | believe the time
has fully come when it becomes every man who
has one spark of love in his heart for his country,
to kindle it to flame. believe that our Union
will be destroyed unless there is greater Power
brought to bear than the arm of flesh, and the
only way by which that Power may be brought
to our aid will be through the prayers of God 3
people. believe the best way for them to go
tc work will be upon the same principle, in part,
which has to some extent led US astray; and
that is, when we have had an office of importance
to fill, we have been called upon to rally and
form clubs, that we might accomplish our ends.
do not mean tosay that there was anything
wrong in the design of a Club, but the excite
ment which has attended some of them has
caused evil. Now, let all who love their ooun-
try and fear God, without respect to name or
party, meet together and, instead Of Clubs, or
ganze Prayer Meetings, and offer up fervent
prayer in behalf of the Union. If the people
will take as much interest and become as much
excited on this subject as they have been on the
subject of politics. believe that our peace will
be restored and our Union perpetuated. This is
my humble opinion; but if wise heads can de-
wise something better, let them speak out, for if
there is not something done soon, the stars and
stripes will no longer wave over the ''land of the
free and home of the brave" O.