Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-02-23
T1ursdav's Pyoceedinqs.

WASHINGTON, Feb. Observation-Disclosures presen-
ted petition numerousy signed, from citizens of
Milwaukee, asking Congress to stand by theConsti-
tuition and laws, and make no compromise with
traitors. d.
Powell presented petition of the citizens of
Wisconsin in favor of the Crittenden Resolutions.
Messrs. Dixon and Bigler presented numerous
petitions frsm the Border States for the Crttenden
Resolutions.
Senate resumed the consideration of the bill for
disseminating the postal service in the seeding
States, which was LAID over.
Hunter said if the States were in the Union we
had no right to cut of their postal service The
postal laws had not been resisted, and could not
undertake to punish States in this way. He said
the expressions iusurrection and rebellion in the
bill, seemed ODE steps which would end in using
force against the States.
Doolittle said it was measure for peace not for
war He said it was the duty Of the Government to
acknowledge and face the changes of the day
What are the new ideas which we have to meet?
The first is the idea that slavery is blessing and
proper state Of society in our Republic The idea
was not admitted by the meE who framed the Con-
stituton, but the idea of Calhoun. All said it
was an evil, socially and politically.
Clingman asked when Mr.. Calhoun said slavery
was a blessing.
Doolittle said he said SO on the floor of the Sem
ate. He said sit was the best and most stable
basis Of free institutions This idea now reigns
despotic in the Southern States, and threatens to
destroy everything unless it is admitted and recog-
nized. The first demand was Of the Democratic
party, and because that party would not freely
admit it it was disrupted and destroyed. To-day.
with arms IA their hands, the South demands that
We shall make new Constitution, AID carry slavery
into Territories where it never existed. He hoped
this would be passed, as it was one Of the means
which would give peace TO the country.
Hunter said he was glad to hear that this was not
. measuee of coercion, but he thought it was not
necessary to pass it. the POstmaster-G has
all the power necessary.
Powell spoke against the bill, and said that il it
passed it would give the power Of despot to the
head clerk of department., and destroy tie liberty
Of the people
Fsssenden said he thought Senators were draw
ing on their imagination. The bill simply gives
power to the Postmsster-Genersl to suspend the
operation of the laws and relieve him of any at
tempt to enforce the laws. 1t is most eminently q
measure Of peace. The secret is, that gentlemen
want to force US to acknowledge that secession is
lawful 1t seems to be the simple truth that gen-
temen won't let US have measure Of peace without
acknowledging the right Of secession.
Hunter opposed the bill as eoercive.
Doolitte said it was measure of peace.
Douglas considered the bill a peace measure and
was gratifed to see it from the other side of the
House. After some few remarks in response to Mr.
Doolittle, Mr.. Douglas said he believed there was
deliberate plot to break up the Union on the pre-
text of devotion to it. and there as many Dis
unionists North as South.
Further debate ensued, and Mr.. Green proposed
an amendment that the Postmaster-General also
suspend the mails, where organization exists for
running of fugitive slaves.
No action was taken on the bill.
The miscellaneous appropriation bill was taken
up, after which Executive Session and the SEN
ate adjourned
HoUsE-Dawes, from the Select Committee of
Five, to whom was referred the Presidents special
message of the Sth of January, made report as to
the stationng ofVessels of the Navy in such manner
neglect the defence of the whole Atlantic coast
during the prevalence of lawless violence The mum
Der of ships lying dismantled and unfit for service
2S-mounting, in the aggregate, S74 guns. None of
them could be repaired and put under sail short of
several weeks time, and many of them would re-
quire for that purpose at least six months. No or
der has yet been Issued to put any of them in read
ness. The committee discussed other subjects con-
nected with the navy and propose a resolution that
the Secretary OF the Navy IN accepting the resgna-
tons of officers of the navy who were in arms
against the Government when rendering the same
and Of those who sought to resign that they might
be relieved from the restraint imposed upon them
by their commissions upon engaging in hostility to
the constitutional authorities of the nation has com
mitted grave error, highly preiudical to the dis
cipine of the service, and injurious to the honor
and efficiency Of the navy, for which he deserves
the censure of the House.
Branch submitted minority report.
John Cochrane also dssents from the views of
the majority.
Dewes gave notice that he will ask vote on the
resolution on Monday or Tuesday.
The House resumed consideration of Stanton's
volunteer bill.
Bocock finished his speech, concluding by execra-
ting and denouncing the bill.
Howard replied, charging Bocock's speech as
"clap-trap," and his appeals here were made to
influence the Virginia Convention in asserting to
break up the Government.
The consideration o: the bill was postponed till
Monday.
The report of the Committee of Thirty-Three
was taken up.
BaFrets, of Missouri, condemned the Republican
party, and protested against secession and thought
the seeding States should have remained and OBJ
tanned their rights in the Union and said that CO.
eroiOn would drive Missouri and the Border States
to resist it.
The Senate bill. appropriating S3,4Oe 900 for the
Washington aud Indian war expenses, consid-
cred. The amount was reduced to less than three
million, after debate, but with no final result
House adjourned till Saturday.