Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1861-03-19
Il TELEGR A PHIC.
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS.

WAsHISGros. March l6.
SENATE crsdsntisls Of David Wilmot
were presented. and be vs. after wards swors
10, and took his seat
| The JOINT resolutions Of the Leglslaturs Of
indiana rsquestng Congress to call Convsn.
ton for amendments to the Constitution, vas
laid on the table and ordered printed.
Douglas' RESOLUTION was taken up.
Hon. John Z, Breckinriige, of Kentucky,
said. 10 the present anxious and distracted
condition Of the country. th. Senate should not
adjourn without expressing an opinion on the
existing state of affairs and giving some ad
vice tending to aIIsy public apprehension.
Opinion seemed divided - to the measures Of
the Inaugural. he vas free 20 confess and graf
fied to do so that its general expressions for
honors only. and the prevention Of bloodshed
But the policy which the President says he
deems his duty 70 pursus must result In blood
shed unless essentially modified. The leading
idea 4 the Inaugural very clearly put forth is
the President does not rscognise in any sense
the existence Of sGothsr CoDfederscy, but that
he regards I'll proceedings ana acts ia the ssce-
ding States either insurrsctonary or revolution.
arr. and that tor this purpose to the extent Of hi
pow er to enforce the laws in ell the States, in
cluding those which have Withdrawn. The
inference vas irresistabls to whatever extent
force Or invasion 10 necessary to collect duty
on ,mporta, to maintain. possess and occupy the
forces be employed BY constituting it 10 b.
his constitutional duty. Tis true the Presi-
dent has qualified his declaration by saying
''ths course here indicated will be folio ed un-
lcss current events and experience shall show
modification or change 70 be proper and 10
every case and exigency my best discretion
will be exercised according to circumstances
actually existing. and with view 70 the peace.
ful solution Of our nssionsl troubles, and the
res storation of fraternal sympsthy and aztec
ton He Mr.. b. took his qualification to
mean, he will not undertake TO execute the
lave, or hold the forts, &c.. within the with.
dra wing States, excepting where circumstances
chow his ability to do 90. and that he will not
undertake to force those functions, because it
would be irritating and make the hopes Of
peaceful solution more doubtful. Then the
policy would be that which would prevent ir-
ritation and bloodshed. The President con-
csivss it his duty to hold. possess and occupy
the forts and collect duties on imposis, to be
modified according to the necessities OF the
case which may surround him, otherwise his
policy would be simple and easy. Looking at
Fort Sumter-what were the reasons for the
rumored evacuationf Not political, but mill
tary reasons not because in the opinion Of the
Administration, the fort would not irritate the
public mind and render coDciliati0n aud har.
mony doubtful, but because the military and
naval powers do not expect to penetrate
to that point, unless the purpose Of the PEST
dent wae TO use force 90 far as was necessary.
He would, # his object was purely Cancellation,
withdraw the troops for political aud not mill
tary reasons. then he thought he was jueli6ed
in constituting the Inaugural to mean the Presi-
dent will hold the forts and other places within
the Confederate States, and collect the duties
on imports 10 the extent Of his power. and if
there is any modification. it will be because Of
mis- inability. and not because he would Be
willing TO withdraw the troops for the pur.
pose Of producing conciiistion aud peace. In
the public mind, the character of the Cabinet
was not such ss TO induce the belief that
force would not be used. Every member ex-
cept one. is understood to favor coercion il it
become necessary to reduce the South to Sub
jugation. The very organ zation Of the Sen
ate and opinions cautiously expressed by the
Republicans here, show their purpose is to
maintain the authority OF the Fede, al Gov.
ernment over the Withdrawn States by force
il necessary. In the formation OF tie Stand
ing Committees, there was scarcely . chair
man Of any one of them whose known opin-
ion was not 10 accordance Of this policy
Inc country should not be deceived. What
was meant by peace and conciliation3 How
was it 10 be maintained7 He desired to
know it ~ sincerely - he desired the Union
Of all ths States. He had seen no measure
Of practical policy which tends to produce
the result. We are in constant danger Of
collision and bloodshed. For the cake Of the
political and natural inter ests Of the country,
the support Of credit. and the general pros
psrity, let us establish some leading principle