Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-03-19
TELEGRAPHICI
REPORTEDFoR THE STATESMAN.
q. 8. sanate--spaoIai ssssion


WAsHrNoToN, March I6.-The credentials o
David Wilmot were presented. He was after.
wards sworn In and took his seat.
4 The joint resolution of the Legislature of In
diana, requesting Congress- to call Convention
Tor amendments 10 the Constitution, was laid OF
the table, and ordered to be printed.
Mr.. Douglas resolution was taken up, and
Me- Breckinridge spoke. N,lA ,lsT =
| Mr.. Breckinridge said, In the present anxious
distracted condition Of the country, the Senate
should not adjourn without expressing an opin.
ion on the existing state of affairs, and giving
some advice tending to allay the public appre-
hensions. Opinion seemed divided as to the
meaning Of the inaugural, He was free to con.
less, and satisfied to do 90, that Its general ex-
pressions are for harmony and the prevention Of
bloodshed; but the policy which the President
says II 10 his duty to pursue, must result in
bloodshed, unless essentially modified. The
leading Idea of the inaugural, very clearly put
forth, is that the President does not recognize,
in any sense, the existence of another Confede-
racy, but that he regards all proceedings and
acts In the seeding States either insurrection-
ary or revolutionary, and that IL is his purpose,
to the extent Of his power, to enforce the laws
in all the States, including those which have
withdrawn. +a5.l sl'1a b 10
Tie inference was irresistable, that to what
ever extent force or invasion is necessary to
collect duties on imports, and maintain possess
and occupy the forts. force would be employed
by construingit to be his constitutional duty.
lis true, the President has qualified his declar.
ation by saying "the course here indicated will
be followed, unless current events and expert.
ence shall show modification or change to be
proper; and In every case and exigency, my best
discretion will be exercised, according to cir
cumstances actually existing, and with view
to the peaceful solution of our national troub.
les, and the restoration of fraternal sympathies
and Affection" i0.s ai fs -
He, Breckinridge, took bis inaugural to mean
that he will not undertake to execute the laws
or to hold the forts and other places within the
Withdrawing States, excepting where crcum- |
stances show his ability to do 30, and that he |
will not undertake to force those functions, be-
cause 1t would be irritating, and make the hopes
of peaceful solution more doubtful. Then the |
policy would be that which would prevent irrita.
lion and bloodshed, - n
The President conceived 1t to be his duty to
lold, possess and occupy the forts, and collect
he duties on imports, to be modified according
o the necessities Of the case which may sur
ound him; otherwise his policy would be simple
md easy. Looking at Fort Sumter, what were
he reasons for the rumored evacuation2 Not
,olitieal, but military reasons, Not because in
he opinion of the administration the fort would
rritate the public mind and render Cancellation
nd harmony doubtful, but because the military
nd naval power does, not exist to penetrate to
hat point. l..J r.s .elil .-. 40 s,m.5
Unless the purpose of the President was to use
orce, 30 far as was necessary, he wou Id, If his
bject was purely concilation, withdraw the
roops for political and not military reasons.-I
hen he thought he was justified in constituting
he inaugural to mean that the President will
old the forts and other places within the Con-
ederate States, and collect duties on imports to
ie extent Of bis power, and if there is any
notification, IL will be because OF his inability,
nd not because he would be willing to with
raw the troops for the purpose Of producing
'nciliation and peace In the public mind.
The character Of the Cabinet was not such as
, induce the belief that force would not be used.
very member, except one, Is understood to IA
or coercion, ifit becomes necessary to reduce
le South to subjugation. The very organiza-
on Of the Senate, and opinions cautiously ex-
'essed by the Republicans here, show that
leir purpose 10 to maintain the authority of the
ederal Government over the Withdrawing
tates by force, II necessary. In the formationI
the standing committees, there was scarcely
,ndn %Ss no S Soe Sps $ s% Bs% po F1
The country should not be deceived. What
as meant by peace and conoiliation2 How was
to be maintained7 He desired to know it as
ncerely as he desired the union of all the
tates. He had seen no measure of practical
,licy which tends to produce the result. We
'e in constant danger of collision and blood
led. For the sake Of the political and material
terests of the country, and the support Of its
edit and its general prosperity, let US estab.
III some leading principle. I