Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-01-14
CONGRESSIONAL.

Mr.. Toombs made an hi .Ction to vote.
The President decided that the rule
might he dispensed with hy unanimous
conseut. Th'r: tong no I.6jnction, the
Diplomatic Corps were accommodated with
seats. AT least thousand ladies, and
more than that number of gentlemen oc-
cupicd the GALLERIES., which were so crowd
ed that no more could enter.
A motion to ill vacancy in the board
OF Regents OF the Smithsonian Institute,
was laid aside.
Mr. Gwin, of Cal, moved that the Sem
ate proceed to the special order, the con-
sideration Of the Presidents Message.
Mr.. Seward took the floor at 1898, and
proceeded to the delivery of his speech.
He commenced by nvowing his adher-
ence tc tue Cuion in its integrity with his
party, his country, his State. or without
either, as they may determine in every
event, whether of peace or war, with every
consequence, whether honor or dishonOr,
life or death. After rehearsing what
courses will not save the Union, he de-
sired II truce at least during the debate on
the Union. II cannot be saved By proving
secession illegal or unconstitutional, nor
can anything be gained by discussion of
tue right of the Federal Government to
coerce States. Gfdisun o is TO go on, this
question will give place TO the more prac-
teal one of whether the many seeding
States shall ccerce the remaining members
to Hcquissce in dissolution. he argued
against the folly Of separation-itS effect
upon the standing of the United States
among the nations of the world; the diff
cultiGs new Southern Confeder1cy would
encounter in forming treaties, and its liza
bility, at any time, to become the prey of
stronger powers. Summing up his argu-
ments, he states,
FIRST, Tint while prudence and justice
would combine in persuading you to mod
ify the acts of Congress SO MS not to COM
pei private persons to assist in the execu-
ton of the Fugitive Slave Law, and to
protect frcemen from being, by abuse of
the law, carried into slavery, agree
that all State laws cOntravening the Consii-
tuition, or any law OF Congress ought to be
repealed.
Second, Domestic slavery existing in
any State, is wisely left by the Consti-
tuition exclusively to the care; manage
mcnt, and disposition of that State
would not alter the Constitution in that
respect if in my power. am willing to
vote for un amendment of the Constitu-
lion declaring that it shall not BY any flu
ture amendment be so altered as to confer
on Congress power 10 abolish OF inter-
fcre with slavery in any State.
Thirdly. While think Congress has
exclusive authority to legislatc for the
Territories, and while l certainly shall
never, directly or indirectly, give my vote
to establish or sanction slavery in the
Territories, yet the question with regard
| to what constitutional laws shall be passed
| in regard to the Territories is to be deter
mined on practical grounds. If Kansas
were admitted under the Wyandotte Con-
stitution, could vote TO organize the or
ganizatioM and admission of the remain
ling territory as two new States, rescrving
the right to effect subdivisions of them
whenever necessary; into several convent.
ent States, If such reservation could be
cOnstitutiOnally made. But il the meas
ure were practicable l should prefer a
I different course: NAMELY, that when the
movements Of secession. and disuniOn shall
have ended and the angry excitenents of
the hour subsidcd; then, say one, two or
three years hence, would Cheerfully adj
wise alCOnVention of Che people to decide
| whether any and what amendment OF the
! organic constitutional law shull be made.
Fourth. / am ready now, as heretofore
to vote for laws to prevent mutual inYa-
I sionS of States,
Fifth. remain constant in favor of two
Pacific Railroads, one to connect the ports
| around the mouths of tho Mississippi and
the other the towns on the Missouri and
the hikes with the harhors ON. our Western
coast.
He concluded with the expression of an
unshnkcn firth in the Constitution aud
the Union. lie feels sure that the hour
has not come for this Nation to fall. Its
people are not perverse or wicked enough
to desire so dreadful and severe punishment
as dissolution. This Union has not accom-
plished what good for mankind which was
T0uOifaaflN-
the seasons and prescribes the duties of
States and Empires. No, Sir, If cast down
to-day by faction it would raise again and
reaPpear in all its majestic proportions to-
morrow. Woe to the man that lihs his
hand against it. 1t shall continue and
endure. And men in after times shall de-
clare that this generation, which saved the
Union from such sudden and unlocked for
dangers, surpassed in magnitude even that
one which laid its foundation on the eter-
nal principles of liberty, justice and hui
mAuity.
The Senate adjourned Immediately on
the conclusion of Sir. Stewards speech.
HOusnt-The Speaker laid before the
House letter signed by the Mississippi
delegation, stating that they had received
official information that the State has
passed an ordinance, through Convention
representing the sovereignty of tho people,
by which the Stnte has withdrawn from
the Federal Government all the powers
heretofore delegated to it, and that they
thought it to be their duty to lay tho fact
before the House and Withdraw themselves
from tho further deliberations of that body.
Sir. Jones, of Ca, moved that the names
of the South Carolina and Mississippi
members be stricken from the roll aud
shall not hereafter be called by the Clerk.
Mr., ElY, of New York Objected
The Speaker ruled that the motion be-
ing objected to, it could not DO considered.
The House then went into Commit
tee of the Whole on the Navy Appropria-
ton bill.
An attempt was made by Messrs. Bur-
nett, of KY, Pryor, of Va, and other
l Snmlharn nnelnh.Ea 10 s.nan :. ..n.n...l a.