Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-03-29
Y, s, sENATE.--ExTEA SESSION.

WASHINGTON, March 10.
The resolution of Mr.. Douglas (dem., HI
in reference to the forts, arsenals, navy yards
and other public property in the seeded
States was taken up.
Mr.. Clingman (dem., y. C.) said that it
would be recollected that when the resolu-
ton was offered to print the usual number Of
copies of the inaugural address, he Cling
many expressed the opinion that the latter
meant war, and that the policy of the admin
istration, if carried into effect, would lead
to war. We had some hope that on the
array of facts presented by the Senator from
Illinois, that the policy of the Administra-
ton was not calculated to involve US ineyita-
bly, in civil war. But there was one difficulty
in the way. If the Senator from New Hamp-
shire would relieve his (Clingman's) mind on
the subject, he would be much gratifed. Ii
the policy of the Administration be peace,
why should it not be announced? Every
body knows that the country is suffering.
Commerce is paralyzed, manufactures are
depressed, stocks are down, and general dis
tress prevails throughout the land. Ii, as
the Senator from Illinois said, the President
would announce his policy was peace, 1t
would help US out of our difficulties but if,
on the other hand. different policy be in
u.
Administration would not proclaim it. He
repeated, '' it is the settled policy of those in
power to involve US very soon in civil war"
Their silence was proof of this to his mind.
No doubt orders have gone to the Mediterra-
mean, and other distant stations, to bring
home our ships. Why was this so if the
policy of the Administration is peace?
Mr.. Hale (rep., N.H.) in reply to Mr..
Clingmans allusiOn to him, said that he
(Hale) knew no more what the adminIstra-
ton meant OF intended to do, than the sena-
tor himself. He presumed that the senator
had been as frequently and intimately con-
suited as he (Hale) had been, and had given
as much advice to the President and heads
| of departments as he had, and had heard as
| much from them in return.
| Mr. CIingman replied that he had not COM
| municated with them either verbally or IN
| writing, and if the senator was Ike him
self he was very distant from those gentle
| men.
Mr.. Hale said that it was SO with him.
| He had correspOnded neither verbally nor
in writing, as to any steps of public policy,
or to a single appointment that has been
| made.
Mr.. Clngman thought, in all sincerity,
| that his (Hale's) remarks Indicated great
want of intelligence on the part of the ad-
ministration, that the senator from New
| Hampshire had not been consulted, for his
position and vast acquaintance with govern
ment affairs would give the administration
great weight. He (Clmgman) said, with
| regret that this showed a want OF statesman
ship on the part of the administration.
Mr. Hale agreed to that (laughter) but
it was evidently true. He was born as a
representative of New Hampshire, not OF
the administration andipresumed he should
sustain the same relations to II that the
Senator yould-namely. to give hls eoroial
sunport to all patriotic purposes which may
conmend themselves to his judgment. be
, IIaIel would endea7or to do the same, and
thew would, in that case, belong to the same
partv. Laughter He said this to relieve
the Senator from the necessity of his ever
calling upon him to know what the admin
istration means. II the Senator wanted 70
know what his constituents mean, he could
tell him. He said this for the purpose OF
puttinc himself right, and to answer frank
Iv the interrogatory which the Senator trorl
Nortb Carolina propounded. He intended
IN support the administration where 1t de-
serves support, but when it took course
which he deemed contrary to the interests
and honor of the country, it should not have
his support. The President has been over
whelmed by his friends. Laughter'l iney
. have been throngipg the avenues OF the
White House, to pay their respects to him
and it was supposed the same was true as te
the heads of departments. 1t was just tC
! himself to say that, to this day and hour, h'
; was innocent and ignorant of what the ad
. ministration intends to do. He (Hale) ha.
!. not passed word with the members Of tn
+ cabinet. He had not put his eyes ''on tina
v great and leading mind (Seward)," as Tn
a Senator called him. He presumed tnas Tn
,e President has the courage to stem all u
s. storms assailing the ship Of state; Inns wa
1t the reason why the President had not gona
. outside the circle of his constitutional 10
:, yisers. He sought no advice elsewhere.