Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-02-21
THURSDAY, February 81.

Senate.-A large number Of memorials in rela-
ton to the presentcriss were presented by Messrs.
Bigler, Wade, Fessenden, and others.
Mr.. Bright, from the Committee on Public
Buildings and Grounds, submitted report in
relation to the property over which Ii Is proposed
to extend the Capitol grounds, its cost, &c which
was ordered to be printed.
Mr. Bragg presented the credentials of Hon.
Thomas l.. Clingman, Senator elect from North
Carolina from the 4th Of March next.
The Senate then took up Mr.. Hale's resolution,
providing for the discontinuance Of postal service
wherever ii Is interfered with.
Mr.. Hunter said that If those States Were within
the Union the Government had no power to de-
prive them OF their right under the Constitution
to have mail facilities. He disliked too the word
"insurrectionn IL looked to coercion and was
the first step to war and unmitigated horrors If
reconstruction could not be made, the best step
was to have peaceable separation. If that was
understood to-day, commerce and trade would
resume Its regular channels and the country be
again prosperous.
Mr.. DoOAittle said this was not coerCiye
measure, but measure of peace
Mr. Hunter was glad to learn that the Senator
from Wisconsin did not vote for this bill as a CO.
ercive measure. He hoped no party would COM
init itself to coercion but If such was not the in
tentOn, he saw no need of the bill.
Mr. Powell thought that this bill was intended
TO compel the pOstmasters of the slavehoIding
states TO distribute incendiaTy publications else
leave the mail service.
Mr.. Fessenden defended the policy Of the bill
The southern Senator'S wished to make that side
OF the Chamber acknowledge the lawfulness of
sece ssion.
Mr.. Douglas thought the measure one of peace
butbelieved that offensive terms should be stricken
out. He believed that there were as many dis
unionists on the northern as on the southern side
OF the chamber He believed there was a plot to
break up the Union under pretence Of preserving
il
Mr.. DOolittle responded upon general topics
Mr.. Wade advocated the bill He hoped its
friends would not kill it by talking about it.
Mr. Green opposed the bill.
HOUSE The Speaker laid before the House a
communication from the Secretary of War trans
hitting to Congress statement of the expenditures
OF that Department for the fiscal year ending June
30, 1850; laid on the table.
Mr. Adrain, Of N j., presented to the House
two memorials from the citizens of his State
praying the adoption Of the Crttenden PROPOSE.
ton, or some other like basis of settlement; laid
on the table.
Mr.. Cochran moved that when the House adj
jouIn to-day it adjourn to meet at the usual hour
on Saturday next. Agreed to.
Mr. Davis, of Md, reported from the Committee
on PENSIONS, a bill. granting pension TO Mrs
Mary Wallbacb. The bill was passed
Mr.. Ddwes's report from the Investigating Com
nltee on the abstraction of the lnd an trust bonds
was received, and, With the written opinion of
Mr. Branch, ordered to be printed I'm the Con
gressiOnal Globe
Mr.. Kellog presented remons rance signed nv
81 citizens Of he county of Knox, Ill against his
proposition offered In the House few DAYS since:
laid on the table ''''
On motion Of MIR. Burnett the special order
lMr. Stznton's army billy was taken up, and Mr.
Bocock, Of Va, proceeded to address the House
In opposition to the bill.