, 1861-02-05
XXXVITU CONGRESS---Seeond Session,

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4.
SENATE. MIR. CR1TTENDEN presented
several memorials from citizens Of various
States in favor Of the Crittendcn resolutions.
Mr. WILSON offered resolution of inquiry
asking the President to communicate to the
Senate whether any arsenals, forte, arm5 or
munitions of war belonging to the United
States have been seized BY any persons in the
Btate Of Louisiana, and especially whether the
Mint Of the United States at New Orleans has
been taken possession Of unlawfnl1y By any
persons, and If my money Of the United
States, and how much, unlawfully appropri-
ated by any persons, and By whom Laid over.
bfr. CHANDLER presented 4 petition Of the
citizens Of Michigan, demonstrating against
any change In the Constitution.
Mr. BlGLER presented 4 petition in favor Of
the Crlttcnden resolutions.
Mr.. FOSTER presented memorial frum
the citizens Of Connecticut, asking for the
passage Of the Border State resolutions.
Mr. FESSENDEN presented petition In
favor Of restoring peace to the country, and
preserving the land Of our fathers.
Mr. sLfDELL sent to be read BY the Clerk
the ordinance Of secession passed By Louisiana.
Mr. Slidcl said tho document just read places
on official record TINT Louisiana ceased to be q
component part of the United States, and ter
inmates the connection Of himself and col
league with this body. The occasion calls for
some words in parting #ith those We leave,
HQuE Q1 HHUu1 Nc lUtc W uEEL s5.4l1 LII lHE
noble task Of constructing new Confederation,
The new confederacy would not attempt to
improve the Constitution OF the United States.
It would recognize the obligations Of all exist
ing treaties, those respecting the African slave
trade included. It will be willing to assume a
Just proportion Of the public debt aud account
for oil tic property Of the United States which
they were compelled to take for self defence.
They would recognize the right Of the inhabi-
tants Of the Valley Of the Mississippi to the
free navigation of tile Mississippi, without tax
or toll Of any kind. They hoped for peace,
the free States. He had no doubt, + tue issue
was fairly presented to the people Of the States,
they light have peaceful separation, with
probability OF a complete or partial recon-
Etrssctiou; but with present representation In
either branch Of Congress he could inlu]gein
pared TO resist coercion under any pre-
text. The North might, II it chose,
consider them bound to the Union,
and deny the right, he would not say Of seces-
elon but revolution or rebellion, if 1t chose to
call 1t SO. It might ignore the Declaration Of
10 subjugation. 1t might declare a blockade,
but the South would meet them and permit
no Introduction Of commerce or manufactures
from the North aud would meet them on tho
sea under the old flag. for they did not intend
to give up the t1ag; It belonged to The South
sells from the same places that now curry on
the slave trade-New York and New England.
He referred to . blockade Of the ports, and
| thought if foreign nations were not admitted,
the South would not commence the fight. He
denied the charge that the movement was but
the consummatiou Of . long contemplated
plot, and claimed that it was the calm and de-
| liberate action Of the people. He referred to
| the many kindnesses received In the Senate
Chamber, and bade the Senate farewell.
Mr. BENJAMIN argued against the assertion
that Louisiana could not 60 out Of the Union
| because she was bought as the property Of the
| United States Louisiana WIS acquired under
q treaty which guaranteed to the citizens Of
| the territory protection to property, He
| claimed that she had special reasons for going
| cut, because the treaty stipulations under
which she was acquired were broken entirely
charge Of rebellion made ns55ainst the South
WAS M admission Of oppression, for never in
| the history Of tho world did millions rise In
rebellion against honor and justice, and when
the people with common consent revolt 1t
must be criminal against whom the revolt is
treason IS gaowed in the soul Of Hampdcn,
burst from the lips Of Henry, and shed halo
around the name of Washington. He con-
cluded with Q tribute to the friends of the
| South in the Northern States, and bade the
Senate farewell. [Applause in the gallery1
1 LIZ AGStNNAt9 . .ANS9at3N hAEA kAAAC
Mr. CLINGMAN commended Its tone. He
would do most anything to save the country
| would vote for the Crittenden proposition
aud others, to accomplish peace and safety,
but q movement for peace must come from
| tho Republican side Of the House. He arguod
against coercion, and disclai1ned my knoWl-
edge Of an intention to make W'ar on the capi-
tai; but war might rs likely come here as else
| where Tie passage Of the Pacific Railroad bill
attempting to make three routes, and Tariff
bill directly against the interests Of the South;
the Homestead bill, giving away the public
separation The Republican Senators carry
| with them peace or war. Which will they
| give the country? Hwar, the South will meet
them, aud tuther than submit would 60 down
like Samson, taking the edifice and the leaders
| of the Philistines with them.
| LII. HALE protested against the assertion
TINT the North was making war, On the con-
| trary their position vas such ~ would subject
them to the charges Of cowardfcc. The Sena-
| tor said there was force North favorable to his
| section. II war Is to come, the first thing We
shall do will be to take care Of Northern
Mr: LANE wanted to know who he called
| traitors?
alr. HA4E-Eactly those men who fight
against their OWL State
NJ LANE-Ihey are fighting foE their con-
man to call them traitors.
| Nj. .HALE--Wanted to define no mans DO
| eitions, but repeated, If forced into war, The
| North would first take care Of treason at
home.
The message WAS postponed till tomorrow.
The bill providing for the government Of
Idaho came up ind Green's amendment chang
On motion Of air. Wilson, the narne WIS
altered to Colorado. The bill passed.
Mr. PEARCE, from the committee on Fl
z$r4 ~ u.