The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-02-06
Exciting Topics.

Inc past week, ike us preCecessOr, mas not
passed without exciting topics in the Legislature
First came the resolutions upon the state of the
Union. Each House originated its own set of
resolutions, but neither appeared to be in al. re-
spects, satisfied Herewith. There was, upon the
adoption Of these resolutions in the two bodies
respectively, much debate, and no little acrimo.
ny, which might, and in the opinion of many Re-
publicans in and out of the Legislature, should
have been avoided by a previous caucus.
! Early last week came up second absorbing
subject in the shape of the Virginia resolutions,
which were received by the Executive, and sent
to the Senate. There was a contrariety of opin.
ion manifest at once, upon the expediency and
prOpriety of sending Commissioners to the Con
vention OF Feb. 4tb, upon this subject, with great
prOpriety, as it seemed to US, legitimate Re-
publican caucus was called in the Hall of the
House, at o'clock on "Wednesday afternoon,
which was well attended, and the subject of &C
ceptng the invitation of Virginia was freely can.
vassed. In the opinion of many Republican
members. that caucus should have been close
one, but it not, hence it became obvious that
irrecOncable views we're held by members, but
a clear and decisive majority were opposed to
the acceptance of the Virginia invitation, and
the sending of delegates. No decisive vote was
taken directly upon the question, still, both prop
ositons, viz: to appoint delegates at home, and
| To constitute Commission OF the members Of
the Senate and House in Congress, were in so
little strength faver that the respective friends
of the two measures, did not press them. With
all Difference, in our opinion, that should have
ended the matter. Whoever goes into DO.
litica caucns, upon a given subject, should abide
the result of its deliberations, whether agreeable
to his own views not, implicitly. Unless he
makes up his mind beforehand to do this, he
should not go to caucus, nor sign call for one.
The integrity of party be mantined upon
| no other principle.
Events which followed the caucus referred to
prove conciusively the position they have assum
ed. Instead of friendly and quietly abiding the
result attained in council as Republicans, both
branches proceeded to take up and agitate the
subject az though it had been a new one, hence
sprung discordant counsels, and to some degree,
bitterness.
~ thC iiouSc, Shc ufotcSoIu W tuc caucus Cd"
legation, resulted in giving an advantage to the
minority, who employ ed 1t and made the most of
it. Had the adrot political tacticians, shrewd
managers, and skillful paramentarians in the
minority of the Legislature of 1859 been still
upon the floor, the majority might, and probably
would have been made to regret their unguard.
ed position in debate, as it was, under the lead
ership of Mr.. BrOwnel, the minority failed to
use their advantage, and satisfied themselves
with virulent abuse and datribe, leaving the ma
jority in much better harmony when they closed
than when they began, by the method and tenn
per of their attack.
As one OF the bad results of discussing in omen
session, topics much more fit for caucus, it may
not be inappropriate to remark among the rest,
the PRONUNCIATION of open treason, in its most at.
trocious form, expressed in the most offensive |
terms. Mr.. Brownell, of Macomb, openly threat |
ened, almost in the words of the Detroit Free
Press, that should Michigan dare to raise force
in aid of the general government, that force |
would be engaged and overcome upon our own
soil, by our own citizens. This vile threat was |
met as it deserved, by Kisses, which though not |
lin ORDER were very natural, and probably |
irrepressibe," the previous question was the |
true weapon of defence against such abomina-
BILE outrage, and it should, in our opinion, have |
been sternly and promptly applied, but this, as
well as some other evil consequences, flowed from |
a too loose construction and application of the |
obligations of caucus. 1t is Of course of no use
to repine at the past, nor would it have been re-
ferred to at all, except for its bearing upon what
is to follow
1t is manifest to all, whether in or out Of the
Legislature, that some attempt will be made to 70
peal the personal liberty acts of 1855 and 1859.
When that is attempted, the signal will be raised
for recurrence of scenes which have Just aris-
en-, from difference of views on the part of mem.
bers, and We suggest in all Difference to the
entire body Of Republicans, whether it would not
be better for the union, the strength, and the
efficacy OF the organization throughout the State
10 concert action in caucus, and to give no on.
portunity to the enemies of Republican princi.
pies. nor vet TO the open enemies of the country,
of the government and of the Constitution, to
assal either the one or the other, upon the floor
IN open session. All desire to dictate is utterly
disclaimed, and We recognize in the fullest sense
the rights OF members upon whom responsibility
rests, to acquit themselves thereof, in the way
that to them seems meet, butt is:not intrusive
meddessme, nor dictatorial to suggest to them