Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-03-19
NEWS BY TELkGRAPH.

United States senate-Rxtra Session.
W~AsnrNa4oN, March 1s,-The credentials
OfDatid Wilmot were presented h was
sworn in.
The joint resolution of the Legislature of
Indiana, requesting Congress 70 call a con-
vention for amendments to the Oonstitu-
ton, was laid on the table, and ordered TO
be printed.
Mr.. Douglass resolution was taken up.
Mr.. Breckenridge said In the present
anxious distracted condition of the country
the Senate should not adjourn without ex-
pressing an opinion on the present state of
affairs, and giving semi advice tending to
allay public apprehension. Opinions seemed
divided as to the meaning of the Inaugural.
He was free TO confess, and gratified to do
so, that its general expressions are for har-
mony and the prevention of bloodshed, but
the policy which the President says he
deems it his duty to pursue, must result in
bloodshed, unless essentially modified.
The leading idea of the Inaugural very
clearly put forth is, the President does not
recognize in any sense the existence Of an
other Confederacy, but that he regards all
proceedings and acts in the seeding States
either insurrectionary or revolutionary, and
that it is his purpose, to the extent of his
power, to enforce the laws in all the States,
including those which have Withdrawn.
The inference was irresistible, to whatever
extent force or invasion is necessary, to
collect duties on imports, and to main
tain, possess and occupy the forts,
force be employed, by constituting it to
be his constitutional duty. 1t is true the
President has qualified his declaration bv
saying the course hero indicated will be fol-
lowed, unless current events and experience
shall show modification OF change to be
proper, and in every case and exig ency my
best discretion will be exercised according
IN nSrn.vp oAN,,a11u n-s,ts-- - -.al
a view to the peaceful solution of our ma
tional troubles and the restoration of frater-
nal sympathies and affections.
He (Breckinridge) took his qualification to
mean he will not undertake to execute the
laws, OF to hold the forts and other places in
the Withdrawing states, excepting where
circumstances show his ability to do so; aud
that he will not undertake to force those
functions, because it would be irritating, and
make the hopes of q peaceful solution more
doubtful. Then the policy would be that
which would prevent irritation and blood
shed. The President conceived it his duty
TO hold, possess and occupy the forts, and
collect the duties on imports, to be modified
according to the necessities of the case which
may surround him, otherwise his policy
would be simple and easy. Looking at Fort
Sumter, what were the reasons for the ru-
mored evacuation? Not political, but mill
tary; not because, in the opinion Of the Ad-
ministration, the fort would irritate the pub
lie mind, and render Cancellation and har-
mopy doubtful, but because the military and
naval power does not exist to penetrate to
that point.
Unless the purpose of the President was 10
use force go far as was necessary, he would,
if his object was purely concilistory, with.
draw the troops for political, and not mill
tary reasons; then he thought he was
justified in constituting the Inaugural to
mean the President will hold the forts and
other places within the Confederate States,
and collect the duties on imports to the ex
tent of his power; and if there is any modi-
~6cation, it will be because he would be will
ing to withdraw the troops for the purpose
of COZ Citation and peace in the public mind.
The character of the Cabinet was not such as
to induce the belief that force would not be
used. Every member, except one, is under
stood to favor coercion, if it becomes neces.
sary, to reduce the South to ~su6jugation.
The very organization OF the Senate, and
opinions cautiously expressed by Republicans
here, show their purpose is 10 maintain the
authority Of the Federal Government ovor
the Withdrawn States by force if necessary.
In the formation of the Standing Com
mittees there was scarcely a Chairman
whose known opinion was not in favor OF
this policy. The country should not be de
ceived. What was meant by peace and con-
cllIatlonl How was 1t to be maintained ?
He desired to know it, as sincerely as he
desired the union of all the States. He had
seen no measure of practical policy which
tends to produce the result. We are in con-
slant danger of collision and bloodshed. For
the sake Of The political and material inter-
ests of the country, the support of the credit
and the general prosperity, let us establish
some leading principle.
If peace policy was not to prevail, let us
get ready for the conflict.
Mr.. Hale in reply said he had no advice to
give until called for. He had not been in
counci with the Administration. The Pres
ident had selected those competent to advise
him, and relying on their advice does not
feel the necessity Of relying on any one.
Mr.. Wigfall said Texas was a State before
she came into the Union, she was now and
would be always.
MIR. Hale was unable to understand the
charge of Northern aggression, and attributed
all the clamor to the fact that the outs are
now in, and the ms are out.
Adjourned, after the executive session.