Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-02-22
Last Nights Report.
CONGRESSIONAL.
WAsHHeToS, Feb 2I

Mr.. Doolittle presented 8 petition from the
citizens Of Milwaukee numerously signed asking
Congress TO stand By the Constitution and the
lsgTs. and make no compromise with traitors
Mr.. Powell presented petition of the citizens
Of wisconsin, in favor Of the Crittenden resOlu
Messrs. Dixon and Bigler presented numerous
petitions for the border State and Crittenden re-
Mr. BraFg presented the credentials Of Mr..
Clingman, reelected Senator from North Caro-
The Senate resumed the consideration of the
bill for the discontinuance Of the postal service
in seeding States, which was laid over yester-
Rr. Hunter said if the States were in the Union
we had no right TO cut of their postal service.
The postal laws had not been resisted, and we
could not undertake, under the constitution, to
re ssid the expressions insurrection and rebel
lion in the bill, seemed TO be but steps which
would end In using force against the States
Mr. DOOlittie said that IL was q measure of
peace, not war. He said it was the duty of the
Government to acknowledge and face the charges
of the day What are the new ideas which we
have TO meet3 The first IS the idea that slavery
is a blessing and a proper state of security in
our republic This idea was not admitted by the
men who framed the Constitution, but was the
idea Of Calhoun. All said it was an evil, social
Mr. Ciingman asked when Mr.. Calhoun said
slavery was blessing.
Mr.. Doolitfle said ne said so on the floor Of the
basis Of free institutions This idea now reigns
despotic in the Southern States. and threatens to
destroy everything unless Il is admitted and rec
ognized- The hrst demand was on the Democratic
party. and because that party would not fully ad
mit L, il was disrupted and destroyed. To-day,
with arms in their hands. the South demand that
we shall make q new constitution and carry slav-
erY into Territories where it never existed He
hoped this would be passed, as twas one Of the
means which would give peace to the Union.
Mr.. Hunter said he was glad TO hear that thi
was not measure Of coercion; but he thought
was not necessary TO pass il, as the POstmastJr
General has all the power necessary.
Mr. Powell spoke against the bill, and said tina
If It passed II would give the power of despot t.
the head clerk Of the Department, and destroy
Mr. Fessenden said he thought Senators were
drawing on their imaginRtiOns. The bill simply
gave power to the Postmaster General to suspend
the operation of the laws and relieve him Of any
attempt to enforce the laws. II is most eminently
q measure of peace. The secret Is, that gentle
men want TO force US TO acknowledge that seces
sion Is lawful. 1t seems to be the simple truth
that gentlemen won't let rs have a measure of
peace without acknowledging the right Of seces-
sion.
Hunter opposed the bill as coercive
Doolittle said It was q measure of peace, not
Douglas considered the bill peace measure,
and was gratifed to see Il from the other side of
the house. After some few remarks in response
10 those of DOOlittle Douglas said he believed
there was q deliberate plot to break up the Union
on the pretext of devotion to IT, and there were
as many disuniOnists North IS South.
Further debates ensued, and Green proposed
an amendment that the Postmaster General also
suspend the mails where an organization exists
for running of slaves
No action was taken on the bill.
The Miscellaneous Appropriation bill was taken
up. after which the Senate went into Executive
session.
Adjourned
HOUSE
to whom was referred the Presidents special
message Of the sth Of January. made q report a
70 the statioBing of vessels of the Navy in such
6 manner as 70 neglect the defence Of the whole
Atlantic coast during the prevalence Of lawless
violence.
The number of ships lying in port, d mantIed
and unfit for service, is 2S and mounting in the
aggregate s74 guns None Of them could be re-
paired and put under sail short of several weeks
time, and many Of them would require for that |
purpose at least six months. No order has as
yet been Issued to put any of them in readiness
The committee discussed other subjeo con |
nected with the navy, and proposed a resolution |
that the Secretary Of the Navy, in accepting,
without delay or inquiry, the designations Of off,
cers Of the Navy who were In arms against the |
Government. when rendering the -ame, and of
those who sought TO resign, that they might be re-
leved from the restraint imposed by their Com |
missioners upon engaging in hostility to the con
stituted authorities Of the nation, have committed
grave error. highly preiudical 10 the discipline
OF the service. and injurious to the honor and /
efficiency Of the Navy, for which he deserves the i
censure Of the House
Mr.. Branch submitted a minority report.
Mr.. COchrane also dissents from the views Of |
the majority.
Mr. Dawes gave notice that he win ask vote
on he resolution Monday or tuesday.
The House resumed the consideration of Mr. |
stantons Volunteer bill
lfr BOoOck finished his speech. concluding by
execrating and denounoing the bill
MF. Howard replied charaeterizing Mr. BO-
cock speech as clap trap, and his appeals here
were made TO influence the Virginia Convention
in assisting to break up the Government.
The consideration Of the bill was postponed till
Monday.
The report of the CoRmittee of Thirty three
was taken up.
Mr. Barrett condemned the Republican party,
protested against secession thatthe seeded States
should have remained and obtained their rights
In TIE Union. He said coercion would drive Mis-
lourI and the border States to resist It.
4, Senate bill appropriating So 800 900 for the
Oregon and Warrington Indian war expenses
ne amount was reduced 70 less than s, ,OOO,-
After debate, but with no final action, adjourn
ID till SATURDAY.