Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1861-01-14
House Of Representatives.


House Of Representatives.
Mr.. Clark, of Missouri, read telegraphio
despatch, as printed in the papers of this
morning, relative to the taking of the mill
iary possession Of the custom-house, post
Office, and sub-treasury, in the city of St.
Louis, by order of Lieutenant General Scott.
He desired to make an explanation in order
that the country might not be deceived by
this intelligence. Everybody did not know
that these rublic offices werein the same build
ing. What condition OF things existed in St.
Louis to justify this course he knew not
The people Of that city, so far, have been
quiet and loyal to the Union. The legisla-
ture of Missouri is now ia session. Mis-
souri, makes no threats, while she is deter
mined to take such steps as her honor and
safety require for the redress Of grievances,
and she will do this in her own time and in
her own way.
Mr.. Fsnton, and others, objected to the
genteman's remarks.
Mr.. Clark asked leave TO introduce reso-
luton, requesting the Secretary of War to
communicate to the House whether the post
office, custom-houSe, and sub-treasury situa-
ted in the city of St. Louis have been taken
possession of by United States troops; if So,
by whose orders, and whether there has been
any attempt by the State OF the city authori-
ties to improperly interfere with said build
ings Or property, and whether they were
threatened. -'@ Il:
He said he did not believe the report, and
wanted information from the proper source.
Mr.. Mcpherson objected to the introduce
ton Of the resolution.
Mr. Clark inquired whether he could
move Il suspension of the rules, but was in
formed by
The Speaker that such a motion could be
made only On Mondays.
Mr.. Clark said surely the majority of the
House would not inaugurate military des-
potism.
The Speaker laid before the House the
following letter, addressed to him, and bear
ing this days date:
SIR: Having received official information that the State
of Mississippi has passed. ordinance through ccnyen
ton representing the sovereignty Of the State bearing date
the 9th Of January by which ordinance she has withdrawn
from the Federal Government all the powers delegated to
the time the Federal Union was formed it becomes
duty lay the facts before and 10 withdraw our
selvc; from the further deliberations Of this body While
regret this necessity Of State. fully appreciate it,
and small rcturnto her bosom TO =bare her fortunes through
all its phases.
With sentiments Of respect We are sir, etc,
OTu0 r. 81 .;GLGTOS,
WILLIAM BARkSDALE.
REUBEN DAVIS.
JOHN j. McRAE,
LUCIUs Q. c. LAMAR
Mr.. Jones, of Georgia, moved that the
names of the Mississippi, we'll as those OF
the late South Carolina meubers, be stricken
from the roll, and not hereafter be called by
the Clerk.
Mr.. Ely, of New York, objected to the
motion. ..-...
Mr.. Burnett, of Kentucky, submitted that
as these gentlemen have withdrawn from the
House, and notified the Speaker of it, it GER
tainly did not seem that they were members
of the House.
MIR. Spinner, of New York Does the gen.
tleman consider that they have resigned their
seats?
Mr.. Burnett. | do; and not only this, but
they are out of the Union by the action of
their State.
Mr. Bingham, of Ohio, said the remarks
of the gentleman from Kentucky were out of
order.
The House resolved itself into Commit
tee of the Whole on the state Of the Union
for the consideration of the Naval appropria-
tion bill.
Mr.. Pryor, of Virginia, moved to strike
out the following clause in the bill
"For pay of the commission, warrant, and
petty officers and seamen, including the en-
gineer corps of the navy, 81, 438,5T."
Mr.. Pryor was understood to say that he
would sustain the navy so far US protection
to the interests Of commerce and eDlarging
the bounds of discovery were concerned; but
be would not grant farthing, and would
sink the navy in the abyss of the ocean, be-
fore it should be used for hostile purposes
against the citizens of our country. The use
| Of this dread instrument of death and DESC
lation in fraternsl strife deserves u nations
scorn. The most unhappy aspect in the
present unhappy condition of affairs is the
prevalence Of Il military temper in the coun-
ellis of the administration, and an inbecile
Executive has fallen under the guidance OF
an aspiring soldier. The sword has been
| cast Into the balance. Instead of messen-.
| gers of Cancellation to discontented people,;
the Government dispatches men and mHni-.
tions uf war to constrain them to- abiect;
ubeL ience.
Mr.. Sherman rose to q point of ORDER,
Mr.. Pryor said he would conclude in fvo.
minutes, and would vigorously oon6ne: him.