Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-03-28
Last Nights Report.
CONGRESSIONAL.
WAsHINGTON, March q.

SENATE.
When the doors were opened BreckinrIdge
moved 70 take up the resolution Of yesterday,
saying if his motion prevailed he would accept
nays saying he should consider it a test question
As to whether or not, the Senate was willing 10
express an opinion.
Mr.. Rice was in favor of Breckinridge's resO-
luton, but thought Clingman's went too far,
questioning the right of the Senate TO express an
opinion on collecting the revenue to the Presi-
dent
Mr. Breekinridge said it would be for the
Senate to decide as to the acceptance Of Cling
mans substitute
Mr.. W Wade hoped il would be taken up so as to
have q square vote on il.
Mr.. Rice deemed it improper for the Senate
70 advise the President in matters which rest on
him BY law.
Mr.. Clingman wanted to 90 farther than the
Breckinridge resolution, believing the Presi-
dent under existing laws, has no power TO collect
revenue in the seeding States.
Mr.. Rice said the Senate was travelling far out
Of the way 70 advise the President. He asked
Breckinridge If his resolution extended TO Key
West and Tortugas. If so,he would never with
draw the troops thence.
Mr. breckinridge supposed the resolution EN-
braced those points, as they within the limits
of Florida, but was willing TO say that these
points be excluded from the resolution rather
than hazard its defeat, and did not consider the
withdrawal Of troops from Key West and Tor
tugas essential to the public peace He disliked
70 do 50 because he entertained the hope of the
reunion Of all the States.
Mr.. Rice said if the seeded States were deter
mined 70 remain out Of the Union, he was in IA
TUr Of their going in peace, and would give them
the forts and ansenals for the sake of peace
Bet they were not in possession Of Key West and
Iortugas, and never will be. These points are
needed for rs and not for them. The commerce
Of the North will need these, and he would not
give them up under any circumstances.
Clark Simmons and Ten Eyck opposed taking
up the resolution.
Mr.. Douglas favored taking it up, with view
Of Offering an amendment to bring il in the scope
it ought to take. He thought il would be wise 10
withdraw the troops from Fort Pickens. He
said the government at MONTGOMERY being a rev
olutionary government, could claim only what
they occupied BE was willing under existing
taey oelng q no use unless they were intended
as basis Of military operation and were now
sources Of constant irritation
Brecknridge said he did not assume this to he a
test vote but thought il might be so regarded.
wade hoped the resolution would be taken M
and discussed He did not hesitate to say that the
Senate under the present circumstances ought 10
express their opinion BE was anxious this sub
iect receive full discussion now. Seven States
had gone out Of the Union and are dOmineered
over BY usurpGtiOn. The people had no voice in
the Government which had been erected, but a
military despotism tramples their rights under
foot. If they had power they would call upon
us e Tindieate their rights, and the Constitution
clothes US with the authority 10 DO it
After further debate a vote was taken, 10 TO 10.
No quorum.
Motions were made 70 adjourn and 90 into Exc
eutiTe session. Still no quorum.
Suggestions were made TO take q recess and di
rect the SaEgeant-at-Arms to hunt absentees
Breehlridge said, after giving the Republi
caDs an opportunity TO confirm nomiuafions and
having discharged his duty, moved to adjourn
sine die. Disagreed to.
Finally the Senate adjourned till tomorrow.