The Evansville daily journal., 1861-01-10
! of national affairs, containing practical sug-

called attention to the danger OF the pniou
! and recommended such measures of relie
rs he believed would have the effect o.
! tranquilizing the coun try and saving it from
the perils in which it is needlessly and un-
fortunately placed. It is not necessary 10
repeat this opinion and reconme mendation.-
His opinions there expressed remain un-
changed. He regrets to say that matters
/ instead of becoming better are still worse
and hope is diminished. Abiding to the con-
/ dition of South Carolina, he sGys there Is
no other alternative but TO collect the reve-
! nue. and protect the public property as far as
| practicable under existing laws. His duty
! is to execute aud not make the laws. The
! right and duty to use the military and naval
force against those who Illegally assail the
Federal Govern ment, are clear and indis-
| putable, but the present state Of things was
| beyond executive control. We are in the
midst of great revolution, and he recon-
| mended TO Congress to act in the present
emergency To Congress is reserved, the
| power to declare war and remove the gIiev-
ances that might lead to war and restore
! peace to the country.
On them rests the responsibility. After el-
logizing the blessings conferred by Union,
/ he says, should il perish, the calamity will
be as severe in Southern as in Northern
Ste tes. The secession movement is chiefly
made on an apprehension as to the senti-
menfs OF majority of some of the Northern
States Let the question he transferred
from the political assemblies to the ballot
box; the people will redress the grievances
In HeaVen's name let the trial be made be-
fore we plunge into the assumption that
there Is no other alternative. Let US have
q reflection would that South Carolina
had reflected. He appeals to Congress 30
say, in their might, =" the Union shall and
must be preserved by all Constitutional
means he recommends Congress to devote
themselves to prompt action with view 10
peace.
A division on the line of 26o 3o/ is sug-
gested as calculated to produce adjust
meut It was an imputation on members to
say they will hesitate moment. The dan
ger is on us. In several Of the States forts
and arsenals have been seized by aggressive
acts. Congress should endeaver to give the
difficulties peaceful solution. He states
reasons why he had refrained from sending
troops 10 Charleston harbor, believing this
would have furnished the pretext if not the
proVocation on the part of South Carolina
for aggression.
Referring to Major Anderson, he says that
officer could not, before he left Fort Moul-
tre, have held that post 4S or so hours.
He had warned his countrymen of their
danger. He felt that the duty MAS faith
fully performed, He was conscious he
meant we'll for his country.
Mr.. Howard of Michigan moved that the
message be referred to special committee
of FIVE, with instructions to inquire whether
any executive officers OF the United States
have been or are now treating or holding
communication with any person or persons
for the transfer of forts or any other prop
erty; whether any demand for their sur
render has been made, and by whom, and
what answer has been given; whether any
officer or officers have entered into any
pledge not TO send reinforcements of troops
to the harbor of Charleston-if so, when,
where, by whom, and on what considera-
tions; whether the custom house, post-office,
and arsenal at Charleston have been seized,
by whom held in possession whether any
revenue cutter has been seized and whether
any efforts have been made to retake it
The committee to have power to send for
persons and papers.
Mr.. Garnett desired to have the Presi-
dents message considered in committee of
the whole Mr. Phelps remarked that the
President informed them they were in the
midst of revolution and inviting the adop-
ticn OF such measures as may avert civil
war. The President appeals to Congress to
make effort to restore the fraternal relations |
which ought to exist. The recommendation |
made by the President is entitled to respect /
from the American people, but the resolution |
pending appoints special committee to in
dict prominent officers of the government ?
He would vote against the resolution. rs il
did not meet the emergency.
Mr.. Florence, believing the resolution /
productive OF no good, opposed it.
Mr.. Hill said the resolution was not based |
on pacific plan TO adjust the difficulties. |
Mr.. Martin of Virginia looked on the |
resolution as fire-brand to be thrown into
the country, which was already excited.
The resolution passed--yPas l03, nays !
81. ~H
Mr. Maynard asked consent to offer
resolution, that "A minority report might be |
made from the committee Of 80.
Mr.. Hindnan called on the chairman to /
state the number of members attending the !
meetings; whether there was any probabil- I
ity of making any report, and state such !
particulars as would be calculated to throw !
some light on the subject
Mr.. Burnett said he Understood from the !
member from Arkansas that there was no I
of agreeing.
A mum DER OF memOeES Representa- NJ 5NiaVe /
States had withdrawn from it. Was it |
therefore polite wise e9 continue the !
when there was no prospect they .
ever would report, He wanted 10 discharge (
them.
No actionSwas taken on the resolution
House went into committee of the whole !
on the civil and miscellaneous appropriation /
bill
The committee rose without coming to /
any conclusion on the bill
On motion of Mr.. Leake the special COM /
mittee on the Presidents special message
were instructed to inquire whether any /
arms have recently been removed from Har- |
pers Ferry to Pittsburg, end if so by whose /
and for what reasons.
The resolution was so amended as to !
extend the inquiry as to removal of arms /,
from all the arsenals.
Mr.. Morris of Pa. presented memorial
from citizens of Philadelphia, signed by cit !
izens Of all parties, in favor of Mr. Critten- |
den's compromise. Referred to committee !
of 33.