Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-03-16

The EXTRA SESSION Oh THE SENATE.
WAsHISeroN, March l5.-Mr. Mason introduced a rec
oluton calling on the President Cor information
what is the number Of the Federal troops in Wash
igt0n-to what arms of the service they belong-for
wnat purpose were they brought here-how long are
they to remain-f continued here for what purpose
are they TO be increased and if So for what purpose
Tne resolution was laid over.
Mr.. Douglas called up his resolution, offered day he
fore yesterday, which is as follows:
hssOtrsd That the Secretary Of War be requested to
inform the Senate what forts arsenA navy yards and
other public works within the limits OF the States OF South
Carolina Georgia, Florida Alabama Mississippi, Louis
lana and Texas within the actual possession and
occupation OF the United States; end by what number
OF men each Is garrsoned and held and whether rein
ioreemens are necessary to retain the same and so,
whether the government has the power aud means
der existing laws supply such achievements within
such time as the exgences and necessities Of the case
may demand; and whether the defence and protection
OF the United States and their interests make necessary
and wise TO retain military possession OF such forts; places
and other property, except at Key West and Torugas,
aud to recapure aud reoccupy such Others the United
States have been deprived Of by seizure surrender for
any other purpose, and with view TO any other end
than the subjugaton and occupation Of those States
which have assumed the right secede from the Union,
and within whose limits such forts and other public pro-
pery are situated And if such be the motives for
capturing and holding the forts and other public proper
~ what military force, including regulars and vouu-
teers would be necessary TO enable the United States TO
reduce the States aforesaid and such others sup
posed to sympahize with them to subsection and ODE
dence to the laws Of the Uuion and protect the fed
erdl capital
Mr.. Douglas said he did not believe that Mr. Lincoln
medated war II he did, there provision in the
Constitution for such movement Nor there any
provision for collecting revenue oil port. Mr. Lincoln
could not collect duties OF Charleston harbor He could
only do so at Che Custom house If he attempted to col
ect revenues hipboard be is liable TO impeachment
tie could not put collectors in Southern ports, without
FRS. conqusriog cities To sustain such would
require army Of $4,000 men, besides 10000 to de-
iend Washington city ut annual expenditure OF SSl6,
600 600 Mr. Douglas said they must cit er concilate
the Southern States by granting and guaranteeing their
rights in the Union-make treaty Of peace and COM
merce with them as an independent naiion-or make
upon them conquer them if possible aud hold them
by armed force. He advocated the former mode as
right and the only mode OF keeping the Border States
in the Union.
Mr.. Wilson responded. He charged Mr. Douglas
with desiring 10 dictate the Administration what
should pursue and INDUCED other personal remarks
Mossrs FesSeuder Hale and others applied similar
marks to Mr.. D. whose speech very unpalatabe to
the ullrss
Without doing any business the Senate adjourned.