The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-01-16
XXXvGth Congress- I'd sessi on,

A. :.
ton asked leave to present memorial of the
citizens of Princeton on the subject of ma
tional affairs, containing practical suggcs-
tions. if.@ta Eai a"l"s.ao4 O.. l7fIHIs
Mr. Bennett objected - .... .., 81. q. .......
7 The Speaker laid before the House mess
age from the President 1ra 1iu7sg .gea
He says at the opening Of the session he
called attention to the danger of the Union,
and recommended such measures of relief as
he believed would have the effect of tran
QUILTING the country, and save it from the
peiils in which it is needlessly and unfortu-
nately placed. 1t is not necessary to repeat
that opinion and recommendation. His opin-
ions there expressed remain unchanged. =
He regrets to say that matters instead of be-
coming better are still worse, and hope is di-
minished. U nasseHs fE- .f.-tat
Abiding to the condition of South Caro-
| lima, he says there is no other alternative
but to collect the revenue and protect the
public property as far as is prasticable Un-
der existing laws his duty is to execute and
not to make the laws--the right and duty
to use the military and naval force against
those who illegally assail the Federal Gov
ernment are clear and indisputable, but the
present state of things was beyond the Ex-
ecutive control
We are in the midst ofa great revolution,
and he recommended to Congress to act in
the present emergency-to Congress is re-
served the power to declare war and remove
the grievance that might tend to war, and
restore peace to the country in them rests
the responsibility. Ti t-1y ~ srr.
After eulogizing the blessings conferred
by the Union. he says, should it perish, the
calamity will be as severe on the Southern as
on the Northern States. The secession
movement is chiefly made on an apprehen-
sion as to the sentiments of the majority of
several of the Northern States. Let the
question be transferred to the political as
sembly, to the ballot box; the people will
redress the grievances. In heavens name,
let the trial be made before we plunge into
the assumption that there is no other altern-
alive. Let us have reflection. Would that
South Carolina had reflected. .a@
He appeals to Congress to say in their
might the Union must and shall be preserv-
ed, by all constitutional means. He recon-
mends Congress to devote themselves to
prompt action, with view to peace. A di-
vision on the line of 36 deg. 80 min. is sug-
gested as calculated to produce an adjust
ment. 1t was an imputation on members
to say they will hesitate moment The
danger is on us. In several Of the States,
Forts and Arsenals have been seized by az
gresSive acts. Congress should endeavor to
give the difficulty full solution. He states
the reason why he had RETAINED from send
ing troops to Charleston harbor, believing
this would have furnished the pretext, il not
| the provocation on the part Of South Carroll
ma for aggression. Referring to Major And
ersop, he says, that officer could not, before
! he left Fort Moultre, have held that post 4S
or 60 hours. He had warned his country
men of its danger. He felt that the duty
was faithfully done and impartially perform
ed. He was conscious he meant we'll for his
country .r.r ... .....,.
Mr.. Howard, of Michigan, moved that the
message be referred to special Committee
of 5, 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 surren-
der 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 har-
Dor of Charleston. If so, when, where, by
whom and on what considerations 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 ef-
forts have been made to recover it. The
Committee have power to send for persons
and papers and report from time to time such
facts as may be required for the national
honor, etc.
Mr.. Houston raised the point that such
instructions were against the rules.
Mr.. Howard replied and moved the preyi-
Gus question. H.
Mr.. Crawford said there was no cause for
excitement We have passed beyond that
point. Voices, .'there is no excitement,
we are calm Mr.. Crawford continued
Men should be cool and understand the way
in which they are going. He Intellectually
sought to offer substitute for the resolu,
| ton.
Mr.. Garrett desired to have the Presi-
dents Message considered in Committee of
the While.
Mr.. Phelps remarked that the Presidents
message informed Them they were in the
midst of a revolution, inviting the adoption
of such measurs as may avert civil war
! The President appeals to Congress to make
an effort to restore the fraternal relations
which ought to exist
The recommendation made by the Pres-
dent is entitled to the respect of the Ameri-
cay people, but the resolutions pending,
instead proposing remedy, looked to a
special Committee to indict somebody. He
would vote against. the resolutions as it did
4 AZ