Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-02-22
Yesterdays PROCEEDINGS.
MAsHINGFoN, FebruarY n.

Yesterdays PROCEEDINGS.
WASHINGTON, February 81.
SENATE-Mr. Doolittle presented a pe-
tition from the citizens of Milwaukee, nu-
merously signed, asking Congress to stand
by the Constitution and laws, and make no
compromise with traitors.
Mr.. Powell presented a petition of the
citizens Of Wisconsin, in favor of the Crit
tenden resolutions.
MessIs. Dixon and Bigler presented nu-
merous petitions for the Border-State and
CritteDden resolutions.
Mr.. Bragg presented the credentials of
Mr.. CliDgman, re- elected Senator from North
Carolina.
The Senate resumed consideration of the
bill for the discontinuance of the postal SER
vice in seeding States, which was laid over
yesterday.
Mr.. Hunter said that if the States were
in the Union, we had no right to cut off
their postal benefits. The postal laws had
not been resisted, and we could not under
take, under the Constitution, to punish States
in this way. He said the expressions "in-
surrection" and rebellion" in the bill
seemed to be but steps which would end in
using force against the States.
Mr.. Doolittle said that it was a measure of
peace, not war. He said it was the duty of
tie Government to acknowledge and face
the changes of the day. What are the new
ideas which we have to meet The first is
the idea that slavery is blessing and a
proper state of society in our Republic. This
idea was not admitted by the men who
formed the Constitution, but was the idea of
Calhoun. All said it was an evil, socially
and politically.
Mr.. Clingman asked when Mr.. Calhoun
said slavery was blessing.
Mr. Doolittle said he said so on the floor of
the Senate. He said it was the best and most
stable basis of free institutions This idea
| now Ieigns despotic in the Southern States,
and threatens to destroy every thing unless
| it is admitted and recognized. The first de-
maud was of the Democratic party and be-
cause that party would not fully admit it, it
| was disrupted and destroyed. To-day, with
AIMS in their bands, the South demand that
we shall make new Constitution, and Gerry
| slavery into Territories where it never ex
| listed. He hoped this would be passed, as it
was one of the measures which would give
peace to the Union.
Mr.. Hunter said that he was glad to hear
| that this was not measure of coercion; but
lac thought it was not necessary to pass it,
as the Postmaster General has all the power
necessary.
Mr.. Powell spoke against the bill, and
| said that if it passed it would give the power
of despot to the head clerk of depart.
ment and destroy the liberty of the people,
Mr.. Fessenden said he thought Senators
were drawing on their emsginations. The
| bill simply gives power TO the Postmaster
General to suspend the operation of the
laws and relieve him of any attempt to
enforce the laws. 1t is most iminently
measure of peace. The secret is, that gem
tlemen want to force us to acknowledge that
Secession is lawful. 1t seems to be the
simple truth, that gentlemen won't let us
have measure of peace without acknoWl.
edging the right of Secession.
Mr. Hunter opposed the bill as coercive.
Mr.. DOolittle said it was mission of peace,
not war.
Mr.. Douglas considered it q peace-measure,
and was gratifed to see it from the other side
of the House.
After some few remarks in response to
those of Mr.. Doolittle, Mr.. Douglas said he
believed there was deliberate plot to break
up the Union on the pretext of devotion to
it, and there were as many disunionists North
as South.
Further debate ensued, and Mr.. Green pro-
posed an amendment that the Postmaster
General also suspend the mails where an or
ganization exists for running off slaves.
No action Yves taken on the bill
The Miscellaneous Appropriation Bill was
taken up, after which an Executive Session,
and the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE-Mr. Dawes, from the Select Com
mittee OF Five, TO whom was referred the
Presidents Special Message of the 9Th of
January, made report as to the stationing
of vessels of the navy in such a manner as
10 neglect the defense Of the whole Atlantic
coast during the prevalence of laWless vio-
lenee. The number Of shiDs lying in port,
dismantled and unfit for service, is twenty
eight, mounting in the aggregate 874 guns
Rnua nf than cn,ald he ranairad and mt m =
der sail short of several weeks time, and
many Of them would require, for that pur-
pose, at least six months. No order has as
| yet been issued to put any of them in readi-
nt s.. The Committee discussed other subjects
| connected with the navy, and propose resol-
ution that the Secretary Of the Navy, in ac-
cepting, without delay or inquiry, the resigna-
| tions OF officers of the navy, who were in arms
against the Government when rendering the
same, and ofthose who sought to resign that
they might be relieved from the restraint inn
| posed by their commissions, upon engaging
In hostility 10 the constituted authorities OF
| the nation, has committed grave error,
highly prejadicial to the discipline Of the
service and injurious to the honor and
efficiency of the navy, for which he deserves
the censure of the House.
Mr. Branch submitted a minority report
John Cocbrane also dissents from the
views Of the majority.
Mr.. Doves gave notice that he will ask 8
vote on the resolution on Monday OF
| Tuesday. L.4
The House renewed the consideration o.
Mr.. Stanton's VoluRteer bill. al fFI
MT, Bocock finished his speech, concluding
by exeeIating and denouneing the bill.
Mr.. Howard replied, chafacterizing Mr
Boeocksspeech as clap trap, and his appeal
here were made 70 influence the Nirginii
Convention In assisting 70 break up tn
? Government. ~ g1lil
consideration of the bill was postpone,
till Monday. The report Of the COmmitte
! efThi-'y .h-ee vas .aken up.