Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-03-27
Grlr0rapbu.
CONGRESSIONAL.


which lies over, that the Senate will adjourn on
Saturday next sine de.
The Senate then considered the resolution OF
Mr. Douglas. calling for information relative to
forts, arsenals, navy yards and other public prop
erty in the seeded States.
Mr.. Bayard said he had at all times endeavorel
to guard his course that no word from his lip,
should have tendency to increase and foster
alienation and separation between the different
portions of the Confederacy. He conceived re
union to be impracticable, and there remained but
OF two courses to pursue, viz: war with a view q
subjugatiOn, or the knowledgment of their indie
pendence IA separate nationality.
Mr.. Bayard indicated a proposition he intended
to offer, authorizing the President to conclude
treaty with the Confederate States, acknowledge
ing their independence as a separate nation, 9th
erwise the other alternative, civil war, would oc
cur, which should be averted. He argued that
the act of secession is breach of contract, and
as such actual revolution, but, at the same time,
1t is a revolution inaugurlted by the people
thrOughol effectively, and you cannot meet it
except){y or peaceful negotiations.
The Senate then went into executive session.
and Afterwards adjourned.
WASHINGTON Thursday, March 81.
SENATE-Mr. Douglas resolution was tn
ken up.
Mr.. B1yard resumed his remarks from yeste-
day in favor of recognizing the independence OF
the Confederate States He discussed the causes
leading to the withdrawal of the seven States
among which was the formation and success OF a
sectional party hostile to slavery and whose uti
mate purpose the eXtinguishment of slavery
by the indirect action OF the Government. He
argued the right of property in slaves and the
duty OF protecting such right.
Without concluding, the Senate went into ex
ecutive session and adjourned.
WASHINGTON, Friday, March %.
SENATE-Mr. Hale offered a resolution to
elect Sergeant alarms, Doorkeeper, and As
sistant Laid over.
Mr.. Powell called up his resolution for paying
clerks of Committees of this session, the usual
compensation for sixty days
Mr.. Trumbull opposed it considering it gra-
tuity. and as reform was needed it had better
begin here.
The resolution rejected.
Mr.. Douglas resolution came up.
Mr.. Bayard concluded his speech.
Mr. Howe of Wisconsin, opposed Douglas reso-
luton because it was wholly unnecessary and he
was not convinced of the wisdom of giving to the
country the intelligence which it demanded We
have now an Administration--with it has been
proclaimed an earnest desire and fixed purpose TO
maintain the authority of the United States and
not the authority of this that section. mer ely
by peaceful means, if peaceful means will suffice
This was the settled purpose as he understood
it of the administration. Was it not purpose
which demanded the best energies of every one.
1t seemed to him that the Senator from Illinois
was furnishing aid to the enemies His (Howes)
party had done nothing to create the ieverish APP
prehenson alluded to by the Senator from Illinois
They had mo purpose to trampie on the rights of
an individual in any portion OF the country. He
objected to Douglas proposition to amend the
Constitution on the ground that it would only I've
approved by portion of the people, while Con-
stitutiOn to be satisfactory must receive the
sent of the whole country. We have such Con-
stitution now, why should not the people be sat
isfed with it?
He gave way to executive session. Adjourned.
WASHINGTON, Saturday, March %.
A letter was received from the Vice President,
in which he stated that it was his intention to be
absent during the remainder of the session, and
in order to afford opportunity to elect a Vice
President pro tenn, he desired this fact to be made
known.
On motion of Mr.. Hale, Mr. Foot was unln-
imOusly chosen Vice President pro tenn.
Mr.. Foot on being conducted to the chair,
made few pertinent remarks.
On motion of Mr.. Wilson, committee was
appointed to communicate the election of Mr.
Foot to Vice President Hamln.
Mr.. Wade presented the credentials of John
Chase.
Mr.. Sherman was qualified and took his seat.
Mr. Hale moved to take up his resolution for
the election of officers. Agreed to. Ayes Is,
nays ID.
Messrs. Bright and Breckenridge spoke in favor
of postponement on account of the small attend
ance, and other reasons.
Mr., Breckenridge said if the resolution is car
red into effect, the offices would be distributed as
tho r,ll for
1t was dangerous and mischievous system,
and would ultimately break down any Govern
| ment on earth
Mr.. Hale, with due respect, said the Senator
was not justified in the inference that there would
be a general sweep. For one, he would be ex-
| tremely sorry to see this done, but it would not
be strange if the list of subOrdinates should re
quire little examination or supervision. Abuses
may have crept in. If so, he hoped they would
/ alone.
Mr.. Bright opposed the resolution.
Mr.. Fessenden did not desire to make general
change of officers. The most of them en-
tirely acceptable, but few might be removed.
Mr.. Clingman opposed new election, remark
ing that he neither heretofore knew Tho
political opinions OF any of the subordinates
Many persons want foreign missions. II they
can't get these, they want to be Sargent at
Arms
Mr.. Douglas said political prescription was t.
be practced for the first time in the Senate 20 tht
| public injury and decentralization. He had hopes
the Senate would be spared the degradation
| brought upon other branches Of the Government
Mr.. Nesmith recognized the doctrine that IL
the victOrS belong the spoils" Considering the
exgencieS of the country, he would turn the Fed
eral bayonets against oilice-seekers.
Mr. Powell moved to take up Hale's resolution
heretofore opposed providing for the adjournment
or the Senate sine die to-day. 1t was evident tn,
majority, insteld of tr4nSacting business of al
Executive session, for which they were convened
go into miserable scramble for the spos. Thu
Republicans, for the first time. were attempting
to bring the contest for place in the Chamber
He looked on these things as despicable enough
to destroy any Government on elrth. He would
not lend his presence to such degrading works.
Mr.. Trumbull replied the Senator complained
if they did not transact business, but how could
they when he and his friends were continually
making dilatory motions and calling for yeas AM
nays to waste time.