The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-07-26
XXxVu Congress--Extra Session.
WASHINGTON. July Is.

WASHINGTON, July Is.
[0ur Geographic report OF the debate on
the report of the Committee on the case of
Henry May, Of Baltimore, charged with
holding intercourse at Richmond with the
rebels, ended with the remark Of that gen.
tleman that "when the freedom of debate
shall be opened to an American representa-
tive on this floor, then shall speak as it
becomes me to do" We give the conclu-
sion of the debate
Mr.. Colfax said, in response to the gentle.
mans declaration of bis determination to
stand by the Union, be supposed that Mr..
May had been grossly misrepresented by a
Richmond correspondent of Charleston
paper, which asserts that he May said to
the so called confederate Government -
that 1000 men in Maryland were ready
to take up arms against the Federal forces
in that city.
MIR. May-This is the first intimation
that has reached me of such letter. 1
have not seen it. He had no objection to
the. reading of the entire article.
The Clerk then read the letter. 1t was
dated Richmond, July 4th. Among other
things it said the objects of Nays visit had
not transpired, but that it looked to certain
events in Maryland, and that the intelli-
gence be brought was enough to make
Americans weep, that the city of Baltimore
was under the heel of tyranny, that women
had been insulted, and outrages committed
such as to make mankind blush. In fact,
that reign of terror existed. He May
was strong in the hope that the day of re-
taliation was not far distant that 10000
Marylanders would rise up in arms against
their oppressors and though an attempt
might be made to deprive them of their
arms, yet 5000 muskets were concealed and
guarded night and day.
MIR. May said he did not know who wrote
the letter, but he declared that it was abso-
lutely untrue that he communicated to the
author any such things. 1t was equally un-
true in point of fact that 10000 men were
ready to rise against the government, as
therein stated, but there were more than
10000 freemen who, if the present oppres-
sion shall not be removed, will vindcate
their constitutional rights. He was one of
this number placing himself on the ground
of constitutional rights, on the ground OF
resisting tyranny, and on the ground
consecrated to divine right. But as to a
conspiracy against the federal authorities in
Maryland to overthrow them and this gov
eminent, the thing is absolutely preposter
Gus. 1t never did exist. The contrary was
reported by miserable miscreants and spies
who resorted to malicious falsehoods. He
complained that on such grounds as these
a people loyal and true to the constitution
are domineered over and crushed under the
heel of military power. He denounced this
as an unparalleled outrage.
He knew what he had done, and invited
the strictest scrutiny into all bis acts. He
was elected a representative of peace and
compromise by large majority, as Union
man, looking to the salvation of this great,
glorious and happy country. He stood here
committed to such measures as will uphold
and maintain it. He would lay down his
lite to secure this object. No trOwns or
menaces should shake his love of peace. 1t
was true that he went to Virginia, the
mother of Strtes," which was so closely al
lied to Maryland in blood and interest. He
felt that he had a right to inquire into the
disposition of the South, to find out the
views of the government established over
them, in order that he might do everything
possible to assuage this frightful civil strife.
He felt that his motives were the most
honorable of his life. Before going to Rich
mond, he called on the President of the
United States and stated frankly and fully
bis object. He did not ask him for his sane
ton, and did not wish to embarrass him.
He only asked his permission to leave and
cross over into Virginia. 1t was distinctly
understood that be went thither on the most
private mission. He asked the President
for the necessary tormality for that purpose.
The President gave him permission to OBJ
tain passport from Gen. Scott, on this
representation. 1t was not objected to that
he should 90 to Richmond on his own re-
sponsibility.
After further discussion between Messrs
May and Colfax, Mr.. Thomas, of Mary
land, said there was condition of affairs in
that State painful to every citizen in its
borders, and he undertook to stand here
and aver that she, in her heart OF hearts,
speaking through large majority, thanked
the President for clothing the Lieutenant
General with the power to declare martial
law, and approved as he did the manner in
which the power had been exercised by
Major General Banks. (Applause.)
WASHINGTON, July 10.
HoUsE.-Mr. Kellogg, of Illinois, moved
that when the House adjourned it be till
Monday.
Voices-You want to 60 to Manassas.
Let's go.
Mr.. Washburn, before voting, wished to
know whether the Committee on Ways and
Means had business to report.
Mr.. Cox objected to the question being
asked the object being, he said to 60 to
Manassas to get in the way of our soldiers.
Laughter. -.
The House refused to. adjourn till Mon,
day-42 against 81.
Mr.. Crittenden asked leave to submit
resolutions declaring that the present civil
war had been forced on US by the disunion.