The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1861-12-27
W ashington. Dec, 2G.

was agreed that " hen the Senate adjourn
today, it be to meet on Monday next and
when they open on that day, it adjourn TO
meet next Thursday.
Nh. Grimes presented a petition from
the citizens of Iowa for the introduction
of the homeopathic system of practice in
the army.
Messrs. Summer and Trumbull present
ed petitions for the emancipation OF slaves
under the war power
Several petitions were presented for the
location OF a national almory at Rock Is
land, LII.
Mr.. Hale offered resolution that the
President be requested, if not incompati
bic with the public interest, to transmit
copies Of all dispatches which have passed
between this country ard Great Britain
SAID dispatches to be communicated in
either open or executive session, as may
be deemed proper.
Mr. Summer objected.
Mr. Hale sold he had understood from
| the public press, and those who held more
intimate rotations with the Administration
than himself--thou2h the absence of init
macy was not his fault. as he was willing
to be as confidential as any bodY--that FOR
three or four days past the Cabinet had
under consideration proposition franght
with more evil to the country than any
thing that has get marked IFS history, and
| that was, the surrender of Mason and Sill
dell to Great Britain. BY doing this we
would yield all that we had gained in the
war of the Revolution, and be Inundated
TO a second rate power. No man would
20 farther than himself for peace, but he
would not submit to national disgrace and
dishonor to obtain such peace. He could
favor the arbitration Of another power, but
if demand has been made Nv Great Brit
ain for the surrender of Mason and Sldoll
| Wur should be declared against her instant
! ly. He would make all honorable con-
eessions for peace, but peace involving
such surrender would be Infinitely worse
than war His friend from Indiana Lane
had remarked this morning that his State
had now h0, GOO men In the field, and
would double that number TO maintain the
national honor Ii this Senate should 80
home after such surrender and humiiia-
| ton it would be subject to the scorn aud
! indignation Of the country. lie regarded
the arrogant demand of England as pre-
text for war She wanted to humiliate us
first and fight US afterward. Let our cities
and villages be pillaged aud burned, but
let our national honor be preserved
| Francis HE First sad after the battle of
Pavia, that "All was lest but honor. -
He Hale would pray that this Admins
/ tration would not sacrifice the national
/ honor. Thousands would vet come into
/ the field to maintain it. Ii this surrender
was made, the Naturalization would meet
with such a fire in the rear thai il would
be husled from power, If We bad war
with England it would be for the same
cause that had sent one king 70 the block
and another homeless and bouseless over
! the world and che that would appeal to
men wherever the English language was
spoken. He believed, too, that il Napoleon
I had one des re more than another, il V rs
to WIPE out the stain upon the French
arms ut Waterloo al over Canada there
were thousands of Irishmen who would
rush to arms 10 sustain snch cause as
ours. Our principles were our great
strength. and If war must come he would
say, let it come, and thank God that we
are the instruments in his hands to work
cut his own cause.
Sumner said his own belief was that the
matter would be- amicably adjusted. 1t
was in safe hands and ii would be better
/ for the Srnate to reserve themselves and
not act upon rumors.
liale's resolution was laid over under
the rules.
| Mr. Davis gave notice that he should
| INTRODUCES bill coniiscating every species
OF property of persons who have had any
connection with the Southern rebellion,
either in civil, military or naval capaci-
ty.
Mr. Harlan introduced a bill for estab
fishing provisional governments in all the
seeded States. Referred.
Mr. Howe introduced bill amending
the Fugitive Slave Act. Referred.
Adjourned till Monday.