Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-03-17

WASHINGTON March 15.-Mr Mason offered the
following preamble and resolution:
WHEREAS, The presence Of q military force con
eentrated and CHARTERED at the seat Of Government
il departure froEl sill the former usages Of the
Government, and dangerous to the rights and lib
erty of the people. therefore,
Resolved. That The President inform the Senate
what number Of troops Of the army are qusrtered
in this city in the respective Of service, and
the purposes for which they brought here, snd
further that he inform the Senate when said troops
are to be withdrawn, and If MOTTO be Withdrawn,
for what purpose they msinisined, and whether
it is bis purpose to increase said orse and to what
extent.
Dir. Douglas resolution in respect TO forts arse
nails navy yards. and other public property in the
seeding States, was taken up.
Mr. Douglas advocated his resolution. He did not
believe that the policy OF the administration was
war. His construction Of the Inugural was disputed
by some en- his side. while the Republicans were
SILENT neither asserting nor dissenting from his IN
depreciation. The policy of the administration be-
ing peace he desired to relieve the apprehension of
the country by obtaining reply to his resolution,
which he believed would give quiet and and restore
good feeling among the different sections of the coun-
try He gave his reasons why Lincoln does not
mediate war, among which were, that be had no
mower to collect the revenue in the seeding States
nor could he call out the militial unless TO aid,
posse com;tahLs, Federal officer. If he designed
taking the forts etc.. an army Of two hundred and
fifty thousand men would be necessary, costing $685.
000, 600 annually.
the Constitution as would hold the Border States,
and this would secure the reunion Of all He congra-
tulated the Republicans that they had patriotcal-
" abandoned the prohibition Of slavery in the Ter
rtories, and admitted the popular sovereignty doe
tine in the formation Of Governments for Colorado,
DecotAh and Nevada.
Wilson said that Douglas was man of amity The
President had scarcely delivered his kind and genial
inaugural, when the Senator from Illinois steps
forth unasked, to give his Interpretation Of it. No
body the Republican side had undertaken to
sanction or disayow that Interpretation. but the
Senator was not content 10 stand even on his ewn
Interpretation OF the Inaugural. He was not con-
tent that the President and Cabinet which had just
taken possession of the Government and country in
ruins shouldn't have time enough to cast about and
see what principle and patriotism required to be
done; but he rushed into the chamber and brought
in resolution asking the Administration to declare
to the country what it intends to do. The Admin
stration should make known its policy through gem
tlemen in whom it had confidence.
Douglas said he could pardon the petulence of the
Senator, who only showed he was hurt he talked
about strutting, when it was that Senator's only
purpose to make personal assault upon him. He
referred to Mr. Wilson as belonging 10 the war wing
of the Republicans.
Fessenden called Mr. Douglas attention to the
fact that he said Senator from Maine instead Of Mas
sachusetts.
Douglas said he was mistaken. He did not refer
to the Senator from Maine. The words were false,
whatever quarter they came from.
Fessenden replied that his remarks were under
stood as he (Fessenden) had said.
Douglas-Some cannot understand the truth
when it ia tsd Courtesy required that the Senator
should accept his explanation. The Senator at
taches more Importance to himself than others do.
He is a very respectable debater This was all
very well. but he should not think allusiOn was
made to him as there were other people than him.
self.
Fessenden thought Douglas had merely made
slip Of the tongue in saying Senator from Maine.
Dougias-When make correction the Senator
is bound TO acceptit You don't admit it because
said the statement false, and the Senator ought
to know it. [Sensstion.1
Fessenden said the Senator was determined on
personal quarrel. He could not admit Douglas TO