Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-02-09
Thursdays Congressional Proceedings.
WASHINGTON February T.

ersl petitions in favor Of the Crittenden reso-
lutions. He also presented the resolutions
of the Legislature Of New Jersey, which his
colleague had presented during his absence,
and said he entirely dissented from the
views of his colleague.
Mr.. Ten Evoke replied, and said he had no
desire TO avail himself of his colleagues alb
sence. He contended that the resolutions
did not express the calm feeling Of the peo-
pie, as shown by the votes of the recent
election, but the resolutions sent have been
rushed through the Senate of New Jersey
when four members were sick.
Mr.. Collamer presented a petition from
the citizens Of Vermont, asking Congress to
adopt the amendment to the Constitution,
similar to the Border-State propositions.
He said he was willing to do all in his power
in Congress, but not anything which was
not allowed by the Constitution, which says
Congress may propose amendments, TO be
submitted TO the States; and, further, if
States wanted amendments let them say So
by Convention, and Congress must agree.
Mr.. Cameron presented petition signed
by 5000 citizens of Philadelphia, REPRESENT
ing, probably, 10000 or 10000 people in
favor of the Crittenden-Bigler resolutions.
The Presidents Message came up.
Wigfsll replied to johnson. He said the
effect of Johnsons first speech indicated in
favor of coercion, and it was too late now to
deny it. The Senator from Tennessee COM
planned that his great argument had been
unanswered, but he (Wigfall) had not heard
any great argument. Wigfall argued against
coercion, and said attempts to enforce laws
were coercion and war. He said Helper was
not so slanderous against the South as SEN
tences uttered by Southern Senators. Wig.
fall said the South had no desire to make
war, but intended to live under such q gov
ernment as it saw ft. Six States had re-
voked the treaty called the Constitution,
though they might be willing to make an
other. He claimed that the South had q
mine ofwealth in cotton, and pictured the de-
stTuction of Northern commerce if the ports
South are blockaded. A vessel would be fred
into if it carried the flag of thirty-three
States into port where they have plucked
stars rom it.
HOUSE-The galleries of the House were
densely crowded to-day Among the spec
tators were the Commissioners to the Peace
Convention. A sound like the reverbera-
ting of a cannon startled almost everybody.
The members rushed TO their feet, and the
ladies hastily left the galleries. The Speaker
quieted their fears by saying that something
had fallen on the roof 1t was subsequently
found that the wind had blown down a
small derrick.
The report of the Committee of Thirty
three was taken up.
Mr.. Corwin gave notice that he should
move to close the debate week from Fri
day.
Mr. Davis, of Maryland, took the floor.
He said six States had rebelled against the
supreme law of the land, assuming inde-
| pendent powers, seizing ships and forts, and
Insulting the natiopal flag.
He referred to the supplying of arms, by a
Cabinet Minister, to those about to make
war, to Commissioners wandering from
State TO State, flagrantly violating the Con-
stitution by stirring up rebellion; and a
| Cabinet Minister, while holding his commits
| sion, and bound by oath to support the Con-
| stitution, going himself from one State to
another, Organizing another part of the
| scheme of rebellion
We have seen the President neglectino
| the warnings of the first military officer OF
the age, allowing the forts to be taken, and
subsequently seen him making bargains fol
peace with disunionists, until he shall he
relieved Of the responsibility, instead of de.
tending and indicating the public honor
| He considered the President incapable O.
filling his positions3 The Constitution ant
laws must be enforced, and those who stan(
| across the path of enforcement must eithel
| destroy the powers of the Government or i
will destroy them. [Applause.l Revenue
may he collected on shipboard and the law
Of commerce be enforced by not allowing
| vessels to pass without Government papers
and postal facilities be continued or sup
| pressed, according to circumstances. HC
said he should speak for Maryland, who ha!
confidence in the strength of the great Gov
eminent which protects her.
Kunkel-If you speak for that State l de
sire 10 be heard. [CIies of order.
Davis-I decline to yield the floor.
Kunkel-Speak for yourself, not for Mary
land.
Davis continued, and said Maryland doe.
not recognize the right of Secession or tn,
| right to repeal the supreme law of the land
Those who should presume to inaugural,
revolution would meet with revolutionary
resistance on the soil of Maryland, under thu
stars and stripes.
Mr.. Sedgwick said so powerless and low
has the Government fallen, that insignifcan
Florida was tapping the disunion banner il
the face ofthe United States and we evel
hear that a truce had been declared between
this Government and the army of that State
He opposed all remedies proposed by tn
committee. He was opposed to compromise
He would consent that the slave States g
into separate confederacy with full consen
to all parties.
Vallandigham offered propositions I
amend the Constitution by dividing the Uni
ted States into four sections-New Englan
and Middle States forming one, the North
western States another, the Pacific State
another, and the Southern States east of tn
Rio Grande another, to be called respect
lively the North, the West, the Pacific an
the South.
A resolution was passed authorizing Lieu
Craven to receive presents from the Spanis
Government.
Objection being made by Mr.. Craig, q
North Carolina, to the introduction to-day
Mr.. Sickles gave notice that he should ohe
resolutions on Monday, calling for informa
tion of the Secretary of the Treasury
whether duties continue to be collected |
the ports of South Carolina Georgia, Als
bama, Louisiana and Florida.
EVsRing SessioR.--Mr. Siekles said Secei
sion has no warrant in the Constitution
He advocated the Crittenden-Bigler propo
sitien, and renting the question to tn
people, whom some Republicans and South
ern ultraists are afraid to trust. The frs
gun fred for coercion will unite the Who'll
South. He appealed, in behalf of the Borde
States, for constitutional guarantees.
Mr.. Junkin favored the proposition Of th
Committee.
Mr.. Allen argued against the right {
Secession.
Mr.. Carey said Secession was black Treason
and he favored an appeal to the people.
Adjourned.