The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-03-29
EXTRA SESSION.
WASHINGTON, March %


Chase.
Mr.. Sherman was qualified and took bis
seat. "
Mr.. Hale moved to take up his resolu.
ton, of the election Of officers. Agreed
to, % against Ii.
Messrs. Bright and Breckenridge spoke
in favor Of postponement, on account of
small attendance, and other reasons. Mr..
Breckenridge said if the resolution is car,
ried into effect the Offices would be dis,
tributed as the rewards for partisan services.
1t was aagititious and mischievous sys-
tenn, and would ultimately break down any
government on earth.
Mr.. Hale with due respect said the Sen.
ator was not justified in the inference that
there would be general sweep, for one he
would be extremely sorry to see this done,
but it would not be strange if the list of
subordinates should require little exami-
nation or supervision. Abuses may have
crept in, if SO, he hoped they would be cor
rected and the faithful subordinates let
alone.
Mr.. Bright opposed the resolution.
Mr.. Fessenden did not desire to make q
general change of officers. The most of
them were entirely acceptable. A few
might be removed.
Mr.. Clingman opposed the re. election,
remarking that he neither now nor hereto.
fore knew the political opinions of any of
the subordinates. Many persons now here
want foreign missions. If they could not
get these they want to be sergeant alarms.
Mr.. Douglas said political prescription
was to be practiced for the first time in the
Senate to the public injury and demoraliza>
ton. He had hoped the Senate would be
spared the degradation brought upon other
branches of the government.
Mr.. NeSmith recognized the doctrine "to
the victOrs belong the spoils." Considering
the exigencies of the country, he would turn
the federal bayonets against the Office
seekers.
Mr.. Powell move to take up Mr.. Hale's
resolution, heretofore offered, providing for
the adjournment of the Senate sine die to-
day. 1t was evident the majority, instead
OF transacting, the business of an executive
session, tor which they were convened, 90
into q miserable scramble for the spoils
The Republicans, for the first time, were
attempting to bring the contest for place
into the Senate chamber. He looked on
these things as despicable enough to destroy
any government on earth. He would not
lend his presence to such degrading works.
Mr.. Trumbull replied; The Senator
complained of their not transacting bust
ness, but how could they when he and bis
friends were continually making dilatory
motions and calling for the yeas and nays to
waste time.
Mr.. Powell responded, and concluded by
saying that the good, true and loyal men Of
the North scorn the Offices and don't want
them.
The Senate then went into executive ses-
sion. Adjourned.
WASHINGTON, March rs.
On motion of Mr.. Hale, bis resolution for
the election of Sergeant-at- Arms and
Doorkeeper was laid over for the present.
On motion of Mr.. Powell, it was resolved
that the President be requested to Commu.
nicate to the Senate, if not incompatible
with the public interest, the desp patches
from Major Anderson to the War Depart.
ment during the time he has been in com.
mand of Fort Sumpter.
Mr.. Howe resumed his speech in opposi-
tion to Mr.. Douglas resolution calling for
information in regard to the Southern Forts,
etc. He showed the difficulties of procuring
the amendments to the constitution which
Mr.. Douglas advocated, as remedy for the
troubles, and argued that the recognition
of the seeded states would not produce
peace; and the issue is between loyal cit
liens and those who defy the authorities of
the Government. He said the Unionists
in the seeded States were borne down by
tyranny from which they ought to be re-
lieved. He asked MIR. Douglas to unite
with him and the Republicans in declara-
ton, that while we do not propose to make
war, we do not intend war shall be made on
US.
Mr.. Douglas said if the war Department
was not in possession of the informatonIthis
resolution calls for, no harm could result
from such an answer. He spprebended
that this information would tend to allay
public excitement. He supposed there
was no danger as to Fort Sumpter. but
desired to know whether Fort Pickens
would be held merely for irritation. He
wanted to find out whether we are to have
peace or war. He believed the policy to
be peace. The threat to collect the reve.
nue. and blockade the ports without legal
authority was a threat to violate the consti
tuition. Was it wise to delude the people
into the belief that the administration was
going to do what the constitution does not
permit Mr.. Douglas said that he en-
deavored, during the last session, when the
Republicans were rushing through bill to
destroy the revenue, to prevent it, but they
would not listen to the warning, and be
apprehended that an extra session would be
called to undo part of what was recklessly
ard unwisely done.