The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-11
House OF Representatives.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 1861.
The House met at twelve O'Clock. Prayer by the
Chaplain. The journal was then read.
The Speaker laid before the House a communication
from the Postmaster General recommending reduction Of
the present existing mail contracts laid the table.
MIR. BOTHER, (opp of Va, received the unanimous
consent Of the House make personal explanation He
said his attention had been arrested by paragraph
paper Published the District which he represented
as stating that the motion which he had submitted few
days after the opening OF the session. calling for
mittec Of from each State the Union take into
consideration the perous condition of the country,
was submitted BY him at the instance OF the
republican party. Now, he did not choose to have
any such misrepresentation go abroad uucontra-
dcted with reference to his the matter referred
to- He did not choose that it should go forth the plb
lie but especially TO the people who had entrusted
him with the Of their interests and honor in this
House. that he had acted the of members Of
the republican party His political career was dear 10
him. and he was not willing, humble as he was that that
should be tainted, either directly indirectly BY
entirely ON his individual responsibility as member
from the Commonwealth Of Virginia He had made il
after consultation with gentlemen the democratic side
Of the House. and with gentlemen belonging to the South
objectionable party TO which he had the honor
belong. He found that several other gentlemen had
similar propositions to submit to the House at that
time The gentleman from North Carolina, a dis.
tingushed member from Tennessee, and Mr..
John Cochrane had prepared similar propositions He
conferred with these gentlemen aud they had concurred
with him in the propriey of Offering that resolution He
claimed the privilege Of making that motion because he
from the very district-Harpers Ferry--whch had
suffered most the hands OF those who belonged the
anti slavery aggressive party The North He had sub
m ed w he ~
gentlemen the other side opportunity declare
the House aud to the country whether they ten
der the South the olive branch Of peace the sword
war. lie made the motion, not in any spirit
hold out flag OF truce but that the other side might
show whether they prepared to do justice for the
purpose Of saving the Unono bring face to face their
representative that committee, and 10 learn
whether they mean, to be what they would make the
south believe. lie confessed however, that he was
disappointed with the action OF that committee.
IIc disappointed in the selected compose tina,
committee. lie was disappointed at the time the CON-
mi,ec had taken to report. It had every opportunity
given FOR conference, but nothing yet had been done
Que month had elapsed. aud all this the country hal
been anxiously watching and expecting though vain
the result Of their action The members composing Il
had been excused from serving the oor and yet with
all these opportunities and with all these incentives TO
prompt and harmonious action, they had yet made
no sign, promised to bring in report.
lie must openly acknowledge that this was
triane with the best interests Of the country fife
not % those who yet desparod OF the country lie
relied on the heroic maxim which gave Rome
the empire Of the world" despair But he must
say that for the last week the hopes he had entertained
Of good from that committee had been dying out
aud he could them that unless they did
up with report once offer OF relief
to calm the agitation which distracted the country II
another eo aliorc elaps ,oopd b. to,e yor TIE
,arouetc q any 81 hs friends Of the country 10
ne fHion
Mr.. MwSApp. opp Of Tenn, asked leave 10 Offer
resolution directing the select committee to consider the
Presidents special message report that part with
rcfers nee 70 submitting the questions which
threatening tho dissolution Of the government, and that
The committee report thereon at an early day by bill
tir lcss, opp of Ga, objected to its Introduction.
Mr. Nouns, rep OF Pa presented memorial OF citi
81 Philadelphia, signed without distinction Of party,
suggesting National Convention in that city the 22d
Of February, with the view to adjust the present dcal
ties, and moved II be printed
tir BnNcB, opp Of n. G. objected only for the rca
That II not customary 10 print papers cmanatng
from private parties.
Mr. lows also objected to printing Gentlemen said a
good deal about their constitutional obligations
Nr AIoRhS knew OF no party Directing TO do what was
Just that subject but there difference OF opinion
az what were constitutional rights.
Mr. lotsToS opp Of Ala, said that the printing o.
the memorial could do no harm. II convention OF the
states cannot be called 70 apply the remedy for the lin
fa separat on Of the Union
Mr. Coz, opp of Ohio, renlsi kcd that the memoir al
we signed ~ gentlemen OF all parties and proposed
where the Federation OF Independence proclaimed
and The const tuition framed.
tir MoBus withdrew bis motion 10 Print.
The memorial lies on the table.
Nr scEs, opp. OF y. " presented the rcsoiutfo1s
e the Common council Of New York. expressive o.
sympathy wl,h he griesanocs " The south. ard ap
l. frF q 1 + ~