Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-03-21
rn,Rrx-srxrn CONGRESS.

nN1ONA oRLaA1NH
WASHINGTON, March IS -SeAais.-The
credentials Of David Wilmot were presented
and be was sworn in.
The Joint resolution Of The legislature Of In
diana, requesting Congress to call a conyeD-
ton for amendments to the Constitution, was
laid on The table and ordered to be printed.
Mr.. Dougles' resolution was taken up, and
Mr.. Breckenridge spoke.
Mr.. BreckinTidgs said in the present anx-
ious, distressed condition OF the country, the
Senate should not adjourn without expressing
an opinion on tie present state Of affairs, and
giving some advice tending to allay public APP
prshension. Opinions seemed divided as to
ihe meaning Of the inaugural. He was free to
confess, and grati6ed to do 90, that its general
expressions are for harmony and the preven-
ton Of bloodshsd but the policy which the
President SAYS he deems It bis duty to pursue
must result in bloOdshed, unless essentially
modified.
The leading idea Of the inaugural. very
clearly put forth, is The President does not re-
eognizs, in any sense, the existence OF another
| Confederacy, but thai be regards all proceed
inEs and acts IN tie seeding States either IN
surrectionary or revolutionary, and that II Is
bis purpose, to the extent Of his power, to en-
force the laws In all the States, including those
which have Withdrawn. The inference was
irresistible, to whatever extent force or inva-
] nAaAa 10 MEkAHHAA - AAN AAAAaa 1A AMANNNNNn
and 10 maintain, possess and occupy the forts,
force be employed, BY constituting II to be his
constitutional DUTY. IT'S true the President
has qualified bis declaration by sayiHg Hthe
course here indicated will be followed, unless
current events and experience shall show nod
i6cation or change TO be proper, and in every
case and exigeney my best discretion will be
exercised, according to circumstances actually
existing, and with a view to the peaceful So
I fnffnn ~ nmr naFaannl Nrnrhlaa I'D Nka 20
t%oration Of f~raternal sympathies and afec-
tions.o
: lie (Breekinride) took this qualification to
mean be will not undertake TO execute the
lave, or TO hold the forts and other places IN
the Withdrawing States excepting where cir
eumstsnces show bis ability to do so, and that
he will not undertake to force those functions,
because it would be irritating and make the
hopes Of a peaceful solution more doubtful,
then the policy would be that which would
prevent irritation and bloodshood. The Presi-
dent conceived it bis duty to hold, possess and
occupy the forts, and collect the duties on i'm
ports, TO be modified according to the nee SSH
ties CT the case, which may surround him.
otherwise his policy would be simple and easy.
Looking at Fort Sumter, what were the rea-
sons FOR the rumOIed evacuation ? Not politi-
cal, but military; not because in the opinion
OF the Administration the fort would irritats
| tut lGuilL MAAQ anu ltlubI EONElildAiOH ana
harmony doubtful, but because the military and
naval power does not exist to penetrate to that
point. Unless the purpose Of the President
was to use force as far as was necessary, he
would, il bis object was purely conciliatory,
withdraw the troops for political and not mill
taTy reasons, then be thought be was justified
in constituting the inaugural to mean the Presi-
dent will hold the forts and other places within
the Confederate States and collect the duties
- ~ -
there is any modification it will be because be
would be willing to withdraw the troops for
the purpose Of Cancellation and peace in the
public mind.
The character Of the Cabinet was not such
as to induce the belief that force would not be
used. Every member, excerpt one, is UNDER
stood to favor coercion, if 1t becomes necessary
to reduce the South TO subJugation. The very
organization Of the Senate, and opinions eau
tiously expressed BY Republicans here, show
their purpose is to maintain the authority OF
the Federal Government over the withdrawn
States BY force il necessary. In the forming
OF standing committees there was Scarcely a
chairman whose known opinion was not in
favor OF this policy.
The country should not be deceived. What
was meant BY peace and Cancellation? How
was it to be maintained He desired to know
Il as sincerely as be desired the union of all
lue cdLSs. ne udd seen no measure OF Drac-
teal policy which tends to produce the result.
We are in constant danger Of collision and
bloodshed. For the sake Of the political and
material interests Of the country, the support
OF the credit and the general prosperity, let US
establish some leading principe. II a peace
policy was not to prevail, let Us get ready for
the conflict.
Mr.. Hale, in reply, said be had no advice to
give until called for. Hehad not been in eoun-
Gil with the Administration The President
had selected those competent to advise him,
and relying on their advice does not feel the me-
cessity Of relying on any one else.
Mr.. Wigtall said Texas was a State before
she came into the Union, she was now and
would be always.
MI. Hale was unable to understand the
charge OF northern aggression, and attributed
all The clanOr to the fact that the outs are now
In and the ms are out.