Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-03-22
Extra Session of u. 8. Senate.
WASHINGTON, Friday, March Is.

Mr.. Mason offered resolution that
the concentration of military force in
Washington is contrary to former usage,
and dangerous to the rights and liberties
of tho people; asking the President
their number and arms, why they were
brought here, and when they would be
Withdrawn, and il they are not to be
withdrawn, for what purpose they are
maintained here, and whether it is his
purpose to increase said force, and to
what extent.
Mr.. Douglas resolutions concerning
the forts and arsenals at the South was
then taken up.
Mr. Douglas advocated the passage Of
his resolution, He said he did not be-
leive the policy of the Administration
was war. The construction of the inau-
gural was disputed by some on his side,
while the Republicans are silent--neith-
er asserting to, or dissenting from, his in
depreciation. The policy of the Admin
istratiou being peace, he desired to re-
lieve the apprehensions of the country
by obtaining a reply to his resolutions
which, he believed, would give quiet and
restore good feelings among different sec
tions of the country. Mr.. Douglas then
proceeded to give his reasons for think
ing that Mr.. Lincoln did not mediate
war, one of which was that he had no
power to collect the revenue in the Sc
ceding states. nor would he call out the
militia, unless to act as posse commita-
tus to the Federal officers, in cases where
the laws are obstructed. If the Presi-
dent designed TO take the forts, etc, an
army of two hundred and fifty thousand
men would be necessary, costing over
three hundred million dollars annually.
In conclusion he advocated such amend
ments to the constitution as would hold
the border States and finally secure
the reunion Of all. He congratulated
the Republicans that they had patrotical-
ly abandoned the prohibition of slave
ry in the territories, and admitted the
principle Of popular sovereignty in the
formation Of the government for Color
ado, Nevada and Dacotah.
Mr.. Wilson said Mr.. Douglas was a
man of anxiety. The President had
scarcely delivered his kind and genial
inaugural when the Senator from Hi
uois stepped forth unasked to give his in
depreciation Of it. Nobody on the Re
publican side had undertaken to sanction
or disayow that Interpretation. But the
Senator was not content to stand even
on his own Interpretation Of the inaugu-
raj be was not content that the Presi-
dent and his Cabinet which had Just tax
en- possession OF bis government, with
the country in ruins, should have time
enough to cast about aDl see what prin.
eIPle and patriotism required to be done
but rushed into tbs chamber aud offered
. resolution 10 declare to the country
what it intends to do. The Administra-
ton should make known it's policy
through gentlemen in whom it had con-
idsnce.
Nj. Douglas said he could pardon the
petulance Of the Senator from Massa-
chusetts, who only showed that he was
hurt He referred to Mr.. Wilson as be-
longing to the war wing Of the Republi-
can party.
Mr. Fesseuden called Mr.. Douglas at
tenlion to the fact that be said the SEN
atoC from Maine instead of Massachu-
sets,
Mr.. Douglas said the Senator from
Maine was mistaken. His words were,
4" from whatever quarter they came"
Mr.. Fessenden replied that his re-
marks were understood as be (Fessen-
den) had said.
Mr.. Douglas--Some cannot understand
truth when it is told. Courtesy required
that the Senator from Maine should ac-
cept his explanation. The Senator at
taches more importance to himself than
others do. He is respectable, debates
very well, and he should not think allu-
sion was made to him, as there are other
people than himself.
MIR. Fessenden said he thought Mr..
Douglas had merely made a slip of the
tongue when he said "the Senator from
Maine"
Mr.. Douglas--When make a correc-
ton the Senator is bound to accept it.
You don't admit it because say the state
ment is false, and the Senator ought to
knowi it. (Sensation.)
Mr.. Fessenden said the Senator was