Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-01-10

HousE.-Mr. StrattOu, Of y. J., asked
leave to present the memorial of the citi-
zens of Princeton, n. j., on the subject of
National Affairs, containing practical sug-
! grst:ons.
Mr.. Burnett, of Ky., objected.
The Speaker laid before the House n
message from the President. The. Presi-
dent says that ut the opening OF The ses-
sion he called attention to the dangers to
tue Union. aud recommended such meas
ures Of relief, which he believed would
have the effect Ut trNnQu. LIKING the perils
in which it had been needlessly and un-
fortunately placed. His convictions then
expressed, relnain unchanged. He regrets
to say that matters, instead of getting bet
ter, are still worse, aud hope is diminished.
Alluding to the condition of South Caro-
lima, he says he has no other alternative
but TO collect the revenue, aud protect the
public property us far as practicable, uu-
der the existing laws.
His duty is to execute, not make, the
laws. The right and duty to use the mill
tary and naval force against those who i'll
legally nssnil the Federal Government, are
clear and indiSputsGle but the present
state of things is beyond the Executive
control. We are in the midst or Il great
revolution, and he recommends to Con-
grcss to meet the present emergency. To
Congress is reserved the power to declare
war and TO remove the grievances that
might lead to war, and restore peace to the
country. On them rests the responsibility
After culogizing the blessings conferred
by the Union, he says:
Should it perish, the calamity will be as
severe in the Southern as in the Northern
States Tho secession movement is chiefly
made on misapprehenston as to the senti
ments of the minority in several of the
Mort ern States. Let the question be
the ballot boz. The people will redress
their grievances. In Heavens name let
the trial be made before We plunge into
destruction There is an alternative
Let US have reflection. Would that South
Carolina had reflected.
Mr.. Howard, of Mich, moved that the
message be referred to a special commit
tee of five, with instructions to inquire
whether any executive officers of the IT, S.
have been, or are now, treating or holding
communication with any person or per-
sons, for the transfer of the forts and 9TH
eT public property; whether any demand
for surrender has been made, and if SO, by
whom, nnd what answer has been given
whether any officer or officers of the U. S.
have entered into any pledge not to send
reiDforcements of troops to the harbor OF
Charleston, and if so, when, where and by
whom, and ON what considerations; whetll-
er the Custom House, Post Office or Arsen-
al at Charleston have been seized, and by
whom they are held nossession whethc,
any revenue cutter has bLeu seized, and
whether any efforts have been made to re.
cover it; that the committee have power
TO send tor persons and papers, and report
from time to time, such facts us may be
required by the national honor.
The resolution was passed yeas 1873,
nays G2:
Mr.. Maynard, of Tenn, asked consent of
the House to offer resolution that y mi
nority report might be mnde from the COM
mittee OF 80.
No action was taken on the resolution.
INC House then went into COMMITTEE OF
the Whole on the Civil and Miscellaneous
| Appropriation bills. The Committee rose
without coming to conclusion on the
bill
On motion of Mr.. Leake, of Va, the Sc
lect Committee on the Presidents special
message was instructed to inquire whether
any arms have recently been removed from
Harpers Ferry to Pittsburgh, and if so, by
whose authority, and fog what reasons.
The resolution WIS amended so as to
extend the inquiry as to the removal of
arms from all Arseuals.
Mr.. Morris, of Pa, presented a memo
rial rom citizens of philadelphia, signed
by mGn OF all parties, in favor of Sir. Crit
tendens compromise. Referred to the
Committee OF 80.
The House then adjourned.
SENATE IA message was received from
the President.
Mr.. S!idell presented resolution of in
Iouiry that the President inform the Senate
whether John b. Flpyed ut present ills
1.-THE most of Secretary OF War, and If mot.
who Oils the Office, Mnd if The appoint.
ment as acting or provisional Secretary
has been made, and when, and by what
authority it was r,ade, and why lI,e fact
of snch appointment has not been COM
municAted 10 tie Senate. Laid over.
Mr. Davis, of Miss, smoke of The COM