Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1861-03-29
XXVIth CONGRESS---2d SESSION.
Louisville, KY, March, 1851.
EXTRA sEssIoy 0. ;. sEvArE.

SENATE, ......,..... WASHINGTON, March 10.
Mr.. Mason offered the following preamble and re-
solution
WHEREAS, The presence of military force con-
ccntrated and permanently quartered at the seat of
Government is departure from all former usage of
the Government and dangerous TO the rights and
liberties of the people, therefore,
ResokVed, That the President inform the Senate
what number of the troops of the army quar-
tered in this city the respective of the service
and the purpose for which they were brought here,
and further that he inform the Senate when said
troops are to be withdrawn, and if not to be with
drawn, for what purpose they are maintained here,
and whether it is his purpose to increase said force
and to what extent
Mr.. Douglas resolution, in respect to the forts,
senals, navy yards and other public property in the
seeding States, was taken up.
Mr.. Douglas advocated his resolution. He did
not believe the policy of the administration was
war. The construction of the Inaugural was dispu-
ted by some his side while the Republicans were
silent neither asserting nor dissenting frem his in
depreciation. The policy Of the administration be-
ing peace, he desired to relieve the apprehensions
of the country by obtaining reply to his resolution,
which he believed would give quiet and restore good
feelings among the different sections of the country
He gave his reasons why Lincoln does not mediate
war, among which were that he had no power TO
collect revenue in the seeding States nor would he
federal officers, in cases where the laws were OBJ
suucted. If he designed taking the forts, &c, an
army Of 100000 men would be necessary, costing
over three hundred and fifty millions of dollars an
nualy. In conclusion he advocated such amend
msnts to the Constitution would hold the Border
States, and this would secure reunion Of ALL He
congratulated the Republicans that they had patri-
otically abandoned the prohibition of slavery in the
territories and admitted the popular sovereignty
doctrine in the formation of the governments for
Colorado, Dacotah and Nevada.
Mr.. Wilson said Mr.. Douglas was a man of anxi-
ETY.. The president had scarcely delivered his kind
ard genial inaugural when the Senator from Illinois
steps forth unasked 10 give his Interpretation of it.
Nobody on the Republican side had undertaken to
to sanction disavow that Interpretation, but the
Senator was not content to stand even on his own
Interpretation of the Inaugural. He was not con-
tent that the President and Cabinet which had Just
taken possession of the Government and country in
ruins shouldn't have time enough to cast about and
see what principle and patriotism require TO be DONE
but he rushed in this chamber and brought in re-
solution asking the administration to declare TO the
country what it intends to do. The administration
should make known its policy through gentlemen in
whom it had confidence.
Mr. Douglas said be could pardon the petuence of
the Senator who only showed he was hurt. He
talked about strutting when it was that Senator $
only purpose to make personal assault on him.
cf the Republicans.
Mr.. Fessenden called Mr. Douglas attention to
the fact that he said the Senator from Maine instead
of Massachusetts.
! Mr. Douglas said he was mistaken. He did not
refer to the Senator from Maine. His words were
from whatever quarter they came.
Mr.. Fessenden replied his remarks were understood
as he (Fessenden had said
MIR. Douglas-Some cannot understand the truth
when its told. Courtesy requires the Senator tc
accept his explanation.
The Senator attaches more Importance to himself
than others do. He is respectable, debates very
WELL and he should not think ausion was made tc
him, as there were other people than himself
Mr.. Fessenden thought Mr.. Douglas had merely
made slip of the tongue, in saying the Senator
from Maine
Mr.. Douglas.-When | make correction, the
Senator is bound to accept. You don't admit it be
cause say the Statement is false, aud the Senator
ought to know it, [Sensation
Mr. Fessenden said the Senator was determined
ON a personal quarrel. He could not admit MIR
Douglas to be a gentleman because he had useC
ungentlemanly language. lie then proceeded, iron
, ically, TO speak of Mr.. Douglas, and showed VIII!
the resolution ought not TO pass. The tendency an(
design of Mr.. Douglas speech, was to induce thu
belief that the country is about being plunged int
war; by an act of the Administration and inAam
the suspicious Of the people. He made ii rule il
lnls CnanDef 10 insult no man or use OienSlVG Ian
guage. He did not know whethor Mr.. Douglas hell
to the code Of honor.
Dr. Douglas said Mr. Fessenden would be inform
ed when he made inquiry in the proper way.
Ar, Fessenden replied, Mr.. Douglas courage wa
well known, but he need not be fearful that h
would send him a challenge or words to that el
feet.
There was further coloquy.
Mr.. Hale said he recognized portion Of the cen
sure Of Mr.. Douglas as intended for himself II
found already prepared for him little speech to b
found in an an old book, 10Th chapter Absalor
said moreover OH that were made Judge in th
land, that every man which hath any suit or caus
might come unto me and would do him justice.
llaughter) This speech he preferred to his crud
ideas.
Mr. Dougas-That quotation would have greS
weight. II only showed it was read to avoid argt
ment aud to make personal attack on him. HenC
he would say, come ON make attack after attack
get yonr quotations in advance; am ready 20 met
you The Senator from Massachusetts, led of in
> miserable personal attack The Senator from Main
followed. Then the Senator from New Hampshil
caele ia with what he called written speech.
expect TO give them some trouble during this session
N ! know their schemes. do not mean that the
re shall break up the Union and draw the country in
war (Appsase in the galleries.)
A Senator suggested that the galleries be eeare
Mr. Dougas--"As the galleries will not be quie
will say more and abruptly took his scat.
o. Adjourned.
DNoRCEs. --Granting divorces has been gre
e business with the Washington Territory Legisl
turp. One divorce bill nassed the Council and ii