The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-02-01
XXXVl Congressional Session.

SENATE.-Several communications were
presented from the Departments.
Mr.. Seward presented petition from the
citizens of New York, against legislation or
giving any protection to slavery in the ter
rit0ries; also petition of some 1000 citis
zens of New York, praying for some ad.
justment OF the difficulties.
Mr.. Douglas introduced a bill amenda-
tory of the act of 1893, and the act of 1850
in relation to fugitive slaves.
Referred to the Committee on Judi.
ciary.
HoUsE.-Mr. Rice presented a petition
of IA 900 citizens of Boston of various
political opinions, asking for peaceful ad-
justment of our national difficulties. The
committee to whom it was intrusted, asked
it to be presented to the House, which was
accordingly done. The petition was en-
closed in the American flag, and its presen-
tation caused applause on the floor and in
the galleries. The Boston committee were
in the gallery during these proceedings. The
petition was tabled, and ordered to be
printed.
Mr.. Cochrane introduced MIR. Bigler's
proposition for taking the sense of the peo-
pie of the several states, and amendments
to the constitution. He said he would be
willing to send it to any committee sug-
gested, if he could be assured they would
see it again. Referred to select commit.
tee of five on the Presidents message.
Mr.. Campbell presented the resolutions
of the Pennsylvania Legislature expressing
attachment to the constitution and Union,
and repugnance to secession, and pledging
the support of the state in such a manner
and to such an extent as may be requested
for the maintenance of the laws, etc.
Laid on the table and ordered to be
printed.
A resolution was adopted instructing the
committee on District of Columbia to in
quire into the expediency of retroceding to
Maryland the portion of District of Oolum.
bia not necessary for the wants of the Fed.
eral Government.
WASHINGTON. January 20.
SENATE.-Mr. King introduced q bill
authorising the employment of volunteers to
aid in the enforcement Of the laws and pro-
tecting the public property. Referred to
Committee on Military Affairs.
Mr.. Wilson introduced bill for the bet
ter organization of the militia of the Dis
trict of Columbia. Referred to Committee
on Military Affairs
HoUsE.-The Speaker laid before the
House the agricultural portion of the report
of the Commissioner of Patents. The sub.
ieCt of nrintinp EXTRA conipo xuoc roeorrod
Mr.. Adrain presented resolutions passed
by the Legislature of New Jersey, express
i've of firm attachment to the Union, and
the duty of every good citizen to sustain it.,
and favoring the Crittenden proposition
and the calling of a convention of the states.
Laid on the table and ordered to be printed.
The House considered the Senate's
amendments to the post route bill without
action, the morning hour having expired.
The special order was resumed, being the
report of the Committee of Thirty-three.
Mr.. Stevens, Of Pennsylvania, regretted
that he was compelled to believe that no
compromise could now be made when six
states are in open and declared rebellion,
having seized the public forts and arsenals
and robbed the people of millions of public
property. When he saw our harbors
blocked, and armies in array against the
flag Of our country which had been insulted,
he had no hope that concession, humilia-
ton or compromise would have anv good
effect whatever. Rather than give conces.
sion to rebels, be would see the government
shattered into ten thousand atoms.