The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-01-03
Congressional,
xxxvIIth congross--FIrst Session.

xXXvIIth Congross--FIrst Session.
TUESDAY. Dec. "a.
SESArE.-Several petitions were presented
for the emancipation Of slaves Of rebels,
with compensation for those with loyal mas
ters.
Mr.. Grimes offered resolution ipstructing
the Committee on Naval Affairs to inquire
into the manner in which war vessels have
been fitted out. He had heard rumors Of
great extravagance in the navy yards in this
respect. The resolution was agreed to.
Mr.. Hale offered resolution calling on
the Secretary Of the Navy for a list OF vol
unteer lieutenants, masters, paymastcrs, &C.,
in the Navy.
Mr.. Hale presented petition from the
citizens of Boston, complaining that the
Freedom of the press had been infringsd.-
Referred.
Mr.. Howe gave notice that he would in
troduce q bill to amend tho fugitive slave
law.
The Senate then went into executive ses-
sion, after which adjourned till Thursday.
THURSDAY, Dec. &c.
SESArE.-On motion Of Mr.. Hale, it was
agreed that when tho Senate adjourn to-day,
il be to Monday next, and when the Senate
meet on that day, it adjourn to next Thurs
day.
Mr.. Grimes presented petition from the
citizens of Iowa for tho introduction OF the
homeopathic system and practice in the
army.
Messrs. Sumner and Trumbull presented
petitions for emancipation Of slaves under
the war power.
Several petitions were presented for the To-
cation Of national armory at Rock Island.
Mr.. Hale offered resolution that the
President DO requested. il not incompatible
with the public interests, to transmit copies
of all dispatches which passed between this
Government and Great Britain relative to
the seizure OF Mason and Sldell said dis
patches to be communicated either in open
or executive session, as may DO deemed pro.
per.
Mr.. Sumner objected.
Mr.. Hale said that he had understood from
the pablo press and those who held more
intimate relation with the administration
than himself, that for three or four days
past. the Cabinet had under consideration q
proposition Taught with more evils to the
country than anything that yet marked its
history. and that was the surrender OF Ma
son and Slidell to Great Britain. by this
We would yield all that we had gained in the
revolution, and be Inundated to q second
power. No man would 60 further than him.
self tor peace, but no would not submit to
national disgrace and dishonor to obtain such
peace. Ile would favor the arbitration OF
another power, but il demand has been
made by Great Britain for tho surrender OF
Mason and Slidell, war should DO declared
instanter. He would mako oil honorable
concessions for peace, but peace involving
such surrender would be infinitely worse than
war. His friend from Indiana, Mr.. Lane,
remarked this morning that his State had
now &C, 900 men in the field, and would dou-
bic that number to maintain the national
honor. II this Senate should 60 home after
such surrender and humiliation, il would be
the subject of scorn and Indignation OF the
country. He regarded the arrogant demand
of England as n pretence for war. She was
determined to humiliate us first, and fight us
afterwards. Lot our cities and villages be
pillaged and burned, but let our national
honor be preserved. Francis LIST said after
the battle Of Payia. "That all was lost but
honor" He would pray that this admins
tration might not sacrifice our national hon
or. Thousands would yet como to the field
TO defend il. If this surrender was made,
the administration would receive such tire in
tho rear that il would be hurled from its
power. II we had war with England, it
would be for the same cause that had sent
one king to the block and another homeless
and houseless over the world, and one that
would appeal to men wherever the English
language was spoken. He believed, too,
that II Napoleon had ono desire moro than
another, IL was to wipe out the stain Of the
French arms at Waterloo. All over Canada
there were thousands Of Irishmen who would
rush to arms to sustain such cause. Our
principle was our great strength, and IL war
must come, no would say let II come. and
thank God that we were the instruments in
his hands to work out his own cause.
The resolution Of Mr.. Hale was then laid
over under rule. ....
Mr.. Davis gave notice that no should in
troduce bill confscating every species OF
property Of all persons who had any connec-
ton with tho Southern rebellion, either in
civil. military or naval capacity.
Mr.. Harlan introduced bill for establish
ing provisional governments in the seeded
States. Referred.
Adjourned to Monday. f.
Horsx.-The House met ut noon to-day,
but quorum not being present no business
was transacted. .
Adjourned to Monday.
MoNpAY, Dec. 80.
SESArE.-Mr. Sumner presented petition
from the citizens Of Steubcn County, N. Y,
for the passage Of . law for abolishins slave
~ in all Of the States.
Mr.. Foster presented q similar ono.
Mr.. Sumner presented q petition from the
citizens of Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania
for emancipation under the war power.
A communication was received IRON Tho
Sa.~.t.vv If w.r In vpplv IN n rtsOlutiOn O