The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1862-01-17
CONGRESSIONAL.
MONDAY, Jan. 6.

MONDAY, Jan. 6.
IThe following is the conclusion OF the
debate in the House, in relation to q ques>
tion Of privilege raised by Mr.. Oonkling OF
New York, the point being the refusal OF
the Secretary of War to give the House
information asked for as to who was respon-
sible for the defeat at Balls Bluff. The
telegraphic report concluded with the re-
mark by Mr.. Conkllng, "If Col. Baker was
responsible, most lamentably has he suffer.
ed. If Gen. Stone is responsible, greater
weight of guilt never rested upon any other
man than upon him." Here is what fol-
lowed, and was not sent to this city:
Mr.. Uonkling, in the course of bis re-
marks said. the Government is spending two
million dollars day, with over 100000
men in the field. Whenever we have made
40 advance we have been outnumbered and
ignominiously defeated; and yet the House
and the country are denied the right oi
knowing who are responsible. Ii We cannot
have indemnity for the past, in the name ol
humanity let US have security for the future
Let US know who is responsible for tie dis
graceful disaster at Balls Bluff. He said
after the publication Of Adjutant General
Thomas's report relative to General Fre-
mont, certainly no publication OF anything
connected with the army should be sup
pressed. Mr.. Conkiing was very pointed
and severe in his comments. He offered q
preamble reciting the resolutions heretofore
adopted and the response, concluding with
q resolution that the answer to it is neither
responsive nor sat sfactory to the House,
and that the Secretary OF War be directed
to return q further answer.
MIR. Richardson, of Illinois, said he was
opposed to the whole resolution. 1t was q
subject with which they had nothing to do,
and the sooner they stopped the proceedings
the better for the country. ..+t.e
Mr.. Crittenden, OF Kentucky, thought
the House had no power under the Consti
tuition to inquire into matters merely mill
tary. The army is under the command OF
the President, who is responsible for its
operations. 10 interfere with this, there
fore, would be an attempt to extend our
civil Jurisdiction. Even if we had the
right to make such an inquiry, did not pub.
lie policy forbid it Could war be suc~
cesstuly conducted on such a principle ?
II faults have been committed they are to
be examined into and punished by the mil.
itary tribunals. Such an inquiry now
would lead to future similar embarrass-
ments. He believed the whole country had
confidence in General Mcclellan. We had
better weaken our army than weaken conf
dence in the General-in Chief. An army OF
hares led by lion is more to be dreaded
than an army OF lions led by hare.
Mr.. COnkliDg further explained the ob
iect and purpose OF his resolution, replying
to Mr.. Crittenden.
MIR. Vallandigham, of Ohio, said be would
at all times maintain the subOrdinati0n OF
the military to the civil authority. The
British Parliament has exercised the right
ofinquiry into the conduct of the Crimean
war, but here the Secretary OF War had
only exercised discretion allowed to him
by the House. and it was now too late to
complain Of it.
Mr.. Lovejoy entered bis protest against
the principle enunciated by the gentleman
from KentIcky, having always believed the
military should te subordinate to the civil
powers. We are waiting 10 the fruitless
hope that the rebellion will put itself down.
The idea is if we don't hurt anybody, the
rebels will return to their allegiance.
MIR. Lovejoy, resumiug, asked Mr.. Wick
life whether be preferred the perpetuation
of slavery, rather than the Union.
Mr.. Wickliffe replied that he was fol-
preserving the Union under the Constitu-
tion, regarding its obligations imposed on
every citizen. He would preserve the in-
stitution of slavery under the laws, as de-
clared by the House, and voted for by Love
JOY, and as declared in the Presidents two
messages. lr.a
Mr.. Lovejoy asked if the ship must only
be saved by throwing overheard a por-
tion of the crew, which would he pref.r.
Mr.. Wicklifie responded that he would
throw the abolitionists overheard.
Mr.. Mallory, of Kentucky, said he I'M
derstood Mr.. Lovejoy to say that slavery
weighed SO heavily on our army as to rem
der it impossible to achieve victory unit
slavery is moved out OF the way. Presum
ing be knew the feeling of loyal men, he
said ii we considered slavery standing in the
way OF the Constitution, we would wipe il
out. Applause.
Mr.. Dunn, OF Indiana, said if it had beer
proclaimed at the commencement of the wal
that its object was to overthrow slavery
instead OF 100000 there would only be 6
small band of John Browns at the heels o.
the gentlemen. He also said be believet
by this war slavery had received its deatt
blow.
Mr.. Thad. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, il
the course of some remarks, said it appear
that the Border States would rather see th
Constitution and Union perish than see sla
very perish.
After further discussion Mr.. Conklingl
resolution was adopted; 70 against "a.
Mr.. Stevens reported joint resolution
explaining the recent act imposing dutie
on tea, coffee and sugar. Adjourned.
Peace Items.