Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-01-10

CONGRESSIONAL.

SEN AIk-Coilamer from the Gost ONCE
committee reported back the bill 10 promote the
efficiency OF the dead letter office.
The bill provides that all dead letters be re
turned TO the writers, instead of being destroyed.
After long discussion, the bill postponed
until to morrow
Trumbull reported from the Judiciary commit
tee ia favor OF the resolution to expe Waldo Z.
Johnson, of Missouri.
Mr. Hale, introduced bill TO punish frauds on
the Treasury. The bill provides that il any per
sons obtaining money frauduiently, be punished
by fine and Imprisonment TO hard labor for not
more than ten years; if any officers of the Gov
eminent do it. he be discharged and punished and
ever after be held ineligible for any office. Re
ferred. W ta
A communication was received from the " ar
Department, transmitting the report OF the SAM
tary Committee. Referred.
The House resolution in regard to bonded su
gar and coffee. laid over yesterday, was taken up
and passed Yeas %, NAYS ID. - iH
The communications from the Secretary OF
in regard to the Trent affair, were taken up.
Mr.. Sumner proceeded to address the Senate.
He took grounds that Capt. Wilkes was not lie
gally justified in searching the Trent and taking
from her the rebel ambassadors though in ma
king the seizure, the gallant Captain was actua-
ted bv the purest motives and acted IN strict
accordance with British precedent and with in
ternational law as expounded by the highest
British authorities. He contended that the uni
form policy of the United States well as the
States of Continental Europe has been opposed to
the pretentons Of the British Government and
has maintained a liberal Interpretation of the
rights of neutrals and that in many solemn treat
les and in many most important and authoritative
State papers from the foundation of the Republic
to the present time. the American Government
has committed itself fully and unreservedly to the
right of a neutral flag to cover civil passengers.
The question, he continued, has been argued
with the greatest ability and thoroughness by the
most eminent statesmen. including Jefferson,
Madison, Monroe and Other Presidents, and the
whole record Of our diplomacy is luminous with
arguments against such acts as that of Captain
Wilkes.
Mr.. Sumner proceeded to show that we had
protested again and again that naval Captain
had no right to constitute himself on a deck of a
neutral ship aid take from her az his sole pleas
ure and discretion what he might think was con
traband. he was bound, if he suspected her of
carrying contrabands, TO carry her into port and
have the question decided by competent courts.
but no court in this country, recognizing our na-
tonal and long established position on the law of
nations, could have lawfully condemned the
Trent or held the captive ambassadors. In taking
them from under the British flag, Mr.. Sumner
held that Capt Wilkes, misled BY British legal
authorities and by British law books, had violated
the American principle of the right of search
while the British Government, on the other hand.
has by demanding the surrender Of Mason and
Slidel stutifed its own history, renouncing its
own principles and virtually acknowledged the
Justice of the position 20 long maintained by the
United States. This was political and diplo.
matte triumph of the highest value for which we
are deeply indebted TO the daring and patriotic
act of Captain Wilkes and the enlightened states
manshp of Mr.. Seward.
! After Mr.. Sumner had finished
| Mr. Hale moved to take up the bill providing
for twenty mail clad gunboats.
| The question being on the amendment TO sub.
stitute the President for the Secretary of the
| Navy
! Mr.. Hale spoke in favor OF the amendment and
asked the Senator'S ifthey approved the course of
the Secretary of the Navy! The Secretary OF
i the Navy is no doubt an honest man. but he had
MADE a mistake. He said he Hale always
seemed unfortunate in attempts Of this kind II
/ he attacked a small man. it was too small bust
ness; and then if he went mp to the head Of the
/ Department he was too high, and must not para.
| lie the public confidence, We are spending a
million and halt day, not 10 put down the re
bclion, but 10 keep just about where We are.
Mr.. Dixon. thought il strange, if east
I censure on a man against whom there Is no
! charge and who was az honest man. He could
! show that Instead of the money being lost, this
proceeding had saved the Government a great
amount of money. He thought it was not prop
er mode 10 reprimand an officer who was admit
ted to be an honest and pure IN intention and il was
gross injustice to the Secretary OF Navy.
Mr. Sherman spoke in favor of the amendment:
he said the facts could not be denied that Mr..
\ Morgan, the brother in-law Of the Secretary OF
the Navy had received nearly 500 900 and such
action could not be defended
Mr. Doolitte said that he would 60 for making
the thieves of the Treasury, but he was
not prepared on eyparfe evidence 10 vote censure
on the Secretary ofthe Navy.
We had more things TO contend with than Sc
cession, and one WAS the eternal croaking and
complaining on the partof the pretended friends
OF the Government sometimes without reason.
Mr.. Wilkinson said it was question whether
the Secretary of the Navy was 70 be intrustet
/ with large amount Of money. he was unwil-
ling 10 DO il after what had passed. lie did not
believe Secretary Welles honest man, OF in
this emergency Of the country be would not hnre
permitted the treasury 10 have been robbed for
7 the purpose of ennching family connections.
i He cared not who the man was or what position
J he occupied. He would iift up his hand against
corruption now and hereafter.
I Mr. Doolittle said he bad advised the Naval
Committee 10 cal on the Secretary Of The Navy
( for an explanation.
Mr.. Hale said wher he wanted advice, he would
/ call for H. 90
DIR. Wilson, by cousent, introduced resolution
/ that the Secretary OF the Navy be requested 70
/ inform the Senate Of the facts in regard 10 the
employment of Geo. ID. Morgan 70 purchase YES
sells and the amount Of compensation paid him.
I which was agreed TO. Senate adjourned.
/ HOUSE.-Mr. Fessenden introduced bill pro-
yding for the payment Of the interest in certain
cases on claims against the Government.
J Ar. Washburn introduced bilito punish fraud
| against the Government. .s.s
/ Mr. Richardson introduced bill 10 establish an
arsenal at Springfield, Illinois.
The above bills were all appropriately re
] fcrrcd.